The Five Different Types of Pallet Racks
Pallet racking is a popular type of shelving system used in storage facilities around the world. It is very popular with factory owners because of its versatility and simple design. But if you are not in the industry, or if you are just starting out in business, you are probably not aware that there are many different types of pallet racking, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
So if you are on the lookout for a new pallet racking system, but are unsure on which type to choose, here is a short guide that will help you with your decision:
1. Selective Pallet Racking
Selective pallet racking is the most common form of pallet racking. Each wall has one pallet rack anchored into it and each aisle consists of two pallet racks pressed together, forming a supermarket aisle style layout. This system is designed in such a way that forklifts can have easy access to every pallet on the rack.
The advantage to selective pallet racking is ease of access – you do not have to move any pallet racks to extract a pallet. The disadvantage to this system is that selective pallet racks take up quite a bit of floor space.
2. Double Deep Pallet Racking
Double deep pallet racks are identical to selective pallet racks in all but one important respect – whereas in selective pallet racking, two racks are stacked side by side in the ‘aisle’, in double deep pallet racking the number is doubled to four racks in the aisle.
The advantage to this system is that double deep pallet racking saves up to 65% in overall floor space. The disadvantage is that ease of access is reduced due to all that extra pallet manoeuvring.
3. Drive-in Pallet Racking
This pallet racking system is designed for speedy removal and storage of products. Each pallet rack is positioned side-by-side facing towards the entrance. There are no aisles, just one wall of forward facing pallet racks. Forklifts move in and pick up the next available pallet on each rack and quickly move out.
Warehouses with products that need quick removal will find drive-in racking highly advantageous. Storage facilities with products that are likely to stay on shelves for quick some time are advised to pick another shelving system.
4. Push-Back Pallet Racking
Push-back pallet racking is nearly identical to drive-in racking, with one slight different. The rails in push-back racking are slightly angled so that once a pallet is removed, the next one slides into place.
This type of racking is geared towards low-weight pallets. If your facility has very heavy pallets, it would be safer to stick with drive-in pallet racking.
5. Cantilever Pallet Racking
This form of pallet racking is specifically designed for storing long items, such as piping and lumber. Through the use of long arms that are anchored on the end of one column and then protrude at outwards at an angle slightly higher than horizontal, cantilever racking prevents the product from falling off, keeping them on the rack for easy removal.
While there are many types of pallet racking, it is important to pick a system that best suits your business needs and with this article in hand you have taken your first step to making that decision. Good luck!