Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

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Pat H

Posted 9/12/2018 07:49 (#6983721)
Subject: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

I set up a new shop and I'm looking into better shelving than I've had the past and pallet racks seem to be the popular choice, but they are pretty deep (48" - they are for pallets) and maybe not as handy. They are priced all over the place used as well. I'm also looking at the the big box shelves like this one

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gladiator-72-in-H-x-77-in-W-x-24-in-D-4-She...

It's supposed to handle 2000lbs which should be more than I would ever need (but I'm not storing feathers either). They are only 24" deep which might be fine but IDK. Is there a reason to go the pallet racking vs more consumer oriented racking for farm shop storage?

PS: The larger things I would have on a shelf are gauge wheels, truck airbags and some brake parts, hydraulic motors, disk blades and tillage tool parts - pretty standard stuff

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dpilot83

Posted 9/12/2018 08:10 (#6983761 - in reply to #6983721)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

Shallower is better most of the time I think.

That wire sags a lot with brake parts or other heavy stuff on it. 24" is a long ways with no middle support.

I believe we have that exact model. We tried to make it mobile. Didn't work so hot. Might have been fine had I made a carrier for it rather than just putting wheels (that were too small) on each leg. It eventually fell down. Glad it didn't hurt anyone.

I'm sure it would have been fine for stationary work but it the wire shelves would still be sagging.

We are in the process of switching to what is shown in the picture.. Ours have to be mobile. If I had the room I would go with pallet racks and everything would be on pallets. When I needed something I would pull the right pallet with a forift and go from there.

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Johnienhuis

Posted 9/12/2018 08:11 (#6983766 - in reply to #6983721)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

Red River Valley and Devils Lake Basin

I believe you can buy pallet racking that is not as deep as the normal stuff. It would be a bit deeper the. The gladiator shelving I think. I know Macs Hardwate sells it around here. E718

Posted 9/12/2018 08:13 (#6983771 - in reply to #6983721)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

Sac & Story county IA

I like pallet rack. Put stuff on a pallet and bring it down to look through. That does force a person to have clear floor space to operate forklift. Bad thing is a person wants a cylinder or motor off back of pallet that weighs 80 pounds. Not comfortable bringing down a ladder but a pain to bring in forklift to do the job.
Some of the weight rating are optimistic. A 5000 pound pallet rack can be pretty wiggly if you are not quite right with forklift. Catch just a bit.
The 24 inch deep thing would be just right for impact wrenches, saws, grinder, sander, battery charger. sand85

Posted 9/12/2018 09:01 (#6983866 - in reply to #6983721)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

C IL

Short answer is you need both.

We picked up a third of the shop floor and put it on pallet racking and now we can use the shop again. We use our shop for chemical and seed storage, I know that isn’t approved but it is reality.

Need to pick up another third and put it on shelves up in the loft. paul the original

Posted 9/12/2018 09:08 (#6983880 - in reply to #6983721)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

southern MN

Menards has a system of racking now that is 17, 24, or 32ish inches deep, and several different heights, several different shelf lengths. Seems like a way to set up a rack system to meet ones needs for mid size handy shelving.

Just need to make the time to clean and organize. Ack......

Paul

Edited by paul the original 9/12/2018 09:09

da-cub

Posted 9/12/2018 09:19 (#6983899 - in reply to #6983721)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

Central Illinois

Might try looking up “tire rack” as well the quick search showed grainger had some 18” wide, bound to be others out there.

https://m.grainger.com/mobile/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-Single-Sided... Von WC Ohio

Posted 9/12/2018 10:04 (#6983962 - in reply to #6983880)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

These are from Menards 8' high 6' long beams shelves 30" deep.

I like and enjoy organizing stuff and am always looking to do more.

I'm lucky nobody else is pulling from inventory or moving stuff so I always know right where to go and look if it's not there I don't have it.

I went with particle board shelves since they were out of the wire mesh ones. For most stuff its fine. For the heavier stuff like pipe fittings in 5 gallon buckets on the bottom the particle board bows some.

Buy the stuff on a 11% off sale and it 's pretty reasonable.

Would like to find some of the AK pallet racking for another building for heaver parts like gauge wheels, tillage stuff etc.

I've also put up several dry erase white boards to write stuff down on when removing from inventory which helps keep track of what needs bought for replacements.

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If you are looking for more details, kindly visit medium duty rack.

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Von WC Ohio

Posted 9/12/2018 10:08 (#6983969 - in reply to #6983761)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

Wow really like those mobile racks.

I'm guessing you made those ?

Where did you get the yellow lid containers ? and what did you use for labeling them ?

dpilot83

Posted 9/12/2018 10:16 (#6983983 - in reply to #6983969)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

One of my employees built them to my specifications. They are likely over built. I was going to build them heavier but fortunately my steel supplier talked some sense into me.

I can't remember if the totes are from Lowes or Home Depot. Something like $7 per box.

