Description

Push-back racking is a system of high-density racking that relies on shelves of rollers or cards/shuttles at a slight angle to provide a live storage solution. Pallets, often multiple of the same SKU, can be pushed into place one in front of the other and then unloaded easily with the next pallet, simply sliding into position to be unloaded next.

Our team’s knowledge of push-back pallet racking is second to none, having installed, inspected and relocated countless systems for various warehouses and clients. No matter how big or small of a system you need, we offer the bespoke services you’re looking for.

Benefits of Push-Back Racking

High-density Storage

Minimal Aisle Requirements

Adaptability

Use of Height

Dimensions

As with most forms of racking, push-back pallet racking comes in a few different types. Not only can you customise the height and depth of your racking, but you can also select the strength you need based on your expected weight requirements.
Common sizes and dimensions include:

  • Width – 48”/122cm (single wide)
  • Width – 96”/244cm (double wide)
  • 8’/2.44m tall
  • 20’/6.10m tall
  • 2-6 pallets’ worth of depth

With D&R Racking, you can also choose whether to invest in a new push-back racking system or opt for a quality-approved used pallet racking option.

Push-Back Racking For Sale - How It Works

01

Contact us or visit our warehouse in Birmingham

02

Request your free quote and custom designs

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We’ll manufacture, deliver, and install your new pallet racking system

Benefits of Push Back Racking Systems

  • High-Density Storage and Minimal Aisles: Push-back racking allows for multiple pallets to be stored in depth per lane. There are options for multiple levels to minimise wide aisles and make optimal use of available floor space.
  • Easy Pallet Retrieval: As with other systems like Drive-in Pallet Racking, the push-back system uses the LIFO (last in, first out) method of storing, meaning pallet retrieval is done in reverse making it quick and efficient from the same entry point.
  • Reduced Forklift Traffic: Thanks to loading and retrieval happening from a single side, forklift traffic and travel is reduced, minimising congestion and improving picking speeds and safety.
  • Lower Operational Costs: Better space utilisation with push-back pallet racking means faster retrieval times resulting in lower labour and energy costs, while improving throughput. This is a universal benefit across other systems including cantilever racking or even a bespoke system.

Who Should Use Push-Back Pallet Racking?

Food and Cold Storage: Cold storage facilities will benefit from push-back racking because it maximises space vertically and reduces aisle requirements, crucial in temperature-controlled environments. Frozen and bulk packaged foods with consistent SKUs will utilise a push-back system.

Retail and eCommerce Fulfilment: Retail and eCommerce distribution centres with high volume, low-variety stock lines such as promotional items with multiple pallets of the same SKU can be optimally set up with a push back pallet rack.

General Warehousing: Push-back systems offer an efficient balance between storage density and retrieval speed, ideal for manufacturers and distributors storing bulk materials or finished goods in high quantities.

3PL Providers: Third-party logistics providers can be supported and improve processes with push-back pallet racking as it provides dense storage, lowers labour costs and works well when multiple pallets of the same item are stored together.

Where not to use a push-back racking system?: Settings with FIFO (first in, first out) operations, including perishable goods storage, warehouses with a high number of SKUs and low pallet quantities per SKU, as well as facilities needing access to every pallet should seek an alternative racking system. Our experts at D&R Racking have the skills to recommend and install other systems.

How Does a Push Back Racking System Work?

  • Pallets are loaded by forklift from the front of the racking system
  • The first pallet sits on a wheeled cart with each additional loaded pallet pushing the previous one to the back
  • Multiple carts nest into each other, allowing up to 4-6 pallets in a single lane
  • The last loaded pallet is picked first, and the remaining pallets roll forward automatically to the pick face

Push-back racking – FAQs

What is the cost of push-back pallet racking?

Push-back racking costs will vary depending on the size of the system you opt for, as well as whether you choose a new or approved used push-back racking system.

What are the disadvantages of push-back racking?

Push-back pallet racking has some disadvantages over other racking systems, including:

  • Small losses in vertical storage capacity as a result of the sloped shelf angle
  • While useful for many applications, the LIFO (last in, first out) doesn’t suit all needs such as warehouses with perishable items
  • Only the front panels are immediately accessible
  • Not all loads are sturdy enough to stay together when shelved using push-back systems

How are push-back racking systems dimensioned?

Push-back pallet rack dimensions will depend on your needs and warehouse floor space. We can scale dimensions to suit your site and whatever requirements you have. We will measure both width and height, assessing your space for single-wide or double-wide aisles.

What is the difference between pallet flow and push-back?

Push-back racking systems operate on a LIFO (last in, first out) loading and unloading process, whereas pallet flow racking uses a FIFO (first in, first out) process. LIFO systems can yield fantastic efficiencies for certain goods, but if you’re managing frequent expiry dates, such as food and beverage products, the FIFO pallet flow system will work better.

What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of push-back racks compared to pallet racks?

Advantages:

  • Drastic improvements in available storage space
  • Low maintenance requirements
  • Increased cost efficiencies
  • Reduced exposure to possible forklift damage

Disadvantages:

  • Some limitations on the number of pallets that can be stored on one shelf
  • Small losses in vertical storage capacity
  • LIFO processes don’t suit all applications and stock

Is Push-Back Racking Right for My Warehouse?

A push-back pallet racking system will be ideal for your warehouse if you store multiple pallets of the same SKU and don’t require first in, first out loading and unloading. This racking system is a great high-density, low-aisle solution.

Is push-back racking a LIFO or FIFO system?

Push-back racking is a LIFO (last in, first out) system, where the last pallet loaded is the first to be retrieved, a great system for warehouses storing bulk items or high quantity finished goods.

How many pallets can push-back racking hold per lane?

Push-back rack systems typically hold between two and six pallets per lane, depending on the configuration, but benefit from utilising vertical space with lanes stacking on top of one another.

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