Let’s say you’re installing a new storage system for your warehouse, and your manager or storage specialist recommends a pallet racking system. You’ll have at least a dozen questions before you consider investing in them, and rightfully so.
The storage industry is as vast as the ocean. Many newcomers find it daunting to make an investment without investigating their chosen storage solution. That’s why we’re here to help. With our experience as a leading storage rack manufacturer in China, we understand the questions you may have. So, let’s get on with it.
Pallet racking and its special advantages
The pallet racking system is a common favorite in warehouses. It utilizes vertical space by allowing you to stack horizontal rows with multiple levels. Of course, if you add many horizontal levels, you will need forklifts to store and pick the goods in the pallet rack.
However, by adding more horizontal racks, pallet racking helps reduce clutter on the warehouse floor. By using a pallet racking system, you can.
● Arrange high-density goods in systematic order
● Double or triple warehouse storage capacity
● Simplify the transportation process within the warehouse
● Improve the efficiency of workers performing warehouse operations
● Increase the size of the warehouse at a limited cost
Now, let’s explore some of the answers to the most common questions warehouse owners have about pallet racking systems.
1. What is the maximum height of a pallet racking system?
Basically, any “safe height” can be the maximum height of a pallet racking system. We say this because there are no hard and fast rules to determine how high you can build this racking system. Many variables (listed below) determine the height.
● Construction infrastructure
● Size and range of forklifts
● Load capacity of the system
● Load unit weight
● Warehouse height
● Type of automatic sprinkler system
●Roof structure
●Floor load-bearing capacity
If you stack pallets too high, you will optimize storage capacity, but forklifts will not be able to reach far enough. Standard forklifts can reach a maximum height of 4 to 4.5 meters. Specialized forklifts can reach up to ten meters, but they are very expensive. Another factor that determines how far pallet racking can go depends on the type of goods stored in your facility. High pallets are ideal for small inventories. However, large and bulky goods must be stored at a lower level for safety reasons.
2. How many pallet racking systems are available and how do I choose the right pallet racking system?
There are more than six types of pallet racking available on the market. Some of them are
● Drive-in
● Drive-through
● Double deep
● Very narrow
●Standard adjustable
●Gravity FIFO live pallet racking
Selective pallet racking is ideal for small warehouses with low storage density because it is the cheapest. If you have a larger warehouse, it is best to choose your options based on
● Storage density
● Warehouse capacity
● Collation profile
● Warehouse regulations
● Forklift access
Drive-in racking, push-back racking and pallet flow racking can all be used to meet high density storage requirements. Pallet flow follows a first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory retrieval method, while drive-in and push-back systems follow a last-in-first-out (LIFO) system.
3. How much weight can a pallet racking system hold?
Again, the load capacity of a pallet racking system depends on the following factors.
● The size of the pallet racking net entrance
● Load beam options
● Upright frame options
● Actual beam depth
● Size of beam face and rack
●Rack dimensions
●Vertical beam spacing
●Floor and anchoring options
●Upright frame options
●Floor weight
Today, there are three different types of pallet racking frames to choose from – standard, heavy duty and medium duty. However, you can also ask the racking manufacturer to reinforce your pallet racking system with structural components to improve its stability.
4. Are all pallet racks bolted to the floor?
Absolutely. According to the Racking Manufacturers Institute (RMI), any pallet racking that uses machinery for loading and unloading must be anchored to the floor. Anchoring should only be done after the installer has aligned and leveled all horizontal racks. Regardless of height, proper anchoring should allow the pallet to stand upright. To ensure this, installation procedures should consider the following conditions.
● The use and application of the racking system
● The type of base plate used
● The width to height ratio of the racking structure
● Number of anchor points per base plate
All anchoring methods should be approved and certified by your installer or the rack manufacturer.
5. What factors determine the price of a pallet racking system?
First of all, the storage capacity of the warehouse is the basic criterion for determining the number of racks required. In addition to this, you must choose the type of pallet racking that corresponds to the weight, density and shelf life of your goods. You should also consider the weight capacity of the system, as it is another cost determinant. If your warehouse specializes in cold storage, you should face additional costs.
6. Does the pallet rack require inspection and maintenance?
Absolutely. While pallet racking is very robust and does not require regular maintenance, a maintenance program must be run to keep it risk-free. Since forklifts are used for loading and unloading, they can be damaged by accidentally hitting the system. Therefore, it is best to focus on the following.
● Aisles
● Base plates
● Bushing and fixtures
● Structural frame
● Anti-collapse grid
●Front and rear posts
Regular inspections of pallet racking are a must. In fact, safety inspections are a legal requirement for all warehouses. We recommend that you inspect your entire pallet racking system at least once a year.
7. Is pallet racking a safe choice for my warehouse?
Without a doubt, pallet racking is the safest option, as long as you follow all safety instructions during installation and use. In order to optimize the safety of your racking system, it is important to consider the load capacity, loading procedures, and the type of equipment that should be used. Some pallet racking systems have a limited life span and should not be exceeded at all costs.
8. Can I disassemble or change the configuration of the racking system?
Yes, you can, but that is a job for professionals. Some pallet racking systems allow reconfiguration, but there is a catch. Criteria such as size and height will determine the size of the modification. Even the slightest change in configuration, disassembly and reassembly will change the load carrying capacity of the system. However, reconfiguration is also a good opportunity to do a close inspection of the system components.
9. What types of goods can I store on pallet racking?
There are no hard and fast rules about the types of goods you can store in a pallet racking system. These racks are strong, sturdy, and robust, so they can be used to store anything from small boxes to large shipments. As long as the goods are properly packed, secured and do not exceed the load carrying capacity of the structure, you’re good to go!
Solve your questions and queries with Spieth
We have many years of experience in the storage industry in China. If you want to talk to an expert, we are here for you. Do you want to talk to our pallet racking experts and find the most satisfactory answers to all your queries? Call us for an appointment!
Further Reading:
Is a double-deep pallet rack suited for me?
Cold storage and freezer pallet racking system solutions
Settle down your storage problems with boltless racks
Cost analysis of pallet rack system
Why do you need pallet racking in your warehouse?
Post time: Mar-21-2022