What Is Push Back Racking?

Push back racking (sometimes referred to pushback rack) is a high density pallet storage system that configures pallet lanes anywhere from 2 to 6 units deep. Pallets sit on nested shuttles that are forced up a gentle slope as units are added, or “pushed back” from the front of the racking system.

When products are subsequently removed, the pallet abutting the foremost pallet glides back down the gradient to the front slot.

Push Back Rack Advantages And Disadvantages

Push back rack is perfect for many applications, but is not suitable for every warehouse. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Higher Density Storage

Because push back pallet racks can hold anywhere from 2-6 pallets in any particular lane, they can reclaim between 1-5 aisles, which represents a significant amount of warehouse space.

Less Forklift Travel

When aisle numbers are reduced, lift trucks don’t have to travel as far, reducing equipment wear and increasing efficiency. Lower lift truck movement also greatly increases safety inside the warehouse. Less travel means a lower number of safety infractions.

Greater Selectivity

Pushback rack gives warehouse managers an excellent combination of selectivity and storage efficiency. In contrast to drive-in rack, where whole storage bays are typically only one SKU, push back provides straightforward access to a larger selection of pallet slots from the face.

LIFO Configuration

In contrast to pallet flow rack, which is a First In First Out (FIFO) variety of system, push back rack is a Last In First Out (LIFO) type of storage. Last In First Out is not a good option for goods that can expire or spoil, because items that are added first will often sit for long stretches of time as goods are added and depleted from the rack face.

How Does Push Back Racking Work?

A pushback rack system includes a pair of rails sloping toward the aisle and a series of interlinked carts which ride on these rails.

The first pallet is loaded on the highest cart by a forklift. When a new pallet is added, the forklift driver nudges the primary pallet back and positions the next pallet on the adjacent cart. The last pallet placed in the lane rests on the rails.

In the unloading process, carts of products glide down the rails. Workers pull each pallet in turn until the lane is exhausted, or supplement additional pallets, refilling the lane.

Push Back Pallet Racking For Sale

For more information on push back racking options, get in touch with a warehouse storage professional at Raymond West now. Our warehouse design experts can help you find a system that is perfect for your operation.

Raymond West's Fremont facility serves all of the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, Fremont, San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Richmond, Vallejo, Concord, Pleasanton, Livermore and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | San Francisco Bay Area Material Handling Equipment Supplier

41400 Boyce Rd
Fremont, CA 94538
(800) 675-2500