How to Purchase MECO OMAHA Cantilever Racking Systems

MECO OMAHA Cantilever Racks for Long, Heavy Material Storage

How to Purchase MECO OMAHA Cantilever Racking Systems
Purchasing a MECO OMAHA Cantilever Racking System starts with deciding whether you want a pre-configured rack unit or a custom-built system. Pre-configured units are the simplest option when you need a standard rack layout and already know the approximate size and capacity you require. Building your own system is the better choice when you need to match a specific material length, weight, floor space, aisle layout, or future expansion plan.

To build your own MECO cantilever rack system, start by selecting the uprights. Choose the upright height, capacity series, and whether the system will be single-sided or double-sided. MECO OMAHA manufactures five basic capacity series, ranging from Series 1000 Medium Duty to Series 5000 Extra Heavy Duty, so the right upright depends on the weight and type of material being stored.

Next, select the arm type. Arms are available in different lengths, styles, and capacities, including straight, inclined, heavy-duty, and extra-heavy-duty arms. Many arms are available with or without lips. Straight arms are commonly used for flat, stable materials such as lumber, steel bars, tubing, and structural shapes. Inclined arms are often used when materials need extra support to stay positioned on the rack.

Finally, select the braces. Braces determine the spacing between uprights and help stabilize the rack system. MECO OMAHA brace widths are available from 2 feet through 10 feet, measured on center. For longer materials, you can add more uprights and braces to extend the rack system and provide better support across the length of the load.

MECO Series 1000, 2000, and 4000 cantilever racks differ primarily by load capacity and intended application. Series 1000 is the medium-duty, economical option for lighter, longer materials. Series 2000 is a medium-heavy-duty option that bridges the gap between Series 1000 and heavy-duty racks. Series 4000 is the standard heavy-duty industrial series for heavier, longer, bulky, or irregular materials. All three series use adjustable cantilever arms, but components are series-specific and should not be mixed unless MECO specifically allows it.

What to Look For When Buying MECO Cantilever Racking
The most important factor is capacity. Consider both the weight placed on each arm and the total weight placed on each upright. Upright capacity can be calculated by multiplying the number of arms per upright by the individual arm capacities, but the total must never exceed the listed upright capacity. Arm capacity is based on an even distribution of load, so uneven or point-loaded materials may require a stronger arm or a different layout.

Also, look closely at material length, depth, and handling method. Long materials need enough support points to prevent sagging or unsafe overhang. The arm length should match the depth of the material being stored, while the brace width should support the overall rack layout. If forklifts will be loading and unloading the rack, make sure the system allows enough aisle space and clear access to the arms and bases.

Another key consideration is single-sided versus double-sided storage. Single-sided racks are typically placed against a wall or along the edge of a storage area. Double-sided racks allow storage on both sides and are commonly used in open warehouse areas where forklift access is available from both directions. Arms must never be placed on the back side of a single-based upright.

Compatibility also matters. MECO OMAHA rack components are modular within each basic capacity series, so additional arms, uprights, and cross braces can be ordered later. However, Series 1000 and Series 2000 components are not interchangeable with components from other rack series. Standard and Heavy Duty arms are designed for use only on Series 3000, Series 4000, and Series 5000 uprights.

Best Uses for MECO OMAHA Cantilever Racking Systems|
MECO OMAHA Cantilever Racks are best used for storing long, bulky, heavy, or awkward materials that do not fit well on standard shelving or pallet racks. Common applications include storage for pipe, tubing, lumber, bar stock, structural steel, sheet goods, conduit, extrusions, and other long inventory that needs to stay organized and off the floor.

These racks are especially useful in warehouses, fabrication shops, maintenance departments, manufacturing plants, lumber yards, plumbing supply operations, steel service centers, and industrial storage areas. The open front design allows forklifts to load and unload materials quickly without vertical obstructions getting in the way.

Because arms adjust on 3-inch centers, MECO cantilever racks can be reconfigured as inventory changes. Different arm lengths may be used on compatible racks to better organize mixed materials. Bases can also provide additional low-level storage, making better use of floor space.

How MECO Cantilever Racks Help Your Operation
MECO OMAHA Cantilever Racking helps improve storage density, material access, and workflow. Instead of stacking long materials on the floor, leaning them against walls, or mixing different sizes together, cantilever racks create organized storage levels that make inventory easier to see, count, and retrieve.

The system also helps reduce unnecessary handling. Forklift operators can access one piece or a full load more efficiently, saving time and reducing the risk of product damage. For growing operations, the modular design allows you to add uprights, braces, and arms later as storage needs increase.

For facilities handling heavy or awkward materials every day, the biggest advantage is control. MECO cantilever racks help keep aisles cleaner, improve access to stock, and create a more professional and efficient storage area.