Mobile shelving - Maximum space utilization without running rails

The mobile shelving units from Apfel optimize the available space and create storage space where traditional warehouses lose a lot. While wide aisles in conventional shelving block areas, a single access aisle suffices for mobile shelving. This way, you can multiply your storage capacity and quickly access your goods at any time – all without running rails.

The most important advantages at a glance

Challenges of classic shelving systems

Inefficient space utilization

Wide aisles between shelves waste valuable storage space. This reduces the capacity and efficiency of the entire storage system.

Restricted access

Cross and diagonal braces at the back of the shelf hinder access to the next shelf and complicate the handling of larger goods. 

Complex floor rails

Guide rails in the floor require structural measures, are unhygienic tripping hazards, and complicate future relocations. They make classic archive shelves inflexible and costly.

Instability without rails

In rail-less mobile shelving, there is module bending, as only the front side is driven. This affects the stability and function of the system.

ARA rolling shelf system: High-density storage area on wheels

The mobile or rolling shelf is a sophisticated solution for warehouses and archives. They are also ideal for hygiene-critical areas (such as in pharmaceutical or food processing companies) or for energy-intensive storage areas (such as in cold storage rooms).

It stands out for its particularly easy installation, as it does without guide rails. The movement is done via a connecting shaft, driven separately in each module, enabling a smooth and straight shift over the floor. Thus, the shelf can be positioned and moved effortlessly even in tight spaces.

Moreover, the shelving system can be highly customized. The number and arrangement of the shelves can be adjusted, as well as the interior fittings. Optional items include perforated steel walls, drawers, partition plates, or lockable doors with quick-release hinges on both sides.

Overview of the ARA rolling shelving systems and optional inserts

ARA rolling shelf system

  • Easy installation without guide rails
  • ‘All-wheel drive’ via a connecting shaft for easy and straight movement
  • Equipped with reversible shelves (as deep storage trays or with a flat loading edge) that can be fixed without tools at the safety hook
  • Optionally available with three, five, or seven length elements
  • Made of stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized or powder-coated sheet metal
  • Standard height of 2,100 mm and various standard widths, perfectly matched to common storage boxes and Euro norm containers → Adjustable if needed
  • Numerous options for customization: number and orientation of shelves as well as needs-based equipment with perforated walls, drawers, or lockable double doors with quick-release hinges

Module widths from 400-1200mm

Standard four usable widths (400, 600, 800, 1,200 mm) to choose from or configure as desired

Optional drawer system

Drawer system for storing pharmaceutical products under cold conditions

Optional honeycomb insert

Honeycomb rack for storing bar materials and semifinished materials for milling and turning machines

Technical data and product features

Merkmal Beschreibung
Height
Standard height of 2,100 mm → Adjustable on request
Width
Standardized module widths of 400 mm, 600 mm, 800 mm, and 1,200 mm → Also combinable on request
Length
Optionally available with three, five, or seven length elements with 1,200 mm internal dimension each
Installation
No guide rails needed, no tripping hazard, hygienic and easy to install
Reversible shelves
As deep storage trays or with a flat edge, fixable without tools at the safety hook
All-wheel drive
All modules are driven separately by a connecting shaft for straight movement
Application areas
Suitable for archives, warehouses, tool issuing, pharmaceutical or food processing companies, (deep) cold rooms

Learn more in our product video

Your contact person for mobile shelving

Advantages of mobile shelving from Apfel

High-density storage

By shifting the shelves, only one aisle is needed. From a room width of about six meters, the usable storage area doubles. Existing spaces are used efficiently, without structural expansion.

Smooth operation

The shelves are designed to move multiple modules simultaneously. By turning the handwheel, a module is set in motion, which then takes further shelves along when docking. Larger systems can also be moved effortlessly.

Smooth and straight movement

An integrated all-wheel drive through a continuous connecting shaft ensures that even ten-meter-long shelf rows can be moved absolutely straight and without jamming. This not only increases operating comfort but also operational safety.

Rail-free system

The mobile shelf does without embedded rails. This is deliberately avoided to prevent tripping hazards and to facilitate cleaning and future moves.

Freely accessible storage area

Because cross and diagonal braces are omitted, the entire interior space is open for use. Even large, bulky, or heavy goods can be stored on both sides and easily retrieved at any time.

Modular design

The sliding shelf is available in different widths and lengths and can be precisely adapted to individual needs. Extensions or retrofitting (also with special solutions) are possible at any time.

Contact

Get personal advice and customize your sliding shelf according to your requirements. Get in touch now and create more storage space.

FAQ: frequently asked questions

Does the sliding shelf require a fixed floor anchoring?

No, the sliding shelf from Apfel does not require guide rails or fixed floor anchoring. It is easy to set up, relocate if necessary, and adapt to new requirements.

Starting from about 6 meters room width, the storage space doubles compared to conventional shelf rows. With each additional meter, the additionally gained capacity increases – without structural expansion, higher room costs, or complex installation.
Yes. Thanks to all-wheel drive via a continuous connecting shaft, several modules can be moved smoothly at the same time – even under high loads.
Yes, the shelves are also available in stainless steel or aluminum and are therefore suitable for hygienically sensitive or temperature-regulated areas such as cold storage.
Yes. The system is designed for high loads and does without cross braces, allowing bulky or heavy goods to be stored on both sides.
Yes. The modular design allows for expansion or retrofitting at any time – for example with drawers, doors, special floors, or new compartment dividers.