In the production industry, where the ability to store pallets out of the way and prevent damage to the merchandise are very important, pallet racks are a necessity. For some in the industry the different types of racks available are not always clear. There are several types of racks available that you can choose from and each has its own benefits. The benefits will be dependent on the need that you have.

Before purchasing any new pallet racks, take the time to understand the different types of racks available. This will help to ensure that you have purchased the rack that is most fitted to your company's needs and spacing availability.

Drive-In Rack

For those with limited space a drive-in rack can be used to maximize the usage of available space. These do not require a lot of isles to be able to be implanted into your facility. Even though they utilize fewer isles space, they are still able to store large amounts of pallets. They work in the sense that the forklift is able to drive up and place the pallets onto the shelves for storage. The downside with this system is that is uses the first in last out system. This is not optimal for facilities that deal in time-sensitive merchandise.

Push-Back

The push-back rack offers more flexibility than the drive-in rack in the ability to rotate pallets. They also offer more storages space with little available space needed over that of the drive-in rack. They work the same way in that the forklift drives up and places the pallet on the shelf. These are a better option for facilities that deal in time sensitive products since it allows for easier merchandise rotation.

The Best Choice?

Flow racks are the optimum choice when looking to purchase new pallet racks. They work by using gravity to move the pallets. The shelves are set in at a slight declining angle and the pallets are held on by a hose. The hose inflates to move the pallets along the shelf and deflates to make the pallets sit still upon the shelf.

One side is used for loading and the other side is used for unloading. By having specific functions for both sides, productivity is increased and forklift traffic is able to move safely around the racks. Also since the first pallet on is the first pallet off, this rack is a better choice for facilities that deal in time-sensitive merchandise.

Structural Racks

Structural racks are able to withstand so much that is placed on them. Not only can they withstand the weights of heavy loads being stored on them but they can also withstand some extreme environments. These are a popular choice in many different industries due to their strength and durability.

Two options for your new pallet racks are the support beams and the post protectors. The support beams will give added support to your rack to help withstand heavy weights. This can give added safety to all those who work around the racks. The post protectors help to protect the posts from forklift impacts. It is inevitable that forklifts will hit the posts from time to time. This can damage your posts and make your racks unsafe. The post protectors can prevent damage and unsafe work conditions.