Outdoor Tire Racks in Ohio That Last | A Columbus Shop Example
Back in the early 2000s, we sold new outdoor tire racks to a growing tire shop near downtown Columbus, Ohio. As part of our broader lineup of industrial storage rack systems, the shop needed a reliable way to store and display tires, something strong enough to handle daily use and durable enough to sit outside year round.
We supplied them with new steel tire racks, powder coated and sized specifically for car, light truck and SUV, and heavy semi truck tire storage. These were not used or repurposed pallet racks or retrofitted shelving. They were purpose built for tires with a special depth to handle everything from compact car to light truck tire inventory. We also sell truck tire racks, which are simply deeper.
Durability-Ohio Weather Tested
Fast forward more than two decades and those racks are still standing. They’ve endured harsh Ohio weather, snow, ice, freezing rain, and long stretches of damp spring thaw. The powder coating shows its age, and there’s some surface rust, but structurally they remain sound.
The shop fenced in the area and organized the rows of tires which became advertising, proving that smart equipment choices can pay off in more ways than one.
If you’re searching for outdoor tire racks, auto shop storage solutions, or durable tire shelving, this story proves that quality matters. These racks weren’t just built, they were built to last, even against Ohio’s toughest seasons.
Lessons for Today’s Tire Rack Buyers
Buy for the long haul: New racks may cost more upfront, but they work better and pay off in longevity.
Outdoor use? Ask about coatings: Powder-coated steel and galvanized options resist snow, salt and rain.
Visibility sells: A well-organized tire display can double as advertising.
Final Thoughts…
We don’t always get to see where our racks end up. But when we do, and they’re still standing tall after years of Ohio winters, it’s a reminder that quality matters! Whether you’re outfitting a tire bay in Columbus or a service lot anywhere in Ohio, we’ve got racks that are ready for the long run.
How Craft Breweries Use Pallet Racking for Efficient Keg Storage
Craft breweries across the Midwest continue to grow, from small taprooms to regional production facilities. As output increases, so does the need for organized, dependable storage. For many breweries, pallet rack systems provide a practical solution for managing kegs, ingredients, and packaging materials efficiently.
Storage Challenges Inside a Brewery
Unlike traditional warehouses, breweries operate in environments that combine production, storage, and distribution within the same footprint. That creates unique demands, including:
Keg storage that supports significant weight safely
Organized access to malt, hops, and brewing supplies
Space for cans, bottles, and packaging materials
Racking that performs well in cold rooms or humid conditions
Because kegs are dense and heavy, storage systems must be structurally sound and properly configured. Pallet rack offers the strength and adjustability needed to support stacked kegs while maintaining safe access.
Why Pallet Racking Works for Keg Storage
Pallet racking systems are designed for load bearing performance in industrial settings. That same strength translates well to brewery operations.
Adjustable beam levels allow breweries to configure storage around different keg sizes. Wire decking or reinforced supports can improve stability. Modular layouts make it possible to adapt as production volume changes.
For growing breweries, flexibility matters. Storage layouts often evolve as distribution expands or seasonal production shifts.
Planning a Brewery Storage Layout
When implementing pallet rack for keg storage, several factors should be considered:
Available floor space and ceiling height
Forklift or pallet jack access
Load capacity requirements
Moisture or temperature exposure
Proper planning ensures both safety and efficiency. Many breweries choose layouts that separate finished goods from raw materials while keeping staging areas accessible for shipping and receiving.
Supporting Brewery Growth Across Ohio
Breweries throughout Ohio and the surrounding region continue to expand distribution and production capacity. Organized keg storage plays a significant role in maintaining workflow efficiency and protecting valuable inventory.
Well designed storage rack systemshelp breweries scale operations without sacrificing safety or organization.