Casters were quite expensive at $70 or so for the straight ones and $80 or so per wheel for the rotating ones.

The way my workspace is I need to be able to move inventory easily when I move equipment in and out of the building. These were expensive to build but cheaper than the wasted time looking for stuff in piles on the floor and cheaper than having equipment sit outside because moving stuff around to get equipment in is nearly an all day job.

Currently have 3 and will likely need to build 2 or 3 more to finish the job.

Just used a label maker with white tape for labeling them.

Edited by dpilot83 9/12/2018 10:17

Expensive Hobby

Posted 9/12/2018 11:26 (#6984088 - in reply to #6983721)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

NW Missouri

Those shelves you are looking at will probably work ok. They're heavy enough and would probably hold what you need. However, if you need several of them, you'd be way better off to do with pallet racking. I bought $2k worth of used pallet racking to put in our new shop this summer. Each shelf will supposedly hold 2500#. They also threw in a 10' tall rolling ladder like what you see being used in the aisles of stores like lowes. I figure it cost me around $1.25 per square foot of shelving (those lowes shelves look to be about $3.50). And as you say, used pallet racking is not hard to find. Just shop around for a good deal.

I don't have any pics with me, but from what I bought, I put up a set of racks that are 48' long and 15' tall. I also put up another set that is 16' long. After that, I took what I had left and put up a 24' long by 7' tall rack in my basement that can be accessed from both sides, and even then I still have enough left over pieces of uprights that I plan to build a couple of deer stands with them.

If you are concerned about the shelves being too deep, you could always arrange them so that you could get to both sides, like I did in my basement. Then you'd have twice as much 2' deep shelving. Those rolling ladders are really nice also - we can access anything in the shop except the highest shelf with it, so if we need something small, we don't have to pull the whole pallet down. It's also handy for working on tall equipment. mvpfarms

Posted 9/12/2018 18:57 (#6984752 - in reply to #6983721)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

Crookston, MN

http://dakotastorageproducts.com/

This is where we buy all our pallet racking. Several different widths, lengths, and heights available along with different weight rating. Jackrabbit

Posted 9/12/2018 20:07 (#6984892 - in reply to #6983721)
Subject: RE: Pallet racking vs heavy duty big box store shelves

East Central SD

Menards will have those 4 shelf racks like pictured (not gladiator just various off brands) for as low as $99 at different times.

Safe Pallet Rack Storage Practices

Following safe pallet rack storage practices is crucial for productivity and warehouse safety. Pallet rack storage encompasses numerous processes, from proper loading/unloading techniques to load monitoring, warehouse maintenance, and more.

Weight Limits and Load Capacity

Every pallet rack system has a specific capacity rating, and loads must not exceed that capacity limit. If exceeded, a pallet rack system is at risk of beam deflection, leading to hazardous storage conditions or system failure in extreme cases. 

When planning and designing a pallet rack system, understanding load capacity specifications is the key to selecting proper pallet rack components and configurations. To choose the right pallet racking for your application, you need to know the weight and dimensions of your product and loaded pallets.

Rack capacity labels ensure future adherence to the system’s capacity requirements in lieu of warehouse changes like relocations, product rearrangements, or system modifications. Contact us if you would like help with capacity labels or plaques. 

Finally, performing regular inspections and load monitoring ensures continued compliance with the rack’s stated capacity and upholds the safety of products and warehouse personnel.

Loading and Unloading Procedures

Safe loading and unloading begins before a forklift operator even steps foot in the warehouse – it starts with training. Training for warehouse personnel is the first step in ensuring safe loading and unloading and minimizing accidents. Moreover, continued forklift driver evaluations and training can refresh and remind longtime operators of safety practices they may have overlooked after however many years on the job.   

When loading and unloading, forklift operators should check the pallets for damage before lifting or moving them. Slow, steady loading gives the operator more control and time to react. 

Operators should center pallets on the two beams for even weight distribution, careful not to clip the underside of the beam as they lift. Secure stacking and placement prevent beam deflection or falling pallets. 

In safe storage systems, pallets will overhang the edge of the beam by 6 inches on either side. This overhang increases visibility for forklift operators as they access the pallets and prevent pallets from being pushed too far or not far enough into the system.

Warehouse Safety Best Practices

Maintaining clear aisles, sounding forklift horns around corners, and walking only in designated walking paths are all examples of warehouse safety best practices and are mandated by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). 

Forklift collisions are responsible for 90% of pallet rack failures. Implementing safe forklift practices is pivotal to whether you run a safe or hazardous warehouse operation. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like reflective vests, hard hats, and safety glasses can increase visibility and protect employees from falling objects or other warehouse hazards. 

Warning signs and labels can increase awareness for employees and guests within a warehouse. Standard warehouse signage warns individuals of falling objects, fire hazards, forklift zones, heavy machinery, electrical components, and PPE-required zones.

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