A Quick View on Cantilever Warehouse Racking

Cantilever warehouse racks serve as an unignorable high density and heavy duty solution for their capacity to handle and store long, bulky, and irregularly shaped items such as lumber, steel pipes, and furniture.

Known for their open design, cantilever racks lack front columns, providing open access to stored items, thus optimizing storage density and ease of retrieval.

In this article, we wish to shed some light on the basic information about cantilever racks, explore their main types, and highlight the benefits, limitations, and applications suitable for high-density storage of heavy, oversized items.

What are Cantilever Racks

Cantilever racks are primarily designed to address storage challenges where traditional shelving systems, like pallet racks, are impractical. Characterized by vertical columns with horizontal arms extending from them, cantilever racks allow goods to be stored along these arms or the base, creating layers of storage without front obstructions.

Advantages of Cantilever Racks

  1. Versatility in Load Handling: Cantilever racks are ideal for storing items of varying lengths on the same or different levels, making them highly adaptable for industries that handle materials of diverse sizes.

  2. Efficient Use of Vertical Space: Designed for vertical stacking, these racks optimize the height of warehouse space, essential for high-density storage.

  3. Ease of Access: Cantilever racks simplify loading and unloading, either manually or with forklifts, due to the absence of front columns.

  4. Customization Options: Available in single or double-sided configurations, cantilever racks can be customized with add-ons like tilted arms, end stops, or decking options to suit various storage needs.

Limitations of Cantilever rack

• Space for Forklift Access: Cantilever systems require sufficient aisle space for forklifts to maneuver, especially in high-density storage setups.
• Weight Restrictions: While they can support heavy loads, the capacity is limited to the strength of the columns and arms, which should be calculated meticulously to avoid overloading.
• Stability Concerns: Proper installation and anchoring are critical to ensure stability and prevent tipping, especially when storing heavy or uneven loads.

Types of Cantilever Racks

Cantilever racks come in several variations, each designed to cater to specific storage needs. The following are some common types:

    1. Single-Sided Cantilever Racks

• Application: Suitable for storage against walls, these racks provide one-sided storage, maximizing floor space.
• Advantage: Effective for narrow aisles or where space conservation is a priority.
• Limitation: Limited storage capacity compared to double-sided racks.

    2. Double-Sided Cantilever Racks

• Application: Ideal for wide, open spaces, double-sided racks offer storage on both sides.
• Advantage: Increased storage density without additional aisle space.
• Limitation: Requires a larger footprint and anchoring for stability.

    3. Heavy-Duty Cantilever Racks

• Application: Built for extremely heavy loads such as pipes, bars, and large machinery.
• Advantage: High load-bearing capacity with reinforced arms and columns.
• Limitation: Higher cost and additional space for heavy-duty handling equipment.

    4. Light-Duty Cantilever Racks

• Application: Used for lighter items like plastic piping, smaller wood planks, or lightweight furniture.
• Advantage: Cost-effective and easy to install.
• Limitation: Limited load capacity; unsuitable for heavy or oversized items.

Key Specifications for Cantilever Rack Selection

When selecting cantilever racks, it’s crucial to consider the following specifications to ensure that the system meets storage needs:

    1. Column Spacing: Measure the length of the items to be stored and divide by the number of columns to determine optimal spacing for load support.

    2. Arm Length and Spacing: Arm length should at least match the depth of the load, and spacing should prevent any load deflection. Load-bearing capacity is maximized when items are evenly distributed across multiple arms.

    3. Column Height: Calculate based on the number of storage levels, load height, and necessary clearance to avoid obstructions.

    4. Weight Capacity: Calculate arm and column capacities based on the total load weight. Proper distribution across arms ensures structural stability.

    5. Anchoring Requirements: Cantilever racks should be anchored to concrete floors for maximum stability, especially in warehouses with high traffic or seismic activity.

Applications of Cantilever Racks in Warehouse Storage

Cantilever racks are commonly used in various industries where long, heavy, or awkwardly shaped items are frequently handled.

• Lumber and Timber Yards: Cantilever racks efficiently store long planks, boards, and sheets, allowing for easy retrieval in high-density arrangements.
• Pipe and Tubing Storage: Frequently used in construction, warehousing, and manufacturing, cantilever racks provide stable support for long, heavy pipes or tubes.
• Sheet Metal Storage: Cantilever racks, especially with decking options, offer safe and efficient storage for large sheets of metal, stone, or wood.
• Furniture Storage: In furniture warehouses or retail distribution centers, cantilever racks accommodate bulky items like sofas and cabinetry that do not fit conventional racking systems.

Safety Considerations for Cantilever Rack Use

    1. Avoid Overloading: Exceeding load capacity compromises rack stability. Always adhere to manufacturer-specified limits for arms and columns.

    2. Secure and Anchor Racks: Proper anchoring is essential, particularly in seismic regions or areas with forklift activity. Each column should have a minimum of two anchors embedded in concrete.

    3. Load Distribution: Evenly distribute loads to prevent deflection or tipping. Heavier items should be placed at the base level to stabilize the rack.

    4. Inspect Regularly: Routine inspections help identify and resolve issues such as wear on arms or columns, ensuring long-term durability and safety.

Enhancements and Accessories

To increase functionality and safety, cantilever racks can be customized with a range of accessories:

• Decking Options: Decking can be added for storing smaller or irregularly shaped items, enhancing load stability.
• Lips or End Stops: To prevent items from rolling off, bolted or welded end stops can be added to arms, which are ideal for round or unstable loads.
• Tilted Arms: For cylindrical items like pipes or tubes, tilted arms prevent loads from rolling off.
• Visibility and Safety Accessories: Visibility mirrors, warning sensors, and safety barriers enhance operational safety, particularly in high-traffic aisles.

Choosing the Right Cantilever Rack for High-Density Storage

Selecting the appropriate cantilever rack system involves assessing specific storage needs, including the type, weight, and volume of materials.

For high-density storage of heavy-duty items, robust double-sided cantilever racks with reinforced columns and additional arms may be suitable. For lighter, smaller items, a light-duty rack with optional decking may suffice.

Conclusion

Cantilever racks are indispensable for warehouse storage where conventional racking fails to support irregularly shaped, heavy, or lengthy items. If you would like to customize your tailored high-density storage solution, please don't hesitate to contact us now, our team of experts is ready to help.