How Push-Back Works
Each lane has inclined rails with nested carts. The forklift pushes each new pallet against the last; pick the front and the stack rolls forward. One aisle, last in, first out.
Sizes and Capacities
| Item | Typical |
|---|---|
| Lane depth | 12' 6" to 13' |
| Rail slope | 3/8" to 1/2" per foot (about 6" of rise over the lane) |
| Pallets per lane per level | 3 |
| Cart capacity | 2,500 to 3,500 lb each |
| Levels | 3 to 5 |
| Frame depth | Front and rear frames plus the rails; 13' deep total |
Where 3-Deep Fits
- Three to six pallets per SKU: beverage, food, building products.
- Cold storage.
- Replacing drive-in.
Two per SKU: 2-deep. Deeper: 4-deep.
Common questions
How deep is a 3-deep push-back lane?
About 12 1/2 to 13 feet.
How much slope do push-back rails have?
About three-eighths to a half inch per foot, roughly 6 inches over a 3-deep lane.
Is push-back FIFO or LIFO?
Last in, first out.
Why 3 deep instead of drive-in?
Each lane and level can hold its own SKU, and the truck stays out of the rack. Loading can be faster, depending on the layout.
