If you’re managing a warehouse or fabrication facility, you’ve probably noticed that a roll out cantilever rack (also called a telescopic cantilever rack) is often far more expensive than a fixed cantilever rack.
At first glance, both racks are designed to store long items like pipes, bars, and profiles. So why is one so much pricier than the other? And more importantly, is it worth paying extra?
Let’s break it down.
What is a Roll Out Cantilever Rack?
A roll out cantilever rack is essentially a more advanced version. Its arms extend and retract like drawers, giving operators much easier access to stored materials.
Features of Roll Out Cantilever Racks:
- Extendable arms for flexible storage
- Can handle materials of different lengths
- Retracts when not in use to save space
- Available in manual or motorized options
- Accessories like dividers and guard nets improve safety
Think of it this way: a fixed cantilever rack is like a simple bench, while a roll out cantilever rack is like a Transformer — it adjusts to your needs.
What is a Fixed Cantilever Rack?
A fixed cantilever rack is the simplest version. Its arms are welded or bolted in place, and they don’t extend or retract.
Features of Fixed Cantilever Racks:
- Simple design and structure
- Affordable cost
- Suitable for storing materials of fixed lengths
- Requires large aisles for forklift access (4–5 meters)
They’re tough, inexpensive, and reliable — but not very flexible.
Why Are Roll Out Cantilever Racks More Expensive?
The price gap comes down to design, materials, and functionality.
- Structural Complexity
- Fixed cantilever rack: Simple arms, static design, easy to manufacture.
- Roll out cantilever rack: Complex moving system with gears, chains, pulleys, and bearings.
All those extra parts increase both cost and durability requirements. The moving mechanism has to withstand heavy loads and constant use, which adds engineering complexity.
- Material and Manufacturing Process
- Fixed racks: Made with basic rolled steel, welded and assembled with straightforward processes.
- Roll out racks: Often use Q235 steel or higher-grade materials that can endure repeated movement and stress.
They also undergo extra treatments like galvanizing or blackening for rust resistance.
Manufacturing differences:
- Fixed racks = rolling + welding (basic)
- Roll out racks = welding, machining, polishing, precise assembly
The production requirements are stricter, with tighter quality control — all of which increase costs.
- Space Utilization
One of the biggest advantages of a roll out cantilever rack is how it saves space.
- Fixed racks: Require large forklift aisles (4–5m wide) and extra clearance between rows. This lowers warehouse utilization.
- Roll out racks: Arms retract when not in use, reducing aisle requirements. Operators can use overhead cranes or hoists directly, cutting down forklift dependence.
Over time, this space optimization alone can justify the higher upfront price.
- Safety and Flexibility
- Fixed cantilever rack: Requires forklifts or manual labor for loading/unloading. This increases risks of collisions and workplace injuries.
- Roll out cantilever rack: Safer handling with extendable arms. Many versions come with manual or electric operation plus accessories like guard nets and dividers for secure storage.
The flexibility to handle different material lengths and frequent retrievals makes roll out racks a more practical choice for busy workshops.
Roll Out Cantilever Rack vs Fixed Cantilever Rack: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Fixed Cantilever Rack | Roll Out Cantilever Rack |
| Structure | Static arms, simple | Extendable arms, complex mechanism |
| Cost | Low | Higher |
| Space Requirement | Wide aisles (4–5m) | Narrow aisles, retractable design |
| Flexibility | Limited to fixed sizes | Adjustable, handles variable lengths |
| Safety | Relies on forklifts/manual | Crane/hoist-friendly, safer handling |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Requires periodic checks |
| Best For | Fixed-size, low-movement storage | High-frequency, flexible storage needs |
Are Roll Out Cantilever Racks Worth the Price?
That depends on your warehouse operations.
- Choose a Fixed Cantilever Rack if:
- Your materials are always the same length
- You don’t need frequent retrieval
- Budget is the top priority
- Material handling: forklift
- Choose a Roll Out Cantilever Rack if:
- You store materials of varying sizes
- You need frequent, flexible retrieval
- You want to save aisle space and improve safety
- Material handling: overhead crane
Bottom line: The higher price of a roll out cantilever rack reflects its superior space efficiency, flexibility, and safety features. For many busy fabrication shops, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial cost.
FAQ on Roll Out Cantilever Racks vs Fixed Cantilever Racks
Q: Do roll out cantilever racks really save space?
A: Yes. By retracting arms, they reduce aisle requirements and allow crane or hoist use.
Q: Which rack is easier to maintain?
A: Fixed racks require less upkeep, but roll out racks only need periodic checks of gears, chains, and bearings.
Q: Are roll out racks available in electric versions?
A: Yes. They come in both manual and motorized versions, depending on your workload and budget.
Q: Which rack lasts longer?
A: Both can last years if maintained properly, but roll out racks are built with higher-grade steel and treatments for durability.