Cantilever Racking
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Cantilever Racking Storage system for long or variable length loads

An ideal handling and storage solution for very long products Cantilever racking are specially designed to house long or varied load units, such as metallic profiles, pipes, mouldings, wooden board, metal or plastic sheeting, etc. The system basically consists of vertical profiles (columns) and horizontal profiles, which are placed to provide stability, as well as overhanging arms on which the load is placed. Loads may be handled manually when they are lightweight, or by using forklifts or other appropriate lifting systems when heavy items are involved.

Advantages Maximum versatility to adapt to any warehouse type and unusually sized product Space savings Easily configurable to adjust to different heights and types of goods. Load capacity per arm is up to more than 4,000 kg (depending on the arm model). Easily adjustable elements that facilitate its assembly and adaptation to future needs. Option to install the cantilever rack on mobile bases to compact space without losing direct access to the load. Its basic components are made out of hot-rolled profiles, which render great strength for loads and against deformations due to impacts. It...

Layout of the warehouse and loads Distribution options that ensure the stability and safety of the installation Single or double racking The warehouse is laid out with a combination of single sided cantilever racks, normally placed against walls with access from one side only, and double sided cantilever which can be accessed from both sides.

Racking layout For the distribution and calculation of these racks, the size, weight and rigidity of the goods, the handling equipment used (generally forklifts) and the tolerance – among other factors – must be taken into consideration. Each load must be supported by at least two arms. Products may protrude from the sides of both arms by up to a maximum of 50% of the horizontal distance between adjacent arms. This ensures stable support and uniform load distribution. Examples of the most common distributions (dimensions in mm) The optimal number of columns to guarantee the resistance and...

Components Columns and arms that offer customised support according to the load type The cantilever racking system consists of different hot-rolled metal profiles developed by Mecalux, with thicknesses and sizes that encompass all market requirements: columns and arms for light, medium or heavy loads. In order to choose the most suitable system, in addition to the load weight, the size of the goods and the height of the rack itself must also be considered. Thus, the cantilever system is suitable both for manually handled loads and those that require the aid of mechanical or automatic...

1. Column 2. Base 3. Arm 4. Arm stop 5. Cross bracing 6. Bracing set 7. Shim plate 8. Anchoring 9. Safety pin

Columns They are made of hot-rolled profiles, with thicknesses that vary depending on the load they must support. The columns are usually formed by single profiles. Although if needed, two profiles can be joined to together, considerably increasing their loadbearing capacity. The slots on the columns designed to attach arms using either hooks or bolts, which makes the calibration of its height possible. There are also attachment points for crossbars and braces. The standard height of the columns ranges between 2 and 7.5 m, although it is possible to manufacture other sizes based on the...

Bases They are joined to the columns via a fixing plate that is welded to the end of the base. This allows correct support and easy levelling of the racks. In addition, bases have holes for the placement of floor anchors. The fronts of the bases include protectors and the possibility of adding stops when it is required to facilitate the placement of the load.

Arms These are manufactured from hotrolled profiles whose geometry and dimensions may vary based on the load which they must support. Attaching arms to the column may be done using hooks or by bolting them. This all depends on the characteristics of the installation, the loading and unloading method, or the load required. Calibration bolt Arm with hooks All arms have a guide on the load input end, which helps the operator to place the goods. In addition, they are always placed on a slight incline to avoid the possibility of loads falling. These arms may be equipped with stops as an...

Rigidifying elements In order to rigidify the racks lengthwise, bracing sets with tensors and column cross-braces are used. These join all the columns together, constituting a solid and stable structure.

Accessories Elements that increase installation safety Forklift guides The most ideal forklifts for working with cantilever racking are four-way side-loading types, which can handle load packages up to 12 m long. These forklifts need lateral guides placed in the load aisles in order to safely circulate. The distance between the guides and the loads depends on the forklift model. Open corridor between arms or load Open corridor Detail of the profile used for guides. Guide entrances The guides at the beginning of each aisle have entrances that facilitate the entry of the forklift.

Protective elements When there are no guides, protectors can be placed, saving the racks from possible blows. Shelving If one needs to store small and variable sized packages, the best solution is to install continuous shelving on top of the cantilever arms. This solution takes full advantage of the space and does not to leave empty gaps. Shelves can be made out of wood or metal shelves according to the needs of each warehouse.

Portico crossbars When the racks require it, portico crossbars are installed, joining the racks together from top to bottom, and rendering them very stable. Signalling plates These are signs that list the technical characteristics of the installation. They are placed in visible areas at the far ends of the installation.

Uses From wood planks to the configuration of a building’s structure Mecalux has developed a basic range of three Cantilever raking systems to cover all market needs: Light duty cantilever racking, for the manual storage of loads. Medium duty cantilever racking, for mechanically handled medium weight loads. Heavy duty cantilever racking, for heavy loads manoeuvred by both automatic or mechanical handling systems. These images show the diversity of the load units found in the cantilever system. It is the best handling and storage choice for: plastic tubes, wooden planks or wrapped metal...