Pallet racking is an essential part of warehouses and manufacturing facilities across Australia. Designed for use in the harsh and unpredictable warehouse environment, quality pallet racking should last for many years with regular inspections and professional maintenance. 

However, through heavy use as well as standard wear and tear, pallet racking systems can become damaged and even unsafe for use these issues will be identified in your yearly pallet racking audits. With the significant cost of repairs and inventory loss that a pallet racking collapse can cause, let alone the safety and legal risks, it is important to recognise when your pallet racking should be replaced before a disaster occurs. 

When it comes to pallet racking systems, Macrack are the experts. In fact, we are so confident in the quality of our pallet racking that each new racking system we manufacture comes with a lifetime guarantee. If you’re looking for a quality, Australian-made pallet racking system that can be customised to meet the needs of your space and inventory, Macrack has the solution. Call us today on 1800 048 821 for expert advice and a free quote.

5 Signs You Should Replace Your Pallet Racking

1) Frequent Repairs

While pallet racking damage is inevitable due to the harsh warehouse environment, if your pallet racking system has begun to require more frequent repairs, it may be time to consider replacing your racking. 

There are a number of reasons why a pallet racking system may start to require more frequent repairs, whether it be through natural wear to the joints and parts as a result of heavy use over a long period of time or due to an underlying problem such as poor design. Not only can repeated repairs to a racking system cause it to become unsafe for use, but you will also be investing money into a damaged pallet racking system that will still eventually need to be replaced. 

Choosing to replace your pallet racking system rather than carrying out regular repairs may be a more cost-effective solution, particularly when replacing an old racking system with quality new racks that are built to stand the test of time. Not only will this save you money on repairs, but high-quality pallet racking in good condition will also reduce disruptions and unexpected downtime in your warehouse as a result of damaged racking. 

2) Significant Beam Damage

While a lot of pallet racking damage may be superficial without affecting the structural integrity of your racks, significant beam damage could be a sign that it is time to replace your racking system.

For example, while beams are designed to deflect under the weight of a load, the deflection should not remain once the load has been removed. Permanent beam deflection is a sign that your racking beam is damaged which can put your warehouse, inventory, and employees at risk if the damaged rack is still being used. 

Another form of beam damage that may be an indication that it is time to replace your racking is rusted beams. Rusted or tarnished beams with flaking paint can be signs that the metal is weakening, which can affect the amount of weight that a beam can safely support. Unfortunately, there is no bandaid solution to weakened beams, with replacement being the only reliable option.

3) Running Out Of Space

Another sign that it may be time to replace your pallet racking system is if you are running out of floor and storage space. The right pallet racking system will maximise the storage capacity of your warehouse, making use of all available space, including vertical space. When you buy second-hand or stock standard pallet racking systems, it is unlikely that the racking will be optimised to suit the needs of your space, inventory, and warehouse processes.

Conversely, replacing your old racking with a new pallet racking system that has been specifically designed for your space and products will ensure that every inch of floor space is used to increase storage capacity in your warehouse. 

4) Ineffective Inventory Management

If your warehouse is struggling with ineffective inventory management, consider replacing your pallet racking system. A pallet racking system that has not been professionally planned out with the space, product range, and warehouse processes in mind can negatively impact productivity and inventory management. On the other hand, a well-designed pallet racking system should allow you to easily monitor, locate, and access goods within the warehouse. 

5) Relocating

Finally, if your business is relocating to a new facility, consider replacing your pallet racking system at the same time. This will ensure that your new facility is optimised for maximum storage capacity and productivity, taking into account the available space and layout to create a customised warehouse storage system rather than having to retrofit your old racking to a new space. 

Quality Australian-Made Pallet Racking

If you’re considering replacing your pallet racking system, Macrack are the team to call. We offer customised pallet racking systems made with quality Australian materials that are designed to meet your warehouse storage needs. Plus, every new racking system we manufacture comes with a lifetime guarantee to give you peace of mind that your new racking system will stand the test of time. Call us today on 1800 048 821 and take advantage of our free quote and warehouse design offer.