Unit-load storage and retrieval equipment

(A link to a company web site does not represent an endorsement. These links were chosen because of nice photos or explanations of the product.)

Unit-load storage equipment

You can find a nice summary of rack types here; and here are some additional images.

• Pallet-stacking frame is a low-cost alternative when storing only a few pallets.
• Single deep or "selective" pallet rack is a standard. Every pallet position is accessible, but at a cost of lowered space utillization.
• Double deep rack sacrifices some accessibility to increase storage density.
• Push-back rack (here and here) can achieve higher storage density by going 2- or 3-deep but requires LIFO stock movement.
• Drive-in, through rack can achieve high storage density but requires LIFO stock movement. It can go 8-10 pallets deep but it becomes progressively harder to drive into.
• Pallet flow rack can achieve high space utilization while enforcing FIFO. It also physically separates the processes of storage and retrieval.

Unit-load retrieval equipment

A walkie stacker or pallet jack is the minimal piece of equipment for handling pallets; but to lift pallets up into rack requires a counter-balanced stacker or lift truck. More specialized trucks can operate within narrow aisles or can reach very high or can reach deep into pallet rack, all of which can allow more efficient use of space.

(The following links require an additional click on the model type in order to see the truck.)

• Walkie stacker
  • Straddle walkie stacker
  • Counter-balanced walkie stacker
  • Reach walkie stacker
• Counterbalance lift truck
  • Sit-down rider counter-balanced truck
  • Stand up rider counter-balanced truck
• Narrow aisle vehicles
  • Narrow aisle turret trucks
  • Stand-up reach trucks

Unit-load automated storage and retrieval equipment

• ASRS