Rack with horizontal arms designed for long, awkward loads (lumber, pipe, structural steel).
Detailed Definition
Cantilever rack uses upright columns mounted on bases, with arms projecting from one side (single-sided) or both sides (double-sided). There is no front column, so long items can be placed along the arms without obstruction. Arms can be straight or inclined, and may have lips or stops to keep round stock from rolling off. Columns are tied together with braces along the back. The Rack Manufacturers Institute publishes a separate ANSI specification for cantilever racks, MH16.3, alongside the ANSI MH16.1 specification for conventional pallet rack.
How cantilever capacity is rated
Cantilever rack has several capacity ratings that must all be respected: the capacity of each arm, the capacity of each level and the capacity of each column, which depends on arm spacing and height. Loads should rest on enough arms that they do not sag between them, and they should not overhang the end arms more than the manufacturer allows. Placing a heavy load near the tip of an arm stresses it more than the same load near the column. The rack's load plaque and drawings are the reference; do not assume capacity from arm size alone.
Using cantilever rack with pallets and long goods
Most cantilever rack holds long items directly, often on spacers or dunnage so forks can get underneath. Pallets can be stored if the arms are long enough and decking is added, but selective pallet rack is usually a better fit for palletized goods. Long loads are commonly handled with side loaders or forklifts with wide fork spreads. Uprights should be anchored as the manufacturer specifies, and outdoor installations need protection against corrosion.
Planning a cantilever installation
Before ordering, list every item to be stored with its length, weight and bundle size, plus the equipment that will load it. The supplier uses this to set column height, arm length, arm spacing and base length, and to choose between single-sided runs along walls and double-sided runs in open floor.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cantilever rack hold pallets?
It can if the arms are deep enough for the pallet and the rack is fitted with decking or the pallet is long and stiff enough to span the arms safely. Capacity must be checked for each arm and level with the pallet's weight placed where it will actually sit. In most warehouses, standard selective pallet rack stores pallets more efficiently, and cantilever rack is reserved for lumber, pipe, tubing, sheet goods and similar long items.
How many arms should support a long load?
Enough that the load does not visibly sag between arms and does not overhang the end arms beyond the manufacturer's limit. Flexible items such as thin pipe or small lumber need closer arm spacing than rigid items such as heavy steel beams. Rack suppliers size arm spacing from the shortest and most flexible product you plan to store, so give them a full list of item lengths, weights and how each is bundled.