Follow These Steps for Success When Buying Used Pallet Rack
Determining if Used Pallet Rack is the Right Choice for Your Colorado Business
Steel pallet rack systems are renowned for their durability, often surpassing the lifespan of the businesses they originally supported. Once a rack has outlasted its purpose, it can be disassembled and sold as a whole or for individual parts, presenting a significant opportunity for cost savings. When you’re building or expanding your Colorado operations, consider shopping for a used pallet rack system. Opting for used pallet rack can result in savings of up to 50% compared to buying new – depending on the component style and size. Moreover, these racks are readily available for quick shipment and installation. However, it’s important to approach apparent “great deals” with caution to avoid costly mistakes. When in the market for pre-owned pallet racking, here are 7 crucial questions to keep in mind.
Used Pallet Rack – Essential Tips for Making an Informed Decision
1.Choose a Trustworthy Vendor
Ensure that the seller has extensive industry expertise and a proven track record of success. A reputable seller possesses in-depth knowledge of pallet rack systems and can vouch for the quality of the used racks. Request engineered calculations that detail the rated load capacity of the system when it was originally manufactured. If these calculations are unavailable, you can potentially acquire the necessary information from published capacity tables, provided that the part numbers are provided.
Carefully assess the current inventory to determine if the available products align with your specific requirements. If necessary, inquire about the vendor’s ability to source additional materials for you. Lastly, ask whether they have dedicated in-house installation teams and professionals specializing in rack inspection and repair, ensuring ongoing maintenance support.
2. Determine the Ideal System for Your Storage Needs
When exploring options for used pallet rack systems, you’ll encounter a wide range of choices. The most common one is standard selective rack, which is readily available. However, you can also come across high-density drive-in systems, as well as dynamic systems like push-back and pallet flow on the used market. Seek guidance from the seller to identify the system that aligns best with your storage objectives. Their expertise can help you make an informed decision and select a system that optimally satisfies your specific requirements.
3. Validate that the Racking Complies with Industry Safety Standards
A reliable supplier will thoroughly inspect the rack system components to identify any damage resulting from equipment impacts or overloading. Ensure there are no loose, broken, or missing components, and ascertain that the system hasn’t undergone improper repairs. Depending on its location and severity, rust may or may not be a cause for concern. Confirm that any areas affected by rust do not pose any safety risks. If desired, inquire whether the supplier offers refurbishing services to clean up the rack before shipping to provide you with peace of mind.
4. Give it a Once Over Before You Buy
Once you have conducted your preliminary research, you should always thoroughly inspect the pallet rack materials before finalizing your purchase. Fortunately, with the advancements in technology, this step has become more convenient than ever before; You can leverage tools like live Skype or Facetime to assess the system remotely. However, exercise your judgment to determine if the system’s significance warrants an in-person visit. During the inspection, pay close attention to signs of rust, bending, and the condition of welded components such as beam connector plates and baseplates. Devote careful attention to these aspects to ensure a well-informed buying decision.
5. Consider the Cost of Replacement Parts
Take into account that opting for a combination of new and used components may offer a more economical solution for your upcoming pallet rack project. For instance, you can pair new uprights with pre-owned beams to achieve a cost-effective system that meets your specific height and structural design requirements. It’s worth noting that sourcing uncommon or discontinued brands may pose challenges and potentially increase the overall system cost. To streamline your search, utilize the Apex Punching Table. This is a great resource for identifying the best match for your newly acquired pallet rack system. This tool ensures you find the optimal replacement parts, saving you time and money.
6. Know What Not to Buy Used
Nuts and bolts are pivotal in establishing secure connections, so buying new hardware whenever possible is best. Use high-quality hardware pieces to ensure a well-built system with properly affixed shelving, decking, rails, and accessories. Opting for new hardware offers multiple advantages. Firstly, it guarantees a proper fit and snug connections, contributing to the system’s overall stability. Additionally, using new hardware can lead to cost savings in terms of installation, as these components are clearly marked and in perfect condition. Unlike searching for usable pieces, new hardware eliminates the need for extensive searching, ensuring a smoother and more efficient installation process. Prioritize new hardware to enhance system performance and streamline your pallet rack setup.
7. Ship Away, and Save!
To maximize your cost savings, make a specific request for the pallet rack components to be efficiently packed, ensuring optimal utilization of truck space. Doing so can minimize shipping expenses and make the most of every shipment. Additionally, it’s advisable to source pre-owned materials closest to the job site. This strategic approach helps reduce costly shipping fees associated with longer distances. By prioritizing efficient packing and selecting materials near the project location, you can effectively minimize shipping costs and enhance your overall savings.
Confirm Used Rack is the Best Way to Go
Keep in mind that used rack has been… Well, used! It may exhibit signs of wear, such as scratches, stickers, and dust. However, the cost of refurbishing pallet rack is often still cheaper than buying new – even when you consider the cost of the used rack itself. You’ll still want to make sure you’re purchasing from a reliable used rack seller to help you determine the most cost-effective and productive approach for your rack system requirements.
Apex Colorado is your one-stop shop for everything your operation needs. From new, used, and refurbished pallet racking to engineering, installation, rack inspection, and repair services to vehicles and equipment. We’re honored to be your trusted provider for just under 20 years.
Our large stock of used pallet racking is strategically staged right here in Colorado – which means quick shipping and local expertise for your operation. Rest assured, all the used racking we bring in undergoes rigorous safety inspections to ensure compliance with the latest industry-accepted design codes. Call Apex today or visit our inventory page to create your shopping list.
