DC Graves Cantilever Rack Storage Systems

Maximize Storage and Efficiency with DC Graves Cantilever Rack Systems

Looking for an ideal solution to store long, bulky materials? DC Graves cantilever racks are designed to handle heavy-duty storage needs, offering unmatched flexibility and strength. Whether you're managing lumber, steel, PVC pipe, or other oversized loads & inventory, our cantilever shelving systems make organization effortless. With adjustable arms and customizable configurations, you can create the perfect setup for your business, optimizing space while protecting your materials. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to streamlined storage with our durable cantilever racking systems!

Cantilever shelving is the ideal material handling system for storing long, bulky loads such as:

Most Orders Ship in 2-3 Weeks, Call for a Quote Now!! 800-969-0779

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Cantilever Rack Storage Systems - Click on Series # for Pricing

Series	Upright Capacity		Upright Height	Arm Length
Light Duty Cantilever Rack	Single Sided 3,000 - 8,100	Double Sided 6,000 - 16,200	6' - 12' High	12" - 48" Long
Medium Duty Cantilever Rack	Single Sided 8,300 - 18,100	Double Sided 16,600 - 36,200	8' - 20' High	12" - 48" Long
Heavy Duty Cantilever Rack	Single Sided 7,600 - 23,000	Double Sided 15,200 - 46,000	8' - 20' High	12" - 60" Long
Extra Heavy Duty Cantilever Rack	Single Sided 9,800 - 28,600	Double Sided 19,600 - 57,200	8' - 20' High	12" - 60" Long
Super Duty Cantilever Rack	Single Sided 13,800 - 28,700	Double Sided 27,600 - 57,400	12' - 20' High	24" - 60" Long

Cantilever Racking Systems - Four Basic Components

Uprights

Single & Double Sided Uprights

Arms


Straight & Inclined Arms

Brace Sets

#3B and #4B Brace Sets

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Centers:

The centers on a cantilever rack system are the basic floor frame. These are steel base beams, kind of like feet, that lie level, and the other parts are bolted to them–building upward.

Uprights:

Uprights are vertical columns that are bolted to the horizontal base (or centers). A minimum of two uprights must be ordered to create a cantilever racking unit. The vertical column of the cantilever rack upright is punched for adjustable shelf heights and bolted on 3" tall center beams. The spacing between the uprights can be adjusted depending on the length of objects being stored. The front and the back of the uprights are also punched, so they can be used as single-sided or double-sided (depending on which type of base they are attached to). Color: Gray

Note:

Never attach an arm to the back side of a single-sided upright.

Holes are provided in the base of the upright to anchor the upright to the floor. Never attach the upright to walls, columns, or other structures.

Arms:

The cantilever arm is the heart of the cantilever rack system. Arms are adjustable at 3" increments that are punched across the length of the uprights. The arms attach to the upright with a hairpin keeper which makes instant arm adjustability possible. Arms are available with or without front lips. The arms are available in two types: straight arms and incline arms. Color: Gray

Straight Arms:

Generally used to store flat, stable items such as lumber, steel sheets, cartons, skids, etc. Straight arms up to and including 48" long have a minimum upward pitch of 3/8" per foot to compensate for deflection, 54" and 60" straight arms have a 5/8" minimum upward pitch per foot.

Inclined Arms:

are generally used to store cylindrical objects or loads that tend to roll forward. Incline arms are pitched upward at 20 degrees or approximately 4.36" per foot.

Bolt-On Arm Lips:

2" bolt-on lips can be added to any cantilever rack arm at no extra cost. Lips can be added or removed to any arm as all arms are manufactured to accept them. When you order your arms with bolt-on lips you will also receive bolt-on lips for the base of the uprights. Please note that the lips are not intended to bear any portion of the load.

