Configuring Cantilever Racks
Given some basic facts about your loads and the forklift or other equipment you will use to handle them, we can configure a cantilever rack system to provide optimum use of storage space and ease of handling long loads.
Browse the following information to gain a basic understanding of the factors you must take into consideration in configuring a cantilever rack application.
Call John Jordan at 216-587-0400 or e-mail to johnj@neonmaterialhandling.com for assistance with design, pricing, and installation.
Our supplier provides engineering assistance to us to assure a serviceable and safe cantilever rack installation.
Note: You must use extreme caution when purchasing used cantilever rack materials and assure that the components are matched by manufacturer and model and that capacities are known and verifiable.
Installation must also be done according to the manufacturer's instructions for bracing and anchoring to the floor.
Determine the physical dimensions and weight of the loads to be stored on the racks and
The total length, depth, height, and weight of the loads that will be stored on each arm level.
Example:
Wooden cases banded together in stacks of 3 cases.
Each case weighs 1,000 lbs.
Each stack of 3 cases weighs 3,000 lbs.
Each case is 12" Deep x 8" High
Each stack of 3 cases is 12" Deep x 24" High
Storing two stacks of cases on each arm level:
Total load weight per arm level = 6,000 lbs.
Total load size = 24" Deep x 24" High
Determine the length of the load and
Determine how many supports are required to prevent load deflection - either sagging between arm supports or sagging at the ends.
Load deflection causes several undesireable and dangerous conditions including:
* Side thrust loading on load arms which can result in arm failure and collapse of racks,
* Damage to the load,
* Difficulty in placing loads onto the racks or retrieving loads from the racks which may create a dangerous load handling situation and/or damage to the racks.
You can experiment by placing your load on wooden blocks to simulate the support arms and determine how many support arms are required for supporting the load without deflection.
Contact us for assistance for correct upright and arm spacing.
Determine the length of the arms required for your loads.
Figure B1 is the correct configuration of arm length in relation to load depth.
Arm capacities are based on uniform weight distribution from rear of arm to tip.
The depth of the load should never exceed the length of the arm.
The length of the arm should be the same as the depth of the load in order to prevent overloading of arms.
Determine the height required for your uprights.
Take into consideration the following factors:
* What is the maximum fork height of your forklift truck? Top arm level height should be 8 to 12 inches less than the maximum fork height of your forklift truck, and may need to be even lower if the ends of the load will sag when the load is lifted and carried on the forks of your lift truck.
* What is the capacity rating of your forklift truck at the lifting height required for placing and picking loads from the top arm level? Is the capacity rating sufficient for safely handling the loads at that height?
* The "Top of Load to Arm Clearance" dimension will be dependent upon how much deflection or sag there may be when the load is lifted off the support arms and is resting on the forks of your lift truck. You may need to experiment by picking the load up with your forklift truck and measuring the deflection or sag, especially at the ends of the load.
* Determine the number of arm levels and add up the dimensions for all of the factors shown. You will need to contact us for rack component dimensions, arm spacing increments, and other specifications in order to complete this step.
Determine the capacity required for the individual load arms.
Determine the capacity required for the uprights.
You will NOT need to include the weights of loads placed on the top of the bases in your calculations for upright capacities.