Engineered for seamless integration, DRS Wheel Blocks deliver unmatched durability and smoother travel across elevated rails. With reduced friction and zero silicone contamination risk, they’re ideal for cleanroom environments and sensitive manufacturing processes. Upgrade without replacing entire systems—maximize uptime and lower total cost of ownership. Trusted by leading OEMs worldwide.
In the world of automated logistics, a warehouse is only as efficient as its slowest component. Many Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) installed 10 to 15 years ago are now reaching a critical turning point. While the steel racking structures remain solid, the travel units， particularly the wheel block systems， are often severely worn. This leads to increased vibration, escalating noise levels, and costly unscheduled downtime.
If you are caught between the dilemma of a complete system replacement or patchwork repairs, the DRS Wheel Block System offers a smarter, more cost-effective third path: Modernization (Retrofit).
The "Hidden Costs" of Aging Wheel Systems
Legacy welded wheel sets or generic cast-iron wheels typically lead to:
Rail Degradation: Misaligned wheels "eat" into the floor rails, resulting in exorbitant track replacement costs.
Positioning Errors: Increased friction and mechanical backlash compromise the precision of stacker cranes.
Maintenance Fatigue: Constant lubrication requirements and manual realignments drain your maintenance team's valuable time.
Why the DRS System is the "King of Retrofits"
The DRS system is more than just a component; it is a modular solution engineered for "backward compatibility." Here is how it transforms the performance of aging stacker cranes:
1. Precision Through Superior Material Science
The Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron (GGG 70) wheels feature a patented self-lubricating effect. During a retrofit, this material significantly reduces friction against existing rails, immediately improving travel smoothness. Compared to worn conventional units, travel precision can be improved by up to 30%.
2. The "Plug-and-Play" Installation Advantage
In any retrofit project, time is money. Unlike traditional wheels that require hours of meticulous laser alignment and complex welding, the DRS wheel block features a precision-machined housing with five mounting surfaces. The system allows for rapid bolting onto existing frames and instant alignment without complex shimming, ensuring deployment with minimal warehouse downtime.
3. Scalability for Future Demands
The DRS series (ranging from sizes 112 to 500) allows you to upgrade load capacity without a complete redesign of the crane. By switching to high-performance DRS blocks, you can often safely increase the travel speeds of legacy equipment, effectively boosting the throughput of an "old" warehouse to modern standards.
Conclusion
Achieving modern performance doesn't always require building a brand-new warehouse. By integrating the DRS Wheel Block System, you can extend the operational life of your AS/RS assets, slash maintenance overheads, and regain the mechanical precision your operations demand.
Is your stacker crane vibrating or falling behind schedule? Contact us today for a professional technical assessment of your current travel system.
