What is a Mobile Racking System?
Mobile racking systems are high-density storage solutions that mount heavy-duty industrial racks onto motorized mobile bases that move along floor-embedded tracks. This design eliminates fixed aisles between each rack row, consolidating the storage layout into a single movable access aisle.
When access is required, operators can shift the rack rows using a remote control, computer interface, or manual controls to open an aisle exactly where needed.
Core Benefits
- Saves Space: Converts up to 45% of previously wasted aisle space into usable storage area.
- Increases Capacity: Boosts total storage capacity by up to 90% within the same building footprint.
- Full Accessibility: Unlike drive-in racking systems, each pallet remains directly accessible without complex retrieval sequences.
- Reduces Energy Costs: Ideal for cold storage and deep-freeze environments by minimizing unused air volume that must be cooled.
>> Read More: Shuttle Racking System – High Density Automated Pallet Storage
How is the Mobile Racking System works
A mobile racking system works by mounting heavy-duty shelving units onto motorized mobile bases (carriages) that move along floor-embedded tracks. By removing fixed aisles, the racks can shift together into a compact storage block, opening only a single working aisle when access is required.
Operational Process
- Request Access: The operator selects the required storage location via a remote control or control panel.
- Rack Movement: Warning signals activate as electric motors drive the rack rows along the floor rails.
- Aisle Opening: The system separates the racks to create a precise aisle for forklift or pedestrian access.
- Pick or Store: Operators retrieve or place goods at the designated location.
- Close System: After use, the racks return to a compact configuration, maximizing storage density and protecting inventory.
Mobile Racking System Components
Mobile racking systems consist of multiple integrated components that work together to enable high-density, space-efficient storage. The system includes structural racking frames and mobile bases, a precision rail and drive mechanism for controlled movement, an advanced control system for operating aisle access, and built-in safety features to ensure secure and reliable operation in warehouse environments.
1. Structural Components
- Upright Frames & Beams: The main racking structure that supports stored goods, similar to pallet or cantilever racks.
- Mobile Bases (Carriages): Heavy-duty steel platforms that hold the racks and move laterally using motorized wheels.
2. Drive & Movement System
- Floor Rails / Tracks: Embedded guides that ensure precise and stable movement of the mobile units.
- Electric Motors & Gears: High-torque systems that power rack movement along the tracks.
- Drive Bogies: Load-bearing wheel assemblies designed to support heavy rack and pallet loads, often exceeding 15 tonnes per unit.
3. Control System
- Control Panels: Fixed push-button interfaces used to open aisles on-site.
- Remote Controls: Allow forklift operators to activate aisle opening before entry.
- Warehouse Management System (WMS): Integrates with the racking system to automate aisle access based on picking or storage operations.
4. Safety Features
- Photoelectric Sensors: Laser systems that stop movement if a person or forklift enters an active aisle.
- Presence Detectors: Ensure no obstruction before aisle closure or movement.
- Emergency Stop Buttons: Strategically placed controls that immediately cut system power in emergencies.
>>> Read More: ASRS System – Automated Storage and Retrieval Solutions
How a Vinatech Mobile Racking System Works
Our mobile racking solution combines robust engineering with advanced control technology for reliable, smooth, and safe operation.
The system is built on several key components working in unison:
- Robust Pallet Racking: The core structure is our high-quality pallet racking, engineered to meet the demanding AS 4084-2023 Australian Standard.
- Motorised Mobile Bases: Each rack run is mounted on a heavy-duty, electrically powered mobile base, equipped with powerful motors (0.4-0.75 KW) for moving loads up to 36,000 kg per bay.
- Precision Floor Rails: High-quality rails are precisely installed into your warehouse floor, ensuring smooth, stable, and perfectly aligned movement of the racking.
- Advanced Safety & Control Systems: An intuitive control panel, along with handheld remotes, allows operators to open aisles with the push of a button. A network of sensors ensures the system operates safely at all times.
Ideal Applications for Mobile Racking in Australia
Vinatech’s Mobile Racking is a versatile solution that delivers exceptional value across a range of industries, particularly where storage density is a critical factor.
- Cold Storage and Freezer Warehouses: The perfect solution for minimising energy costs and maximising capacity in temperature-controlled environments.
- General Warehousing and Distribution Centers: Ideal for storing a wide variety of products, especially medium-to-low turnover SKUs, without sacrificing accessibility.
- Manufacturing and Parts Storage: Efficiently manage a high diversity of parts, components, or raw materials in a compact footprint close to production lines.
- Archival and Document Storage: Provides secure, high-density storage for valuable records while ensuring they remain accessible when needed.
>>> Read More: ASRS System – Automated Storage and Retrieval Solutions
FAQ about Mobile Racking System
A mobile racking system is a high-density storage solution where racking units are mounted on movable bases that slide along floor-mounted rails. This allows aisles to open only when needed, maximising storage capacity.
Mobile racking systems operate by moving entire rows of racks on motorised or manual bases. When access is required, the system creates an aisle by shifting racks apart, allowing forklifts or operators to retrieve goods.
Mobile racking systems maximise storage space, reduce the need for multiple aisles, improve warehouse organisation, and enhance security by limiting access to specific aisles only.
Mobile racking systems are widely used in cold storage, logistics, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, archives, and manufacturing industries where space optimisation is critical
Yes, mobile racking is ideal for warehouses with limited space because it reduces aisle requirements and significantly increases storage capacity within the same footprint
