Push Back Racking is a high-density pallet storage system that operates on a LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) principle. It is designed to maximize storage space by utilizing a series of nested carts on inclined rails.
Key Benefits
- High Density: Increases storage capacity by storing 2 to 6 pallets deep per lane.
- Efficiency: Forklifts stay in the aisle. They don’t need to drive into the rack (unlike Drive-In systems), reducing travel time and damage risks.
- SKU Flexibility: Each level or lane can store a different SKU, offering more variety than Drive-In racking.
- Lower Maintenance: It is a purely mechanical system with no complex electronics, making it very durable.
Considerations
- LIFO System: Not suitable for perishable goods or products that require strict date rotation (FIFO).
- Depth Limits: Usually limited to 6 pallets deep because the force required to push the pallets back increases with depth.
- Pallet Quality: Requires sturdy, high-quality pallets to ensure they slide smoothly on the carts.
How It Works
- Nested Carts: Pallets are placed on wheeled carts that sit on rails tilted toward the front aisle.
- Loading: When a new pallet is added, the forklift “pushes back” the existing pallets to make room.
- Unloading: When the front pallet is removed, the remaining pallets slide forward automatically to the picking face due to gravity.
Ideal For
- Warehouses with medium SKU counts and high volume per SKU.
- Cold Storage or facilities where space is extremely expensive.
- Operations that need higher density than Selective Racking but more speed than Drive-In Racking.