Push-back pallet racking is a style of high density pallet racking that can store pallets up to six deep. As the name would suggest, push-back pallet racking operates by a forklift pushing pallets towards the back; the racking is on a slight incline so that when a pallet is picked up, pallets behind it roll to the front, ready for picking. Push-back pallet racking can be a good option for higher density pallet storage in warehouse situations where it’s suitable.
Let’s explore where push-back pallet racking works well, in what situations it should be used, and even look at some areas where push-back racking may not be the best choice.
Push-Back Pallet Racking Positives
The main benefit to push-back pallet racking is that it allows for dense storage of pallets. Push-back racking can store pallets up to six deep. This cuts down significantly on lost storage space from aisles between racking; space that can be used for more pallet storage.
Although the pallets are stored very deep, no specialised materials handling equipment is needed to retrieve them. Unlike something like double deep pallet racking, which requires special forklifts, pallets on push-back racking automatically come to the front, allowing them to quickly and easily be picked up by standard forklifts while also have a higher storage density.
Push-back pallet racking also has more selectivity than something like drive-in pallet racking because individual rows of pallets move themselves, and lower rows don’t need to be empty in order to allow access to a forklift.
With all of this in mind, push-back pallet racking also allows for relatively quick pallet retrieval because pallets automatically slide forward.
Push-Back Pallet Racking Negatives
Although push-back pallet racking has a number of good qualities about it, it’s not necessarily a high density pallet storage solution for every situation. That’s OK though, because there are other types of pallet racking that work well in other situations.
Firstly, push-back pallet racking is a first in, last out style of pallet racking. This means that the first pallet that gets put into the racking will be at the very back and won’t come out until other pallets move. This may not be suitable for items that perish quickly or need to be rotated out before other pallets, but for a lot of pallet storage, first in, last out storage is suitable.
Push-back pallet racking also isn’t right for products that may be too fragile or unsuitable for pushing and being pushed. Or for products that may be too fragile for their pallet to slide/roll down a slightly inclined surface. There are not many of these types of products out there, but they do exist.
Another potential concern with push-back pallet racking is the potential for loss of vertical space. Since the racking is on an incline, it may need to sit higher than other types of pallet racking. This may not seem like a large problem in warehouses with higher ceilings, but in small warehouses, that incline could be the difference between whether or not another level of racking can fit in.
Use Situations
Push-back pallet racking is relatively versatile high density pallet racking, and it works best in situations where there are enough pallets of each SKU to warrant the density needed as well as the loss of selectivity. However, it’s also important to note that push-back pallet racking is a first in, last out storage system, so it shouldn’t be used if there’s a risk of products spoiling.
Is Push-Back Pallet Racking Right For You?
With all the different types of pallet racking available, it’s important to make sure that the racking adapts to specific business needs, rather than the racking adapting to the constraints of the pallet racking. As mentioned, push-back is great in situations that require high density storage of multiple pallets of the same SKU. If that’s your business’ situation, maybe push-back pallet racking is right for you. If you’re unsure, get in touch with us, we’re happy to give advice.