We have supplied storage solutions to breweries of various sizes, from independent taprooms to larger regional producers. Projects have included facilities such as… Brew Dog Brewery (Canal Winchester), Great Lakes Brewing (Cleveland), Jackie O’s (Athens), Rhinegeist Brewery (Cincinnati), Mad Tree Brewery (Cincinnati), Columbus Brewing Company (Columbus), Land Grant Brewing (Columbus) and Seventh Sun Brewery (Columbus), just to name a few!
When expanding warehouse storage, one of the most common questions is whether to purchase new or used pallet rack. At first glance, used equipment may seem like the obvious way to reduce costs. In reality, the decision involves more than just price.
Safety, documentation, long term flexibility, and overall system reliability all play an important role. Understanding the practical differences between new and used pallet rack helps you make a smarter, more confident investment.
Why Buyers Look at Used Pallet Rack
Price is usually the primary motivator. Used pallet rack typically carries a lower upfront cost than new systems, which can appeal to growing operations or facilities managing tighter budgets. Availability can also influence the decision. In some situations, used components are already dismantled and ready to ship, potentially shortening lead times.
However, those advantages do not always translate into significant long term savings.
We also sell used pallet racking and warehouse equipment, but we focus on quality inventory rather than simply moving damaged or heavily worn components. Used equipment is carefully inspected for excessive damage, structural concerns, and overall condition before it is offered for resale. We do not perform structural “repairs” on damaged uprights or compromised rack components in order to make equipment saleable again.
While cosmetic wear is common with previously used material handling equipment, structural integrity and safe usability remain the priority. This allows customers to lower project costs while still investing in dependable warehouse storage systems.
The Reality Behind the Price Difference
Many buyers expect used pallet rack to cost dramatically less than new equipment. While savings are possible, the gap is often smaller than anticipated.
Several factors affect total cost:
• Professional dismantling and handling • Freight and transportation logistics • Sorting and inspection • Cosmetic wear or light oxidation
By the time equipment is removed, shipped, inspected, and prepared for installation, the difference between new and used pricing may narrow considerably. In many cases, the savings compared to new pallet rack systems fall in the range of 15 to 20 percent rather than the deep discounts some buyers expect.
Warranty and Load Capacity Considerations
One of the most important distinctions between new and used pallet rack involves documentation and manufacturer support.
New systems include published load ratings and manufacturer specifications. When purchased through authorized channels, those load capacities are documented and supported by the manufacturer.
Used pallet rack does not come with manufacturer warranties, and original load capacity ratings typically cannot be re-certified or guaranteed once equipment has been previously installed and used. For that reason, careful inspection and engineering review are essential before installation.
Uprights and Structural Integrity
Uprights are the structural backbone of any pallet rack system. Damage near the base, often caused by forklift contact, can reduce load capacity.
Even minor dents may compromise performance. Inspecting upright condition carefully is critical when evaluating used equipment.
In some cases, facilities combine new uprights with used beams or decking to balance safety with budget considerations.
When Used Pallet Rack Makes Sense
Used pallet rack may be appropriate when:
• The installation is temporary • Budget constraints are significant • Matching existing components is necessary • Expansion plans are limited
When New Pallet Rack Is the Better Choice
New systems may be the smarter option when:
• Engineering documentation is required • Long term growth is planned • Warranty protection is important • A consistent and expandable layout is desired
Making the Right Decision
There is no universal answer when comparing new and used pallet rack. The right choice depends on your operational goals, safety requirements, and future plans.
Evaluating these trade-offs carefully allows you to choose a solution that supports both immediate needs and long term growth.
For a broader overview of pallet rack systems and available configurations, review our pallet rack systems page to better understand your options.
Maximize access. Optimize space. Retrofit with ease.
Heavy or awkward inventory can quickly become difficult to manage when materials are stacked deep on static shelving. Employees often waste time reaching, lifting, or shifting product just to access stored items in the back of a rack bay. Roll-out rack systems help solve that problem by bringing stored materials out to the operator instead of forcing the operator into the rack.
