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How to Specify Cantilever Racks
A quick guide to configuring your long parts rack solution
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"Read this guide to get your project started. If you aren't sure of any of the factors—spacing, weights, capacities or anything else—call us. For some installations, engineering drawings and other assistance may be needed. See our video tutorial below or call today for assistance."
Alfredo, Employee-Owner
Systems Integration Group
1: Determine your column spacing
To start with, divide the length of your load by two. This number provides the initial column spacing you'll need. Final spacing is determined by the number of arms needed to support your load.
2: Determine the number and spacing of support arms.
You'll want to use enough arms under a load to prevent deflection of the load. Deflection causes undesirable side pressure on the arms. Start with a sample of your load and some wood blocks. Place two blocks on the floor and center your load on these blocks.
1A. If the load sags, you'll need more support arms beneath it.
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 (B) by 1/2 of the upright center line distance (A). Loading without overhang is incorrect.
3: 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.
4: Determine arm type.
Tilted, or inclined, arms are used to keep round items or unstable loads from rolling off the arms. Straight arms work for flat loads and provide more space on the same length of arm. You may also choose to add lips to the end of rack arms for additional stability and product protection.
5. 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.
6. Calculate capacities.
Arms
Load weight divided by number of arms per level = arm capacity. (Assuming each arm supports an equal amount of the load.) Note: uneven loading reduces arm load ratings by 50%.
Uprights
Number of arms per side x load per arm gives you the capacity you need to look for.
- The load on the base does not count in arm or upright capacity calculations.
- Multiply the number of arms on one column by the load on each arm. Example: 750 pounds load-per-arm with 4 arm levels per side, single sided rack.
- Four arm levels x 750 = 3,000 pounds per column. This is the necessary column capacity for a single sided rack.
- Double the load weight for double sided racks. In this example, 3,000 x 2 = 6,000 pounds minimum capacity per column is required.
7. Determine Bracing Lengths
8. 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.
