A cantilever racking system is a highly flexible storage solution that can be a valuable addition to many warehouses and storage facilities, especially those dealing with the storage of long and heavy items. While offering various benefits for warehouse storage, it’s essential to recognize that cantilever racking systems may not be the perfect fit for all types of inventory. Explore further to ascertain whether the cantilever is the right choice for your specific storage needs.
What Is a Cantilever Rack?
A cantilever rack is a heavy-duty storage system designed for warehouses to store and facilitate easy access to specific types of long and bulky items. Distinguished by their protruding arms and the absence of front-facing posts, cantilever racking systems come in two configurations: single-sided, with arms extending from one side of the uprights only, or double-sided, with arms protruding from both sides of the uprights.
Types of Products That Work Best With Cantilever Racks
Cantilever racking systems are well-suited for the storage of long, heavy objects that pose challenges in palletization or easy packaging. Examples include
- Bar stock (e.g., stainless steel, iron, aluminum),
- Plumbing pipes,
- lumber,
- Plywood,
- Tubing,
- Wire coils,
- Various building materials (drywall, sheetrock, flake board)
The majority of cantilever systems are roll-formed boltless designs, being lighter and more cost-effective compared to structural models. Although they have the capacity to support numerous heavy items, the weight capacity limit may be quickly reached when storing bulky objects. Transitioning to structural cantilever rack storage systems allows for the storage of even heavier objects, including
- Furniture,
- Engines,
- Heavy vehicle components,
- Boats,
- Large crates
Major Components of a Cantilever Rack
Most cantilever racks consist of four main components: bases, upright columns, support arms, and bracing.
The base anchors the rack system to the floor, ensuring stability for the entire structure, and a complete cantilever rack system typically requires at least two bases.
The upright column, connected to the base, dictates the overall height of the system. Each column has mounting points for support arms, allowing for easy adjustments.
Support arms, attached to the upright, are crucial for secure item storage and the even distribution of loads. To ensure safe and balanced storage, the system must have a minimum of two arms per horizontal plane.
Bracings, which are bars connecting the upright columns, contribute additional strength to the system, enhancing overall weight capacity and resistance. There are two types of bracings: straight braces (horizontal bars) and X-braces (diagonal bars). Combining both types provides extra support to the cantilever rack system.
📚 Also Read:Â
Advantages of Using Cantilever Racks
Cantilever racks offer numerous advantages to warehouse and storage system owners, and some of the most critical benefits include:
- Ease of Installation: Installing a typical cantilever rack is a straightforward process that doesn’t require expert intervention. Most warehouses are already equipped with the necessary tools and personnel for assembling the entire system, making it a cost-effective option.
- Accessibility: Items stored on cantilever racks are more accessible compared to many other storage systems due to the absence of a forward-facing beam or upright. For example, a forklift operator can easily retrieve items by positioning themselves in front of the cantilever rack, lifting objects from the support arms, backing up, and moving to the next location.
- Increased Warehouse Storage Capacity: Cantilever racks can effectively store items that may not be well-suited for other storage systems, thereby enhancing the warehouse’s storage capacity and versatility while keeping merchandise off the floor.
- Customizable: The entire system is customizable to fit specific storage needs. For instance, you can adjust the number of uprights, the spacing between each upright, the overall height of the system, and the number of bracing bars.
- Adjustable: One significant advantage is the ability to adjust the height of the system’s support arms. This flexibility allows for accommodating loads of various sizes and matching the maximum operating height of side loaders or forklifts.
- Great for Heavy Loads: Although the weight capacity of a cantilever system varies based on multiple factors, they are generally well-equipped to support heavy loads. You can check your model’s specifications for precise weight values.
Disadvantages of Using Cantilever Racks
While versatile, cantilever racks are not designed to fulfill every warehouse storage need. Here are some of the most critical drawbacks:
- Unsuitable for Palletized Products: Due to their design and primary purpose, cantilever racks are not intended for storing standard palletized goods, as a pallet racking system can. However, they can complement a warehouse that is already equipped with pallet racks.
- Costs More than Standard Pallet Racks: Despite potential cost-saving measures using appropriate roll-formed cantilever racks, the average cost of these systems remains higher than that of standard pallet racks.
- Uses a Lot of Space: While an excellent choice for warehouse organization, cantilever racks occupy a significant amount of real estate, necessitating careful management of available floor space.
FAQ’s
What defines a Cantilever Rack?
A Cantilever Rack is a heavy-duty storage system designed for warehouses, offering easy access to specific types of long and bulky items. It distinguishes itself with protruding arms and the absence of front-facing posts, available in single-sided or double-sided configurations.
Which products are best suited for Cantilever Racks?
Cantilever racking systems are ideal for storing long, heavy items that are challenging to palletize or package easily. Examples include bar stock, plumbing pipes, lumber, plywood, tubing, wire coils, and various building materials like drywall, sheetrock, and flake board.
How are Cantilever Systems constructed?
The majority of Cantilever Systems adopt roll-formed boltless designs, known for their lightweight and cost-effectiveness compared to structural models. Although they can support heavy items, weight capacity limitations may arise, especially when storing bulkier objects. Upgrading to structural Cantilever Rack storage systems allows for handling even heavier items such as furniture, engines, heavy vehicle components, boats, and large crates.
What are the main components of a Cantilever Rack?
A Cantilever Rack typically comprises four key components: bases, upright columns, support arms, and bracing. Bases anchor the rack to the floor, upright columns determine system height, support arms are crucial for item storage, and bracing bars enhance overall strength and weight capacity.
What advantages do Cantilever Racks offer?
Cantilever Racks provide several benefits, including easy installation, accessibility to stored items, increased warehouse storage capacity, customization options, adjustability for different load sizes, and suitability for heavy loads. They present a versatile solution for diverse warehouse storage needs.
What are the drawbacks of using Cantilever Racks?
Despite their versatility, Cantilever Racks have limitations. They are unsuitable for palletized products, not being designed for standard palletized goods. Additionally, the cost of Cantilever Racks can be higher than standard pallet racks, and they occupy a significant amount of floor space, necessitating careful management.
Conclusion
Cantilever racking system offers valuable versatility for warehouses storing long and heavy items. While its advantages include easy access, customization, and robust load-bearing capacity, it’s essential to note limitations such as unsuitability for palletized goods and occupying significant floor space. Evaluating specific storage needs will ensure informed decisions on integrating this system, optimizing warehouse efficiency with careful consideration of both its benefits and drawbacks.