Midwest Material Handling, LLC supplies versatile roll-out rack systems designed to retrofit into existing pallet racking with minimal disruption. These systems are commonly used in automotive, HVAC, manufacturing, maintenance, electrical, and industrial storage environments where quick access to parts and materials is important.
Designed to work with many styles of pallet racking, these modular shelves can typically be installed into both roll formed and structural rack systems already in use throughout a facility. This allows companies to improve storage access without completely replacing their current rack layout.
For companies improving overall warehouse organization, these systems can also complement existing internal storage solutions such as selective pallet rack.
Improve Access to Heavy or Hard-to-Reach Inventory
Traditional shelving can make it difficult to safely access parts stored toward the back of a shelf. Roll-out shelves slide outward, providing full-depth access to stored materials while helping reduce excessive reaching and awkward lifting.
These systems are especially useful for storing:
Automotive components
HVAC parts and supplies
Electrical components
Dies, molds, and tooling
Maintenance inventory
Heavy boxed products
Industrial parts and equipment
By improving accessibility, companies can often reduce picking time while improving organization and workplace safety.
Rack Mounted & Floor Mounted Roll-Out Shelves
There are two primary roll-out rack configurations commonly used depending on application requirements.
Rack Mounted Roll-Out Shelves
Rack mounted units install directly into pallet rack beam levels above the floor and are ideal for smaller parts or medium-capacity storage applications.
Key features include:
Capacity up to 1,000 lbs.
Modular design with multiple size options
Smooth enclosed bearing operation
Lightweight construction to reduce rack impact
Adjustable brackets for easier installation
Interchangeable top plate options
Optional lock-out safety feature
Floor Mounted Roll-Out Shelves
Floor mounted systems install directly on the warehouse floor and are designed for heavier capacity applications.
Key features include:
Capacity up to 3,000 lbs.
Excellent for tooling, dies, and dense inventory
Full-extension access to heavy materials
Durable industrial construction
Modular sizing and surface configurations available
Retrofit Existing Pallet Rack Systems
One of the major advantages of roll-out rack systems is the ability to retrofit existing warehouse storage racking layouts. Many facilities already have usable pallet rack structures in place but struggle with inefficient storage access.
Adding roll-out shelving can help modernize storage areas while maximizing existing vertical cube space. In many cases, companies can improve accessibility and workflow without the expense of replacing complete rack systems.
For facilities currently evaluating upgrades to their selective pallet rack layout, roll-out shelves can also serve as a valuable specialty storage addition for unique inventory types.
A Flexible Storage Solution for Industrial Facilities
Roll-out rack systems are designed for flexibility, efficiency, and long-term durability. Their modular construction allows businesses to adapt storage areas as inventory needs change over time.
Whether you are upgrading an existing warehouse or planning a new storage layout, Midwest Material Handling can help you identify the right solution for your operation.
If your facility needs improved access to heavy or difficult-to-store materials, our team can help you explore roll-out rack options along with other industrial storage and pallet rack accessory solutions designed to improve workflow and maximize warehouse space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roll-Out Rack Systems
What are roll-out rack systems used for?
Roll-out rack systems are commonly used to improve access to heavy, bulky, or hard-to-reach inventory stored inside pallet racking. They are popular in automotive, manufacturing, HVAC, maintenance, and industrial storage applications where employees need safer and faster access to parts or materials.
Can roll-out shelves be added to existing pallet rack systems?
Yes. Many roll-out shelf systems are designed to retrofit into existing pallet racking without requiring a complete rack replacement. They are compatible with many roll formed and structural pallet rack styles commonly used throughout North America.
How much weight can roll-out shelves hold?
Capacity depends on the style and configuration. Rack mounted systems commonly support up to 1,000 lbs., while floor mounted systems can handle loads up to 3,000 lbs. for heavier industrial storage applications.
What industries commonly use roll-out rack systems?
