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Quick Install Guide: Modular Roll Out Racks

2026-02-06 13:06
Double Sided Crank Out Cantilever Rack for Stainless Steel Tubes

In a high-velocity steel service center, downtime is the enemy. You cannot afford to shut down your saws and laser cutters for a week just to install storage. Our modular Telescopic Cantilever Rack system is engineered for rapid deployment. We transform your floor from a chaotic staging area into a high-density, crane-accessible logic center—fast. Protect your high-purity SS tubes and get back to cutting sooner.

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Why Modular Design Matters for Metal Fabricators

For operations handling sensitive inventory like polished stainless steel tubing or precision bar stock, the installation of new infrastructure often brings a hidden cost: production interruption. Traditional welded systems require on-site fabrication, sparks, and days of area closure.

Our Modular Roll Out Racks utilize a bolt-together architecture using heavy-duty structural steel profiles. This design choice isn't just about shipping costs; it is about speed and precision on your shop floor. 85% of the assembly is pre-completed at our factory. Your team—or ours—simply needs to anchor, bolt, and align. This guide outlines the streamlined process to get your pipe and tube storage vertical and operational.

Step 1: Site Prep and Anchoring

Unlike standard static racking, a crank out cantilever rack is a dynamic machine. The forces shift as drawers extend. Therefore, a reinforced concrete floor (minimum 3,000 PSI) is non-negotiable. Begin by mapping out the grid for the column bases. Accuracy here ensures the drawer transmission shafts align perfectly later.

Technician drilling anchor bolts for heavy duty rack base

Drilling anchor holes for the heavy-duty base plates to ensure stability under load.

Step 2: Erecting the Columns with Overhead Cranes

Since your facility likely already utilizes overhead cranes (EOT) for moving tube bundles, we leverage that asset for installation. The modular columns are lifted into position. Because the system is designed for overhead crane accessible racking, the installation process mimics the daily operation—vertical, safe, and precise.

Assembling telescopic cantilever rack using overhead crane

Utilizing the shop's overhead crane to position the structural steel columns safely.

Step 3: Securing the Transmission and Driveline

This is the heart of the "Roll Out" functionality. The crank mechanism and transmission rods connect the columns, ensuring that when an operator turns the handle (or presses the remote on electric models), the arm extends smoothly without racking or jamming. We use industrial-grade bearings and gears that require minimal maintenance.

For manual systems, the mechanical advantage is geared so that a single operator can crank out a fully loaded drawer (up to 6,600 lbs) with just 30-40 lbs of force. This ergonomic focus reduces worker fatigue and injury risk compared to wrestling bundles manually.

Installing the crank handle mechanism on roll out rack

Precision installation of the crank handle assembly and bearing systems.

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Step 4: Final Torque and Leveling

Once the structure is standing, every bolt is torqued to spec. We pay special attention to the base connections. If the floor is uneven, steel shims are used to ensure the columns are perfectly plumb. This is critical for preventing "drift" in the telescoping arms and ensuring that your 20-foot stainless steel tubes lay perfectly flat, maintaining their straightness specs.

Tightening base bolts on modular cantilever rack

Final torque application ensures the structural integrity of the modular connections.

The Result: A Leaner Metal Service Center

Post-installation, the transformation is immediate. By moving from floor stacking to vertical, 100% accessible storage, you eliminate the "digging" process. No more moving three bundles of carbon steel to get to the stainless underneath. No more scratched surfaces ruining the Ra finish of your sanitary tubes.

Whether you choose a manual crank or a fully motorized electric system, the result is a safer, denser, and faster picking process that feeds your saws and lasers without delay.

Electric Roll Out Cantilever Rack Operation

Operational readiness: An electric system providing instant access to specific tube bundles.

Technical Specifications Overview

Feature Specification
Material High-Strength Structural Steel (Q235/Q355)
Load Capacity Up to 11,000 lbs per arm level
Arm Extension 100% Full Extension for Crane Access
Tube Lengths Modular design fits 10ft, 20ft, 24ft stock
Finish Industrial Powder Coating (Standard)



Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this system handle the surface finish requirements of sanitary stainless steel tubes?
Absolutely. Unlike standard forks that can scrape against bundles, our roll-out cantilever system allows for overhead lifting using nylon straps or vacuum lifters. This "no-contact" handling preserves the 32 µin Ra finish essential for dairy and pharma applications.

2. We have limited aisle width. How much space does the rack need?
This is a key advantage. Because you use an overhead crane for loading/unloading, you do not need wide forklift turning aisles (often 12-14ft). You can reduce aisle width to just a human walkway, potentially reclaiming 50% of your floor space for more fabrication equipment.

3. Can we install the rack ourselves, or do we need your team?
The system is designed for modular assembly. If you have a competent maintenance team and an overhead crane, you can perform the install using our detailed guide. However, for larger electric systems, we recommend our supervision to ensure limit switches and motors are calibrated correctly.

4. How long does installation typically take for a standard unit?
A standard unit (e.g., 4 towers, 5 levels) can typically be erected and anchored in 1-2 days with a 3-person crew. This minimizes disruption to your cutting and shipping schedules.

5. Is the rack compatible with 24ft raw material lengths?
Yes. The modular nature allows us to space the columns to support 20ft, 24ft, or even longer custom extrusions without significant deflection. We simply add more columns to the array to distribute the load evenly.

If you have any question or need drawings or solutions, Please leave us a message, We'll offer quick quote.

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