Mobile Aisle Systems: Frequently Asked Questions

What types of carriages are available  - and what are their differences?

• Fixed Carriage - These carriages are mounted to track and can also be mounted to floor using raised foot brackets. There is no motion involved in these units.
• Manual Carriage - Pulling on a handle located on the end panel moves these carriages. They have no mechanical mechanism to move the carriage. They come in widths of 18", 24", 30", 36", and 48". Their lengths are 3', 4', 6', 7', 8', 9', 10' 11' & 12'
• Mechanical Carriage - These carriages are mechanical -assisted systems with drive wheel, which utilize a drive shaft/ gear chain arrangement to permit easy movement of heavy loads. They come in widths of 18", 24", 30", 36", 48" & 60"
• Electrical Carriage - These carriages are electrically - motor driven with standard 110V single phase.
• All carriages are available in lengths from 3' to 36' (except for 5'), on 1' increments.

What are drive columns/end panels, and what types are available?

There are four types of end panels - fixed, manual, mechanical, & open style. Each is available in two types of materials - painted steel and laminated plastic. End panels are normally mounted on the drive end, however they can be mounted to both ends of carriages, where carriages are to be accessed from both sides.

• Fixed panels are full height and enhance security & aesthetics to mobile aisle by enclosing shelving ends. These are available in Steel (the V -Grip ends), Melamine and Laminate.
• Manual end panels are full height and enhance security & aesthetics with a handle for manual movement of the carriage.
• Mechanical end panels are full height and enhance security & aesthetics with a drive wheel to mechanically -assist movement of the carriage with relatively minimal effort.

Open style end panels are 50" high, shaped like inverted ‘T', and provide greater visibility of items stored in the mobile aisle system and include a drive wheel to mechanically -assist movement of the carriage with relatively minimal effort.  Open panels are used as the default for quoting unless specified otherwise since they are the least expensive.  Closed or finishing shelving end panels can be used if needed for security even with open drive panels.

What is the basic information needed to design a mobile aisle layout?

Room length, width & height, any obstructions such as columns, beams, pipes & doors etc.

What is the recommended minimum open aisle size?

The recommended minimum aisle size is 30" wide to provide access and maneuverability of stored product.A larger open aisle may be needed for wheel chair access, material handling equipment, for local codes, or to store larger product.Example: if 48" deep boxes are being stored, you need greater than a 48" aisle.

What storage products is the mobile aisle compatible with?

Mobile Aisle has a variety of different storage application including tires, apparel, medical records, and hardware.It will allow you to double storage capacity in the same floor space using industrial metal shelving, bulk rack & tire rack.

Why are there only two configurations on Cisco -Eagle's site?

These are sample configurations. Almost all mobile aisles are engineered systems, specified and crafted for specific storage applications. Submit an inquiry or call us to start the process of designing your system.

What features & accessories are available for mobile aisle?

The list of available options includes, but isn't necessarily limited to:

• Anti -tip brackets - required in seismic zones
• Track base lock or end panel lock
• Sprocket option - heavy duty or fast travel
• Bumper extensions - 1" for drawers, 3" for doors
• Deck skirting if sides or rear of system are exposed
• Tuff Deck or plywood flooring
• Drive shaft finished end covers if the rear of the carriage is exposed
• Raised foot brackets for fixed carriages on floor

What installation concerns should be considered?

• No mobile aisles on platforms due to incompatible load capacities.
• Is there ample room for travel in & around mobile aisle?
• Are there obstructions that would prevent normal operations of mobile aisle?
• Are there any height restrictions? (fire codes require 18" clearance above top of shelving to lowest hanging item from ceiling).
• What are the floor loading capacities and how level is it?

Can different length carriages be used in the same system?

Yes, limited to the ability of track spacing remaining the same for all carriage lengths.

What dimensions do mobile aisle components add to the shelving?

1. Allow at least 2" between the wall and end of carriage as clearance for outlets, switches, etc.This dimension becomes 4" with a finished end cover, or 5" with an end panel.
2. Allow 18" between the top of the unit and the lowest hanging obstruction from the ceiling to meet fire codes.
3. The end panel and handle add 7" to the nominal overall shelving length.
4. The track, deck and carriage add 8" to the nominal shelving height.

How do we get started?

You can call us or submit an inquiry. Generally we'll help you develop an overhead (plan view) sketch that includes all carriages and shelving layout. We'll need an understanding of your needs to specify the shelving, including height, style, open/closed panels and where used, etc. It is sometimes better to place fixed units at either end of the system to reduce overall system cost and provide greater security. We can help you identify your exact needs.