These systems are commonly used in automotive facilities, machine shops, maintenance departments, electrical supply storage, HVAC operations, industrial manufacturing, and warehouses storing tooling or heavy components.
Are roll-out shelves available in different sizes?
Yes. Most systems are modular and available in multiple widths, depths, and surface configurations to fit different storage requirements and pallet rack layouts.
Improve Access & Organization with Roll-Out Rack Systems
If your warehouse or facility struggles with hard-to-access inventory, roll-out rack systems can help improve organization, safety, and efficiency while maximizing existing storage space.
Midwest Material Handling, LLC can help you select the right roll-out shelving solution for your application, whether you are retrofitting existing pallet racking or planning a new storage layout.
Contact our team today to discuss your project and explore industrial storage solutions designed to improve workflow and optimize warehouse operations.
When disaster strikes, logistics become a lifeline. After a historic flood swept through parts of the Midwest, a national nonprofit mobilized a rapid response distribution hub inside a decommissioned airplane hangar in Dayton, Ohio. Trucks began arriving around the clock, but without a traditional loading dock, volunteers needed a temporary loading dock solution that could be deployed immediately and operate safely.
The challenge? Trucks carrying emergency supplies including water, food and medical kits arrived around the clock, but the hangar’s concrete floor sat several inches below the truck beds. Volunteers needed a safe, efficient way to transfer goods using electric pallet jacks and hand trucks. Time was critical, so was safety.
We got the call on a Thursday afternoon and by Saturday morning, four NEW heavy-duty (HD) Bluff Steel Dock Plates arrived via expedited delivery… 48″W x 60″L, 10,000 lbs. capacity with beveled edges, steel side curbs and diamond tread surfaces. These plates became the unsung heroes of the operation. Volunteers, many with no warehouse experience, could roll supplies directly from truck to hangar floor without delay or risk.
Over five days, more than 300 tons of supplies were unloaded and distributed to affected communities. The dock plates were repositioned as needed, cleaned off between shifts, and stored for future use once the mission was completed.
We take pride in our customer service. Allow the team at Midwest Material Handling, LLC to provide our experience and 30+ years in business to assist in any Material Handling or Storage equipment application!
Every so often we run into a job that is significantly more complicated than it might seem!
Dismantling, removing and disassembling cantilever racks can be a fairly routine part of warehouse upgrades or relocation. But if those racks have been outside for years and are welded to the ground? That’s a whole different story. These particular cantilever racks had been installed in an outdoor lumber storage yard decades ago, all exposed to rain, snow, salt, and Ohio’s seasonal extremes. Not only were the bases welded directly to embedded steel plates in the concrete slab, but over time, corrosion had sealed those welds tighter than any bolt ever could.
TOOLS REQUIRED…
Removing these wasn’t just about grabbing a wrench… Here’s what we turned to:
Angle grinders and oxy-fuel cutting torches: to slice through thick, rusted welds
Core drills: for busting through anchor points embedded in the concrete
Forklifts and chain hoists: just to pry sections loose without damaging them
Protective gear and fire safety prep: because sparks flew… literally
And yes, a bunch of patience. This wasn’t a quick dismantling. A job that might’ve taken a day for bolted racks stretched across several days. Hidden rust had fused vertical columns to horizontal arms, and some base plates were sunk deeper into concrete than expected. A few bolts sheared off entirely. One rack even required partial slab demolition.
Even in heavy-duty environments, salvaging usable rack components is possible — but only with care. Improper techniques can warp steel arms or compromise load ratings. For resale, reuse, or recycling, careful handling is non-negotiable. Outdoor cantilever racking might seem like it’s built to last, and it is, but that same durability makes removal a serious challenge!
TRUST A LOCAL EXPERT!
For projects in Central Ohio or beyond, having a trusted removal partner makes all the difference. Midwest Material Handling, LLC brings decades of experience and gear to handle complex rack dismantling safely and efficiently.
