Wide-span storage racks are a practical and cost-effective solution for any organization that needs to store large, bulky or heavy-duty items. These racks are sometimes called wide-span shelving, long-span racking or bulk shelving. These hand-loaded racks are more durable than regular industrial shelving and are similar to light-duty pallet racks, except they are not loaded using forklifts.

Depending on your storage needs and budget, you can consider several types of wide-span racks. Read on to learn about the benefits and features of the following types of wide-span storage racks:

  • Boltless racks
  • Welded bulk racks
  • Mobile wide-span racks

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Key Benefits of Wide Span Storage Racks

wide span shelving

  • Versatility: Wide-span racking’s open design allows you to store items of all sizes, including boxes, containers and equipment.
  • Durability: With a heavy-duty steel framework and options for steel, wire mesh, particleboard, or plywood decking, wide-span storage racks are designed to support heavy, bulky items.
  • Accessibility: The wide-span design of the racks allows for easy access and visibility of stored items while also maximizing storage space.
  • Affordability: Wide-span storage racks are cost-effective for efficiently storing a wide variety of items, especially heavy or bulky objects.
  • Customizability: With a range of decking options, designs, dimensions and accessories, you can customize wide-span storage racks to meet your unique storage requirements.

Boltless Racks

Boltless or rivet racks are the most affordable wide-span racking option. These racks are easy to assemble and require no bolts or screws, making them an ideal choice for a quick and easy storage solution. Rivet racks have several decking options, including particle board, wire decking, or steel decking.

wide span rackingThe boltless racking system features beams with rivet tabs that hook into keyhole slots in the steel uprights. Boltless racks allow you to adjust shelves as needed quickly. The components tap together with a rubber mallet. You can supply your decking or purchase the racks with particleboard, wire, or metal decking for an additional fee. Visit our online store for boltless rack options.

Features and specifications of boltless racks include:

  • 14-gauge cold rolled steel uprights
  • Double rivet left to right beams available in angle or channel type
  • Optional particleboard, wire, or metal decking
  • Heights: 84″, 120”
  • Widths: 48″, 60″, 72″, 96″
  • Depths: 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″, 48″

Welded Bulk Racks

boltless rivet racksWelded bulk storage racks are a highly durable option for heavy-duty hand-loaded storage. The welded bulk storage racking features high-quality welded upright frames to provide maximum stability for heavy loads. Due to their higher quality design, welded bulk racks are more expensive than boltless rivet racks. Visit our online store for welded bulk storage rack options.

Features and specifications of welded bulk storage racks include:

  • Welded 14-gauge steel construction for uprights with welded cross braces
  • Optional upright floor plates anchor the racking and protect the floor surface
  • “Step type” beams secure decking in place
  • Double-prong type beam-to-upright clips with safety screw secure beams in place
  • Horizontal Z-beam design for strength and stability over a wide span
  • Horizontal beams adjustable on 3″ increments
  • Optional particleboard, steel, or wire mesh decking
  • Front-to-back supports for additional strength
  • All painted components are corrosion-treated, powder-coated and baked for a durable finish
  • Three storage levels
  • Heights: 87″, 123″
  • Widths: 48″, 60″, 72″, 96″
  • Depths: 24″, 36″, 48″

Mobile Wide Span Racks

Wide Span Storage Racks on Wheels

mobile welded bulk storage racksTwo mobile wide-span storage racks are available: bulk storage racks on wheels and high-density racking systems. Bulk storage racks on wheels function as heavy-duty carts, ideal for transporting and distributing large or heavy materials. Visit our online store for mobile wide span rack options.

Features and specifications of mobile wide span storage racks on wheels include:

  • Weight capacity of up to 1,000 lbs.
  • Two 4″ rigid and two 4″ swivel casters with brakes
  • Steel shelf decking, wire decking, or no decking (for owner-supplied plywood)
  • Handles included on all except 24″ deep units
  • Shelves adjustable on 1″ increments
  • Up to four levels
  • Widths: 60″, 66″, 72″, 96″ (add 3″ for mobile base)
  • Depths:  24″, 30″, 36″, 48″
  • Heights: 63″, 75″ (add 7″ for casters and mobile base)

Mobile Wide Span Racking Systems

mobile botless racksMobile wide-span racking systems consist of wide-span racks mounted on rolling carriages that slide back and forth on floor tracks. These high-density storage systems eliminate static access aisles, allowing you to store twice as much in your existing space.

Mobile wide-span racking systems operates manually with a mechanical-assist three-spoke handle. Heavier duty systems can be electrically powered and controlled with a keypad. Both models are easy to use and come equipped with safety features. Learn more about industrial high-density mobile shelving on our website.

Benefits of mobile wide span racking systems include:

  • Reduce your storage space requirements by 50%
  • Compatible with new or existing storage racks, boltless racks, or bulk racks
  • Double your storage capacity in your existing footprint
  • Floor rails install on the existing concrete slab without the need for leveling

Features of mobile wide span racking systems include:

  • Weight capacity of up to 7,000 lbs. per carriage
  • Mechanical-assist or electric-powered operation
  • Standard safety features protect employees and objects in aisles
  • Optional security lock or keypad access control
  • Stainless steel option available for sanitary, marine, or freezer applications

shopping cart iconPrices for Industrial Products

See specifications and pricing for open & closed shelving, sliding bin shelving, shelving with drawers, and bulk rack.

Contact Us for Wide Span Storage Racks

Southwest Solutions Group provides design and installation services for all types of wide-span storage racks, including mobile wide-span racking systems. We will also provide a free consultation to determine your needs and specifications before the design begins. To learn more or to speak with a specialist, call us at 800-803-1083 or send us a message today.

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Industrial Testimonials

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“Working with Southwest Solutions including Matt, Susan, and especially Brad was great. They provide amazing customer service. Brad and the install team were especially great. Very professional, easy to work with, and did the work quickly and very well with very little input from us. If we need help with carousel storage moves, parts, or new equipment we will start with Southwest Solutions. ”

Ricoh
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“The team at Southwest Solutions were nothing short of fantastic. First meeting with Craig, I received a customized design, in person, based on my office needs while still maintaining an efficient layout and being cost effective. Craig explained everything clearly, allowing me to understand that as modular mill-work, I would be able to move it if I ever changed offices, but without the added sales pressure to immediately make a decision. Once I had decided, I worked with Chris who assisted in picking out the finishes and scheduling the delivery and installation. The professionalism of Craig and Chris spoke volumes and I would highly recommend anyone looking to transform or fit-out an office to contact Southwest Solutions.”

Etihad Airways
Harvey-Cleary Builders

“I want to let you know that we all really appreciated your team mentality, professionalism and dedication shown on this project. It was a pleasure working with you and your office and we look forward to many more. Please pass along my gratitude to everyone who worked on this project. Thanks! ”

Harvey-Cleary Builders
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“I just want to take a minute to let you know how good of a job your install crew did yesterday. They were quick, fast, courteous and very consensus during the install. They were awesome to say the least. Being in the service business ourselves, we know that you can never hear the words “Good Job” often enough. Please pass this along to your crew.”
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