Pallet Rack and Installation Secrets…

Pallet rack moving systems are the most efficient, productive, and cost saving solution to relocate pallet rack.  When relocating pallet rack the traditional way(unload, tear down, move individual parts, re-assemble, re-load), one would need an army to accomplish such a major project. 

For comparison, let’s assume that we are moving 10 bays of pallet rack that are sixteen (16) feet tall.  When moving the 10 bays in the traditional way, we would need at least one (if not two) person and a forklift to unload and stage all of the stored pallets and material which would take an hour and a half (1-1/2).  Next we would start to dis-assemble the pallet rack system needing the following equipment, such as scissor lifts, harnesses, forklift, pallets, and possibly a bander.  Let’s assume that we have one scissor lift and two people are in the scissor lift working on the upper portions of the racking.  The scissor lift team will need an additional person on the ground to hand down the beams and misc. material.  I think it would be safe to say that it would take the 3 people a half an hour per bay to tear down and stack the parts so they are ready for transport.  Let’s assume that one person is transporting materials at the same time or lending a hand, staying busy.  For the reassembly we will assume that process will be reversed with the same amount of time and people. 

 So in conclusion,  it would take about 44 man hours and allot of equipment to move 10 bays safely and effectively.

 In our next post, we will show how using a pallet rack moving system is more cost effective and will save downtime of a facility.

The PR Skate, LLC is making its LD (lite duty) Pallet Rack Moving System available for rent.   As production costs continue to rise, the PR Skate realizes that the cost of purchasing the system out right may not make sense for the occasional rack move.

 The PR Skate believes there is value in the rental program both for the PR Skate and its rental customers.  The cost of use is dramatically reduced through the rental program, with a weekly rental price of $600.00 or $1800.00 for the month.  The cost of the rental is a true value when considering the labor saved in the remodel project.

 Rental Program

The United States Patent & Trademark Office issued patent # 7,311,487 on December 25^th, 2008 with all 17 claims intact. Below is an abstract of the patent:

Apparatus and method for repositioning warehouse shelving units

Patent Information:

The PR Skate, LLC is please to announce that we have partnered with UniRak to better serve our clients pallet rack needs.  UniRak has proven to be a great ally in providing storage solutions in a dependable and timely manner. 

I discovered some newly installed pallet rack at a big box store while on my lunch break.  The store is going through a very large remodel and contractors were everywhere.  I was shocked to find such a blatant safety issue.  I found pallet rack that was stocked with merchandise while the upright was not anchored and shimmed with pieces of wood. 

It amazes me how any installer would risk their company, insurance, and safety of others by allowing a safety issue such as this.  I also found other runs of pallet rack unanchored and yet loaded with merchandise. 

As retailers remain open for business during a remodel, it is important for everyone (Installers and Retailers) to make the safety of store personnel, contractors, and the shoppers their number one priority.

Some one, somewhere should have some explaining to do.  What happened to “Safety First”? 

The PR Skate, LLC is looking for new partners to fill requests for pallet rack made by our customers.  In marketing our Pallet Rack Skate Moving systems and internet exposure from the major search engines, the PR Skate has experienced many requests for pallet rack and accessories. 

If you or your company is interested in partnering with us in this area, contact us via our contact page.

Besides beam deflection, one should consider using a safety pin or bolt in pallet rack beams.  Many pallet rack manufactures have built in safety pins into their beams for customer convenience.  The problem with these pins is that there is still a chance to fail. 

Many companies are now using additional safety bolts or pins in the side holes in the beam flange.  When using bolts, use grade 5 bolts for the shear factor. 

Safety pins and bolts are meant to improve safety and discourage beam uplift from forklifts and or other forces.

PalletRackSkate.com has just released a short video of the latest pallet rack being moved with their skates.  The link to veiw the video is found on our Video and Picture page. (Video & Pictures)

By watching the video, one can see the benefits of using such a system and value the time it does save in moving or relocating pallet rack.  In the video, 11 continuous bays of pallet rack are being moved about 16′.  This rack was unachored, moved, and reanchored within 4-1/2 hours with product still on the pallet rack.  Eleven bays in 4-1/2 hours and minimal product removed. Amazing!!!

Pallet rack safety should be a major concern for facility managers.  Damage and abuse happens daily in many facilities and safety inspection should be a priority.  When inspecting pallet rack, it is easy to see visible damage from pallets and forklifts but beam deflection is often over looked.

Beam deflection is when the beam is over loaded and is stressed from the load.  When this happens it is pretty easy to detect.  The beam will literally smile at you.  Happy beams are not good when it comes to pallet rack.

For safety concerns look for smiling beams when inspecting your pallet rack or storage system.  Reduce the stress on the beam by removing some of the weight.

During the installation of Pallet Rack and other storage systems, anchors need to be installed to keep the pallet rack stable and sound.  When anchoring the rack we:

1. Drill the hole
2. Vacuum the dust from hole
3. Hammer anchor into hole
4. Tighten nut on the wedge anchor

Sounds simple, and it is for the most part but after we have drilled several holes the bit dulls down and the holes are just a little bit smaller.  The wedge anchors are hard to pound down or may even get stuck, not achieving the optimal penetration into the concrete.  If this happens, rest the tip of the bit on the top of the wedge anchor; the roto hammer will hammer the anchor into the concrete. 

Here is a tip if you try this:

• Make sure that the nut is spun down a little on the anchor.  You don’t want to mess up the threads on the anchor.

Look for more tips on installing pallet rack in a later post.