Push-back racking.
+90% density vs selective. 2-6 pallets deep. LIFO flow. Single-aisle access — same forklift, same aisles, dramatically more storage cube.
Density when SKUs are bulk-stored.
Because density wins when SKUs are bulk-stored. +90% storage cube vs selective, single-aisle forklift access, ideal for same-SKU operations that don't need FIFO strict rotation.
Pallets load onto nested carts that ride inclined rails. The newest pallet pushes the others back; picking the front pallet lets the rest gravity-flow forward to the pick face. Same forklift, same aisles — you simply store 2 to 6 pallets in the depth of one selective bay.
The components, labeled.
Seven parts do the work in a push-back lane. Same structural uprights as selective — the rails, carts and controllers are what turn one bay into 2-6 deep.
Upright Frame
Same structural-grade upright as selective, with additional rear-bracing to handle the dynamic load of pallets cycling on the rails.
Inclined Rail Track
Engineered downward slope (3-4°) so pallets gravity-flow toward the pick face. Steel C-channel with low-friction surface.
Pallet Carts (Nested)
Each cart sits in a deeper position. Front cart picks first; rear carts roll forward as cycle progresses. 2-6 deep depending on lane spec.
Speed Controllers
Hydraulic dampers prevent runaway pallet flow. Maintain steady cart speed regardless of load weight.
Safety Stops
Mechanical stop at the pick face. Prevents the front pallet from rolling off during forklift retrieval.
Cross Beam
Structural beam tying frames together. Distinct from selective — push-back beams carry the rail track, not pallets directly.
Anchor Bolt
Same wedge or sleeve anchor as selective racking — embedment depth specs are stricter for push-back due to dynamic loading.
Full technical detail.
Engineered to your bays, by lane depth. Every lane is load-rated to CSA A344-17 + ANSI MH16.1; engineer-stamped drawings available on request.
| Specification | 2-Deep | 4-Deep | 6-Deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lane Configuration | |||
| Pallets deep | 2-deep | 4-deep | 6-deep |
| Density vs selective | +50% | +75% | +90% |
| Throughput cycles | LIFO | LIFO | LIFO |
| Pallet Capacity | |||
| Per pallet | 2,500 lb | 2,500 lb | 2,500 lb |
| Per lane (cart total) | 5,000 lb | 10,000 lb | 15,000 lb |
| Rail & Frame | |||
| Rail profile | Galvanized C-channel | Galvanized C-channel | Heavy-duty C-channel |
| Rail slope | 3° | 3.5° | 4° |
| Frame depth | Lane-depth + 12" | Lane-depth + 12" | Lane-depth + 16" |
| Finish & Compliance | |||
| Finish | Powder-coat | Powder-coat | Powder-coat or galvanized |
| CSA A344-17 aligned | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANSI MH16.1 (RMI) certified | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Operations | |||
| Lead time | 5-7 business days | 10-14 business days | 3-4 weeks |
| Install crew size | 3-4 | 3-4 | 4-5 |
| Best for | Mid-velocity SKUs | Bulk same-SKU storage | Cold storage + 3PL |
Push-Back Racking — engineered to your spec
Send your warehouse dimensions + SKU profile + throughput target. We'll come back with an engineered layout + itemized quote within 5 business days. Engineer-stamped drawings available on request.
Where push-back racking wins.
Bulk same-SKU storage
When you store many pallets of one SKU at a time. Push-back gives you 4-6 pallets in the depth of one selective bay.
Cube savings on HVAC
Compresses pallet positions into less square footage — major HVAC savings. Common in -20°C freezer + 2°C cooler operations.
Predictable replenishment
When you store inventory for clients with predictable replenishment cycles. Maximizes cube without sacrificing single-aisle pick access.
Push-back vs. the alternatives.
Density + pick speed
2-6 deep, LIFO, single-aisle access. Faster to pick than drive-in — you stay in the aisle.
You're hereMaximum density
Few SKUs, deep volume, LIFO. Lowest cost per position — the forklift drives into the lane.
View product →FIFO alternative
Same high density as push-back, but first-in-first-out rotation. The call when stock dating matters.
View product →
STOCK · racking aisles with floor markings · swap in Sprint RWhere push-back earns its keep.
Same-SKU operations that store deep and pick from a single aisle. Cold storage where every cooled cubic foot is expensive. 3PL and bulk distribution with predictable replenishment. If your stock doesn't need strict FIFO rotation, push-back packs 2-6 pallets into the footprint of one selective position — without giving up your existing forklift or aisle layout.
Build your push-back layout. Get a ballpark in 60 seconds.
Pick your space, racking + add-ons and watch it build itself. Instant ballpark, no obligation — same-day reply from the in-house crew.
60 seconds · no obligation · across the GTA · (647) 692-4416