Common Cantilever Rack Capacity & Size Charts - Warehouse1

Cantilever racks boast a variety of size and weight capabilities to cater to diverse storage requirements. The typical sizes and load capacities vary from heavy duty cantilever racks to extra heavy-duty systems:

Medium Duty Cantilever Racks: Specifications and Uses

Component Size Capacity
single and double sided uprights
6-12' height
3,300 – 16,200 lbs.
straight and incline arms
12-48" length
300 – 1,000 lbs.
braces
2-8' length

Typically, the favored size for medium duty rack configurations includes a 6' upright, 24" arm, and a 48" brace assembly.

Medium Heavy-Duty Cantilever Racks: Ideal Dimensions and Capacities

Component Size Capacity
single and double sided uprights
8 – 20' height
7,300 – 36,200 lbs.
straight and incline arms
12-48" length
600 – 2,000 lbs
braces
2-10' length

Common dimensions for these racks are a 12' upright, 48" arm, and a 48" brace assembly.

Heavy Duty Cantilever Racks: Essential Measurements and Load Capacities

Component  Size Capacity
single and double sided uprights
8 – 20' height
7,600 – 46,000 lbs.
straight and incline arms
12-60" length
600 – 4,000 lbs.
braces
2-10' length

For heavy-duty systems, the go-to sizes include a 12' upright, 48" arm, and a 48" brace set.

Standard Heavy Duty: Optimal Sizes and Capacities

Component Size Capacity
single and double sided uprights
8 – 20' height
9,800 – 57,200 lbs.
straight and incline arms
12-60" length
600 – 4,000 lbs.
braces
2-10' length
The common selection includes a 12' upright, 48" arm, and a 48" brace.

Extra Heavy Duty: Key Sizes and Capacities

Component Size Capacity
single and double sided uprights
8 – 20' height
13,800 – 57,400 lbs.
straight and incline arms
12-60" length
600 – 4,000 lbs.
braces
2-10' length

The most sought sizes include a 12' upright, 48" arm, and a 48" brace. For more in-depth information on cantilever racks, visit Modern Equipment Company, Inc.

Many presume that all storage needs end at fitting items into a carton or on a pallet. But when you are dealing with items larger than 48” x 40”, it becomes tricky. This is where cantilever racking steps in to save the day.

This special racking solution is perfect for products exceeding the dimensions of traditional pallets. Whether it is heavy-duty sheet metal, outdoor pipes, or furniture, cantilever racking offers the storage efficiency you need.

Defining Cantilever Racking

Cantilever racking serves as a versatile racking framework designed for storing hefty, non-palletized products. It leverages rear-mounted uprights, which hold arms that extend out to support items. These can range from sheet metal to elongated pipes, without the constriction of front-mounted uprights.

The system is comprised of various components:

• Uprights: The structural backbone, generally made from robust steel, accommodating tiered support arms and ranging from 8 to 20 feet high.
• Arms: Supporting the stored goods, these arms can be straight, standard, or inclined and come in different lengths.
• Bases: Offering stability, these extended bases are anchored to the floor and are at least as long as the arms.
• Braces: Providing horizontal and diagonal stability, often employing X-braces for increased support.

Advantages of Leveraging Cantilever Racking

• Ideal for Over-sized Items: perfect for bulky items, long goods, or awkwardly shaped products.
• Heavy Load Capacity: Built from steel, they support heavier items more effectively than traditional pallet racks.
• Highly Customizable: Flexible design allows easy adjustments for unique storage needs.
• Enhanced Storage Density: By enabling vertical storage, cantilever racks make better use of space, mitigating common storage mistakes.
• Durable and Corrosion-Resistant: Galvanized or powder-coated finishes make them suitable for outdoor usage.

Cantilever vs. Pallet Racking: Understanding the Differences

Pallet-Free Storage

Cantilever systems store non-palletized goods such as pipes, sheet metal, and lumber. Their wider spacing between uprights can also sometimes accommodate pallets, although this isn't typically the most efficient use.

Fewer Uprights for Support

Unlike pallet racking which uses four uprights to support each corner of the pallet, cantilever racks use just two rear-positioned uprights. This design allows the easy loading and unloading of long items without front obstruction.

Cost Implications

Considering they are made from heavy-gauge steel, heavy duty cantilever racks tend to be pricier compared to standard pallet racking.

Calculating Cantilever Rack Capacity

The capacity of cantilever racks relies on the even distribution of weight across the arms. Each arm has a designated load rating by the manufacturer. For instance, a 48x4 arm usually holds around 2,000 lbs. Hence, a 6,000 lbs load would require at least three such arms.

Similarly, uprights also have a maximum weight rating, corresponding to the total weight supported by each arm attached to it. Consequently, the rating per arm may change based on the number of arms per upright.

Example: An upright rated for 10,000 lbs with 5 arms on each side can maintain the arms' 2,000 lbs rating. However, if the rack is double-sided with 10 arms, each arm would only support 1,000 lbs under the maximum upright rating.

Additional Capacity Influences

Arm type can impact these calculations. Structural arms may hold slightly more than their rated capacity, while roll-formed arms might support marginally less.

Installation Essentials

Uprights need to be spaced so that arms evenly support the materials, preventing mid-section sagging. Overhanging on either side of the outside arms should not exceed half the distance between the uprights. For example, if there is 4' between uprights, overhang should be limited to 2'.

Installation Configurations

Cantilever racks can be installed as single-sided or double-sided. Single-sided racks are apt for placement against walls, while double-sided racks suit aisle placement.

Optimal Aisle Width

Because of the size of the goods stored, cantilever rack aisles are typically wider than those for pallet racks. However, specialized forklifts like COMBiLift can help reduce necessary aisle width.

Customized Warehouse Solutions

If your warehouse handles long, bulky items, cantilever racks might be what you need. However, each storage type caters to specific needs, so finding the right solution is critical. Our warehouse solutions team is ready to help you optimize your storage space.

For more details or to schedule a consultation, contact us online or visit one of our Mid-South locations:

Arkansas: Jonesboro
Alabama: Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery
Mississippi: Tupelo, Richland
Tennessee: Jackson, Memphis, Knoxville, Kingsport

Further Reading:
8 Expensive Warehouse Design Mistakes
Different Types of Pallet Racking
5 Things A COMBiLift Can Do That Other Forklifts Can’t

If you need further information, please visit Heavy-Duty Crossbeam Rack.