Food and drink
As an industry that often deals with large quantities of products many of which have longer shelf lives or need to be stored in temperature-controlled environments, push back systems can provide the ideal solution.
Push Back Pallet Racking
Advantages | Considerations
- Improved efficiency
- Reduced risk of product damage
- Cost-effective storage
- Quick and easy access
- Effective for bulk and cold storage
- Ideal for stock with predictable storage
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What is Push-Back Racking?
A push back pallet racking system is a live storage solution that uses a forklift to load a pallet into a bay causing existing stored pallets to be pushed backwards. When the pallet at the front is removed, the one behind automatically rolls to the front.
Push back pallet racking specifications will vary based on the specific needs of the warehouse but generally include:
- Dimensions – push back racking systems are designed to accommodate standard pallet sizes, although they can be customised for different pallet dimensions.
- Heights – the height of a push back pallet racking system can vary greatly depending on the ceiling height of the warehouse and the reach capability of the material handling equipment.
- Lane Width – Designed to suit the pallets to allow for easy placement and retrieval allowing forklifts or pallet movers to manoeuvre between.
- Load Capacity – the materials used for the construction will result in the weight capacity of the system overall and each push back racking system can be created for your company’s requirements.
At Quickline, our push back pallet racking can be equipped with a variety of accessories to enhance functionality, safety and efficiency. Some of these accessories include:
- Row Spacers – these connect back to back rows of racks for extra stability and consistent spacing.
- Cart and Rail Components – additional carts or replacement rail components can be bought for maintenance and to expand the system’s capabilities.
- Labelling and Signage – having correct labels and signage for safe and efficient operation is essential. They can indicate weight capacities, loading instructions and safety warnings
Applications of Push Back Pallet Racking
Quickline offers a comprehensive range of push back pallet racking systems for many different industries. See how our push back racking can support the food and drink, clothing, heavy and commercial industries amongst others.
Benefits of Push Back Racking Systems
Improved Warehouse Storage Efficiency
Our push back pallet racking for sale significantly enhances warehouse efficiency by enabling pallets to be loaded and unloaded from the same side, allowing for quicker and more direct forklift access to pallets.
Risk of Product Damage Reduced
Since forklifts do not have to enter racking lanes, there is significantly less chance of collisions damaging the racks or stored goods. This aspect is crucial for warehouses storing fragile or high-value items. The pallets are also less likely to shift or fall, as they are securely nested on carts or rails.
Cost-Effective Warehouse Storage Alternative
Due to their high-density design, push back racking systems are a highly cost-effective storage solution as they allow storage of pallets up to several deep, maximising the use of warehouse space. Quicker loading and unloading, combined with decreased forklift travel, contribute to overall operational cost savings and the durability reduces long-term maintenance and replacement expenses.
Quick and Easy Access
Each lane in push back pallet racking systems can be accessed independently, allowing warehouse staff to retrieve specific pallets without rearranging or moving others. This feature is particularly beneficial in scenarios where quick access to various SKUs is essential. This enhanced accessibility reduces picking errors and improves inventory management.
Effective for Bulk and Cold Storage
Our push back pallet racking for sale are ideal for storing large quantities of similar products with the same storage needs. In cold storage facilities, where air conditioning and refrigeration costs are high, storing large and dense products together reduces the area to be cooled, saving on energy costs.
Ideal for Stock with Predictable Storage
Push back racking operates on a LIFO inventory system, making it ideal for products with longer shelf lives or predictable turnover rates. Goods that don’t require immediate dispatch are easily stored and accessed when needed on push back pallet racking, reducing labour costs and minimising time spent on inventory management.
Gallery
See how our push back pallet racking has been used in many settings and different sectors to be inspired in how this quality form of racking can be used in your unique situation.
Our Success Stories
Find below a snapshot of some of the work we have recently undertaken, if you would like to know more about them or perhaps you would like to visit the sites please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Push Back Racking FAQs
How deep can push back racking be stacked?
Push back pallet racking is commonly configured between two and six pallets deep per storage lane, depending on the manufacturer, pallet type and system design.
Push back racking uses nested carts or carriers running on slightly inclined rails.
The first pallet is placed onto a cart and subsequent pallets push the earlier loads deeper into the storage lane.
When the front pallet is removed, gravity allows the remaining pallets to move forward towards the aisle.
The optimum push back racking depth depends on:
- pallets held for each SKU;
- pallet dimensions;
- individual pallet weight;
- stock turnover;
- warehouse depth;
- required storage density;
- product characteristics;
- inventory rotation requirements.
A deeper push back pallet racking system can substantially increase warehouse storage density, but deeper is not automatically better.
Because each lane generally contains a single SKU or product type, a six-deep lane requires sufficient stock to make efficient use of all six pallet positions.
Push back racking normally operates on a LIFO — Last In, First Out — basis, making it ideal for medium- to high-volume stock where strict FIFO rotation is not required.
For warehouses requiring better storage density than conventional adjustable pallet racking but greater accessibility than drive-in racking, push back pallet racking can provide an effective compromise.
Is push back racking compatible with standard forklifts?
In many cases, yes. Push back racking can be operated using conventional warehouse forklifts, provided the selected forklift is suitable for the aisle width, pallet weight and required lift height.
Unlike drive-in pallet racking, the forklift does not normally travel deep inside the storage structure.
Loading and unloading take place from the aisle at the front of each push back lane.
This can provide several operational benefits:
- conventional pallet handling equipment can often be used;
- forklift travel distances can be reduced;
- operators do not drive inside deep pallet lanes;
- pallet loading can be fast;
- pallet retrieval can be efficient;
- there is less opportunity for forklifts to strike internal racking components.
Forklift compatibility should nevertheless always be checked as part of the warehouse racking design.
Important considerations include:
- forklift rated capacity;
- required lift height;
- load centre;
- aisle width;
- mast dimensions;
- pallet dimensions;
- pallet weight;
- available turning space.
Push back pallet racking is particularly attractive where a business wants high-density pallet storage without requiring specialist VNA warehouse equipment.
Don’t Just Take Our Word for It
Vadmin Anhimov
3 weeks ago
Quickline Ltd have delivered exceptional service in supplying and installing storage racking. From the initial contact, their team has been professional and…
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Mark Dunne
3 weeks ago
We have worked with Quickline for over 10 years, they are excellent at what they do. The price is competitive and they deliver what they promise.
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David Gutfreund
3 weeks ago
We’ve used Adam and his team on several projects. Most recently installing a 25,000 high bay racking system. Can’t fault them. Competitively priced and delivered on time.
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Ben Rawson
3 weeks ago
Adam and his team of experts have assisted in design and build for 3 of our Distribution Warehouses now. Each time providing an expert service in…
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