What Is Push Back Racking?

Push back racking (also known as pushback rack) is an extremely efficient pallet storage scheme that allows pallets to be stored from 2 to 6 units deep. Pallets rest on linked shuttles that are forced up a modest gradient as units are added, or “pushed back” from the face of the rack.

When goods are later unloaded, the pallet abutting the first position pallet slips back down the slope to the nearest slot.

Push Back Rack Advantages And Disadvantages

Push back rack is perfect for certain applications, but is not a fit for every warehouse. Here are some of the favorable and possibly unfavorable aspects to consider.

Higher Density Storage

Because push back pallet racks can accommodate anywhere from 2-6 pallets in any particular position, they can eliminate somewhere from 1-5 aisles, which represents an enormous amount of warehouse space.

Less Forklift Travel

With a reduction in aisle number, forklifts don’t have to travel as far, saving time and equipment wear. Lower lift truck traffic also improves safety by a significant factor within the warehouse. Fewer trips is an easy way to guarantee a lower number of collisions.

Greater Selectivity

Push back rack offers a nearly perfect mixture of storage density and selectivity. Different from drive-in rack, where whole rack bays are usually a single SKU, push back provides instant access to a much greater number of pallet slots from the rack front.

LIFO Configuration

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

How Does Push Back Racking Work?

A pushback rack system includes a set of tracks sloping in the direction of the aisle and a set of interlinked carts which move on these rails.

An initial pallet is placed on the top cart by a forklift. When a new pallet is loaded, the lift truck operator pushes the primary pallet back and sets the next pallet on the second cart. The final pallet positioned in the lane is seated on the rails.

In the unloading process, carts of unit loads slide down the rails. Lift truck drivers remove each pallet in succession until the lane is clear, or add pallets, refilling the lane.

Push Back Pallet Racking For Sale

For more information on push back racking options, call a racking expert at Raymond West now. Our storage design professionals can help you find a solution that is ideal for your application.

Raymond West's Riverside service area includes Redlands, Colton, Rialto, Bloomington, Moreno Valley, Hemet, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Coachella Valley and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Riverside Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Riverside, CA
(951) 384-2444