If your floor space is limited, then narrow aisle pallet racking could be the solution. Narrow aisle pallet racking is a form of high density storage which is made possible by reducing the wider aisle width typically used within other forms of pallet racking. By narrowing aisles to roughly 1.8m, this allows floor space to be maximised for storage, whilst still allowing efficient order picking.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements on 0113 880 0866 or by email.
- Offers the best configuration for maximum storage density and efficiency.
- Variable heights and depths of shelving and height-adjustable supporting beams ensure you have maximum flexibility.
- VNA fork trucks can help manage your stock rotation. The initial cost of the equipment is usually offset against the longer-term space and efficiency savings that the system produces.
Narrow Aisle Racking Details
Narrow aisle pallet racking offers the benefits of adjustable pallet racking, but in a much more condensed space. It is a cost-effective storage option, as it allows maximum storage utilisation within a warehouse.
All individual pallets within a narrow aisle pallet racking system remain fully accessible. However, specialist VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) forklifts and handling equipment must be used for stock retrieval, due to the reduced aisle space. VNA forklifts can lift higher, work faster within the aisle and operate with greater precision, accuracy and efficiency than standard forklifts.
Narrow aisle pallet racking systems are generally installed with a guidance system within the aisles to help VNA forklifts manoeuvre within the tight spaces, whilst also reducing the chances of collision or accidental damage. Pallets can only be reached by the VNA equipment, which helps to protect the security of your stock.
Variable heights and depths of shelving and height-adjustable supporting beams ensure you have maximum flexibility for storage needs and warehouse layout.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements on 0113 880 0866 or by email.
Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking Benefits
Maximum storage capacity and efficiency
Narrow aisle racking allows palletised goods to be stored in very close proximity to each other. This level of storage density is only possible by using this particular type of racking system. This ultimately allows you to save money by stacking pallets close and high, allowing you to utilise all the available space in your warehouse.
Ideal for high-roofed warehouses
If you have unused verticle space, narrow aisle racking will allow you to utilise this storage headroom.
Improved security and safety
Pallets and stock are only accessible through the use of VNA equipment. Any palletised goods stored within narrow aisle racking cannot manually be picked by staff, which reduces the chances of injury and minimises the possibility of stock loss or theft.
Maintenance and damage costs are minimised
The use of specialst VNA equipment and guidance systems reduce the possibility that racking is damaged as a result of human error.
Easy access to all pallets, at whatever level they’re stored
Accessing goods that are stored at the highest level of the storage system is simple with the use of VNA forklifts and cranes, which makes order picking and stock rotations much more efficient.
Long term cost-savings
The initial cost of VNA equipment is usually offset against the longer-term space and efficiency savings that a narrow aisle racking system produces. In certain circumstances, the system may allow you to increase storage space without moving to larger warehouse premises.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements on 0113 880 0866 or by email.
Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking Technical Details
Main racking structure technical description
Beams
Horizontal support bars that clip into the uprights of the frame. Beams can range in size from 600mm to 4500mm to suit loading up to around 4000kg per level; they can be of open design or a closed box section in heights of 38mm to 150mm. They are made from steel and formed to suit the design of the load.
Beam End Connector (BEC)
These are the steel brackets welded on the end of the support section that physically clip into the upright. Generally, these are 3, 4 or 5 prong connections, dependent on load.
Frames
Vertical support structure comprising uprights, bracing and base feet. Frames come in heights ranging from 2500mm to 12500mm for wide aisle applications and up to 16500mm for narrow aisle applications.
Uprights / Posts
Vertical components to make up the frames. They are usually bolted but sometimes welded to bracing to make up the frame. The uprights are cold rolled from steel coils and have a series of folds to increase the strength. There are many differing profiles of upright to suit the application and loading.
Bracing
Braces are the central steel components to a frame. They space out the uprights at a required distance and provide stability and strength for the frame. The braces are either horizontal (mainly used at the top and bottom) or diagonal.
Base Feet
These are components used to fasten the frame down to the floor and to spread the bay load.
Splice
This component enables 2 sections of upright to be fastened together. These are used to repair existing racking or in designs where two differing duties of racking are used in the frame make up.
Shims
To keep the racking level, these steel components are used under the base feet. They come in varying thicknesses to suit.
Locking Pin
Pin used to stop beams from being accidentally dislodged.
Row Spacers
Spacer bar to create a specified distance between back-to-back racking and to give additional stability to runs.
Portal / Aisle Ties
Required when a single run of racking needs to be tied back to a back-to-back run of racking over an aisle.
Holding Down Bolt
Floor fixing used through the base foot into the concrete slab.
Load Notice
Safety sign on the racking displaying loading details and safe working practises.
Pitch
Vertical distance between beam positions, usually 50mm or 75mm.
Down Weld
Distance between the top of the connector to the top of the beam section. This can vary if a very specific beam height is required.
Racking accessories technical description
Column Guard
Protection guard against MHE damage. This sits forward of the upright and is floor mounted.
End Barrier
End barriers are mounted on the end of runs or cross aisles (tunnels) between rows of racking. There are many designs on the market, but most are bolted down to the slab in front of the racking rows.
Anti-Collapse Mesh (ACM)
ACM is used on the rear of single-entry rows where it may be possible for goods to fall through the racking onto someone or something at the opposite side to the aisle.
Fork Entry Bars
Used to create a space between the top of beam and the underside of load where pallets are not used. This gives clearance for the forks to pass under the load and lift out of the racking.
Pallet Support Bars
If the pallet is weak or is misshaped, pallet support bars are used to give additional support under the pallet.
Drum Chocks
These are designed to sit front to back across the beams and to have supports to stop the drum or barrel from rolling.
Stillage Skids
Front to back channel supports for stillage feet to sit inside.
Mesh Decking
Decking can be used either to support the pallet load if the pallet is of a particularly poor strength or they can be used to store loose hand loaded items such as boxes. Mesh is useful in environments where sprinklers are required or where minimal dust capture needed.
Steel Decking
Generally, these are used to support loose boxes as above and in made from pre galvanised steel sheet.
