Load Capacity of Heavy-duty Racks

Heavy-duty beam-type rack, also called pallet rack, is a widely used storage system for palletized goods, featuring a simple appearance, fast access and safe, reliable operation. When selecting racks, load capacity is a key concern for customers; here is an explanation based on conventional practice.

Beam length and pallets. Heavy-duty rack beams are usually designed for 2 to 3 pallet positions — generally two pallet entry-direction positions plus about 300 mm of clearance. Level spacing is adjustable in 75 mm steps for flexible adjustment to goods height.

Load calculation. When choosing rack sections, a safety factor must be included, and the rack load should generally exceed the total weight of goods on two pallets. A conventional storage bay can carry several tons, and total rack height can reach about 12 m; exact specs are calculated from actual pallet load, beam span and number of levels.

Application scenarios. Heavy-duty racks are widely used in manufacturing, factories, third-party logistics and distribution centers — suitable for both multi-variety/small-batch and few-variety/large-batch goods. They are commonly seen in high-bay and very-high-bay warehouses, usually working with stackers or forklifts.

Load capacity is not a fixed number; it is determined together by pallet load, beam span, number of levels and material specs. To calculate a specific load or customize racks, please contact Tongnuo Racks for a solution.