Reach Stacker vs Straddle Carrier:

Full Comparison for Containers and Long Loads

1. Typical Applications

1.1 Containers (standardized cargo)

♣ Rigid, standardized geometry (20/40 ft, corner castings).

♣ Key focus: stacking heights, horizontal transfer distances, truck/yard cycle time, ground bearing/drainage.

1.2 Non-Container Long Loads (steel trusses, rebar, beams, equipment skids)

♣ Very long, flexible, uneven COG; require multi-point lifting, spreader beams, corner protection.

♣ Key focus: pick points, deflection limits, straddle carrier inside clearance or boom angle/turning radius for RS, plus wind and sway control.

2. Equipment Basics

♦ Reach Stacker (RS)

♣ Telescopic boom + spreader.

♣ Container mode: top spreader (standardized ISO twistlocks).

♣ Long-load mode: 10–14 m adjustable spreader beams, multi-point chains, lifting frames, clamps.

♦ Straddle Carrier (SC)

♣ Vehicle straddles the load, self-loading, transporting, stacking.

♣ Containers: 1-over-2 / 1-over-3 stacking versions.

♣ Long loads: custom long-load frames or crossbeams, multi-point suspension, inside clearance design.

♣ Rough terrain: wide tires, AWD, 4WS, oscillating axles (RT version).

3. Containers: RS vs SC

Dimension	Reach Stacker (RS)	Straddle Carrier (SC)
Best use:	Stacking + short-haul truck handling	Mid/long-yard moves, high cycle rates
Stacking ability:	Up to ~5-high (front row), ~3-high second row	1-over-2 or 1-over-3 (depending on model)
Maneuverability:	Tight turning, works in narrow spaces	Needs planned lanes, larger turning areas
Efficiency:	Boom/rotation cycles dominate	Faster repetitive horizontal transfer, fewer tractors/trailers
CAPEX:	Lower	Higher (offset by throughput efficiency)
Automation potential:	Add-on assists (collision, path)	Better fit for semi/full automation
Bottom line: Short, flexible work → RS. Longer, repeatable yard flows → SC.

4. Long Loads: RS vs SC


Dimension	Reach Stacker (RS with beams/attachments)	Straddle Carrier (SC with long-load frames)
Truck loading/unloading	Excellent for side/rear picks in tight bays	High cycle speed if straight lanes & clearance available
Long load stability	Needs boom angle control, short haul only	Load sits between legs, stable over distance
Multi-point/deflection	Spreader beams + equalizing chains	Long-load frame + crossbeams, reusable for repeats
Rough terrain	Limited; requires good pavement	RT versions excel (AWD, oscillating axles)
Yard space	High maneuverability, minimal lane prep	Requires defined inside width/height + turning areas
Cost	Lower entry cost, versatile for mixed cargo	Higher CAPEX but lower cost/ton-cycle in repeat jobs

Bottom line: Diverse, short-haul, small yard → RS. Repetitive, long-haul, rough terrain or automation → SC.

5. Real Customer Cases

Case A: 30 m × 2.5 m × 2.5 m, 25 t steel truss bundle (target 30 t lift)

Case B: 12 m rebar bundles, rough terrain, 35 t capacity

♣ Recommended: Straddle Carrier

→ Inside width ≥ 3.2 m, inside height ≥ 3.0 m (truck bed + load + rigging clearance).

→ Spreader: 10–12 m 4-point adjustable frame with crossbeams for deflection control.

→ Application: truck ↔ yard storage 200–800 m cycles, SC efficiency far better.

→ Safety: anti-sway, tag lines, wind speed limits, COG/load cells.

6. Safety & Handling Checklist (Long Loads)

→ Multi-point lifting (2–4) to minimize deflection.

→ Spreader beams & equalizing chains for load distribution.

→ Soft slings + corner protectors + dunnage to protect coatings.

→ COG/load cells for unbalanced packs.

→ Anti-sway + tag lines for long bundles.

→ Wind limits & gust protocols.

→ Ground bearing checks (kPa) along truck bays & haul routes.

→ Spotters & SOPs (signals, radios, no-go zones).

7. Selection Checklist

→ Cargo size/weight (L×W×H, tons), bundling method, pick points.

→ Maximum intra-yard distance & daily peak throughput.

→ Yard layout: lane width, turning radius, inside clearance, ground load.

→ Wind environment, safe operating wind speeds.

→ Energy plan (diesel, hybrid, electric).

→ Digital/safety systems (anti-sway, collision detection, TOS/WMS integration).

→ 3–5 year automation roadmap.

8. Procurement Recommendations

→ Small/mixed yards: 1–2 × Reach Stackers (reserve beam attachment).

→ Medium yards (200–800 m transfers): 2–4 × SC + 1 × RS for irregular tasks.

→ Rough terrain, steel yards: RT SCs as main equipment; RS as supplemental.

9. FAQ

→ Q1: How many pick points for long loads?
Minimum 2, ideally 4-point picks with beams/chains, designed for deflection & sling angles.

→ Q2: Can an RS handle a 30 m truss?
Yes, for short-distance/unloading only, but check boom angles, turning radius, and ground bearing. SCs are safer & more efficient for repeated long hauls.

→ Q3: What if the yard surface is poor?
Choose RT SC (oscillating bogies, AWD, wide tires), but still plan graded & drained lanes.

→ Q4: How to reduce cargo damage?
Use soft slings, corner protection, crossbeams, wind limits, anti-sway + tag lines, and COG/load monitoring.