What are Pallet Flow Racking Systems?
Similar in concept to pushback pallet rack, pallet flow rack systems are FIFO gravity fed pallet storage systems. Pallets are loaded onto rails that look like miniature roller conveyors. Pallet flow rack is loaded from the back (which is elevated). As pallets are fed from the back, gravity moves the pallets forward so that they can be picked from the front end (or pick side) of the flow rails.
This is a first in first out system, called FIFO for short. FIFO racking systems load pallets from the back and pick them from the front, using gravity to move the pallets as they are picked. As the pallets are removed from the rack, the next in line takes the previous pallet's place. Unlike pushback rack, which is loaded and picked from the front, pallet flow rack is loaded from the back and picked from the front.
Pallet flow rack systems can be used alone on the floor or retrofitted into almost any static pallet rack system for an efficient dynamic gravity storage system. With the addition of pallet flow rails from SJF Material Handling, converting existing pallet rack into pallet flow rack is a breeze – simply drop the rails into place using the existing rack as the support structure.
How Pallet Flow Rails Work
Lanes of pallet flow rails usually have built-in "brakes" that work to slow the pallets on rollers to a smooth, gentle pace as they glide down the lane. One of the biggest strengths of pallet flow rails over pushback rack is that flow rails allow a longer lane. While pushback rack may only store pallets five deep, a pallet flow racking system can allow as many as 10-15 pallets deep.
Pallet Flow Rail Brands
SJF is an authorized distributor of Mallard pallet flow and Westfalia pallet flow rail, and we can provide other brands at your request. Whatever size pallet flow racking system you're looking for, SJF's solutions specialists can help you find the components that are right for you.
Check below to see our current used inventory of pallet flow rail, or call us at (320) 485-4974 (direct sales line) or (800) 598-5532 to speak with a solutions specialist about your pallet flow racking needs.