Pallet racking systems come in many shapes and sizes. There are pallet racking systems for every type of warehouse that can optimise storage capacity and improve productivity. There’s no doubt that pallet racking is a worthwhile investment for any warehouse or storage facility.
For a large warehouse, pallet racking can be a sizeable investment. This is why many people consider buying used pallet racking. It can be tempting to save a few dollars and buy used, but it could end up costing you a lot more than you saved.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy Used Pallet Racking
Safety
Due to the many risks and hazards associated with working in a warehouse, safety is a high priority. Not only can accidents in the warehouse result in injured workers, they can also cause thousands of dollars of damage to merchandise and equipment.
That is why it is so important to know the limitations of your machinery and equipment, and pallet racking is no exception. When you buy used pallet racking systems, they often can’t be certified and the load capacity of the system can never be guaranteed. This is because you don’t know what the racking was used for.
If the racking system was misused or overloaded, the steel will be permanently weakened and will no longer meet the original load capacity standards. This is also the case if the steel has been stored outdoors and rusted.
This means that the best you will ever get is an estimation of the load capacity of a used pallet racking system. Without an exact load capacity, you will never be able to optimise the use of your racking without the fear of a racking collapse.
Even if a used pallet racking system seems undamaged, there could be damage that is not visible. For example, the beams of a racking system could be seemingly fine from the outside but covered in rust on the inside. There is no way for you to guarantee the condition of the system without cutting it open yourself.
Warranty
Most used pallet racking systems are sold as is, with no form of warranty. This means that if the system is faulty you’re left with a pile of scrap metal and will end up having to buy a new system anyway. Additionally, if the racking system does happen to still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, if it has been modified at all without your knowledge, the warranty will be voided.
Maintenance & Repairs
It goes without saying that an older pallet racking system will require more maintenance than a brand new pallet racking system. However, even sourcing the parts for repairs may end up costing you more. This is because many used pallet racking dealers heavily discount brands of pallet racking that require uncommon or expensive parts. In some cases, the manufacturer of the racking system may no longer exist. This will mean that rather than repairing your racking, you will end up having to buy a new racking system.
Warehouse Optimisation
Pallet racking is designed to optimise the storage capacity of any warehouse or storage facility. So why buy racking if it can’t do that for your warehouse? When a new pallet racking system is built, it is designed with the exact dimensions of the warehouse and the product in mind.
Your racking system should be made to fit your warehouse operations and product storage. But with used pallet racking, your warehouse operations and product storage has to work around whatever racking system is available.
Benefits Of Buying New Pallet Racking
Increase Storage Capacity
When you buy a new pallet racking system, it can be designed to suit your needs. Your racking can be made to perfectly fit your pallet size to optimise the storage capacity of your entire warehouse.
Macrack can design a custom layout plan for your warehouse to optimise the space. If you have unconventional spaces that seem unusable, drive in racking can be designed specifically for them to maximise storage. And if you have awkwardly placed barriers or doorways that make the racking layout difficult, our racking experts can design the system around them to make sure every inch of the space is used to its potential. Your pallet racking can even be designed with the warehouse product flow in mind to ensure that it is perfectly suited to maximise the productivity of your warehouse.
Safety
When you buy new, your racking system will be labeled with the weight capacities of the system provided by the manufacturer. This means that you will know the exact weight that should be stored in the racking for maximum safety.
Pallet racking systems are required to be manufactured to current Australian Standards. This means that unlike with used racking, you can rest assured that your new system is up to code and safe to use.
Future Expansion
When you buy a pallet racking system directly from the manufacturer you know who you are dealing with. This means that you can have your pallet racking installed by the manufacturer for maximum safety. It also means that you can have any repairs or maintenance on the pallet racking performed by the same people that manufactured it. Not only will this give you peace of mind that it will be done right, this also means that you will only need to contact one company for all of your racking requirements.
Additionally, as your business expands, so can your racking without having to buy a whole new system. When you buy pallet racking from a company like Macrack, you can add to or extend your existing systems at any time. And if necessary, you can even buy a whole new system that is compatible with your existing racking.
Warranty
One of the main benefits of buying racking new is the factory warranty it comes with. This gives you peace of mind that if your system fails, it is covered by the warranty. It may seem like you’re saving money when you buy a cheap used racking system, but it will inevitably have to be replaced over and over again.
Think of how much money you would save if you could buy one pallet racking system and never have to buy a replacement. With Macrack, every system we build comes with a lifetime warranty so you can rest assured that you will never have to buy a replacement system again.
Professional Finish
Much like when choosing between a new or used car, the look of a new pallet racking system is a huge factor. Brand new systems have a much more professional finish that will impress staff and customers alike.
And Macrack even offer custom colours for your racking system. Rather than the luck-of-the-dip colour that comes with a used racking system, why not get the look you want. You can even have your pallet racking painted in your business colours for a more professional look.
So, you could save a few bucks and take a chance on a used system or invest in a quality new pallet racking system that will last a lifetime. At the end of the day, it’s your business, and you’re liable. Ask yourself this: are you willing to take the risk?
