How to Measure Low Profile Span Track

The importance of measuring correctly in preparation for the installation of new pallet rack systems is no unfamiliar topic to our blog posts here at AK Material Handling Systems. Because incorrect measurements can often lead to unfortunate consequences, we typically recommend professional consultation during the planning process. However, you may choose to measure your racking yourself anyway, or simply want to know more about the process itself and the steps we take in determining the correct measurements. If this applies to you, our video with Brian Neuwirth of Unex Manufacturing may be able to help you out.

Brian came to the AK Material Handling Systems headquarters to share some of his knowledge, and this video is one of the informative resources that came about as a result. In the video, Brian talks specifically about how to measure when planning to outfit a rack system with a Span Track Low Profile carton flow system.

As Brian explains in the video, there are two measurements we’ll need to make in order to find the proper dimensions. One of these measurements is the “out-to-out” of your pallet rack uprights. In other words, you’ll need to know the distance between the two outside edges of your uprights, not the distance between the insides. The second measurement you’ll need to know is the thickness of your pallet rack beams. As you’ll see in the video, the thickness of the beam refers to the distance between the front and back sides of the beam, which is also typically the shortest beam dimension measurement (this explanation is a bit tricky, and we recommend you watch the video in order to see a visual representation of the measurement described). Once these two measurements have been made, the final step is simply to subtract the sum of the two beam thicknesses from the out-to-out upright measurement. In the video, the dimensions are: out-to-out: 42”; thickness: 2.5”(x2). 42 – 5 = 37. And, voila. The proper measurements have been obtained.

For more information on everything from warehouse layout and design to integrating carton flow systems into your current pallet rack system, give us a call at 800-722-5908.