Choosing the Right Cantilever Rack System

Author: Faunus

Nov. 04, 2024

Choosing the Right Cantilever Rack System

Cantilever racks are specialized storage systems designed for holding long, bulky items like lumber, pipes, and sheet materials. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the specifications and considerations necessary for selecting and using cantilever racks effectively.

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Understanding Cantilever Rack Components


Base:

The foundation of the rack, providing stability. It supports the upright columns and the load itself.


Upright Columns (Towers):

Vertical structures that bear the load from the arms. The height of these columns can vary based on storage needs.


Arms:

Horizontal beams that extend from the upright columns to support the load. They can be straight or inclined and come in various lengths.


Braces:

Horizontal or diagonal supports connecting the upright columns to provide lateral stability.


Decking (Optional):

Surface added on the arms for storing items that need a flat base.


Light Duty Cantilever Racking

2. Key Specifications


Load Capacity:

Determine the maximum load weight per arm and per bay.


Load capacity is influenced by arm length, column height, and material strength.


Arm Length:

Choose arm length based on the size of the items being stored. Common lengths range from 24 to 60 inches.


Ensure the arm length allows for some overhang of the items to prevent tipping.


Column Height:

The height of the columns should accommodate the vertical space available and the height of the stored materials.


Common heights range from 6 to 20 feet, but custom heights can be made.


Base Length:

The base length should be sufficient to prevent tipping. It typically matches the arm length for balanced load distribution.


Arm Adjustability:

Arms are typically adjustable in 3-inch increments to accommodate different sized loads and provide flexibility.


Material:

Typically made from steel due to its strength and durability. Check the gauge of steel used for an indication of its strength.

Medium Duty Cantilever Rack

3. Design Considerations


Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided:

Single-sided racks are placed against walls.

Double-sided racks are free-standing and can be accessed from both sides, doubling the storage capacity.


Contact us to discuss your requirements of long span cantilever rack factory. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Spacing:

Proper spacing between arms is crucial for stability and to prevent sagging of the materials.

Consider the weight and length of stored items to determine appropriate arm spacing.


Load Distribution:

Ensure even distribution of weight across the arms and columns to prevent structural failure.


Environment:

Consider the environment where the racks will be used. For outdoor use, ensure racks are galvanized or have a protective coating to prevent rust.


4. Safety and Compliance

Installation:

Follow manufacturer&#;s guidelines for installation.

Ensure racks are anchored properly to the floor to prevent tipping.


Usage:

Do not exceed the recommended load capacity for both arms and columns.

Load heavier items on lower levels to maintain stability.


Inspections:

Regularly inspect racks for signs of wear, damage, or overloading.

Check for proper alignment and secure fastening of all components.


5. Customization Options


Custom Heights and Lengths:

Custom-sized racks can be fabricated to fit specific storage needs.


Arm Types:

Straight arms for flat items, inclined arms for items prone to rolling or sliding.


Accessories:

Decking, end stops, and safety locks can be added to enhance functionality and safety.


6. Maintenance Tips


Regularly check for and tighten loose bolts and nuts.


Keep the base area clear of debris to avoid tripping hazards and ensure clear access.


Inspect for rust or corrosion, especially in outdoor or humid environments, and apply protective coatings as needed.


Conclusion


Selecting the right cantilever rack system involves careful consideration of load requirements, space constraints, and safety measures. By understanding the components, specifications, and design considerations, you can choose a system that optimizes your storage space and ensures safe and efficient material handling. Regular maintenance and inspections will extend the life of your cantilever racks and help prevent accidents or damage.


How to select the right Cantilever for your warehouse?

Cantilever storage racks: advantages and disadvantages

Cantilever material racks offer numerous advantages, but they also come with some disadvantages that should be considered.

One of the key benefits is their ability to safely store oddly shaped and bulky items. These racks are fully customizable, allowing you to design them to fit virtually any load length you need. For example, if you have pipes or lumber of varying lengths, different sections of the racking system can be customized to accommodate each specific length.

To utilize cantilever racking more flexibly, you can add decking. These can be planks, grids, or mesh floors.

One more advantage: you can place them inside and outside, single-sided racks along the warehouse walls, and double-sided ones anywhere you need them.

The major benefit of cantilever systems is their open, linear storage. Unlike traditional shelving units, you won&#;t have to deal with vertical uprights that can get in the way. This makes loading and unloading operations easier.

Additionally, cantilever racks are known for their impressive load capacity: 500&#;up to 3,000 pounds per arm, and in some cases, even more. Based on weight capacity, they come in four types: Super Heavy Duty, Heavy Duty, Standard Duty, Medium Duty, and Light Duty. We always advise calling us at 503-640- so we can help you define the right capacity for your load!

However, cantilever racks also have some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is specialized installation and having a professional team. You cannot do it yourself.  Customizing these racks to meet specific needs can be more expensive than conventional pallet racking systems, as well as the installation and maintenance costs, especially if frequent adjustments or repairs are required.

Another downside is the potential for instability if it is not properly loaded or installed. They should be installed on a flat surface, usually concrete. Since cantilever racks rely on arms extending from a single column, uneven loading can cause the system to become unbalanced, increasing the risk of tipping or collapse, especially under heavy loads.

So, what should you know before mounting cantilever shelving units? Here is our complete guide to choosing the right cantilever storage racks. Contact us now to order a cantilever racking system, or if you have any questions before you order, we will cover them!

If you want to learn more, please visit our website pallet rack calculator.

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