Pallet Racks Overview

by Seller Ben Buisness

Pallet racks refer to a specific type of material handling storage system that stores items on skids or pallets. There are a lot of different racks but each one permits the storage of materials on horizontally set rows with several levels. Forklift trucks are an integral part of the rack because they make loading and unloading easy.

Selective Pallet Racks

The selective pallet system is one of the most widely used today and they usually come in either structural bolt-together or clip-in configuration, also known as roll formed. The roll formed, seen in many forklift rentals Santa Clara, is set in a teardrop style where the pallets are placed on horizontal load beams kept in position by mounting clips. The clips in these systems can be adjusted to handle various loads, which makes it suitable for warehouses that have to store loads of varying sizes.

Structural Pallet Racks

These have similarities to the clip-in configuration with the exception of the horizontal beams connected to the uprights and possessing superior weight capacity. The addition of bolt fixtures allows for easy shelving adjustment and the racks can be dismantled and reconfigured as required.

Structural pallets, like those used for Combilift forklifts, can be set according to the building’s structure so the upright columns can be used to support the storage facility’s roof. If this is the design, the pallet takes the place of the structure’s I-beam vertical support.

One of the advantages of these rack systems is you can easily access all the items at once, critical if the inventory has to be updated. With the right system in place, the rack can be used for distribution and for inventory in wholesale stores, storage applications, retail store rooms and so on.

Pallet Rack Components

These racks come with load beams (or step beams), usually a 1⅝” step at the top inside edge. These steps are used to hold wire decks, pallet supports and similar components. Box beams such as those on forklift rentals Santa Clara don’t have any inset steps and have flat sides. Each load beam is set on an upright frame column with hooks or rivets.

The upright frames or uprights differ in design and size and are based on load specifications. The most widely used is the one that’s formed by flat coil steel. Known as open-back roll-formed columns, holes are made during the manufacturing process at specific intervals in order for the load beams to be mounted properly.

Because there are different pallet racks available, it’s essential that you learn exactly what you’re looking for before deciding what to buy. This will ensure you have the appropriate system in place when you get ready to stock up on your inventory. This takes time but it’ll be worth it.