How To Use Cantilever Racks: A Guide

A cantilever rack (also called an industrial pipe rack or lumber rack) is a unique solution to a very pervasive storage problem. Manufacturers often find themselves with oblong, bulky items they need to store safely, but no real way to keep them from getting in the way and taking up space. If this is your headache, a heavy-duty cantilever rack may be the ideal solution for you!

Cantilever racks, also known as cantilever racking systems, provide an ideal solution for storing long and bulky items like lumber, pipes, and furniture. This versatile storage system, with its unique design, offers both single-sided and double-sided configurations, making it suitable for various storage needs. Understanding how to use cantilever racks effectively ensures safety and maximizes storage capacity. In this guide, we will explore the essential components and usage tips for cantilever racks. Let’s get started!

Understanding Cantilever Racks

Cantilever pallet racking consists of several critical components: cantilever uprights, cantilever arms, cross braces, and base supports. The cantilever uprights, or upright towers, form the main structure, while the cantilever arms extend from these uprights, providing support for stored items. Cross braces add stability to the structure, and base supports offer a stable foundation.

Types of Cantilever Arms

There are different types of cantilever arms to consider: straight arms, inclined arms, and heavy-duty cantilever rack arms. Straight arms are ideal for storing items that need to remain level, such as bar stock or steel pipes. Inclined arms help prevent items from rolling off, making them perfect for plumbing pipes or industrial pipe racks.

Determining Cantilever Rack Capacity

When setting up your cantilever racking system, it’s crucial to understand the cantilever rack capacity. This includes considering the load deflection and ensuring an evenly distributed load across all arms. The arm capacity and the total capacity of the cantilever rack system must be suitable for the heaviest loads you plan to store. Always adhere to the rated capacity to avoid serious injury or damage to the racking system.

Installation and Configuration

Cantilever racks come in single-sided and double-sided units. Single-sided units are placed against walls, while double-sided configurations can be accessed from both sides, optimizing storage space. 

Safety Considerations

To safely use cantilever racks, ensure that the cantilever uprights are securely anchored to the floor and that the base supports provide additional stability. Ensure that the number of arms and the arm length are appropriate for the items being stored. Always distribute the weight evenly and do not exceed the arm capacity or the total capacity of the rack system. Never put cantilever rack arms on the backside of a single-sided unit. This is potentially very dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death. Additionally, enough clearance should be provided between the top of stored items and any sprinkler systems to comply with safety regulations. 

Additional Features and Add-Ons

Cantilever racking systems can be customized with additional add-on units, brace sets, and extra arms. Medium-duty and extra heavy-duty options are available to match different capacity requirements. Roll-formed and structural material options provide flexibility in choosing the best cantilever rack system for your storage needs. Our cantilever racks are modular based on each capacity series (medium-duty, heavy-duty, or extra heavy-duty), so additional arms, cross braces, and uprights may be required to add to your existing rack system. Arms of different sizes can be interchanged on the rack to tailor your system to a variety of different uses.

Ensuring Optimal Use

When setting up your cantilever racking, consider the ceiling height and the length of the items to be stored. Using wooden blocks or two wooden blocks under the load can help distribute weight more evenly and prevent damage to the cantilever arms. For additional stability, cross braces should be used between the uprights.

The Benefits of Cantilever Racks

  • Immediate accessibility to a single piece or a full load
  • Quick, convenient handling of unwieldy stock
  • Provides an orderly inventory system
  • Permits storage of tubes, pipes, bars, structural material, and other large, heavy items that must be kept raised from the floor
  • The base can be used for storage without subtracting from the capacity of the upright.
  • Forklift loading and unloading is simple and easy
  • Easily expandable with extra arms, uprights, and braces to provide additional add-on units to your existing shelving unit

Call Us For All Your Cantilever Rack Needs!

Cantilever racks provide a versatile and efficient storage solution for long, bulky items. Understanding how to use cantilever racks, from installation to safety considerations, ensures that your storage needs are met while maintaining a safe environment. 

Diversified Rack has been providing high-quality new and used cantilever racking throughout NJ, NY, and PA since 1990. Cantilever racks aren’t the only racking solutions we offer — Diversified Rack also sells new and used pallet racks, shelving, and much more. Contact us today to discuss your specific storage needs and find the ideal solution for your warehouse or facility.