I'm on a mission to find suitable server racks for relocating equipment between buildings. My boss is against using shock pallets and insists the racks should be shock-resistant or absorbent, with a height of at least 42U. However, my search has only turned up generic descriptions like 'built to ship fully loaded configurations,' and I'm unsure if those fit the bill. Has anyone had experience with this kind of request? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated since I'm new to working with server racks.
6 Answers
Totally agree with the previous comment! It kind of sounds like you're dealing with an XY problem here, which might complicate things.
That's a bit mysterious why your boss doesn't want to use shock pallets—they're designed for this kind of task! Maybe there's a reason that could impact what options you might consider. Can you find out?
We use some rough-and-ready plastic shipping crates with built-in rails; not sure if they do a 42U, though. Check this link out for options: https://www.racksolutions.com/transport-case.html?srsltid=AfmBOorGi82xI2oj0YMmGCp1pn_KzpEUesPgVUAapT0lIMIcH5YeUEY1.
A 42U rack is no small feat! You might consider gear that’s designed for transporting audio equipment at large concerts—those often come with sturdy casters. But what’s the distance you’re moving it? For shorter distances, I’ve transported racks in my truck without issues, as long as they're not fully loaded. If your boss is fixed on this design, check out this potential option: https://www.racksolutions.com/server-racks/transport-case.html.
If they’re looking for a high-end solution, you might want to check out MilRack for rugged cabinets: https://milrack.com/product/rugged-cabinets/. They could also consider leasing a rack or using tarps for some protection while maintaining airflow. Just remember that moving things usually requires a pallet or a hydraulic dolly due to the weight—those typically start around a thousand bucks!
This situation reminds me of someone who might insist on flipping a steak without tongs—like, is there really a better alternative to tongs when they're so good for the job?

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