Choosing the right type of warehouse racking system is crucial to making the most of your storage space and improving the efficiency of your operations. There are many factors to consider, such as how much you need to store, how quickly you need to load and unload and whether your products require any special storage considerations.

If you have many items to store and need easy access to them to accommodate quick turnovers, a push-back racking system may be the perfect choice.

What Is Push Back Pallet Racking?

With push-back racking, pallets sit on carts and rails. When a new pallet is stored, it pushes the previously-stored pallet(s) back. Pallets can be stored 2 to 6 pallets deep. When unloading the push-back rack, the lift truck operator picks up the pallet resting on the rails, which are inclined toward the aisle for easier pallet retrieval, and the remaining pallets move to the front. Pallets are removed in succession until the lane is empty.

This process supports a last-in/first-out (LIFO) approach due to the earliest loaded pallets being pushed back for newer ones.

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What Are Push-Back Racking Systems Used for?

Push-back rack systems are ideal for a wide range of industries and applications, including:

  • Perishables
  • Staging
  • High-density storage
  • Beverages
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Manufacturing
  • Automotive

Pros and Cons of Push-Back Rack Systems

Push-back racking systems are highly efficient and versatile, with some minor limits on selectability. They help you make the best use of your space without increasing handling time or slowing down product rotation. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons.

Advantages

  • Higher density
  • Compatible with a standard forklift
  • Pallets will sequence forward with gravity
  • Faster loading and unloading than other systems
  • Easier stock rotation
  • Reduced stock damage
  • Saves up to 90% of warehouse space compared to traditional pallet racking
  • Low maintenance
  • Can be used with other types of racking systems

Disadvantages

  • Some pallets will be behind others, limiting choice
  • Limited compatibility with expiring products

Is a Push-Back Pallet Racking System Right for My Warehouse?

There are many instances where a push-back racking system may be beneficial to your warehouse operations. If any of the following apply to your setup, push-back racking may be the right choice:

  • Fragile products: The forklift driver does not need to drive into the rack to remove products, minimizing the risk of stock damage. If you have fragile items in your inventory, this feature is essential.
  • High-density, high turnover storage: Push-back rack systems allow you to store more items with better selectivity than other high-density systems. If you need to store and access large amounts of products quickly, push-back racking is an ideal solution.
  • Limited space: If maximizing space in your warehouse is crucial, a push-back racking system is the right choice. It allows you to store more products in less space while still offering good selectivity for a solution that gives you the best of both worlds.
  • Cold storage: Freezers and other temperature-controlled storage areas are expensive to use and maintain. If you have cold storage, you can use a push-back racking system to store more products so less space is required to contain your inventory.

Why Buy Push-Back Pallet Racking From Arnold Machinery Company?

Arnold Machinery Company has been serving customers with high-quality material handling equipment for more than 90 years. We use our expertise to help you find the perfect solutions that will improve your operations.

Our top priority is making sure you are happy with our products and services. That’s why we have our Silver Service® guarantee, so you can rest assured that we will do everything we can until you are completely satisfied. We have brick-and-mortar locations throughout the western United States where you can stop by to see our inventory or have your equipment serviced. Our factory-trained technicians and expert sales staff can help you with whatever your needs may be.

To learn more or request a free quote, contact us today.

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