To maximise your warehouse efficiency, it is important to select the appropriate racking system tailored to your operation needs. To function effectively distribution facilities and production industries require solid storage solutions. Our cantilever racking and shuttle racking systems represent two well-recognised alternatives. The advantages of both systems are made for different settings. Let’s run a comparison to assist you in choosing the best option for your operation.
Cantilever Racking Vs. Shuttle Racking
What is Cantilever Racking?
Cantilever racking systems offer distinct advantages for oversized and lengthy products. A collection of horizontal arms is connected to vertical columns to facilitate easy organisation of items such as timber and steel pipes. Its design grants swift and unhampered access making it suitable for firms handling large and odd-shaped merchandise.
Cantilever Racking Advantages
- Accessibility and versatility: Cantilever racking provides straightforward access to long and heavy loads. The design allows forklifts to quickly take and disperse cargo at the front without any hindrance. You can easily manage multiple types of materials including large beams and heavy equipment under this system.
- Heavy load capacity: The highlight of this design is its weight-holding potential. The strong load capacity of each arm makes this solution ideal for construction and other fields that frequently handle significant, extended items.
- Customisable setup: Cantilever systems can be customised to fit different heights, depths, and arm lengths to suit your storage needs. The arms can also be adjusted, offering flexibility if your inventory changes.
- Cost-efficiency: While it’s robust and versatile, cantilever racking is a relatively simple system to install. As a result, it’s often more cost-effective than complex automated systems.
What is Shuttle Racking?
Shuttle racking, also known as pallet shuttle racking, is a semi-automated system designed to optimise pallet storage and retrieval. It’s particularly useful for high-density storage, making the most of available space. Pallets are loaded onto a shuttle, which moves them automatically within the racking system, eliminating the need for forklifts to access each aisle.
Pallet Shuttle Racking Benefits
- Maximise storage space: One of the major advantages of shuttle racking is the space-saving benefit. It’s a high-density solution, allowing businesses to store a greater number of pallets in less space. By eliminating the need for wide aisles between racks, shuttle racking increases storage capacity by up to 60%.
- Efficiency and speed: Since it is fully automated, the shuttle racking system helps to minimise the amount of time required to store and retrieve products. As the shuttle transports the pallets, they are valuable in the racking systems; this increases operations’ efficiency. Specifically, the shuttle racking idea is relevant to business such as a distribution centre when time is an important component.
- Reduced labour costs: Since forklifts are not required to enter the aisles for pallet handling, fewer operators are needed to move items around. This can lead to significant cost savings in labour, especially in large warehouses.
- Safety improvements: With forklifts no longer needing to navigate narrow aisles, the risk of accidents is reduced. The automated nature of shuttle racking enhances workplace safety by limiting human interaction with machinery.
Cantilever Racking Vs. Shuttle Racking Which is Better for Your Business?
The choice between cantilever racking and shuttle mole racking systems depends on the nature of your industry and your storage needs. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Cantilever racking should be used if your company deals with long, heavy or bulky materials such as steel pipes, lumber or raw construction materials. Its open structure provides quick access, and its strength ensures your heaviest loads are supported.
Shuttle racking is better if your operation deals with high volumes of palletised goods. Distribution centres and manufacturing facilities that need fast and efficient storage solutions will benefit from the shuttle racking’s semi-automated storage and retrieval system compatibility.
Each system has its own function and this understanding is essential for your products and operations. Should your business value quick access and optimised space for goods distribution, shuttle racking stands out as the preferred option. For a practical and strong way to store heavy materials consider cantilever racking.
Conclusion
At Krost Shelving and Racking, we’ve helped countless businesses to choose between cantilever racking vs. shuttle racking. Our expert team will guide you through the selection process, ensuring the solution fits your unique needs, whether it’s for distribution, manufacturing, or construction. We offer customisable options to maximise efficiency and safety in your warehouse. Ready to upgrade your storage system? Contact us today to find out how we can help.