Stop "Fishing" for Steel Tubes with a Forklift.
In high-purity tube manufacturing and metal fabrication, every scratch on a polished surface is a lost profit. Traditional static racks force your operators into dangerous, time-consuming maneuvers to retrieve the right bundle. Our ergonomic, crane-accessible dispensing systems allow a single operator to access 5,000 lbs of pipe in under 2 minutes—without physical strain or material damage.
If you are managing a Steel Service Center or a fabrication shop supplying industries like aerospace or pharmaceuticals (similar to the high standards of companies like GHWA), you know that long material handling is the bottleneck of your warehouse. Storing 20ft lengths of stainless steel tubing, heavy wall pipes, or solid bar stock on floor stacks or standard cantilever racks creates three immediate problems:
The solution is not a bigger warehouse; it is a smarter dispensing mechanism. The Telescopic Cantilever Rack changes the game by transforming static storage into a dynamic, ergonomic dispensing unit.
Single-operator ergonomic control: Moving tons of steel with minimal effort.
The core principle of ergonomic heavy pipe dispensing is the 100% extension capability. Unlike standard racks where the material is trapped inside the structure, our crank out cantilever rack features arms that extend fully outward, like a drawer.
This simple mechanical shift unlocks the ability to use an overhead crane for all loading and unloading tasks.
By using a crane with nylon slings or a vacuum lifter, you lift the pipe straight up. There is no dragging, no sliding, and no contact with adjacent bundles. For suppliers of high-purity stainless components, this means the surface finish remains pristine from receipt to shipping.
Whether you choose a manual crank system or an electric drive, the gear ratio is designed for ergonomics. A single operator can rotate the handle to extend a drawer loaded with 6,600 lbs (3,000 kg) of bar stock without physical exertion. This reduces fatigue and eliminates the need for a "spotter" during retrieval.
Optimized layout: Narrower aisles are possible because forklifts don't need turning radius space.
In a high-throughput fabrication shop, your laser cutters and band saws are the heartbeat of production. Every minute these machines sit idle waiting for raw material is lost revenue.
Deploying roll-out cantilever racks directly adjacent to your processing machinery allows for "Point of Use" storage. Instead of driving a forklift from a distant bulk storage area, the machine operator can simply:
This process cuts retrieval time from an average of 15-20 minutes (with a forklift) down to 2-3 minutes.
For facilities handling extremely heavy loads (such as solid die blocks or large diameter thick-wall pipes) or where pick frequency is very high, manual cranking can be upgraded.
Our motorized systems utilize a robust electric drive train controlled by a handheld remote. This allows the operator to stand at a safe distance while the rack extends. It is the ultimate solution for heavy pipe dispensing where safety protocols restrict close-proximity interaction with heavy suspended loads.
Remote-controlled extension ensures operator safety zones are maintained.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Arm Extension | 100% Full Extension (Clear overhead access) |
| Load Capacity | Up to 11,000 lbs (5,000 kg) per arm level |
| Pipe Lengths | Accommodates 10ft, 20ft, 24ft, and custom lengths |
| Operation Mode | Manual Crank or Electric Motorized |
| Material Protection | Optional UHMW or Polyurethane liners for sensitive alloys |
Q1: We store polished sanitary stainless steel tubes. Can these racks prevent scratching?
Yes. Because the arms extend 100%, you use an overhead crane to lift straight up. This eliminates the "sliding" friction caused by forklifts digging into a rack. We also offer UHMW plastic liners for the arms to ensure the steel never touches a hard metal surface.
Q2: How much aisle space can I save compared to traditional cantilever racks?
Significant space. Traditional racks require wide aisles (often 12-15 feet) for a forklift to turn with a 20ft pipe. Our overhead crane accessible racking only requires enough aisle space for the drawer to open (approx. 3-4 feet) plus a walkway, often reducing footprint by 50%.
Q3: Can these racks handle random lengths of off-cut pipes?
Yes. While designed for full lengths, we can install intermediate supports, steel decking, or baskets across the cantilever arms to securely hold shorter off-cuts and prevents them from falling through.
Q4: Is the cranking mechanism hard to use when the rack is fully loaded with 6,000 lbs of steel?
No. The system uses a high-ratio gear and bearing mechanism. An average person can crank out a fully loaded drawer with roughly 15-20 lbs of starting force. It is designed to be ergonomic and requires minimal physical effort.
Q5: Can I retrofit my existing static cantilever rack to become telescopic?
No. The structural forces on a telescopic rack are different (involving significant torsion and moment loads when extended). The entire structure, from the H-beam base to the bearing columns, is engineered specifically for dynamic movement. It requires a dedicated unit.
