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Used Flow Racks

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Used Flow Racks for Sale

Used Carton Flow Rack
  • Better Organization
  • Quicker Picking Times
  • Reduce Labor Cost
  • Accurate Inventory Control
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Used Span Track
  • Increased Visibility
  • Efficient Use of Space
  • Reduce Labor Cost
  • Easy Reconfiguration
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Used Skate Wheel Flow Rack
  • Selec Deck Case Flow
  • Dura-Flow by Unarco
  • Span Track Wheel Bed
  • Minimal Maintenance
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Used Pallet Flow Rack
  • Gravity Flow Rack
  • 2-15 Pallets Deep
  • Single or Double Wheel
  • Saves Time, Space, and Labor
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Used Pallet Flow Rails
  • Single & Double Rollers
  • Install on Selective Rack
  • Includes Brake Assembly
  • Ideal for High-Volume
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Used Mobile Gravity Flow Rack
  • Mobile Gravity Flow Rack
  • Ideal for FIFO Inventory
  • Flow Rack Carts
  • Increase Productivity
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We Buy Used Warehouse Equipment

Are you moving or liquidating your facility and looking to sell your used warehouse equipment or material? American Surplus Inc. can help! American Surplus Inc. offers a purchasing program for new and used warehouse and material handling equipment. Learn more about our purchasing program online or call our sales office at (800) 876-3736 to get started.

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About Flow Racks

Flow rack comes in four types: pallet flow, carton flow, skate-wheel, and span-track, each of which is better in certain applications than the others. All four styles utilize gravity to move products from the rear of the racking system to the front using wheels or rollers. As a result, flow rack is intended to be used in storage operations that utilize first in, first out (FIFO) inventory management.

Pallet flow rack is a high-density pallet storage system which utilizes slightly inclined rails and skate wheels in combination with the force of gravity in order to create a dynamic system for maintaining and storing inventory. Carton flow rack uses the same principles as pallet flow; however, it is designed for products that are smaller in size and weight.

Skate wheel flow rack is also a high-density storage system, however it is a little more versatile than pallet or carton flow rack. Instead of utilizing lanes of predetermined sized and weighted objects, skate wheel flow rack can accommodate products and containers of various sizes and weights. Similarly, span track racking offers the same versatility but utilizes rollers instead of wheels to accommodate heavier or denser item storage.

Flow rack is considered a dynamic racking system, meaning it is picked and loaded from different sides. This helps cut down on lost time due to forklift traffic, however it means flow rack requires more space than static systems, which are picked and loaded from the same side.

Call our sales team today to determine which style of flow rack is right for you. They will consider everything from the types of materials you will be storing, to the size of your facility and make a recommendation based on your specific storage needs.

Advantages of Flow Racks

Flow racks, also known as gravity flow racks or carton flow racks, are a type of material handling system designed to optimize storage and order picking processes in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. Here are some of the key advantages of using flow racks:

  • Improved Order Picking Efficiency: Flow racks use the principle of "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) to facilitate smooth and efficient order picking. Products are loaded from the back of the rack, and they flow forward towards the picking area. This reduces travel time for order pickers, leading to faster and more accurate order fulfillment.
  • Maximized Storage Density: Flow racks make excellent use of available vertical space, which is especially beneficial in warehouses with high ceilings. By utilizing gravity to move products forward, flow racks allow for deep and dense storage of items, optimizing the use of valuable floor space.
  • Reduced Labor Costs: With flow racks, order pickers spend less time searching for items since products are presented in an organized and easily accessible manner. This leads to a reduction in labor hours required for picking tasks, resulting in cost savings.
  • Inventory Rotation: The FIFO system of flow racks ensures that older stock is used first, minimizing the risk of product obsolescence, and reducing the likelihood of expired or outdated inventory.
  • Enhanced Ergonomics: Flow racks promote ergonomic order picking since products slide forward towards the picker, reducing the need for reaching or bending. This can lead to decreased strain and fatigue among warehouse workers, ultimately improving their productivity and well-being.
  • Minimized Product Damage: Using flow racks eliminates the need for manually stacking or moving products, which can lead to less product damage compared to traditional storage methods.
  • Customizable and Versatile: Flow racks come in various configurations and can be tailored to suit the specific needs of different products and industries. They can accommodate a wide range of package sizes and weights.
  • Quick Installation and Adaptability: Flow racks are often modular and easy to install, which allows for quick setup and reconfiguration as business needs change. This adaptability makes them suitable for dynamic and growing warehouse environments.
  • Efficient Stock Rotation: The dynamic nature of flow racks ensures that the oldest products are positioned at the picking face, enabling efficient stock rotation, and reducing the risk of stale or expired inventory.
  • Compatibility with Automation: Flow racks can integrate well with automation systems, such as conveyors or automated guided vehicles (AGVs), further enhancing efficiency and reducing manual handling.

