Productivity Comes to Life with LIFO Push-Back Flow Rack! | Mallard Manufacturing

Last-in/First-Out (LIFO) inventory rotation is typically used for non-perishable or long-shelf-life items. When considering storage solutions for LIFO rotation of palletized inventory, you have a few choices of high-density racking, but only one checks all the boxes to accommodate a range of inventory and pallet specs. Push-back flow rack is your economical solution when you have uniformly-sized loads and pallets… and when you don’t! Watch our recent test demonstration to see how seamlessly push-back flow rack handles a range of pallet sizes, pallet styles, load heights, and load weights.

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Watch Push-Back Flow Rack Tackle Load & Pallet Size Variances

Unlike traditional push-back systems, where cart dimensions must closely match pallet specs, push-back flow racking relies on our wheeled rails, opening up the possibilities for a single system that accommodates a broader range of inventory. Additionally, the low-profile design of push-back flow rack allows us to create deeper lanes (12+ pallets), increasing overall storage capacity in a consolidated footprint.

The push-back flow design hinges on a single aisle for loading and unloading, guaranteeing LIFO rotation. Pallets are placed in the lane, and as new pallets are added, the forklift gently pushes the existing loads back. The action is reversed to remove pallets. Watch our video demonstration:

This recent push-back flow rack test was conducted in our interactive, in-house lab for a customer with a range of high-volume products. The project parameters were as follows:

Push-Back Lane Design:
Pallet depth - 3-4 per SKU lane
In-line wheeled rails - 3 per SKU lane
M-150 polycarbonate wheels
½” per foot lane pitch
Ramp stops

The testing resulted in positive results with a wide range of pallets of inventory. The
pallets were put into adjacent lanes and pushed back easily along the wheeled rails. Additionally, the pallets flowed well during the unloading process --forklift operators control the speed of the rear pallets by slowly backing out of the system during extraction.

If a pallet hangs up in the lane, gently push it back with the front pallet before removal. This action will trigger the rear pallets to move, and gravity will ensure they continue flowing to the end of the lane. This action is called “Plugging the Lane.”

Pallet Quality & Pallet Repair Tips

No matter what pallet storage method you choose, pallet quality is crucial to safely storing your inventory. Pallets with damaged, missing, or broken bottom boards have diminished capacity and pose a safety risk to employees. Dangling plastic wrap can also cause pallet hang-ups and damage gravity flow equipment.

Before use, pallets must be inspected for defects like cracks, loose nails, and splinters. Regular checks help remove damaged pallets, reducing hazards and preventing accidents for employees and stored products.

Trust the Mallard Gravity Flow Experts for System Design & Reliable Performance

When it comes to optimizing your warehouse operations with LIFO push-back flow rack systems, trust the expertise of Mallard Gravity Flow. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive system design support and free interactive testing before you finalize your order, ensuring that your specific needs are met with precision and efficiency.

With a proven track record and in-house lab testing, Mallard Gravity Flow ensures that your push-back flow rack system will perform seamlessly under diverse conditions. Contact Mallard gravity flow experts to start your next project!