Push-back racking is a specially designed pallet racking system with sliding carts stacked on top of each other on slightly inclined rails (usually 3-5 degrees) from front to back. Let's explore this groundbreaking industrial racking solution in detail in the article below.
1. What is a push-back rack? Detailed explanation.
Push-back racking is a high-density storage racking system where pallets are stored vertically on an inclined rail system with sliding carts. Each time a new pallet is loaded onto the front, its thrust automatically pushes the older pallets backward along the slope of the rail – hence the name "push-back".
Basic technical specifications of Push Back shelving
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Storage depth |
From 2 to 6 pallets per lane (most common is 3-4 pallets) |
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Import and export principles |
LIFO – Last In, First Out |
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Number of shelves |
Typically 2 to 5 stories, depending on the height of the warehouse. |
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Load capacity per pallet |
From 500kg to 1,500kg/pallet (depending on design) |
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Rail inclination angle |
From 2° to 5° – enough for the sled to slide on its own due to gravity. |
2. Main structure of the push-back racking system
A complete Push Back racking system includes the following components:
- Main rack frame: Constructed from uprights and beams similar to conventional Selective racking, but more robustly reinforced to withstand dynamic loads when the trolley moves.
- Sliding rail system: Installed with a slope from front to back, creating a standard incline so that the sled can move automatically using gravity.
- Sleds: A characteristic of the Push Back system. Each lane has 2-6 sleds stacked on top of each other. The sleds are designed with wheels and a safety locking mechanism, ensuring that only one sled can move at a time.
- Braking and safety system: Ensures the scooter moves smoothly, avoids strong impacts, and stops precisely when needed.
- Guide rails: Help forklifts place pallets in the correct position, preventing misalignment that could cause jamming and sliding.
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Push Back Shelving
Advantage
Optimize storage space: Increase storage density by 2-3 times compared to conventional Selective racking, by utilizing depth without requiring wide aisles.
Saves time and operating costs: Forklifts only need to access the front of the shelving unit, reducing travel time and the number of forklifts required.
Diverse SKUs: Each shelf lane can hold a separate product type, supporting diverse product management while maintaining high density.
High safety: Minimizes collisions between forklifts and racking systems, while the automatic braking system prevents pallet falls.
Disadvantages
Depth limit: Typically only 2-6 pallets per compartment can be held.
LIFO principle: Not suitable for goods with a short shelf life (fresh food).
Investment cost: Higher than Selective and Drive-in racking systems due to the complex sliding trolley system.
4. Which businesses should use Push Back shelving?
Push-back racking is particularly suitable for businesses facing challenges related to space and logistics efficiency. Specifically:
- The warehouse has limited space but a large volume of goods, so every square meter needs to be optimized to reduce rental costs.
- Goods with a moderate number of SKUs (not too diverse) but each SKU has a large volume, such as industrial products, household goods, or fast-moving consumer goods.
- Cold storage or freezer warehouses, where operating costs for space are very high, can benefit from Push Back racking , which helps reduce the floor area that needs to be refrigerated.
- Businesses that want to increase the speed of goods circulation without investing in more forklifts or personnel, such as distribution companies or mass production companies.
If your business falls into any of the above categories, Push Back racking can significantly improve warehouse productivity, reduce wait times, and boost profitability.
5. Reputable supplier of Push Back shelving, offering a complete A-Z solution.
To own a high-quality, safe, and efficiently operating Push Back racking system, choosing a reputable supplier is extremely important.
One Tech shelving is proud to be a leading company in Vietnam in the field of manufacturing and installing industrial shelving, with over 10 years of experience partnering with thousands of businesses of all sizes. We are committed to providing a complete A-Z Push Back shelving solution:
- FREE in-depth survey and consultation: Our team of experienced engineers will visit your warehouse directly, take measurements, calculate load capacity, and analyze the flow of goods to provide the most optimal Push Back design for each specific SKU.
- Manufactured to international standards: The rail and cart systems are imported or manufactured using advanced technology, ensuring high precision, smooth and quiet operation.
- Premium materials: High-quality hot-rolled galvanized or powder-coated steel is used, with the correct thickness as designed, providing excellent load-bearing capacity in cold storage or regular warehouse environments.
- Professional installation: Our well-trained installation team ensures accurate rail slope and safe operation of the sliding system right from the first try.
- Long-term warranty and regular maintenance: We are committed to supporting our customers throughout the entire product lifespan.
Push-back racking is a smart storage solution that perfectly combines high storage density with superior operational efficiency. With its unique "push-back" principle, this system helps businesses optimize warehouse space, save time in receiving and dispatching goods, and improve SKU management efficiency.
