FAQ Part 1 – How High Can I Build My Pallet Flow Rack?

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Mallard Gravity Flow Experts Answer Your Pallet Flow Rack Design Questions

Multi-Level Pallet Flow Rack
There are a few questions that most customers ask us at least once, like… ”How high can I build my pallet flow system and “How deep can I design my pallet flow rack?”

So we thought we’d take the opportunity to offer our advice on these topics in a two-part FAQ Series. They are seemingly simple questions, which is probably why everyone asks them, but the real answers are usually a little more complicated.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer for how high the pallet flow rack can go, let’s look at the major variables we consider when designing a racking system for pallet flow.

Major Variables in Determining Pallet Flow Rack Height

  • Building Parameters
  • Load & System Variables
  • Pallet Load Weight
Building Parameters

To determine the optimal height and levels of the system, we start with the building itself. The ceiling height, building specs, including obstructions (light fixtures, sprinkler system, ventilation), and fire code regulations are all considered in the design engineering.

Load & System Variables

The next step is to look at the load and system variables. Using your largest load, identify the depth, width, and height. To further define the height, now add 6” to include your pallet and another 6” for “lift-off” (the amount of space needed for the forklift forks to insert and extract the pallet). This will give you the level height.

beam height + 6” (pallet) + load height + 6” (lift-off) = height per level

Now comes the challenge that makes pallet flow more unique vs. standard pallet rack – we still have to determine the pitch. The pitch will define the rear beam elevation. There’s no rule of thumb regarding pitch, as many variables come together to define Mallard’s recommendation.

Load Weight

There’s one more critical variable that has an impact on pallet flow rack system specs, and that’s pallet load weight. It directly affects track selection, pitch, controllers, and overall system capacity. The typical beam can hold about 3000 lbs. per pallet, and most often, beams are two pallets wide, allowing for about 6000 lbs. per level. It may seem counterintuitive, but because the beams act as upright supports, the tighter the beam spacing, the denser the design, and the stronger the rack bay. Therefore, a 6-level high rack structure with 5 beams will be stronger though it is supporting more overall weight, than a 5-level tall rack with 4 beams, even if they are the same height.

PF Small - elevations

Once we have determined our load height, load weight, pitch, and how the system will be designed to fit into the building space… we can start stacking! Add each level to the next to determine the maximum allowable system height.

We hope this provides an inside look at how we determine pallet flow rack height. Let us know your specs, and we’ll help configure your pallet flow rack system to your precise space and inventory specs.