Warehouse shelving is designed to support significant weight, but every storage system has limits. When shelving is overloaded or when the wrong type of shelving is used for a particular product, the results can be costly and potentially dangerous.
We recently received a call from a customer in the Cincinnati area after a shelving collapse occurred in their facility. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the aftermath was significant. Broken tile samples covered the floor, damaged inventory had to be discarded, and cleanup took hours. What started as a storage issue quickly became an operational disruption.
Situations like this are not common, but they are entirely preventable when storage systems are selected and used correctly.
What Caused the Shelving Collapse?
In this case, the shelving system being used was retail style shelving that was never designed to support the weight of the stored materials. The customer was storing dense floor tile products that created concentrated loads far beyond what the shelving was rated to handle.
Retail shelving systems are typically designed for lighter products such as packaged goods or small items. Dense materials like ceramic tile, paper products, metal components, or hardware require shelving designed specifically for higher load capacities.
As the weight increased over time, the shelves began to deform. Eventually the structural limits of the system were exceeded and the shelving section collapsed under the load.
Why Overloaded Shelving Creates Serious Risks
Overloading shelving can create several problems inside a warehouse or storage area. Excess weight places continuous stress on steel components, which can cause shelves to bend, connections to loosen, and posts to buckle.
Beyond equipment damage, shelving failures can lead to several costly consequences:
• damaged or destroyed inventory • operational downtime and cleanup costs • potential worker injuries • disruption to warehouse workflow
In severe situations, a single shelving failure can trigger a chain reaction where adjacent shelving sections collapse as well.
Choosing the Right Shelving System
Every storage application is different. The type of shelving used should be based on several important factors:
• product weight • product size and shape • how frequently materials are accessed • overall warehouse layout and workflow
Lighter items may be stored on standard shelving systems, while heavier or dense products require higher capacity storage systems.
Facilities storing heavy materials should consider properly rated steel shelving systems designed for industrial applications. These systems are engineered to support greater loads and provide the durability required for demanding warehouse environments.
In some situations where palletized materials must be stored or forklift access is required, warehouse racking systems may be the more appropriate solution.
Selecting the right storage system from the beginning helps prevent structural failures and keeps operations running smoothly.
Evaluating Used Shelving Before Installation
Used shelving can be an excellent way to expand storage capacity while controlling costs, but it must be evaluated carefully before installation.
Businesses sometimes purchase used shelving without knowing how it was previously used or whether it has been subjected to excessive loads.
Before installing used shelving, it is important to inspect several components:
• upright posts for bending or distortion • shelf connections and clips • load capacity ratings • overall structural alignment
Proper evaluation ensures the shelving will perform safely in its new environment.
Preventing Shelving Failures
A few simple steps can dramatically reduce the risk of shelving collapse:
• select shelving designed for the weight of stored materials • follow manufacturer load capacity guidelines • distribute weight evenly across shelves • store heavier items on lower shelves • inspect shelving regularly for damage or bending
These practices help maintain the structural integrity of the shelving system and extend its usable life.
Work With an Experienced Storage System Provider
Storage systems are one of the most important parts of warehouse infrastructure. Choosing the right shelving or racking system requires understanding product weight, handling methods, and long term operational needs.
Midwest Material Handling has more than three decades of experience helping businesses design practical warehouse storage systems that improve efficiency and safety.
If you are unsure whether your current shelving system is properly rated for your inventory, our team can help evaluate your facility and recommend the right storage solution.
Contact Midwest Material Handling to discuss your shelving or warehouse storage project.
We still receive many requests for a quick-reference chart covering pallet rack beam and upright capacities. This page is intended to serve that purpose. It provides a fast overview and general estimating resource for common pallet rack applications.
For new pallet rack systems, exact load ratings should always come from the manufacturer’s published load tables for the specific beam, upright, and layout being used. Those ratings are based on tested components and approved configurations.
For existing or used pallet racking, exact capacities are often unknown. In those situations, reference charts can be helpful for planning, budgeting, and general comparisons, but they should not be treated as certified engineering data.
