We have offered a comparison chart below, along with some explanation for each of the points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1) While we agree that Drive-in racks take longer to load or unload,\u00a0pushback<\/a>\u00a0is generally faster to unload than Flow-Rail because the operator just lifts up the pallet and backs up. With Flow-Rail, the operator must tilt the pallet just right and then back out while maintaining pressure on the chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4) 3D\u2019s\u00a0low profile pushback rack system<\/a>\u00a0has roughly the same height profile as Flow-Rail. While pushback requires slope, no clearance is required at the back of a lane, and therefore there is no height disadvantage to using\u00a0pushback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5) Drive-in and Flow-Rail have no depth restrictions.\u00a0Pushback<\/a>\u00a0can work with a variety of depths, but it must be designed that way right from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6)\u00a0Pushback applications<\/a>\u00a0have been designed for many different pallet widths. Both Flow-Rail and Pushback must place rails for narrowest pallet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7) 3D’s\u00a0pushback systems<\/a>\u00a0can work with any weight \u2013 we have 5000#\/pallet systems out in the field<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8) There are no issues with product damage while utilizing\u00a0pushback racks<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 there are literally millions of pallet positions installed in North America with many repeat customers that would not accept the possibility of product damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9) Pushback can be designed with level carts if desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10) Flow-Rail requires the use of special attachments on the forks to allow them to \u201cgrip\u201d the pallet when backing out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11) Pallet jams from improperly placed pallets (placed too close to the side of the rack) are possible with both drive-in and Flow-Rail. Properly loaded pushback systems do not jam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12) The serrated teeth on a Flow-Rail system creates many wood chips when pallets are being unloaded resulting in wood chips falling on product below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13) The wood chips will also accumulate in the track over time and could cause jamming issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15) Because 3D\u2019s pushback carts are linked together, you cannot have a runaway pallet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16) If an operator lifts a pallet in a Flow-Rail system too high and then backs out he will leave the remaining pallets stuck one position back. This is not possible in pushback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21)\u00a0Pushback racks<\/a>\u00a0can be retrofitted into existing racks or used racks<\/p>\n\n\n\n 26) Flow-Rail is made from an aluminum extrusion and the rails sit exposed on top of the load beam. It is secured to a roll formed beam with a few tek screws. This set-up is very susceptible to damage from forklifts. Pushback is made from robust structural steel and the rails are bolted in behind the structural steel load beam. It is significantly better at resisting forklift abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 29) There are no known installations left operating from the earlier projects in the 90\u2019s. Most were dismantled over a period of several years after having issues with wood chips and jams. We have many pushback systems<\/a> that are 20+ years old, still in use, or re-sold on the used market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 30) There is no comparison on the track record of\u00a0pushback<\/a>\u00a0compared to Flow-Rail. As mentioned earlier, there are literally millions of pallet positions of pushback storage in operation in North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.3dstoragesystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/insights-comparison-chart.jpg\")
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