Before showing the different types of Cantilever Racks? Let's take a look at how they are actually design.

How To Design Cantilever Rack
The first step in designing a cantilever racking system is knowing specific characteristics of the product being stored. Knowing these four product characteristics will aid in calculations A through E.

1) What is the length of the product being stored?
2) What is the depth of the product being stored?
3) What is the height of the product being stored?
4) What is the weight of the product being stored?

A) Determine The number and spacing of arms required to support the load without deflection.
The load must be supported by enough arms to prevent load deflection. Deflection may cause damage to the load being stored as well as damage to the arms. To test for potential deflection problems place your load onto two wooden blocks (simulating two cantilever arms). If there is no deflection it is acceptable to use a two arm system as long as there are no capacity problems. If there is deflection use three blocks, keep adding blocks until there is no deflection. Note: It is important to conduct these tests using the arm spacing formula as detailed below.
ARM SPACING FORMULA: The load should overhang the end arms evenly and not be more than one-half the distance from upright centerline to upright centerline.

Adhering to the Arm Spacng Formula will ensure that each arm supports an equal amount of the loads weight. Failure to observe the formula may cause an overloaded condition on the arms

B) Determine the proper length of the arms.
The depth of the load should never exceed the length of the arm. If you are storing a load 48" deep you must use a 48" long arm, if you are storing a load 24" deep you must use a 24" long arm, never us an arm shorter than the depth of your load.

Note: All arm capacities are based on evenly dispersed static loads. Rated arm capacities may be seriously diminished if proper loading techniques are not followed.

C) Determine The Height Of The Upright
When determining the height of the upright it is important to consider the ceiling height, forklift reach, sprinkler system and any other factors, such as local building codes, that might effect the overall height of the upright.
The height of the upright is determined by adding the base height, the total height of the loads to be stored, the total thickness of the arms to be used and a minimum 6" clearance between the top of every load and the arm above.
Considering all of the above factors you should be able to determine your height requirement.
Call and ask sales for the various rack dimensions such as base height and arm thickness.

D) Determine Arm And Upright Capacity
Arm Capacity
If properly designed and properly loaded each arm supports an equal amount of the load's weight. By determining the number of arms required per load and dividing it into the weight per load, the required arm capacity is determined.
The example to the right shows each load weighs 6,000 lbs. and that each load is supported by three arms. Dividing the number of arms (3) into the the load weight (6,000 lbs.) determines the minimum arm capacity (2,000 lbs.).
Upright Capacity
To determine the capacity of each upright, multiply the number of arms per upright (on double sided uprights make sure you count the arms on both sides) by the capacity required per arm.
The example to the right shows (4) arms per upright and each arm has a 2,000 lbs. capacity. Multiplying the 4 arms x 2,000 lbs. capacity per arm = 8,000 lbs minimum required upright capacity.

E) Determine Brace Length
The brace length is the horizontal distance from centerline to centerline of uprights. Refer to the various brace set lengths as shown in the price lists. Match the brace length as closely as possible to the arm spacing determined in step A.