What Is Push Back Racking?
Push back racking (sometimes called pushback rack) is an extremely efficient pallet storage system that configures pallet lanes anywhere from 2 to 6 units deep. Pallets sit on nested shuttles that travel up a modest incline as products are added, or “pushed back” from the face of the racking system.
When pallets are later removed, the pallet immediately behind the first position pallet slides back down the slope to the facing position.
Push Back Rack Advantages And Disadvantages
Push back racking is excellent for many applications, but isn’t a fit for some storage requirements. There are several favorable and possibly unfavorable aspects to investigate.
Higher Density Storage
Since push back pallet racks can accommodate between 2-6 pallets in any particular position, they can reclaim between 1-5 aisles, which can be a sizable chunk of warehouse real estate.
Less Forklift Travel
By eliminating aisles, forklifts don’t have to make as many trips, reducing equipment wear and increasing efficiency. Lower lift truck movement also greatly increases safety inside the warehouse. Reduced forklift traffic directly correlates to fewer accidents.
Greater Selectivity
Push back pallet racking gives warehouse managers an ideal combination of product selectivity and storage density. In contrast to drive-in rack, where whole storage bays are typically only one SKU, pushback rack provides direct access to a much greater number of pallet slots from the face.
LIFO Configuration
Unlike pallet flow rack, which is a First In First Out (FIFO) style of system, push back rack is a Last In First Out (LIFO) style of approach. This means that it’s not a good option for goods with an expiration date, because goods that are added early can sit for long periods of time as products are loaded and depleted from the aisle.
How Does Push Back Racking Work?
Push back rack configurations include a set of tracks sloping toward the aisle and a set of nested shuttles which travel on these tracks.
An initial pallet is placed on the uppermost cart by a forklift. When a second pallet is added, the forklift driver nudges the original pallet back and sets the next pallet on the second cart. The final pallet positioned in the lane is seated on the tracks.
As push back rack is unloaded, carts of unit loads slide down the rails. Lift truck drivers remove each pallet in turn until the lane is clear, or introduce new pallets, replenishing the lane.
Push Back Pallet Racking For Sale
For more information on push back racking options, call a warehouse storage expert at Welch Equipment now. Welch Equipment’s storage design experts can help you find a system that is perfect for your application.
