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frequently asked questions
FAQ
CAN YOU CREATE CUSTOM SIZES?
Yes. We specialize in creating custom racking solutions. To create your perfect storage system, we will need the following information:
- Maximum sheet size (ex. L x W)
- Spacing between pallets
- Overall rack height
- Weight capacity per pallet (ex. standard 5,000 lbs)
- Number of storage locations you require?
- Any other custom requirements?
WHAT IS THE FOOTPRINT AREA?
| RACK | FOOTPRINT AREA | RACK HEIGHTS | ACTUAL HEIGHTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4′ x 8′ | 57.75” x 116” | 8’ | 96.125” |
| 4′ x 10′ | 57.75” x 140” | 10’ | 124.125” |
| 5′ x 10′ | 69.75” x 140” | 12’ | 145.125” |
| 4′ x 12′ | 57.75” x 164” | 14′ | 166.125” |
| 5′ x 12′ | 69.75” x 164” | ||
| 6′ x 12′ | 81.75” x 164” |
WHAT ARE THE CONCRETE REQUIREMENTS?
We recommend a minimum of 6 inches thick.
DO YOU ANCHOR THE RACKS AT ALL?
We strongly recommend that you anchor your Big Steel Rack(s) to the floor.
Sheet Rack FAQ
How many pallets/cassettes/trays will come with my Big Steel Rack systems?
At our standard spacing between pallets of 4 inches:
3.5 Feet Tall= 5 locations
8 Feet Tall= 12 locations
10 Feet Tall= 16 locations
12 Feet Tall= 19 locations
14 Feet Tall= 22 locations
16 Feet Tall= 25 locations
Custom heights available on request.
How much material can I fit on each pallet?
Each pallet has a maximum uniform load weight of 5000 lbs. A standard spacing of 4 inches provides you with 3 inches of material stack height. We recommend 1 inch of clearance from the top of your material stack to the bottom of your next pallet.
Can you have custom spacing to fit taller sheet metal material stacks?
Yes, you can have custom spacing between each pallet location, but are still required to keep loads to 5,000 lbs or less of uniform load on the pallet. Increased spacing is great for lighter materials at smaller sizes, giving you the most sheet metal storage density.
How do I transfer material from a traditional skid to my Big Steel Rack pallet?
We recommend requesting your sheet metal be palletized on your Big Steel Rack pallets from your material supplier. Using Big Steel Rack pallets as returnable pallets eliminates any additional material transferring time.
If Returnable Pallets are not an option, we recommend switching to 3×3/4×4 wood battens/runners for all material stacks. This makes the transfer process extremely efficient.
The Big Steel Rack Depalletizer allows you to transfer material from a wooden pallet by providing support for the sheet metal bundle while debanding. Use your forklift to transfer the material from the Depalletizer pins to your Big Steel Rack sheet metal pallet.
Do your racks meet ANSI & AISC standards?
Yes, all Big Steel Rack systems are designed and built to meet ANSI & AISC Standards. Each system receives a third-party professional engineer approval to ensure all standards are met.
How much clearance should I plan for above my Big Steel Rack?
We recommend 3-4 feet of clearance above your Big Steel Rack to ensure your forklift mast does not contact any overhead piping, cranes, or building structures. You will need approximately 5 feet of clearance to upright your Big Steel Rack during installation.
Pallets FAQ
Can you build custom pallet sizes?
Yes, we can build custom pallets to your required specifications.
Can you build Big Steel Rack pallets to integrate into automated production equipment?
Yes, Big Steel Rack pallets are fully integratable.
How thick are the Big Steel Rack pallets?
Big Steel Rack Pallets are 3″ thick.
What size is the fork pocket opening?
The fork pocket opening measure 8×3.
Can you store smaller sheet metal material on a larger pallet?
Yes, but the pallets are rated for a certain uniform Lbs/Sq Ft load capacity. For example, you cannot put 5,000 lbs of 2×2 material directly in the middle of a 5×10 pallet.
Can you have a solid top pallet surface?
Yes, our solid top pallets are great for preventing drops or breakouts from falling through the pallet.
Depalletizer FAQ
How do you use the depalletizer to transfer material from a wooden pallet?
The Big Steel Rack Depalletizer allows you to transfer material from a wooden pallet by providing support for the sheet metal bundle while debanding. Use your forklift to transfer the material from the Depalletizer pins to your Big Steel Rack sheet metal pallet. We recommend requesting your sheet metal be palletized on your Big Steel Rack pallets from your material supplier. Using Big Steel Rack pallets as returnable pallets eliminates any additional material transferring time.
What if Returnable Pallets Aren’t an Option?
If Returnable Pallets are not an option, we recommend switching to 3×3/4×4 wood battens/runners for all material stacks that can be. This makes the transfer process extremely efficient. Simply place 2-3 Big Steel Rack pallets on top of the Depalletizer then place your material bundle on the pins and deband the bundle, remove the banding and battens/runners. Using your forklift, bring the Big Steel Rack pallet up to the sheet metal material stack. Shifting front to back & left to right as needed for ideal placement on the pallet.
Drop Rack FAQ
How far apart are the Drop Rack slots spaced?
4 inches
What are the overall dimensions?
48 inches deep x 60 inch wide – 10 Slot
48 inches deep x 120 inch wide – 20 Slot
How tall are the Big Steel Rack Drop Rack uprights?
34” from the top of the deck and 39” from the concrete slab.
Are custom sizes & spacing available?
Not at this time
Pallet Cart FAQ
How many carts do you recommend investing in?
We recommend 1-2 carts per work center that you plan to utilize your Big Steel Rack pallets to feed sheet metal.
Can a fully loaded cart be pushed by one operator?
Yes, Big Steel Rack pallet carts are designed with heavy duty casters that allow for ease of use even when fully loaded.
Tube Rack FAQ
What are the height options?
14’ Tall w/ 6 pallets
8’ Tall w/ 4 pallets
What are the tube rack pallet dimensions?
44” Deep x 240” Wide x 4” thick
44” Deep x 144” Wide x 4” thick
Can you have a double-sided Rack?
Yes, you can have a double-sided rack.
What is the max load capacity of the tube racks?
5,000 lbs Uniform load capacity
7,500 lbs Uniform load capacity
Are the pins removable?
Yes, the pins are removable.
How far are the pins spaced out?
The pins are spaced at 3 inches.
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Information
Made in the usa
Our desire to make products here in the United States, and stay in the United States, has set us apart from our competitors. At Big Steel Rack, we believe that we have a responsibility to our consumers and retailers to not only provide high-quality products, but continue to offer employment for Americans.
