Cantilever racking is a type of storage system where the load is held by the arm, which is then transferred to the supporting beam and base. This kind of system is ideal for businesses and warehouses, as it’s designed to hold longer and bulkier items with ease. To discover whether a cantilever racking system is suitable for you, here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider.
The Advantages
Cantilever racking systems provide an efficient solution for storing materials, as they don’t interfere with business operations. Some of the advantages of using them include:
Easy to Store Items
The design of cantilever racking allows for easier and safer storage of bulky and irregular shaped items. This includes wooden planks, long steel pipes, plywood, odd-sized furniture, wooden crates, lengths of lumber and plastic tubing. While these items are usually considered difficult to store using traditional shelving and rack methods, the open design and length of cantilever racking is perfect for items that are tall and skinny.
Efficient Flexibility and Accessibility
Cantilever racking is the perfect solution when flexibility and frequent accessibility is required. The storage system includes two small racks on both sides of a beam that has nothing above or below it. This design allows for easier access to higher shelves when using a forklift or similar equipment. In addition, the design allows for much more specific item placement and retrieval, meaning you can keep more items on the cantilever racking without worrying about them being ruined or buried behind items that you don’t need to use immediately.
Save Money and Time
Cantilever racking can help businesses save time and money. As the design allows for easier storage and handling, workers can find the products they need much quicker, helping to effectively increase productivity. Cantilever racking can also help to save money, as businesses with smaller warehouses can take advantage of the limited stack. This racking system allows you to stack deeper and higher than a regular shelf, freeing up more space in your warehouse.
The Disadvantages
Even though the disadvantages of cantilever racking are minimal, they’re still important to consider when deciding to install this type of storage system. Here are the two main disadvantages of cantilever racking storage systems:
Cost to Install
A major disadvantage of cantilever racking is the cost to install it. The cost can be a lot higher than a standard floor stacking system, as it must be designed and installed to specifically fit your warehouse space. It’s important to consider your budget and the productivity of your business before you decide to invest in a cantilever racking system.
Inefficient for Some Applications
The design of your cantilever racking must include aisle space that’s large enough to fit a forklift or other handling equipment. Keep in mind that if you store both traditional and long pallets, a cantilever racking system may not be efficient enough. This could cause the separation of compatible parts that could impact your business operations.
