What Is Push Back Racking?

Push back racking (sometimes known as pushback rack) is a high density pallet storage scheme that allows pallets to be stored from 2 to 6 units deep. Pallets rest on nested shuttles that are forced up a modest slope as pallets are loaded, or “pushed back” from the front of the rack.

When goods are later pulled, the pallet adjacent to the first position pallet slips back down the slope to the facing position.

Push Back Rack Advantages And Disadvantages

Pushback rack is perfect for many applications, but isn’t appropriate for all warehouses. There are several advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Higher Density Storage

Given that push back pallet racks can store between 2-6 pallets in any given position, they can eliminate somewhere from 1-5 aisles, which can be 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. Diminished forklift movement also greatly increases safety inside the warehouse. Fewer trips means fewer safety infractions.

Greater Selectivity

Pushback rack gives warehouse managers an excellent blend of storage density and selectivity. In contrast to drive-in rack, where whole bays are usually one SKU, pushback rack features direct access to a much greater number of pallet slots from the face.

LIFO Configuration

Dissimilar 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) style of approach. Last In First Out is not a good option for items that are perishable, because goods that are loaded first will often sit for quite a long period of time as products are added and removed from the rack face.

How Does Push Back Racking Work?

A pushback rack system includes a set of rails sloping toward the rack face and a set of interlinked carts which ride on these tracks.

An initial pallet is placed on the top cart by a lift truck. When a new pallet is loaded, the lift truck driver forces the primary pallet back and places the next pallet on the second cart. The last pallet placed in the lane is seated on the tracks.

In the unloading process, shuttles loaded with pallets glide down the rails. Workers remove each pallet in turn until the lane is clear, or add pallets, replenishing the lane.

Push Back Pallet Racking For Sale

For more information on push back racking options, get in touch with a racking professional at Raymond West today. Raymond’s system design engineers can help you find a solution that is perfect for your operation.

Raymond's Portland service operation includes all of Western Oregon and Southwest Washington, including Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Oregon City, Gladstone, Clackamas, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Gresham, Troutdale, Woodburn, Salem, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Longview, Kelso and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Portland Material Handling Equipment Supplier

3148 NE 181st Ave
Portland, OR 97230
(800) 675-2500