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How does a 4-way pallet shuttle work?
After entering the storage rack via conveyor (or forklift in some cases), pallets travel on compact shuttles with two sets of wheels that allow them to change directions. Directed by the software, the shuttle autonomously travels via the optimum route to the correct location, with QR codes providing navigation.
Flexibility by design
4-way pallet shuttles provide automated storage customized for almost any layout. They allow you to convert an existing space almost as easily as building out a new one. They're also easy to scale up. You can add more shuttles without major changes to the structure, and you can also add storage positions as your business grows.
Why choose a 4-way shuttle over another type of equipment?
4-way shuttles can store pallets more densely than a crane-based AS/RS or a 2-way shuttle system, and they're more adaptable to your existing layout. Because they deliver such high throughput, they're best suited for high volume operations.| Criteria | 4-Way Pallet Shuttle | Crane-Based AS/RS | Automated / Autonomous Forklifts | Traditional Pallet Shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Density |  Very high |
 High |
 Low to moderate |
High |
| SKU Flexibility |  Moderate |
Low to moderate, works best for high volumes of repetitive pallets |
Very high |
Low to moderate |
| Throughput | High |
High per aisle (but limited by the number of cranes) |
Moderate |
Moderate |
| Labor Reduction | High (minimal personnel required inside storage zone) |
High (minimal personnel required inside storage zone) |
Moderate |
Moderate (forklift drivers still required) |
| Capital Cost | High |
Very high |
Low (depending on fleet size) |
Moderate |
| Scalability | High |
Moderate (you can add aisles and cranes, but the cost will be high) |
High |
Moderate (you can add shuttles, but layout is usually fixed) |
| Best Use Cases | High-density, high-throughput pallet storage; great for cold storage and batch movement | Very tall, high-volume pallet storage with predictable flows; heavy loads | Varied SKU mix and fast-changing operations; retrofit sites; phased automation | Deep-lane, high pallets per SKU; cost-effective density upgrade vs. drive-in; moderate throughput needs. |
| Key Limitations | Higher controls complexity; best when pallets per SKU are fairly high | Highest cost; aisle can sometimes pose a bottleneck; less flexible | Lower storage density; throughput depends on travel distance and fleet size; possible traffic conflicts | Requires forklift usage, limiting throughput; lane access limits SKU flexibility |
We're here to get you the result you need
Cisco-Eagle, in partnership with SAVOYE North America, can specify a complete system that integrates pallet shuttles with software, conveyors, stretch wrappers and other equipment. Contact us with the problem you need to solve, and we'll start working on the solution.
