If you work with boltless shelving, you may have come across both RiveTier 2 and RiveTier 3. At first glance, the two systems may look very similar. Both use the familiar rivet-style, boltless construction that has made RiveTier shelving a popular choice for warehouses, stockrooms, garages and industrial storage applications.
But there are some important differences between the two systems.
RiveTier 2 is the long-established RiveTier design that has been used for decades. RiveTier 3 represents a newer generation of the system with changes to the beam design, component configuration and compatibility with other boltless shelving.
If you are expanding an existing shelving system, replacing damaged components or trying to determine which RiveTier system you have, understanding the differences can save you time and help you order the right parts.
RiveTier 2: A Proven Boltless Shelving System
RiveTier 2 has been a mainstay of boltless shelving for many years. Like other rivet shelving systems, it is designed to assemble without nuts and bolts. The beams attach to the upright posts using rivet connections, allowing shelves to be installed, assembled and adjusted without specialized tools. RiveTier 2 has been used in a wide range of applications, including warehouse storage, parts storage, inventory rooms, industrial facilities and general-purpose shelving. Boltless shelving is part of our larger family of storage rack systems and products.
One of the defining characteristics of RiveTier 2 is that it was designed as a specific Western Pacific Storage Solutions system. Its components were intended to work together as a complete RiveTier 2 shelving system. That is important when you are dealing with an older installation. If you have RiveTier 2 shelving that has been in your facility for years, you cannot assume that a newer RiveTier 3 component will fit simply because it looks similar.
RiveTier 3: A More Flexible Design
RiveTier 3 maintains the basic concept that made RiveTier shelving popular: strong, adjustable boltless shelving that can be assembled without traditional hardware. But the design was changed in several important ways. One of the biggest changes is the beam design. RiveTier 3 uses mitered beams, which allows the same basic beam design to be used in different positions within the shelving unit. This reduces the number of different beam configurations needed and makes the system more flexible when planning a shelving layout.
RiveTier 3 also offers several beam styles and upright configurations, allowing the system to be configured for different shelf heights, capacities and applications. The result is a boltless shelving system that retains the simplicity of rivet construction while offering a more flexible component design.
The Biggest Difference: Component Compatibility
For someone who already has boltless shelving in their warehouse, this may be the most important difference between RiveTier 2 and RiveTier 3 . RiveTier 2 was more proprietary in its component design. If you had a RiveTier 2 installation, you generally needed RiveTier 2 components when adding shelves or replacing damaged parts. RiveTier 3 was designed with greater compatibility in mind.
Manufacturer information identifies RiveTier 3 components as compatible with certain other boltless shelving systems, including Hallowell, Rapid Rack and Jaken. That can make RiveTier 3 particularly useful when working with an existing shelving installation that contains compatible components from another system. However, there is an important distinction:
RiveTier 3 is not simply interchangeable with RiveTier 2.
The fact that RiveTier 3 can work with certain other boltless shelving systems does not mean that every RiveTier 2 component will fit RiveTier 3 or vice versa. If you are replacing or adding components, it is important to identify the system before ordering.
RiveTier 2 vs. RiveTier 3: Side-by-Side
| Feature | RiveTier 2 | RiveTier 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Boltless rivet shelving | Boltless rivet shelving |
| Design | Established RiveTier system | Newer-generation RiveTier design |
| Shelf adjustment | 1-1/2″ increments | 1-1/2″ increments |
| Beam design | Traditional beam configurations | Mitered beam design |
| Component configuration | More proprietary | Greater flexibility |
| Other-system compatibility | Limited | Compatible with certain boltless systems |
| RiveTier 2 components | RiveTier 2 system | Not interchangeable |
| Applications | Warehouse, industrial and general storage | Warehouse, industrial and general storage |
| Beam options | Multiple configurations | Multiple configurations |
| Assembly | Boltless | Boltless |
The important takeaway is that RiveTier 3 isn’t simply “RiveTier 2 with a different name.” It is a different generation of the system with changes intended to make the shelving more flexible and easier to configure.
What Is a Mitered Beam?
The mitered beam design is one of the more noticeable differences in RiveTier 3. With traditional boltless shelving designs, different beam configurations may be needed depending on whether the beam is being used across the front and back of the shelving or between the sides.
RiveTier 3’s mitered beam design changes the way those components connect at the corners. For the customer, that means a simpler component system and more flexibility when configuring a shelving unit. You don’t necessarily need to understand the engineering behind the mitered connection to appreciate the benefit. The important point is that RiveTier 3 was designed to simplify the way the components work together.
