Do you really need Pallet Rack? If your hand loading. Bulk Rack may be the answer. Bulk Rack can hold up to 1600LBS and greater. Much less expensive than used Pallet Rack.
Teardrop or Keystone
So if your still in need of Pallet Rack, Their is basically two industry types. Tear Drop Pallet Rack is considered the universal rack style. Keystone is the other style, Not as popular, But still used. Check you existing rack, So that all matches up well.
Roll Form Pallet Rack or Structural Pallet Rack
Pallet Rack is manufactured in roll form and structural. In many applications roll form weight capacities will hold 80-90% of all rack applications.
Decking - No Deck, Wire or Solid Decks: If your pallets sit on both the front and back beams (and they should) Deck is a matter of safety and preference. Wire deck permits sprinkler water to pass through the racks. Both wire and sold decks help prevent items from falling within the deck. Rack back decking, Installed to the backs and sides of the rack helps prevent items from falling over.
Used or New Pallet Rack? Deals are available on used Pallet Rack. We strongly suggest you go see the rack prior to cutting a deposit check. Inspect the beams for bent teeth the fit into the uprights. in some cases they may be bent, broken or cracked. Look at the welded foot plates for cracks. When rack is taken down improperly they foot plates can be sheared off partially or all together. Don't buy it. Chances are if the welded footplates are damaged, The upright may have been dropped during dismantling. if the beams, and foot plates look OK, check the welded cross bars for bowing or broken welds. Uprights with deflection should not be bought.
Finally check with your insurer before you buy used rack to see if your covered when buying used rack.
Warranties: Typically used rack has virtually now warranty. If you miss a flaw before installation you may be stuck with it. Most used rack suppliers terms and conditions state no returns or refunds. If you see a good deal on rack, Push for a better warranty, In today's economy, Your in the drivers seat.
New Pallet Rack Manufacturers and Distributors (the good ones) provide limited lifetime warranties. Today the markup on used is so high that most can buy new very close to the price of used.
Should you Buy Direct from the Mfg or a Local Dealer? Good question, Here's the facts most dealers buy more rack in a month than you may buy in your career. Their discounts are far greater from the mfg., and they pass the volume discounts to customers. Manufacturers typically offer a token discount or sell at list price. Some manufacturers will pass your inquiry to a good local dealer who is well equipped to provide the best product at the lowest overall cost.
New or used rack should not be bought on the web unseen. Have the rep visit your site. Complimentary onsite visits costs nothing, But can save you thousands.
The metro area has a solid field of experienced Pallet Rack dealers, That you should call for a complimentary on site layout. They can save you space and money. Good dealers also know which areas need seismic rated rack. They will guide you from concept to completion. With the confirmation of code, correct weight capacities, forklift reach, truck offloading, Working dock, proper anchoring and wall ties, etc. Good dealers also use their own installation crews employed by the dealer. The bottom line is if you call a dealer he takes responsibility that the correct rack is ordered with all needed accessories and logistics while providing the lowest overall cost.
Full disclosure: Madsen & Howell (est. 1909) sells and installs pallet rack in the NYC, NJ & PA Metro area. Have a question give us a call our Rack Specialists are available Mon-Sat 7AM-7PM. P(732)956-8989
Madsen & Howell
500 Market St
Perth Amboy NJ
P(732)956-8989
Pallet Rack NJ, Pallet Rack 2014 Buyers Guide
