MECO 4-Inch Structural Channel Pallet Rack Upright Frame (Frame Only) - Extreme Duty

MECO 4-inch Extreme Duty structural pallet rack upright frames are all-welded, rigid frames built for the most demanding heavy-duty pallet rack applications. Fabricated from 4-inch structural steel channels, they deliver significantly higher capacity than the 3-inch series, up to 52,200 pounds per bay when vertical beam spacing does not exceed 60". Each frame includes a 4" x 3" baseplate with a 9/16" anchor hole (anchors by others) and uses a 2-inch punch pattern for flexible beam placement. Designed in accordance with AISC and RMI standards.

Frames are available in three depths (36", 42", and 48") and ten heights (8' through 24'), producing 30 models across the lineup.

This page covers upright frames only. Structural beams, starter units, and add-on units are sold separately.

Selecting the Right Frame: 3-Inch vs. 4-Inch

Both the 3-inch and 4-inch MECO structural upright frames share the same depth and height options. The difference is structural capacity. The 3-inch series is rated up to 34,800 lb per bay. The 4-inch Extreme Duty series is rated up to 52,200 lb per bay, approximately 50% more capacity. Choose the 4-inch series for applications involving very heavy palletized loads, high-density storage configurations, or environments where the rack is exposed to frequent forklift contact and requires added structural margin.

Selecting frame depth and height:

Frame depth is determined by pallet depth and desired overhang. A 48" deep pallet is typically stored on a 42" deep frame, allowing approximately 3" of overhang at the front and 3" at the back. The 36" frame suits shallower pallets or tighter footprints. The 48" frame accommodates oversized loads or applications requiring additional pallet support.

Frame height is determined by ceiling height, sprinkler clearance requirements, and forklift lift limitations. Select the tallest frame that fits within those constraints to maximize vertical storage capacity.

Use a starter unit to begin each rack row. Use add-on units to extend the row. Individual frames may also be ordered to replace damaged components without disturbing the rest of the system.

Where Commonly Used:

♦ High-Capacity Warehousing: Selective pallet rack rows storing heavy palletized goods where per-bay loads exceed the capacity range of standard 3-inch structural uprights.

♦ Distribution Centers: High-bay storage in fast-moving fulfillment environments where rack must support dense, fully loaded pallet positions under frequent forklift operation.

♦ Manufacturing Facilities: Storage of heavy raw materials, tooling, or finished goods on pallets alongside production lines, particularly where incidental forklift contact is a regular occurrence.

♦ Cold Storage and Extreme Environments: Applications where structural steel construction is specified over roll-formed rack for long-term durability under temperature cycling or harsh conditions.

♦ Rack Repair and Replacement: Individual upright frame replacement in existing MECO 4-inch structural rack rows following damage, without requiring full system replacement.

♦ High-Density Layout Expansion: Adding bays to existing rows or reconfiguring rack height and depth when storage requirements or inventory profiles change.

All products ship via freight carrier. CustomMHS is an authorized MECO-Omaha distributor. All purchases include the manufacturer's factory warranty.