2 Deep Push Back Rack: Benefits and Features Explained

Double-deep pallet racking is a selective-rack configuration that stores two pallets deep on each side of an aisle rather than one. It increases storage density by reducing the number of aisles, but the rear pallet is not directly accessible. Operations typically use a reach truck with telescopic forks or a pantograph attachment to place and retrieve the second pallet position.

There is no single standard rack depth because it must match pallet dimensions, load overhang, beam style, building clearances, and handling equipment. Selective rack is commonly designed around the pallet depth facing the aisle, while double-deep and push back systems add depth for an additional pallet position. An engineered layout confirms required clearances and safe load support before installation.

A 2 deep push back rack uses a front and rear pallet position on inclined rails or rolling carts. When a forklift loads the front position, it pushes the existing pallet back. When the front pallet is removed, gravity brings the rear pallet forward to the aisle face. This creates dense, single-aisle loading and unloading with LIFO inventory flow.

No. Both systems store pallets two positions deep, but they operate differently. Double-deep selective racking normally needs specialized reach-truck capability to access the rear pallet. Push back racking uses carts or rails that advance the rear pallet to the aisle after the front pallet is removed. Push back is LIFO, while double-deep can offer different inventory access strategies.

Two-deep push back racking suits operations with multiple pallets of the same SKU, moderate-to-low SKU variety per lane, and inventory that can follow a last-in, first-out sequence. It is often used in distribution, manufacturing, cold storage, and e-commerce replenishment. Products requiring strict FIFO rotation, such as date-sensitive inventory, may be better served by pallet-flow storage.

Push back systems are loaded and unloaded from the aisle face, so they can often work with standard counterbalance or reach trucks when the truck’s lift height, capacity, mast clearance, and fork dimensions match the rack design. The precise equipment requirement depends on pallet weight, beam elevation, aisle width, and the engineered cart or rail configuration.

Capacity gains come primarily from storing two pallet positions deep while using fewer aisles than single-deep selective racking. The exact increase depends on the building footprint, required aisles, pallet dimensions, rack height, fire-protection requirements, and SKU mix. A warehouse layout analysis can compare usable pallet positions across selective, double-deep, push back, and other storage options.

Yes. Rack systems should receive regular visual checks for impact damage, bent components, loose anchors, damaged carts or rails, missing safety devices, and load-capacity concerns. Formal inspections and prompt repairs help preserve safe operation and system performance. RackUSA provides safety audits, repair, relocation, teardown, and support services for industrial storage systems.