What are Push-Back Pallet Racking Systems?

Monarch Shelving explain the types of pallet racking available for your warehouse – #1 Push-back Pallet Racking

Most warehouses around the world use pallet racking storage as their shelving system for the goods they hold. Pallet racking storage is a specific type of heavy-duty shelving system which is mainly used in warehouses and factories for storing pallets to carry large or bulkier items.

Pallet Racking Explained

The construction of Pallet Racking is simple: a pallet racking system consists of a basic shelving system/structure, but instead of using flat shelves for the pallets to rest on, a racking system is constructed with flat horizontal steel bars inside. Each warehouse can then arrange or utilise the racking in any way it sees fit or appropriate, taking into account the overall floor space available, the height of the storage facility and the need for stock accessibility.

A pallet racking system is probably the most versatile and cost-effective storage system available and will serve the majority of businesses well. In our last blog, we looked at four common types of pallet racking available to use in your warehouse, and explored some of the advantages and disadvantages of each. This week we will be looking at one particular type, Push-back racking systems, to give a clearer view on how this can be implemented in the most effective manner, in a warehouse environment.

Push Back Pallet Racks

Push back racking, also referred to as “pushback” racking, is a pallet storage method that allows pallets to be stored from 2 to 6 deep on either side of an aisle. This gives you higher storage density than other forms of racking.

As a high density, space-saving accumulative gravity storage system, loading and unloading is completed from the same aisle in a last in first out system (LIFO system) with capacity for up to four pallets per level. Handling time is reduced and storage capacity increased.

This is undoubtedly one of the cleverest and most-innovative forms of racking system, and utilises a row of shelving, back to back, with the shelves on a slight decline. Pallets are then placed at the higher end and are pushed down so the next pallet can be loaded.

In a typical push-back racking system, pallets can be stored one behind the other up to 4 deep. The pallets are loaded onto the specially designed carrier which pushes everything within that section backwards.

When a pallet is removed, all of the remaining pallets simply roll forwards, via a combination of the wheeled carrier and gravity, until they reach the front of the racking.

Pallets are accessed from the front of the racking unit only, so therefore require a last in, first out (LIFO) system to be used.

Main Features of Push-Back Racking

The accumulative storage system of push-back pallet racking is ideal for storing medium-turnover products, with two or more pallets per SKU (using the LIFO).

The main advantages are:

• The best possible use is made of the available space
• Saves time in storage and extraction operations
• Very little height space is wasted
• Each level can be used to store a different SKU

Long Term Storage Solutions with Push Back Racking

Dynamic push-back racking is used mainly for longer term storage. The clever design of dynamic push-back racking lends itself to high volume bulk storage, where each product type can have its own storage lane.

Although there are many types of push-back pallet racking systems available, it’s important to try to keep it the racking system as simple as possible and ensure that it delivers what is required.

Understanding Your Racking Needs

If your warehouse would benefit from push-back racking, it’s important to talk to your suppliers. Most suppliers should be able to help you design the layout of your new pallet racking system in a way that is best suited for the business.

A good supplier, like Monarch Shelving, will also give you the option of buying used pallet racking materials which can save you a considerable amount of money.

Your Pallet Racking Supplier should be able to help you design the layout of your new pallet racking system in a way that is best suited for the business.

At Monarch Shelving, we can help you find the best solution for your needs, and we will also give you the option of buying used pallet racking materials which can save you a considerable amount of money.

For more information or to obtain a free quotation, talk to us today.