In the world of warehouse storage, cantilever racks offer a specialized solution for handling long, bulky items that traditional pallet racking systems can’t accommodate. These racks are a go-to option for businesses needing efficient storage for materials like lumber, pipes, or steel.
This article will explain how cantilever racking systems work, discuss their benefits and drawbacks, and provide examples of products that can benefit from this type of storage.
What Are Cantilever Racking Systems?
Cantilever racking systems are specifically designed to store long, oversized items. Unlike standard pallet racks, which use horizontal beams to support pallets, cantilever racks have arms extending from a central vertical column. These arms are adjustable and can support loads of varying lengths and sizes.
How Cantilever Racks Work
Support Structure: The core of a cantilever racking system is its vertical columns, also known as uprights or towers. These are anchored to the floor using large supports (or legs), to provide a stable foundation for the rack. Cantilever arms extend horizontally from these columns and can be adjusted in length and thickness to accommodate different load sizes. The towers are connected with horizontal and diagonal bracing.
Load Bearing: The arms of the cantilever rack bear the weight of the stored materials. These arms are designed to hold heavy loads and are available in different lengths and capacities to match the specific needs of the stored products.
Easy Access: Because there are no vertical columns at the front of the racks, materials can be easily loaded and unloaded using forklifts or other material handling equipment. This open-front design allows for quick access to items, making it ideal for products that are long or irregularly shaped.
Benefits of Cantilever Racks
Cantilever racking systems offer several advantages, especially for industries dealing with oversized or irregularly shaped products:
Versatility: Cantilever racks are highly versatile and can store a wide variety of items, from long pipes and lumber to furniture and sheet metal. The adjustable arms can be tailored to different load sizes and weights.
Maximized Storage Space: The open design of cantilever racks allows for the efficient use of vertical space, making it easier to store long materials without wasting horizontal space.
Accessibility: With no front columns, forklifts and material handlers can easily access stored products from the front, reducing handling time and improving operational efficiency.
Customization: Cantilever racks can be customized to meet specific storage needs. The height of the towers and the length of the arms can be adjusted, making it a flexible solution for various applications.
Durability: Cantilever racks are built to handle heavy loads and are made from robust materials like structural steel, ensuring long-term durability even in demanding environments.
Drawbacks of Cantilever Racks
While cantilever racks are excellent for specific storage needs, they do have some limitations:
Higher Initial Cost: Compared to standard pallet racks, cantilever racks can be more expensive to purchase and install due to their specialized design and heavy-duty construction.
Requires Space for Long Items: While cantilever racks maximize vertical space, they do require sufficient horizontal space to accommodate long materials, which can be a constraint in smaller warehouses.
Load Distribution: Unevenly distributed loads can put stress on the cantilever arms, potentially leading to damage or reduced load capacity over time. Proper training and load management are essential to avoid this issue.
Item Damage: If the cantilever racks are not sized properly for the items being stored, the product may overhang too much leading to deformation of the product (arching).
Ideal Products for Cantilever Racking Systems
Cantilever racks are particularly well-suited for storing items that are long, heavy, or irregularly shaped. Here are some examples of products that benefit from cantilever racking systems:
Lumber and Building Materials: Cantilever racks are ideal for storing long pieces of lumber, plywood, drywall and other building materials that are difficult to store on traditional pallet racks.
Pipes and Tubing: Metal pipes, plastic tubing, and similar products fit perfectly on cantilever racks, making them easily accessible and organized.
Steel and Metal Products: Long metal products such as steel bars, beams, and rods are best stored on cantilever racks due to their length and weight.
Furniture: Large furniture items, including sofas or mattresses, can be stored on cantilever racks, keeping them off the floor and reducing the risk of damage.
Raw Materials: Large rolls of fabric, carpet, or other bulky materials are often stored on cantilever racks to keep them organized and protected.
Conclusion
Cantilever racking systems provide a versatile and efficient storage solution for businesses dealing with long, heavy, or irregularly shaped products. While they come with a higher initial cost and require careful load management, the benefits of improved accessibility, space utilization, and durability make them an excellent choice for many industries.
If your business handles oversized items and you're looking for a robust storage solution, cantilever racks might be the ideal option to enhance your warehouse operations.
Interested in learning more about how cantilever racks can benefit your business? Contact us today to discuss your storage needs and explore customized solutions.
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