Differences in Pallet Racking

Redirack understands that choosing the right type of pallet to use for your warehouse can be difficult so we have produced a quick guide below to give a basic overview of the different types of pallets, and which pallet you should use.

Two – Way Entry

Here the bearers permit the entry of forks or fingers from two opposite directions only. The sides through which the forks enter are called “entry sides”.

Four – Way Entry

The bearers (or blocks) permit entry of forks or fingers at each end and at each side. The sides through which the load wheels of a pallet truck can pass without leaving the ground are known as “free entry sides”. The other sides, where the load wheels have to pass over the bottom slats are termed “restricted entry sides”.

Bearers

Members under the top deck or separating the top and bottom decks, which provide a space for the entry of forks or fingers. They may consist either of longitudinal members or distance pieces (usually known as blocks)

Chamfer

A rebated angle in the structure of a pallet, in particular on the edges of the bottom deck, to facilitate the passage of the load wheels of a pallet truck.

 

Through chamfer diagram

Fig.1 – Through Chamfer

stopped chamfer diagram

Fig.2 – Stopped Chamfer

Pallet diagram

Deck

The top or bottom flat surface which may be solid or otherwise.

Entry Members

Members forming the outside edges of decks on the sides in which the forks or the fingers enter.

Pallet diagram for forks

Stringer

A horizontal member conntecting the bearers and supporting the deck.

Entry

Space permitting the entry of forks or fingers in a particular direction.

Wings

Those parts of the deck or decks which project beyond the bearers.

Standard sizes for flat pallets

The British Standards Institution has selected the following plan dimensions for standard pallets: 800mm x 1200mm, 1000mm x 1200mm, 1200mm x 1200mm, 1200mm x 1800mm, (B.S.2629 1967).

The international organisation for standardization has also recommended the above sizes and proposed the following plan sizes as international standards for maritime use: 

1200mm x 1600mm and 1200mm x 1800mm

These standard plan sizes take into account the majority of transport vehicles and are designed to give the best practicable loading on general purpose vehicles, provided the pallets themselves are loaded to capacity. 

Pallet, no base diagram

Two - Way Entry, Singled Decked

A pallet with only a top deck. Suitable for items which can withstand the concentrated loads imposed by the bearers, during stacking, e.g. wooden boxes and drums. Also used where little stacking is required and for storing unit loads in pallet racking when the bearers are supported by the rack framework. Shown here with an open boarded (slotted) deck.

two way entry pallet diagram

Two - Way Entry, Reversible

A pallet with similar top and bottom decks, either of which will take the same load. This gives even distribution when stacking. Shown here with a close boarded deck. Note: Not suitable for pallet trucks.

Non-reversible pallet diagram

Two - Way Entry, None - Reversible

For multi – tiering. The bottom slats add to the strength of the pallet and provide a larger surface area, therefore giving a less concentrated load distribution. Shown here with an open boarded (slotted) deck.

A pallet with similar top and bottom decks, either of which will take the same load. This gives even distribution when stacking. shown here with a close boarded deck. Note: Not suitable for pallet trucks.

Two - Way Entry, Reversible Winged

The decks extend beyond the outer bearers for lifting purposes, e.g. by crane with spreader-bar slings. Similar top and bottom decks either of which will take the same load. Even load distribution when stacking. Shown here with a close boarded deck: Not suitable for use with pallet trucks.

four way none reversible pallet diagram

Four - way entry, Non - Reversible

A Pallet having bearers which permit the entry of forks or fingers from either side or end. This can be of advantage in block stacking operations. Only suitable for items which can withstand the concentrated load imposed by the bearers when stacking. Shown here with a close – boarded deck.

perimeter pallet base diagram

Two - Way Entry, Perimeter Base

The bottom slats are so arranged as to present a level bearing surface, thus giving a less concentrated load distribution when stacking. Shown here (Inverted) with a close – boarded deck.

four way perimeter base pallet diagram

Four - Way Entry, Perimeter Base

Four – way entry, having the bottom deck so arranged as to present a level bearing surface compatible with hand pallet truck usage, and giving a less concentrated load distribution when stacking. Shown here (inverted) with a close – boarded deck.

four way cruciform pallet diagram

Four - Way Entry, Cruciform Perimeter Base

The ‘cruciform’ design of the bottom slats adds to the strength of the pallet and improves load distribution when stacking. The most widely used type of four – way entry pallet. Shown here (inverted) with a close – boarded deck.

Complete pallet diagram

Four – Way Entry, Reversible

A pallet with similar top and bottom decks, either of which will take the same load. Gives an even load distribution when stacking. Shown here with an open – boarded deck. Note: Note suitable for use with pallet trucks.

winged two way entry pallet diagram

Two - Way Entry, Non - Reversible winged

A Normal two-way entry pallet but with the deck extending beyond the outer bearers for lifting purposes. eg. by crane with spreader – bar slings. Shown here with an open – boarded (slotted) deck.

Winged four way pallet diagram

Four - Way Entry, Reversible, Winged

Similar top and bottom decks either of which will take the same load. Even load distribution when stacking. Both decks extend beyond the outer bearers (blocks) for lifting purposes. eg. by crane with spreader – bar slings. Shown here with an close – boarded deck. Note: Note suitable for use with pallet trucks.

 

side view pallet diagram

The advantages of storing pallets with the front to back runners resting on the beams enables the front and rear, left to right cross members to act as a locking device so that pallets cannot be accidentally dislodged, However, it does mean that the front to back members must be substantial, which virtually eliminates four-way entry pallets.

Pallet side on diagram

Locating uprights on the beams as show in sketch 2 permits the pallets to be enclosed within the perimeter of the rack. However, the width of the beam is only 50mm so if the fork lift truck driver fails to put the pallet fully into the rack there is a danger he will miss the back beam, causing the goods to be dislodged, or if he puts the pallet 50mm too far in he will miss the front beam level, again causing the goods to be dislodged. One can visualise the damage that would ensue to the racking.

Pallet measurements

The vast majority of wooden pallets in the UK measure 1200mm x 1000mm (UK Pallet) or 800mm x 1200mm (Euro Pallet). 

Pallet heights and widths

Consequently considering the two methods of loading pallets into racks as detailed before, the required beam centres are shown as follows. It can be seen why the 900mm and the 750mm wide frames have been established as standards.

If you have any more technical queries, please take a look at our technical hub where we address frequently asked questions surrounding pallet racking. Alternatively if there is an issue we don’t cover, please contact us on 01543 279543 or email us at sales@redirack.co.uk

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