Cantilever Rack-Layout, Design & Installation, New and Used (Ohio)

Cantilever Rack is a more specialized type of storage rack designed for the efficient storage of large, heavy or irregularly shaped items such as lumber, wood bunks, pipe, conduit, steel rod/bar stock and furniture. It is the second most common type of Storage Rack that we sell (behind standard Pallet Rack).

Cantilever Rack Systems are the ideal solution to manage loads of varying or unique lengths and proportions. They can be completely accessible from the front without any of the horizontal restrictions of traditional pallet rack. The entire length of the cantilever rack (and more) may be used for storage. For added flexibility, loads of differing lengths may be stored on the same rack and even at the same level. Furniture or carpet rolls are also efficiently stored and allows them to be removed without damage due to excessive maneuvering around vertical or horizontal obstructions. Cantilever Rack is relatively simple as it consists of three primary components…

UPRIGHTS: Cantilever Rack Uprights consist of a vertical column and a horizontal base which is bolted to the column and come in single-sided or double-sided configurations. They are built in many different heights and capacities. The overall capacity of the Uprights is generally determined by the overall weight capacity of the Arms. Mounting holes for the Arms are on 3″ centers. Upright Columns are pre-punched on both sides for conversion from single-sided to double-sided cantilever layouts. *NOTE: Holes are provided in the base to anchor the upright to the floor. Uprights must never be attached to walls, columns or other structures.

ARMS: Cantilever Rack Arms come either straight, inclined or Axel design and come in a wide range of different capacities. The straight arms have a slight pitch to them of 3/8″ per foot, to accommodate for deflection (arms up to 48″L). The 54″L and 60″L arms have a minimum pitch of 5/8″ per foot. The incline arms have a pitch of 20 degrees or approximately 4.36″ per foot.

• Straight Cantilever Rack Arms: By far, the most common style of Cantilever Rack Arm, Straight Arms are available in a range of capacities and lengths ranging from light-duty to extra-heavy duty… these arms offer exceptional strength and durability. Starting at a minimum length of 3”, Straight Cantilever Arms come in various dimensions to accommodate individual applications. They are perfectly suited for storing flat products such as wood bunks, sheet metal and construction materials, these arms are typically built on a slight incline of 3/8” per foot. * Remember, this slight incline will allow round or cylindrical items to roll to the rear of the rack for storage. They also boast impressive weight capacities ranging from 250 to 5,000 pounds per arm.

• Inclined Cantilever Rack Arms: These arms feature an upward slope of 20 degrees (or 4.36” per foot) which guarantees a secure resting point at the column connection. With the incline preventing inventory from rolling off the end’s, Inclined Arms are an excellent choice for storing cylindrical products such as tubing, PVC/rod/metal pipe, and other round items.

• Axel Cantilever Rack Arms: Axel Arms can be straight or inclined and provide a specialized solution for handling rolled materials. These arms feature end-points that allow for easy connection of rollers which makes them ideal for storing carpeting, fabrics and wrapping materials. With curved ends designed to support rollers, Axel Arms enable effortless and smooth movement of stored items. They are also available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different roller dimensions, ensuring compatibility with your specific storage needs.

*AVAILABLE OPTIONS: There are several options available, most of which are field installable which offers unlimited versatility.

• Pipe Stops: These field installable components install at the ends of the arms which prevents products from falling or rolling off the rack. The installation involves inserting steel rods into tubes securely bolted to the end or side of the cantilever arm. Not only are Pipe Stops simple to install, but they can also be easily repositioned to accommodate inventory changes.

• Lips: These inexpensive, field installable components simply bolt onto the end of the Arm to prevent products from falling or rolling off the Rack. These Lips can be installed after installation and can be easily removed when not needed.

BRACE SETS: The braces are structural channel members that are bolted between a pair of Uprights to provide proper spacing and to provide lateral stability to the racking system. A standard horizontal brace set is used on Uprights 6’H to 14’H. X-bracing is used to increase the lateral stability as well as proper spacing of the taller (15’H to 20’H) uprights. Many times, these taller uprights require two brace sets, one at the top and one towards the bottom. On systems where the brace length exceeds 84″W, a two part wide horizontal brace set is used. Note: Brace sets are measured from the centerline of upright to centerline of the next upright and are sold in sets rather than individual pieces.

Factors to consider when designing a Cantilever Rack System:

• What type of product are you storing?

• What are the dimensions? Length x Width/Depth x Height

• What does each load weigh?

• Is the load stored on a pallet?

• Will the load have any possible deflection between arms?

• What is the number of products being stored?

• How many loads will be stored per level? Will they double stack?

• Do you want single-sided, double-sided or a combination?

• What is the size of the area where the rack will be located (including length and height)?

Though custom built to your specific requirements, shipping lead times are often (2-3) weeks or less!

We represent virtually every major Cantilever Rack Manufacturer in the country including… Modern Equipment Company, Interlake-Mecalux, Ridg-U-Rak, Unarco Material Handling, Bulldog Rack, Lyon, Penco and Steel King.

Contact the professionals at Midwest Material Handling today for expert advice and comprehensive support in designing tailored systems to meet your unique needs. As a full-service new and used material handling equipment service provider, we offer a seamless and tailored experience, handling everything from design/engineering to professional installation solutions that streamline your operations and optimize your storage and fulfillment processes.

All of our Cantilever Rack products and systems are proudly manufactured in the USA!