Wide Span Racks
Wide span racks, also known as bulk shelving, are a hybrid storage system that combines the best of industrial shelving and a pallet rack. Wide span racks are suitable for storing a variety of items with moderate to high weight capacities, making them an excellent choice for different industrial applications.
Unlike traditional pallet racks, forklift drivers don’t load inventory items into the system. Instead, order pickers manually load and retrieve items by hand, which is the only downside to this easy to assemble modular racking system.
Built to last, these versatile, durable, and affordable storage systems can transform your space.
One of the main advantages of wide span shelving is that it’s a cost-effective alternative to selective pallet racks. However, there are several other benefits to using wide span shelving as a heavy-duty industrial storage solution.
Wide span bulk storage shelving is a durable storage solution that is the ideal middle ground between industrial shelving and pallet racks. It is the perfect complement to your current pallet racking to create a hybrid storage system to suit a variety of product types.
The All-steel construction makes them highly durable and resistant to damage. The heavy-gauge steel shelves and upright frames also increase the carrying capacity.
Because the beams and uprights support the decking at all four corners, it offers maximum stability and higher load capacities for heavy-duty items than other industrial shelving types. Most wide span shelving units can support up to 2,000 lbs. per shelf.
If you want a unit with additional structural stability, there are also units with beam braces and cross bar support. These bulk storage racks also come with foot plates that can be bolted to the warehouse floor to prevent injury or damage to goods due to falls or impact.
Single unit wide span racks have an upright frame structure and beams that are relatively lightweight and easy to assemble. Any adjustments are straightforward, which means they are also easy to reconfigure.
A wide span storage rack system has a boltless design, using tear drop-shaped rivets to secure components in place. This means that one person can assemble and disassemble a single wide span storage shelving unit with minimal equipment, such as a mallet or hammer.
Their reconfigurable structure makes them an excellent option for accommodating seasonal inventory fluctuations. The modular design also makes it the perfect bulk material storage option if you plan on expanding your business in the future.
Due to its versatility, it is a popular racking choice for bulk storage of non-palletized items, offering increased capacity compared with lighter gauge shelving systems.
A wide span storage rack system is valuable in a warehouse that stores a wide variety of heavy loads and operates with manual pickers. It is also helpful for backroom storage or shop floor merchandising shelves.
Wide span racks offer adjustable load levels. Increasing the number of beams per upright frame boosts the system’s rigidity and load capacity. If you have non-palletized products in a variety of sizes, you can minimize wasted space and improve storage density by changing the distance between beams and decking.
Wide span racks allow you to use a variety of deck materials, each affecting the carrying capacity of the system:
Particle board decking rests on step beams and provides a lightweight, smooth shelf surface. When laminated with white melamine, the surface is also resistant to abrasion and moisture. Particle board decking can be suitable for either light- or heavy-duty storage applications.
For heavy-duty applications where durability is critical, welded steel rack decking, in 14-gauge perforated sections, has a 3,000 lb. load capacity per section. Reinforced channels fit the step beams, and the powder-coated finish protects against rust.
Wire mesh decking consists of a grid of wire strands welded together and attached to steel channels. This type of decking is ideal for promoting air circulation and reducing dust accumulation. It also ensures that you comply with building fire codes by allowing the fire suppression system to access all levels of the storage unit.
There are two varieties of wire mesh decking: Flat wire decking and waterfall decking. Flat wire decking sits flush with the step beam. This ensures the beam is visible for easy barcoding and labeling.
The wire decking slopes over the step beams for easier product loading and better product security in the waterfall variant. Depending on the wire gauge, wire mesh decking can support up to 1.5 tons.
Wide span racks are available with several different beam design types, each affecting the total load capacity of the system. For example, standard plywood beams aren’t as strong as heavy-duty steel, lowering the total load capacity. However, plywood is also lighter and cheaper.
Wide span units are also an affordable storage shelving unit for those interested in storing automotive parts, gardening supplies, hand tools, and clothes in their garage. The durable construction is resistant to impact, and the finish protects against moisture damage.
Wide span racks are a flexible, cost-effective storage shelving unit for office records, archives, and files. Expandable storage shelving allows you to add shelving as needed. The extra width allows you to keep your notebooks, logbooks, and differently sized record materials all in one location.
Wide span bulk storage racks are available in a wide range of finish options, from an epoxy finish or a powder-coated finish to protect the shelving unit against abrasion and rust.
In some models, the steel upright frames and horizontal beams are galvanized, which is a protective zinc coating. For better organization, safety, or to match your company’s brand identity, you can also select between various finish colors, such as dark gray, black, green, and chrome.
At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we carry a vast range of bulk storage racks, including wide span shelving. We also offer turnkey services to help you design and install wide span shelving systems in any configuration you need for your warehouse, office, storeroom, or garage. Please call us at (800) 589-7225, so we can help you find a shelving system that fits your needs.
