Every type of pallet racking system offers its own, unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
- The different designs are suited to specific types of products and warehouse layouts.
A careful assessment of requirements is essential to determining the best fit for the situation. While selective pallet racking is probably the most commonly utilized system, there are at least a dozen other options. There are carton flow racking systems suited to boxes and cartons and mobile racking systems that incorporate motorized bases for high-density storage. Cantilever racking systems are especially interesting and accommodating in their set up. The structure utilizes a central base that supports a set of arms. These arms can be adapted to support exact load-bearing requirements. Highly versatile arms allow for unusual size and shape of products. Installing cantilever racking is not difficult. The racks incorporate a modular design for straightforward assembly and easy adjustability. Lighter types use boltless, slot-in components to expedite installation. Industrial cantilever racks require heavy-duty bolted beams. The system can be set up as a freestanding unit or get bolted to a wall for extra stability. An I-beam cantilever rack normally consists of two load-bearing arms and eliminates the need for a shelf. With no need for external rack braces, assembly time is minimized. Single-sided cantilever racks provide arms on just one side. The system is balanced by a stackable base and can be set up back-to-back to access both sides. The primary components of a single-sided cantilever rack are the tower, brace set, stackable base and arms. There are also double-sided cantilever racks that provide greater storage density. This configuration can be stacked vertically to maximize vertical storage capacity and open up greater floor space. Along with a less cluttered warehouse, there is better access and greater safety. A cantilever system can combine single and double-sided racks.