Cantilever racks are the go-to system for long and bulky items — pipes, lumber, steel bars, coils and sheet material. Because they have no front uprights, forklifts can load from the aisle side, and arm spacing adjusts to any material length. Here is how to specify one correctly.
1. Single-Sided or Double-Sided?
Single-sided cantilever racks stand against a wall and take one row of material. Double-sided racks have arms on both columns and store twice as much per floor run, accessed from two aisles — ideal for wide warehouses where space is not the constraint.
| Configuration | Best For | Floor Footprint | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-sided | Wall-mounted, narrow warehouses | Compact | One aisle |
| Double-sided | Open floor layouts | 2x capacity per run | Two aisles |
2. Arm Length, Column Height and Load
Arm length should match material depth: 600 mm for narrow stock, up to 1,200 mm+ for wide sheets. Column height is set by your warehouse clear height (2,500-8,000 mm typical). Load rating per arm ranges from 500 kg to 3,000 kg — calculate the heaviest single bundle you will place.
| Spec | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arm length | 600-1,500 mm | Match material depth |
| Column height | 2,500-8,000 mm | Match clear height |
| Arm load | 500-3,000 kg/arm | Per single arm |
| Arm spacing | 400-1,000 mm vertical | Adjustable |
3. Column Spacing Along the Row
Column pitch (2,000-3,000 mm) depends on material stiffness: heavy steel bars need closer columns (2,000 mm) to prevent sagging between columns, while lighter timber can span 2,500-3,000 mm. Tell the manufacturer the material type and weight, and they will calculate the correct pitch.
4. Anchoring and Floor Conditions
Cantilever racks must be bolted to the floor — they are top-heavy when loaded. Confirm your concrete slab thickness and let the supplier provide anchor specifications. In seismic zones, additional bracing and heavier anchors are required.
5. Accessories That Improve Usability
- Timber bearers on arms to protect aluminum and finished stock
- End stops to prevent material sliding off
- Wire mesh decking on arms for small parts
- Row-end panels and bracing for stability
- Powder coating in custom colors for brand or safety marking
6. Getting a Quote
Send the material list (type, length, diameter/width, weight per bundle) and warehouse layout. Factory-direct suppliers provide free layout drawings and a quote within 24 hours, and can ship the system flat-packed to save freight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are stored on cantilever racks?
Pipes, lumber, steel bars, aluminum profiles, coils, carpet rolls and other long, bulky materials that do not fit standard pallet racking bays.
Do cantilever racks need special forklifts?
Standard forklifts work well — the open front design lets the forks load arms directly from the aisle. Longer materials may need a forklift with side-shifters or a crane for very long bundles.
Can cantilever arms be adjusted after installation?
Yes, arms bolt onto the column and can be repositioned vertically at any time to match different material sizes.
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