Powered Mobile Pallet Racking

In this column, we are going to look at powered mobile pallet racking. This system features pallet racking fixed to bases which move electrically. Powered mobile racking maximises space utilisation, enabling up to 80% of the floor area to be occupied for storage, compared with 30% for conventional wide-aisle pallet racking.

The versatility and efficiency of powered mobile pallet racking make it particularly suitable for use in cold stores, high rental premises, bulky multi product applications, palletised consumer goods and food products.
Powered mobile pallet racking comprises units of conventional pallet racking mounted on a steel framed base. The base is a diagonally braced structure, below which sit two bogies, with direct drive electric motors. The wheels run along a track set into the floor. Floor rails will be laid at the same time as a new floor, or in a warehouse with an existing floor, rail channels must be cut. Varying rack configurations and bogie types are available to suit single bay loads of up to 15 tonnes and run lengths of up to 30 metres.

Powered mobile pallet racking works by moving the position of a single aisle within a solid block of racking. This exposes the required rack face and allows access to individual pallets. When in use, the movable aisle is prevented from closing by a safety system which comprises trip bars on each base. If these are triggered the moving racks are prevented from closing completely. The controls for a powered mobile system can be mounted at the bay-ends or centralised at a console, alternatively, remote control equipment can be fitted to the fork lift truck.

A typical installation will comprise two single sided static runs flanking 6-10 double-sided mobile runs. For maximum economy, pallets should be handled on the narrower face and the bay length should be designed for three pallets side-by-side.

Mobile pallet racking uprights require heavier duty bracing than static racking of the same capacity, in order to withstand the "sway" that inevitably occurs with movement. In order to ensure that the stress caused by this sway does not distort or dislodge the beam-to-upright connection, the beam connector and safety clip design are critical. It is worth noting that all the proprietary racking systems available in the UK are suitable for use on movable bases. Racking systems having bolted uprights require regular safety checks to ensure the tightness of the bolts, racking with welded uprights has no need for these checks.

Powered mobile pallet racking is particularly efficient in terms of maximising available storage space. Approximately 7.5m of space is required for each pallet in a narrow aisle racking system, and drive-in racking uses around 6.6m per pallet. Powered mobile racking on the other hand, only uses 4.6m per pallet. The installation of a powered mobile pallet racking system into an existing warehouse has the potential to eliminate the need to expand it, or move to larger premises.

Alongside increased floor space utilisation, mobile pallet racking enables totally flexible stock rotation with 100% selectivity. Each pallet is individually supported in the racking, so the quality of the storage is excellent. There is no need for special handling equipment, as a conventional fork lift truck can be used with this type of racking.

In summary, powered mobile pallet racking offers maximum space utilisation, with fast and easy access. Installation of a powered mobile system requires higher initial outlay, but in the right application it offers the best possible combination of space utilisation and selectivity, and consequently it can also be the most economical solution over time.