What Is Push Back Racking?

Push back racking (sometimes called pushback rack) is a high density pallet storage scheme that allows pallets to be stored from 2 to 6 units deep. Pallets ride on linked carts that are pushed up a gentle gradient as pallets are added, or “pushed back” from the face of the racking system.

When products are eventually removed, the pallet immediately behind the front pallet slides back down the slope to the facing position.

Push Back Rack Advantages And Disadvantages

Push back rack is excellent for certain applications, but isn’t a fit for every warehouse. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to investigate.

Higher Density Storage

Because push back pallet racks can store anywhere from 2-6 pallets in any particular position, they can reclaim somewhere from 1-5 aisles, which represents a sizable chunk of warehouse square footage.

Less Forklift Travel

By eliminating aisles, forklifts don’t have to rack up as many hours, increasing efficiency and reducing wear and tear on equipment. Reduced forklift movement also greatly increases safety within the warehouse. Reduced forklift traffic means a lower number of collisions.

Greater Selectivity

Push back pallet racking gives warehouse managers an excellent mixture of storage density and selectivity. Different from drive-in rack, where full storage bays are usually only one SKU, pushback rack offers instant access to a much greater number of pallet positions from the rack front.

LIFO Configuration

Unlike 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 approach. This means that it’s not generally suitable for items with an expiration date, because products that are added first can sit for quite a long period of time as inventory is added and removed at the front of the lane.

How Does Push Back Racking Work?

A pushback rack system includes a pair of rails pitched toward the rack face and a series of nested shuttles which ride on these rails.

The first pallet is loaded on the top cart by a forklift. When another pallet is loaded, the lift truck operator nudges the original pallet back and sets the second pallet on the second cart. The last pallet loaded in the lane is seated on the rails.

As goods are retrieved, shuttles loaded with pallets slide down the rails. Lift truck drivers pull each pallet in turn until the lane is exhausted, or introduce new pallets, replenishing the lane.

Push Back Pallet Racking For Sale

For more information on push back racking options, call a material handling professional at Raymond West now. Our system design professionals can help you find a system that is perfect for your application.

Raymond West's Oxnard / Ventura service area includes Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Ventura, Santa Paula, Westlake Village, Simi Valley and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Oxnard Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Ventura County, CA
(805) 667-0888