How to Specify Cantilever Racks

1: Determine the number and spacing of support arms.

1A. Use enough arms under a load to prevent deflection of the load. Deflection causes undesirable side pressure on the arms. Using wood blocks on the floor under the load, test your load for deflection on a two-support system.

1B. If you do not detect any deflection, you may use two support arms. The arm capacity required will be half the load weight, and the upright center line will be 1/2 of the load length.

1C. If you notice deflection with two supports, try three supports. If this system works, arm capacity will be 1/3 of the load weight, and the upright center lines will be 1/3 of load length. If three supports are still not enough, add supports as necessary until deflection is eliminated.

Correctly loading your rack: Product should overhang the end of the rack by 1/2 of the upright center line distance. Loading without overhang is incorrect.

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2: Determine arm length.

Arm length should equal load depth. 2A is correct, 2B is incorrect. If you have questions about arm length specification, contact us.

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3. Determine upright height.

Start with base height...

+ number of storage levels x load height
+ handling clearance [4"to 6"] x number of levels
+ number of arm levels x arm thickness
= upright height.

Notes for upright height specification

• Contact Cisco-Eagle for current arm and base dimensions
• Check limitations at your plant such as ceiling clearance or fork lift height
• Top arm level must be below the top of the column.

• Arms: Load weight divided by number of arms per level = arm capacity. (Assuming each arm supports an equal amount of the load)
• Uprights: Number of arms per side x load per arm.

Notes:

1. Load on base is not included in capacity.
2. Uneven loading reduces arm load ratings by 50%.

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4. Determine Bracing Lengths

"Bracing lengths" refer to the horizontal center line distance from column to column, as in the diagram. See Step 1 for the proper number of braces per type of load.

5. Anchoring your rack

For stability and to achieve full rated capacity, cantilever racks must be anchored. Requirements may vary between rack sizes and types, but you will generally need to anchor each column base with 2 anchors for each base. They should be embedded in a level concrete slab floor a minimum of 3/4". See your rack type to ensure that you are following manufacturer recommendations.

Video: Cantilever rack specification

Need more assistance?

If you have any questions on configuring your cantilever racks, contact us for prompt assistance, or submit a cantilever rack inquiry. We can help you specify exactly the right rack for your load and application.