Are RiveTier 2 and RiveTier 3 Parts Interchangeable?
No. RiveTier 2 and RiveTier 3 should be treated as separate shelving systems. Even though both use the familiar RiveTier boltless construction, their components are not simply interchangeable. This is especially important if you are repairing or expanding an older shelving installation.
Before ordering beams, posts, shelf supports or other components, identify whether you have RiveTier 2 or RiveTier 3. If you aren’t sure, don’t guess. A photo of the shelving can often help identify the system and determine what components you need.
Can RiveTier 3 Work With Other Boltless Shelving?
In most applications, yes. One of the advantages of RiveTier 3 is its compatibility with certain other boltless shelving systems. Manufacturer information specifically identifies Hallowell, Rapid Rack and Jaken as compatible systems. That gives RiveTier 3 an advantage when you are working with an existing boltless shelving installation and need to expand or modify it.
But compatibility should always be confirmed before mixing components. Boltless shelving can look remarkably similar from one manufacturer to another, but similar-looking posts and beams do not necessarily mean they are compatible.
Which RiveTier System Do You Have?
If you have shelving that has been in your facility for a long time, there’s a good chance you are dealing with RiveTier 2 or another older boltless shelving configuration. If you’re replacing a damaged beam or upright, adding another shelf level or expanding an existing row, identifying the system is the first step. Look at the posts, beams and connections rather than relying solely on the overall appearance of the shelving.
If you’re still unsure, take a few photos of the shelving, including:
- The upright post
- The connection between the beam and post
- The beam itself
- The overall shelving unit
- Any labels or markings
Those details can make it much easier to determine what you have.
Which System Is Right for Your Application?
Neither RiveTier 2 nor RiveTier 3 should automatically be considered the “better” shelving system. RiveTier 2 has a long track record and remains an important system for facilities that already have RiveTier 2 shelving. RiveTier 3 offers a newer component design and greater flexibility, including compatibility with certain other boltless shelving systems.
The right choice depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you are starting a new shelving project, RiveTier 3 may offer advantages in flexibility and component compatibility. If you are expanding an existing RiveTier 2 installation, staying with the correct RiveTier 2 components may be the better approach. And if you’re replacing parts on an older system, identifying the existing shelving before purchasing components is critical.
Need Help Identifying Your RiveTier Shelving?
Not sure whether you have RiveTier 2, RiveTier 3 or another boltless shelving system? Midwest Material Handling can help.
Send us a few photos of your existing shelving and tell us what you are trying to add or replace. We can help identify the system and determine what components you need. Whether you’re adding a few shelves to an existing installation or planning a complete warehouse storage project, getting the right components the first time can save you both time and money.
Have questions about RiveTier shelving or need help finding the right components? Contact Midwest Material Handling today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is the difference between RiveTier 2 and RiveTier 3?
RiveTier 2 is the established RiveTier boltless shelving system that has been used for decades. RiveTier 3 is a newer generation with changes to the beam design, component configuration and compatibility with certain other boltless shelving systems.
Can I use RiveTier 3 beams with RiveTier 2 uprights?
No. RiveTier 2 and RiveTier 3 are separate systems and their components should not be assumed to be interchangeable.
Is RiveTier 3 compatible with other boltless shelving?
RiveTier 3 was designed for greater compatibility with certain other boltless shelving systems. Manufacturer information specifically identifies Lyon, Hallowell, Rapid Rack and Jaken as compatible systems. Compatibility should always be confirmed before mixing components.
What is different about RiveTier 3 beams?
RiveTier 3 uses a mitered beam design. This changes how the beams connect and reduces the need for separate beam configurations, giving the system greater flexibility.
Is RiveTier 2 still useful?
Absolutely. RiveTier 2 has been used successfully for decades and can be an excellent option when you are expanding or repairing an existing RiveTier 2 installation. The key is using the correct components for the system.
How can I tell if I have RiveTier 2 or RiveTier 3?
The best way is to examine the upright posts, beam connections and other components. If you aren’t sure, take photos of the shelving and have a material handling professional help identify the system before ordering replacement parts.
Can Midwest Material Handling help identify my RiveTier shelving?
Yes. If you’re unsure what system you have, send photos of the shelving and the components you’re trying to replace or add. Midwest Material Handling can help determine what you’re working with and what parts may be appropriate.
