Frequently Asked Questions

A car stacker is a precision-engineered mechanical system that allows for parking more cars in less space by stacking vehicles within the same ground footprint.

There are several types of car stackers, primarily categorised as:

• Dependent: requires one vehicle to move before accessing another, ideal for coordinated private use.

• Independent: allows vehicle access without moving others, perfect for multi-user buildings.

• Fully automatic: park and retrieve vehicles without driver intervention, designed for high-density developments prioritising maximum space efficiency.

  Each system type addresses different space constraints, user preferences, and operational requirements.

Car stackers address critical urban challenges:

•   Space Efficiency: Multiply parking capacity within identical footprints
•  Land Value Optimisation: Maximise revenue per square meter in high-value locations
•  Regulatory Compliance: Meet parking ratio requirements without expanding building footprints
•  Capital Efficiency: Reduce excavation and construction costs compared to underground parking
•   Urban Density: Enable higher development densities whilst maintaining parking provision

• Residential Applications: Enthusiast car lovers (private residences), apartment buildings, townhouse developments.
• Commercial Projects: Office buildings, retail centres, mixed-use developments
• Institutional Use: Hospitals, universities, government facilities
• Specialised Applications: Car dealerships, luxury car storage, heritage building retrofit

Installation locations range from basement levels to above-ground structures, depending on site constraints and architectural requirements.

• Key Control: A physical key is used to activate the system.
• Fob or RFID Card: Users tap or swipe a fob/card to trigger the system.
• Remote Control: A handheld remote sends a signal to operate the system.
• Smartphone App: Offers remote access via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular network

Average retrieval times range from 10 to 180 seconds, depending on the system’s complexity.

Australian Standards AS5124:2017 for Safety of Machinery – Equipment for power-driven parking of motor vehicles is now in place. CarCram are one of the very few suppliers that are fully compliant with EN14010 standards, upon which the new Australian Standards are based.

CarCram’s certified engineers can coordinate directly with councils, traffic engineers and certifying authorities to streamline the approval process.

CarCram’s German-engineered WÖHR systems meet ISO 9001:2015 and AS5124:2017 standards whilst integrating sprinkler-compatible design, comprehensive smoke detection, and advanced materials specification that satisfies both Australian NCC Performance Requirements and proven European safety protocols.

Our Wöhr systems handle standard passenger vehicles up to 2,600 kg and require reinforced concrete foundations with specific load calculations. Platform sizes range up to 3.0 metres wide with adjustable heights, up to 2.1 metres, to accommodate a broader variety of vehicles and improve usability.

CarCram provides comprehensive maintenance agreements through manufacturer-certified technicians.Annual inspections include mechanical component assessment, electrical system testing, and safetyfeature verification. Preventive maintenance protocols extend system lifespan to 25+ years whilst maintaining manufacturer warranty compliance.

Our systems typically increase parking density significantly within the same footprint, generating additional revenue per square metre. Property valuations show up to 8-12% premiums for developments featuring parking systems.

Our Wöhr systems achieve up to 98.2% uptime through German precision engineering and predictive maintenance protocols.

CarCram delivers comprehensive user orientation inductions, quick reference guides, and 24/7 technical support access.

Fire service override keys enable immediate system shutdown and vehicle access. All safety features comply with Australian machinery safety standards and are tested during commissioning to the AS5124:2017 – Safety of Machinery standards code.

German-engineered automated parking systems are designed with lifespans comparable to the buildings they serve, typically requiring major overhauls after 12-15 years of operation with many systems continuing to perform effectively up to 40 years—WÖHR’s 120-year manufacturing expertise with over half a million installations worldwide provides the foundation for long-term reliability, whilst regular preventive maintenance and precision-manufactured replacement components ensure your investment delivers decades of dependable service.

Our modular approach accommodates diverse architectural requirements through customisable designs, powder-coated finishes, and integrated lighting systems. Systems integrate with building management platforms and offer contemporary design aesthetics whilst maintaining operational efficiency, with technical drawings provided in CAD formats for design integration.