Features of Drive-In Racking Systems

The basic drive-in racking system is a simple row of fixed hanger arms or "carriages" on which the shelf standards are mounted. The design of drive-in racking allows small articles to be stored in high density without the use of partitions. Since there are no base supports below the carriages, storage height can be increased without the space lost by lower base supports.

The standard drive-in racking system consists of several rows of hanger arms mounted at an angle, one above the other. The bottom row of the hanger arms is fixed and spans the total depth of the racking unit. On this row are two or three adjustable upper rows each cantilevered about 1/3 of the depth from the front and back of the racking unit. The cantilevering arms extend over 45 degrees and afford loaded pallets access to two or more levels.

The adjustable upper rows are used for various size articles, thus allowing maximum use of shelf space without waste. Smaller articles stowed on the upper shelves are easily accessible, whereas larger articles on the lower levels can be quickly moved up to the upper shelves with fork truck tines inserted through wire mesh infill panels.

Another feature of Standard Drive-In Racking is the wire mesh infill panels mounted between each pair of hanger arms. These panels not only permit visibility for inventory control but also permit air circulation to reduce or eliminate dust conditions. Also available are wire mesh fire-resistant panels which permit the units to be used in areas where conventional wood panels are not satisfactory.

Each racking unit consists of two end posts, top and bottom planking (typically 5/8 inch particle board), hanger arms, infill panels, wire mesh infill panels, adjustable pallet support arms and guideposts. All units are shipped knocked down except for the end posts which are set in concrete.

Additional components include butt hinges, roll-down doors, steel doors with cam lock fasteners and power conveyors to move goods from the racking system onto the loading dock or directly onto trucks.

Usually, drive-in racking is available in heights of 7, 9 and 11 feet, with maximum shelf capacities of 4,600 pounds when used with 2 x 2 inch wire mesh infill panels and 5,000 pounds when using 3 x 2 inch wire mesh infill panels. Wire Mesh Ceilings may also be added to increase the weight capacity of drive-in racking.

A typical 7 foot Drive-In Rack with a Wire Mesh Ceiling will have 10 shelving levels and is capable of storing approximately 2,400 cases or 5400 cartons per level on 4 x 2 inch wire mesh infill panels.

The maximum rack height is 8 feet 6 inches from the floor.

WLD can provide customized racks to suit your needs.