How to Use These Charts
Use the charts on this page as a general guide when reviewing common beam lengths, beam heights, upright sizes, and approximate capacities. They are most useful when you need a starting point for warehouse planning or want to compare one configuration to another.
Keep in mind that actual capacities can change based on several factors, including:
Beam length
Beam height
Upright design
Beam spacing
Steel gauge
Manufacturer testing standards
Overall rack configuration
Because of those variables, two rack systems that appear similar may carry different published ratings.
Important Note for Existing Rack
Used pallet rack with unknown origin cannot be truly certified for exact load ratings after the fact. If the original manufacturer and model information are missing, any number provided is only an estimate.
That is why many safety managers and facility operators choose to replace critical areas with new rack that includes documented capacities and current load labels.
Need Help Identifying Your Rack?
If you are trying to determine what your existing pallet rack may be, compare beam sizes, review upright styles, or plan a safer replacement layout, Midwest Material Handling can help.
We regularly assist customers with new and used pallet rack systems, replacement components, and practical guidance based on real warehouse applications. Check out our Pallet Rack Identification Guide to assist in the proper identification of your Pallet Racking.
Questions About Your Application?
If you need help selecting beams, uprights, wire decking, or a complete pallet rack system, contact Midwest Material Handling for experienced assistance.
Ever wonder how large industrial suppliers like ULINE, Grainger and Global Equipment can list their products so cheaply online? It all comes down to a clever marketing tactic—freight charges.
Here’s the catch: when you buy from these retailers, you’re not allowed to arrange your own shipping. You’re required to use their freight service, often at significantly inflated rates. This is where they make their real profit—not on the product itself, but on the back-end shipping costs. In many cases, you’ll find the freight costs more than the item you’re purchasing!
While this strategy isn’t necessarily dishonest, we believe it borders on being deceptive—and most customers don’t even realize it’s happening.
We’re completely transparent with our pricing—what you see is what you pay.
Unlike ULINE, Grainger and Global, freight is a non-income-generating component of our business, we encourage you to choose your own shipping method to save money. Or, work with our 3PL’s to ensure the least expensive and shortest transit times available.
We provide full part numbers, model details, and manufacturer names with every quote—information many competitors withhold to keep you in the dark.
With over 30 years of experience, our business is built on honest pricing, transparency, and good old-fashioned customer service.
Ready to work with a team that puts YOUR needs first? Contact the professionals at Midwest Material Handling, LLC today!
Dayton, Ohio- We recently completed a somewhat unique job… Galvanized Structural Pallet Racking. Galvanizing Pallet Rack is not something we do every day. The City of Dayton Ohio requested a storage system to be installed an an area that has high humidity and moisture. The right side of this picture was open to the outside weather. These Racks were to be designed to have a weight capacity of 10,000 lbs. per shelf. As a result of the extreme weight capacity requirements and the 108″L Beam length, Structural Pallet Rack was the best option. This Racking system was custom manufactured by Bulldog Rack in nearby Weirton, WV.
Wire Mesh Deck Panels
As you will note in the photo, we were also asked for a Wire Mesh Deck Panel instead of the the usual bolt-on Steel Cross Bars which are most often used in Structural Pallet Rack. We had the Engineers at ITC Manufacturing design and build a 5-channel “Waterfall” Wire Deck with a 5,500 lbs. capacity per panel (10,000 lbs. total weight capacity) compatible with Structural Pallet Rack. In addition, they galvanized the panels to ensure a totally galvanized end product.
Post Protectors
As you will also note, every Upright column was protected by an 18″H Steel Post Protector. Post Protectors are the most simple and most cost effective protective equipment to protect Pallet Rack Uprights from being damaged by skids or forklift operator error. Incidentally, the lower left part of the photo shows 1 of 20 Pipe Bollards we furnished and installed throughout the facility.
