Push back racking stores multiple pallets deep on inclined trolleys that run along rails within the bay. Each new pallet loaded at the front pushes the existing pallets back along the incline. When the front pallet is removed, the pallets behind it roll forward automatically under gravity.
It’s a high-density system that works on a Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) basis and suits operations needing better density than selective racking without the full commitment of a drive-in system. Absolute Storage Systems designs and installs push back racking across Victoria, configured to your bay depth, load requirements and aisle layout.
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Push back racking uses a series of nested trolleys on inclined rails within each bay. When a pallet is placed at the front, it pushes the row back along the rails. When that front pallet is removed, gravity brings the remaining pallets forward to the picking face automatically.
Systems typically accommodate two to six pallets deep per lane. Each lane operates independently, so different lanes can hold different products, unlike drive-in racking where a full lane must hold the same SKU. This makes push back a more flexible high-density option for operations with moderate product variety.
Push back racking needs to be configured around your pallet weights, bay depth and forklift type. The trolley and rail system requires precise load engineering to operate safely and reliably. Absolute Storage Systems has been specifying and installing high-density racking since 1991.
We assess your pallet weights, product variety, bay depth requirements and forklift type to confirm push back racking is the right fit.
We design trolley configuration, rail incline and load ratings around your specific storage requirements.
Professionally installed in line with AS4084:2023, ready to load from day one.
We test trolley movement, rail alignment and load capacity before handover.
We provide racking audits, maintenance and reconfiguration as your storage needs evolve.
Push back racking sits between selective and drive-in racking on the density-versus-access scale. It stores more pallets per aisle than selective racking while offering more product flexibility than drive-in, making it a practical choice for operations that need density without sacrificing all product variety.
If you need better density than selective racking but more flexibility than a drive-in system, push back racking is worth considering. Our team can assess your warehouse and confirm whether it suits your product mix and operations, contact us to get started.
Push back racking stores pallets on wheeled carts that sit on a pair of inclined rails. Loading a new pallet at the front pushes the pallets behind it further back up the incline. When the front pallet is removed, gravity brings the next one forward into the pick position. Everything is loaded and unloaded from the front aisle, so the forklift never enters the racking. It is important that the pallets have the similar weights so that the breaking system is even.
Pushback racking is last in, first out. The most recently loaded pallet sits at the front of the lane and is the first one retrieved. If you need first in, first out rotation, pallet live storage is the equivalent high density system, loaded from one side of the run and picked from the other.
No. Push back racking works with a standard counterbalance forklift, because every pallet is loaded and retrieved from the front aisle at the pick face. That is one of its main advantages over double deep racking, which needs a reach truck with a deep reach attachment, and over drive-in racking, where the forklift has to travel inside the structure. That said, consideration needs to be given about how many pallets the forklift is pushing. You need to ensure you understand the forklift manufacturer’s recommendation so that the forklift isn’t being mis-used.
Rotation is the main one: push back is last in, first out, so it does not suit date sensitive stock. Each lane holds a single product line, so a partly used lane cannot be filled with something else. And because it uses moving carts and rails, it costs more per pallet position than static racking and has components that need to be kept clean and inspected.
Cost is driven by the number of pallet positions, how deep each lane runs, the pallet weight the carts have to carry, and the height of the installation. Because push back uses carts and rails rather than fixed beams alone, it sits above selective racking on cost per pallet position and is usually justified by the floor space it releases rather than by the racking price on its own.
As per the Australian Standard (AS4084:2023), pallet racking audits are now mandatory and must be completed every 12 months.
Ensure your facility is safe and fully compliant with a free onsite audit from our expert team.