Flow Racks Applications

Flow racks are versatile material handling solutions that find application in various industries and environments. Some of the common applications for flow racks include:

  • Order Picking: Flow racks are widely used for order picking in e-commerce fulfillment centers, warehouses, and distribution centers. The "first-in, first-out" (FIFO) flow ensures efficient and accurate order fulfillment.
  • Assembly Lines: Flow racks are utilized in manufacturing facilities to supply components and parts to assembly lines. This ensures a steady and organized flow of materials, improving production efficiency.
  • Retail Store Replenishment: Flow racks are employed in retail backrooms to restock shelves efficiently. They make it easy for store associates to access products and replenish store shelves quickly.
  • Cold Storage and Food Distribution: In temperature-controlled environments like cold storage facilities or food distribution centers, flow racks aid in organizing and rotating perishable items effectively.
  • Automotive Industry: Flow racks are used in automotive manufacturing plants to deliver parts and components to assembly stations, facilitating smooth production processes.
  • Pharmaceutical and Healthcare: Flow racks are suitable for pharmaceutical distribution centers and healthcare facilities, ensuring proper handling and rotation of medical supplies and pharmaceutical products.
  • Electronics Manufacturing: Flow racks play a crucial role in electronics manufacturing, helping to supply electronic components to assembly lines efficiently.
  • Textile and Apparel Industry: Flow racks are employed in textile and apparel warehouses to organize and retrieve garments, making them suitable for fast and efficient order processing.
  • Automated Warehouses: Flow racks are compatible with automation systems, making them ideal for use in automated warehouses with conveyors or robotic systems.
  • Small Parts Storage: Flow racks are used for storing and organizing small parts, such as screws, nuts, bolts, and other hardware components, in workshops or manufacturing environments.
  • Tool Cribs: Flow racks can be utilized in tool cribs to organize and store various tools, making them easily accessible for workers.
  • Lean Manufacturing and Kanban Systems: Flow racks are often integrated into lean manufacturing setups and Kanban systems to support just-in-time inventory management and minimize waste.
  • Beverage Distribution: Flow racks are used in beverage distribution centers to handle and organize products like bottles and cans efficiently.
  • Aerospace Industry: In the aerospace industry, flow racks are employed to organize and deliver components and materials required for aircraft assembly.

Flow Racks Manufacturers

  • UNEX Manufacturing, Inc.
  • Span-Track by UNEX
  • Flexpipe
  • Mallard Manufacturing Corporation
  • FlexQube
  • Interroll Group
  • Bastian Solutions
  • Hy-Tek Material Handling, Inc.
  • Frazier Industrial Company
  • Creform Corporation

Other Names for Flow Racks

  • Gravity Flow Racks
  • Carton Flow Racks
  • Roller Racks
  • Flow Shelving
  • Dynamic Racks
  • FIFO Racks (First-In-First-Out)
  • Live Storage Racks
  • Carton Live Storage
  • Gravity Flow Shelving
  • Case Flow Racks
  • Flow Through Racks
  • Pick-to-Light Racks
  • Pallet Flow Racks
  • Dynamic Storage Racks
  • Gravity Feed Racks

Flow Rack Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does a flow rack work?
A: Flow racks use the principle of gravity to move products. Products are loaded onto the higher end of the rack, and due to the slope of the rollers or conveyor lanes, they move downward toward the picking end. This ensures that the oldest products are automatically presented for picking, promoting first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management.

Q: What types of products are suitable for flow racks?
A: Flow racks are ideal for products with a high turnover rate or those that need to be picked quickly and efficiently. They are commonly used for small to medium-sized items in various industries, including retail, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage.

Q: How do I maintain a flow rack system?
A: Regular maintenance is essential to keep a flow rack system functioning optimally. This includes inspecting and lubricating rollers or conveyor lanes, ensuring that flow lanes are clear and free of obstructions, and addressing any damaged or worn components promptly.

Q: What safety measures should be in place when using flow racks?
A: Safety measures for using flow racks include providing proper training to employees who operate them, ensuring clear access to emergency shut-off controls, and implementing safety guardrails or barriers to prevent accidents.

Q: Can flow racks be combined with other types of storage systems?
A: Yes, flow racks can be integrated with other storage systems such as pallet racks, shelving units, and mezzanines to create a comprehensive and efficient storage solution that suits the specific needs of the facility.

Q: What are the cost considerations when implementing a flow rack system?
A: The cost of implementing a flow rack system depends on factors like system size, complexity, customization, and the type of products being stored. While there is an initial investment, the efficiency gains and improved inventory management often result in a favorable return on investment (ROI).