Heavy Duty Pallet Racks: Buying Tips

When handling large numbers of huge equipment and materials like textiles, machinery parts and volatile liquids, heavy duty pallet racks come in handy. These have been proven to be very stable, safe and effective in storing virtually almost anything. There are a variety of models and types of racks so learn how to pick the right one that best suits your needs.

Boltless Racks

There are currently boltless heavy duty pallet racks available. These add extra space in industrial plants and warehouses to store more bulky items. As the name implies, the racks can easily be assembled by snapping parts together without the need for any clips, bolts or tools. The strength and durability are typically the same as conventional models.

Teardrop Racks

Teardrop heavy duty pallet racks have become the most popular and commonly used in industries. The rack height can range as much as 300 inches while the width can range as much as 64 inches. The rack has 2-inch adjustability as well. On 54-inch beam spacing, the racks can handle as much as 35,000 lbs. Teardrop and boltless racks may be coated with strong metals to maximize protection. These also come in different colors like gray, green, orange, etc.

Significant Features

You can have increased durability by checking if the heavy duty pallet racks have been coated with steel or other strong metals. The beam levels for pallets should be adjustable. A 100-mm adjustable feature is recommended to make use of space efficiently. The frames of the racks should be firm and solid to easily withstand torsion or buckling.

Boltless and complete knockdown system ensures added safety and integrity of all parts. The racks should also be resistant against shakes, vibrations and earthquakes. Installation should be fairly simple but overall structure must remain strong, stable and long-lasting.

Heavy Duty Pallet Racks Buying Tips

The racks should be consistent with the standards set by the Racks Manufacturers Institute so that all operations and storage processes will remain safe. It is also important to invest in insurance especially when you’re the company owner or employer since the risk is higher. Check the material that will best hold your items like wood, plastic or metal. Food and beverages can do well in plastic racks but bulkier and rugged loads require metal support.

Heavy duty metal racks are ideal in forklift equipped environment since these are resistant to wear and damage. Also learn how to determine the price and how much you may be spending in the next decade. Replacement, upgrade or repair can increase your overhead if you choose the wrong racks.

Measuring Heavy Duty Pallet Racks

Beam or shelf length is equal to the distance between uprights. You can simply add the width of pallet loads. Add a 5-inch side clearance between pallets and uprights and a 6-inch clearance between pallet loads. The capacity of the beams is determined by a pair of beams supporting loads with equal distribution. Frame height is equal to the height of the pallet loads including the pallets plus the height of the shelf beam plus a 4-inch vertical clearance at least for each pallet load. Finally, multiply the sum by the number of levels available on the heavy duty racks.