Used Storage Platforms for Sale — 9

The structure of a raised storage platforms

Not all storage units are optimally used. The more versatile the products are that need to be stored, the more complicated the in-house logistics must be. The workspaces that are required for administration and equipment storage should ideally be located in the same area as the objects that need to be stored. This keeps the transportation routes for loading and unloading raw materials, auxiliary materials, operational materials, intermediary and end products to a minimum. If the required workspaces are not available, raised storage platforms can very easily installed. Modern systems contain a large variety of integrated units. When using components from the same distributor, there are often intelligent, combined systems available made out of storage platforms, shelves, magazines, assembly platforms and office containers.

Storage platforms are quickly mountable systems. With a stable protective support system, simple plug and screw connections, and a large choice of expansion possibilities, they are flexible and can be quickly integrated into all storage systems. Most of the manufacturers use cold-rolled steel profiles, which are particularly robust. There are a variety of materials that are usually used for the platform's floor: cheap and easily replaceable pressed chipboard; decorative and abrasion-resistant plastic panels; non-slip safety mats made out of hard rubber; or galvanised grates. This means that walking on and loading the storage platforms is safe, and they are are designed to suit their intended use. Storage platforms can have their capacity expanded, adjusted and reconstructed. Modern systems are so stable that even production components can be laid on these intermediary levels. However, installing heavy machinery on these systems is not very useful. But they can be very well used for small work stations for manual assembly work. Also alternatively, there are heavylift storage platforms available in the industrial equipment sales for lifting and storage machinery options. They can span up to 12 meters and can host loads of up to 2500kg per square meter. Therefore, storage platforms are the ideal device when it comes to fitting and expanding a facility's capacity.

They can be just as quickly dismantled, as they were installed. The system can be taken apart and reassembled as much as required. If the weight restrictions are not exceeded, then there are usually no components that commonly wear out.

The safety of steel storage platforms

Nowadays, storage platforms are very robust and durable. The standard screw connections that were used before are now commonly replaced by plug-in connections for rapid assembly. This means that the regular monitoring of screws, to check if they are tight enough, no longer needs to be undertaken. However, screws are still used to anchor the storage platforms to the floor. Most manufacturers recommend that these screws are checked yearly with a torque wrench. It is also recommended to put protective caps on the screws. Collisions with lifting trucks, forklifts, or falling components can damage the screw thread. In this case, one could only remove them with force, which usually ends up damaging the component.

The most important component of a storage platform is its feet. These are so delicately designed, that they are easy to transport and assemble, but they still have an amazing carrying capacity. However, transportation vehicles are very susceptible to colliding with them. These vehicles are not very fast, but when they are fully loaded, can be extremely heavy. The momentum of this weight can damage the feet during a collision. Because the feet are joined to the storage platform, the collision then has an impact on the whole construction. If a foot is broken or bent, it is usually not sufficient to just change this component. In this case, the whole storage platform needs to be inspected by an independent expert, to ensure that there are no other consequential damages.

Buying Used Storage Platforms

Storage platforms should be thoroughly examined before use. The damages mentioned above, for example, could turn a seemingly intact storage platform into waste material. In addition to looking for visible damages, it is also recommended to check the corners. Contrary to machines and devices, the older the paint on a storage platform is, the better. Storage systems can be scratched up. Freshly painted units are more aesthetically pleasing but there is also the risk that this paint has been applied to hide damages. Therefore, it is better to buy a storage platform with signs of use, and paint it yourself afterwards, than to buy one that has been freshly painted.

Storage platforms are well suited for the used market. If they have been well maintained, they practically do not lose any of their value. This means: as long as they are not damaged, they can always be resold for the same price that they were bought. Buying used systems is particularly efficient.

Accessories for storage platforms

There is a rich and diverse choice of accessories available and there is a comprehensive range of available solutions: stairs in all sizes; slides; office containers; and lifts or loading stations for forklifts. Additionally, storage platforms can be expanded if they have already been used for a long period of time. All storage platforms have standard dimensions, which means that it is possible to mix and match products from various manufacturers without any problems. The subsequent installation of a sprinkler system and a compressed air device is also unproblematic.

Manufacturers of storage platforms

The biggest suppliers of storage platforms are SSI SCHÄFER, KAISER+KRAFT, RACOR and JUNGHEINRICH. Other recommended manufacturers with a good range of accessories includes NOLTE LAGERTECHNIK, BITO, TECRO and SIEPER LAGERTECHNIK GmbH.