Storage problems can be quite challenging to deal with. For extremely long and oddly shaped things such as timber, pipes, or furniture parts, ordinary shelving does not work. Cantilever racking is what you need – a system that has revolutionised stockrooms and warehouses all over Britain.
The Distinct Features of Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racking differs from other forms of pallet racking because it has supporting arms for placing stock that protrude from a single vertical column. There is no front column that would obstruct and hinder access to the loading area.
Cantilever racking’s features can be simpler. Space is gained since there are no obstructions in the front. Forklifts can pull directly to the cantilever rack, set items onto the arms of the rack, and back away without the need to manoeuvre – all driving is straightforward.
Different Types of Cantilever Racking
Not all cantilever systems are created equal. Lighter duty systems can carry around 500kg per arm, making them useful for smaller operations and building materials yards. Heavy-duty versions can support upwards of 2000kg per arm – important for industrial applications and steel stockholders.
Single-sided racks occupy wall space, while double-sided versions allow access to both sides, creating aisles that double the storage capacity within the same area.
Most systems reach a height of 2 to 6 metres, with arm length between 500mm and 2000mm. Arms are adjustable to accommodate different storage items; shorter items require closer spacing, while longer items need wider gaps between arms.
Who Benefits Most from Cantilever Racking?
Some businesses cannot do without cantilever racking:
Timber merchants are provided with efficient storage and retrieval systems for varying lengths of wood, saving them countless hours. A cantilever system simplifies a previously chaotic timber yard by allowing specific lengths and types to be accessed without having to move other stock.
Steel beams, pipes, and sheet metal are stored by metal fabricators and stockholders using heavy duty cantilever racks. Substantial weight is easily supported by the robust arms, providing excellent accessibility.
Furniture manufacturers use these systems to prevent inefficient stacking and potential damage to parts such as table tops and bed frames.
Everything from guttering to doors and window frames need organised storage, which is why building suppliers require these systems.
Things To Keep in Mind Before Installation
As with anything else, safety takes precedence. Cantilevers must be specified properly, installed accurately, and maintained carefully. Regular inspections can help identify arms sagging due to overloading their bearing – this is a potential issue.
The type of flooring is very important – as these systems exert significant forces through the columns into the concrete below, sub-standard flooring is a problem. The flooring also might need to be braced before installation.
Aisle width planning is critical. As narrower aisles provide better storage, they also require more accurate forklift navigation. The average warehouse usually prefers 3-4 meters for practical operations and space efficiency.
Boundary weather protection becomes critical for external installation. These finishes greatly reduce damage due to rusting and increase the lifespan of the system noticeably.
Enhancing The Use of Cantilever Racking
Be aware of how the weight is placed on the racking. Place the heavier items on the lower arms and the lighter items on the higher arms. This optimises stability and retrieval safety.
The long-term value of Column extendibility offered is the most important feature. Arms can be repositioned as the profile of the stock changes for different storage requirements. This might be one of the easiest reasons to make flexible investments with these types of racks.
For companies struggling with long and cumbersome materials, cantilever racks offer a unique combination of effectiveness and simplicity. The correct cantilever rack system organises an indiscriminate storage area into an orderly and easy to access space.