Brace Sets:

Braces are constructed from structural channel and are bolted between uprights to provide lateral stability to the cantilever rack system. The selection of the brace length also determines the distance between uprights & arms. Brace lengths are measured from center-line of upright to center-line of upright and are sold in sets. Color Gray

How to Design Cantilever Racking Systems

Step #1 - Know Your Product
The first step in designing a cantilever storage rack system is knowing specific characteristics of the product being stored. Knowing these four product characteristics will aid in following calculations A through E

• What is the length of the product being stored?
• What is the depth of the product being stored?
• What is the height of the product being stored?
• What is the weight of the product being stored?

Step A: Determine the Correct Number and Spacing of Arms

The load must be supported by an appropriate number of cantilever arms to prevent load deflection. Deflection may cause damage to the load being stored as well as damage to the arms. To test for potential deflection problems, place your load onto two wooden blocks (simulating two cantilever arms). If there is no deflection it is acceptable to use a two-arm system as long as there are no capacity problems. If there is deflection, use three blocks–add blocks until there is no deflection.

Note: It is IMPORTANT to conduct these tests using the arm spacing formula detailed below

ARM SPACING FORMULA: To ensure proper support and avoid strain on the racking system, the load should be evenly distributed over the arms, with the portion extending beyond the end arms balanced. The overhang should never be more than half the distance between the center of one upright to the center of the other upright.

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Step B- Determine the Proper Length of Arm

The depth of the load should never exceed the length of the arm. If you are storing a load 48" deep you must use a 48" long arm, if you are storing a load 24" deep you must use a 24" long arm. Never use an arm shorter than the depth of your load.

Note: All arm capacities are based on evenly dispersed static loads. Rated arm capacities may be seriously diminished if proper loading techniques are not followed.

Step C- Determine the Upright Height

Step D- Determine Arm and Upright Capacity

Arm Capacity

If properly designed and properly loaded, each arm supports an equal amount of the load's weight. By determining the number of arms required per load and dividing it by the weight per load, the required arm capacity is determined.

The example to the right shows each load weighs 6,000 lbs. and that each load is supported by three arms. Dividing the number of arms (3) into the load weight (6,000 lbs.) determines the minimum arm capacity (2,000 lbs.).

Upright Capacity

To determine the capacity of each upright, multiply the number of arms per upright (on double-sided uprights make sure you count the arms on both sides) by the capacity required per arm.

The example to the right shows (4) arms per upright and each arm has a 2,000 lbs. capacity. Multiplying the 4 arms x 2,000 lbs. capacity per arm = 8,000 lbs minimum required upright capacity.

Step E- Determine the Brace Length

The brace length is the horizontal distance from center-line to center-line of uprights. Refer to the various brace set lengths as shown in the price lists. Match the brace length as closely as possible to the arm spacing determined in step A.

Cantilever Rack Accessories

• Bolt-On Pipe Sockets: Pipe sockets can be added to the end of cantilever arms to provide additional stopping points. They are designed for non-load-bearing purposes but help to secure material in place.
• Wire Mesh Decking: Ideal for lighter materials like cartons, wire mesh decking creates uninterrupted shelves for storage and allows for air and water circulation.
• Drop-In Deck Supports: These supports let you create a solid shelf with plywood for storing small objects. They are pre-engineered for easy installation with 2 x 4 cross members.
• Steel Decks: Steel decks create durable shelves for heavier items that don’t span the full length between arms. These are great for storing industrial equipment, such as dies.
• Roof Supports: Add roof supports to your cantilever racking system for covered storage. Custom designs are available to meet local snow and wind load conditions.

What is a Cantilever Rack?

• Cantilever racks are freestanding storage units designed with horizontal load-carrying arms that extend outward from a single vertical column. The absence of a second vertical support at the opposite end of the arms allows for the uninterrupted storage of long, bulky materials. This makes cantilever racking systems ideal for storing items that require easy access and flexibility, such as:
  • Lumber
  • Steel Bars & Pipes
  • PVC Pipes
  • Furniture
  • Sheet Metal
  • Other long, heavy materials

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The DC Graves cantilever shelving system provides unsurpassed durability, strength, and customization options. For shelving that can support the toughest inventory and provide the most flexibility, choose from our selection of cantilever racks and accessories. If you need assistance with choosing the system components that will work best in your space, just give us a call!