Sometimes it takes a little imagination to figure out reconfigurations of pallet racking systems. Take teardrop pallet racking systems. They are stronger, more durable, and less likely to collapse, but you need more storage space and plenty of space to walk through. You also need room for forklifts to get through. How can you do this with pallet racking? Using the teardrop pallet racking, here is how you can accomplish all of the above.
Build Tunnel Bays
To build a tunnel bay with teardrop racking, you first have to build several parallel rows of racks. You can have up to eight feet or so between one set of racks and the next set of racks, which automatically creates a wide walkway or wide drive-through space for a forklift. (Some teardrop racking may also allow up to ten feet between racking; check with your manufacturer.)
Next, invest in the tunnel crossbars. When you set the tunnel cross bars up, they connect one set of racks on one side with another set of racks on the other side. The tunnel crossbars create a sort of bridge between the two sections of racks. Keep these tunnel bars at the same height all the way through this walkway for a uniform look. Additionally, the tunnel bars themselves become more pallet rack storage space so that you can put more into the racks overhead. If you install the tunnel bars at a really decent height, then the forklift can easily deposit pallets onto these bars overhead.
Use Ridge Bars If You Do Not Want Extra Storage Overhead
Despite the fact that teardrop pallet racking systems are nearly impossible to undo without manual assistance, some warehouse employees are uncomfortable with the tunnel bars. That is fine. You can still create the tunnels without using the tunnel bars for extra storage.
You can also use ridge bars. These bars are typically used for creating tunnels with the racking, but the ridge bars are ridged so that you can hang things on them (if you want). They affix to the rack rows in the same way, but you cannot use them to store pallets. Be sure to install these bars in such a way as to allow forklifts through and around your bays.
If You Need Help with Tunnel Design
If you need help with tunnel design, consult with your manufacturer. There are lots of ways to create tunnels with these pallet racking systems. No two tunnels are ever exactly the same.
