Does your warehouse utilize cantilevered racking? Cantilever racking is a great option for any warehouse that deals with items that don't fit well on traditional shelving units or pallet racks. It's a type of storage system that consists of long arms attached to upright columns. The arms provide support for items such as lumber, pipes, and other long or bulky items.
If you're considering investing in cantilever racking for your warehouse, you should first explore some important facts about this storage solution. Getting a handle on its structure, benefits, and best uses can help you figure out if it's the right fit for your warehouse or if you should look at other options.
What Does Cantilevered Racking Consist Of?
Cantilevered racking typically consists of three main components: upright columns, arms, and braces. The upright columns are the vertical support structures that hold up the rest of the system. You can anchor them to the floor or attach them to a wall for stability.
The arms attach to the columns and provide support for items placed on them. You can adjust and move these arms to accommodate different sizes and weights of items. Some systems also offer removable arms for added flexibility.
Braces connect the upright columns together, providing additional strength and stability for the entire system. These are especially important for taller racking systems or those holding heavier loads.
By understanding the basic components of cantilevered racking, you can better visualize how it works and determine if it's suitable for your warehouse needs.
How Much Weight Can Cantilevered Racking Hold?
The weight capacity of cantilevered racking can vary depending on the system and configuration you choose. Most systems can accommodate heavy loads, with some able to hold up to 20,000 pounds per arm.
You can work with a manufacturer or supplier to determine the weight capacity you need and choose a system that can handle it. Avoid choosing a system with a lower weight capacity than you require, even if it may seem cheaper. You should never overload cantilevered racking, as doing so can lead to accidents and damage to your inventory.
What Are the Benefits of Cantilevered Racking?
Why should you choose cantilevered racking for your warehouse? If your warehouse regularly deals with long or bulky items, this type of racking makes these items much easier to store and access. But there are other benefits as well.
- Easy accessibility: With cantilevered racking, there are no horizontal or diagonal support beams that can get in the way of loading and unloading. This makes it easier to transport items using forklifts or other equipment.
- Versatility: As mentioned, you can adjust and move the arms on cantilevered racking to accommodate different sizes and weights of items. You also have the option to add additional arms or remove them as needed.
- Space efficiency: Since there are no support beams obstructing access, you can maximize your storage space with cantilevered racking. This is especially useful for warehouses with limited space.
- Durability: Cantilevered racking can withstand heavy loads and the wear and tear of daily use. With proper maintenance, it can last for many years, making it a cost-effective storage solution.
- Customizability: Many suppliers offer customizable options for cantilevered racking. You can choose the height, arm length, and number of arms you need to support your inventory.
If any of these benefits sound appealing to you, then cantilevered racking may be worth considering for your warehouse.
What Items Are Best Stored on Cantilevered Racking?
Cantilevered racking can accommodate long or bulky items that may not fit well on traditional shelving units or pallet racks. Some common examples of items best stored on cantilevered racking include:
- Lumber and building materials
- Pipes and tubing
- Carpet rolls
- Furniture
- Steel bars and beams
- Industrial machinery
In essence, you can store just about anything on cantilevered racking as long as it fits within the system’s weight and size limits. Make sure to properly distribute the weight across the arms and evenly space items to ensure safety.
Maintenance and Safety Considerations
As with any storage system, manufacturers build cantilevered racking to be strong and durable. As long as you hire a professional to install it, follow weight and size guidelines, and perform regular checks and maintenance, your racking system can last for many years.
But sometimes, no matter how well you care for your racking, damage can occur. Cantilevered racking is more prone to certain types of damage than other storage systems due to its design. For example, if you overload the arms or improperly distribute weight across the arms, they can bend or break. Forklift accidents are also a common cause of damage to cantilevered racking because the arms can easily get in the way of the forklift.
To prevent accidents and prolong the lifespan of your racking, make sure to regularly inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. If you do notice any issues, address them immediately before they become a bigger problem.
Cantilevered racking can also pose a safety risk if your warehouse employees use it incorrectly. As an example, items can topple over or fall off the arms if employees don't properly distribute the weight or secure them in place, which can hurt nearby workers.
Make sure to train your staff on proper loading and unloading procedures, as well as weight limits and load distribution. This will help prevent accidents and keep your employees safe while using the racking system.
These are some facts you should know about cantilevered racking before deciding whether to invest in it. Cantilevered racking is a useful and versatile storage solution, but it's important to understand factors like the amount of weight it can hold and how to properly maintain and use it prior to making a purchase because these factors can impact whether it’s the right fit for your warehouse.
If you decide that cantilevered racking would make a valuable addition to your warehouse, get in touch with Direct Pallet Racking, a manufacturer and supplier of high-quality cantilever pallet racking systems. Our team can help you choose the right system for your needs and provide installation services to ensure your racking is set up properly from the start. Contact us today to learn more about our systems and request a quote on a pre-fabricated or custom setup with or without installation services.
