StarTech.com 2-Post 42U Mobile Open Frame Server Rack with Casters

Engineered for reliability and built to maximize floor space, this StarTech.com 2-Post 42U Mobile Open Frame Server Rack delivers a versatile, open-frame solution for AV, data, and IT equipment. With a rugged 2-post design, it combines the stability you expect from a traditional rack with the mobility and accessibility that modern data rooms and studios demand. The open-depth, 19-inch mounting rails accommodate a wide range of equipment lengths, from compact suites of switches and patch panels to longer servers and backbone devices. Four swiveling casters provide effortless relocation, enabling quick room-to-room reconfigurations, simple maintenance, and optimized air flow around high-density gear. Whether you’re outfitting an IT closet, a broadcasting studio, or an AV staging area, this rolling open rack is designed to streamline deployment while preserving professional rack integrity.

• High-capacity 42U open-frame design: Maximize equipment density without sacrificing accessibility. The 42U capacity gives you room for servers, UPS units, switches, patch panels, and other essential hardware within a single, organized enclosure.
• 2-post construction for broad compatibility: The dual-post, open-depth framework supports a wide variety of longer equipment, while maintaining a slim footprint that optimizes floor space in smaller rooms or dedicated IT closets.
• Mobile and versatile with four casters: Four swiveling casters enable smooth, tool-free mobility; you can relocate the rack for service, reorganization, or re-purposing without heavy lifting or disassembly.
• 19-inch mounting rails for universal compatibility: Standard 19-inch equipment rails ensure broad compatibility with servers, switches, patch panels, rack-mount power distribution units, and other common rack-mount devices from leading manufacturers.
• Durable construction with practical cable management: A sturdy steel frame with a durable finish provides long-term reliability in data centers, classrooms, broadcast rooms, or corporate AV suites. The open-frame design also encourages airflow and simplifies cable routing and maintenance, keeping cables organized and server gear cool.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 2-Post 42U Mobile Open Frame Server Rack

• Model type: 2-post mobile open-frame rack
• Capacity: 42U
• Mounting: 19-inch rack rails (dual-post design)
• Mobility: Four swiveling casters for easy relocation
• Construction: Heavy-duty steel with durable powder-coated finish
• Open-frame design: Optimizes airflow and simplifies installation and maintenance
• Compatibility: Suitable for a wide range of AV, data, and IT equipment
• Usage environment: Ideal for data centers, IT closets, classrooms, broadcasting studios, and training facilities

How to install StarTech.com 2-Post 42U Mobile Open Frame Server Rack

• Prepare the space: Choose a level, solid surface and clear the area around the installation site. Verify that the floor is capable of supporting the weight of the loaded rack and all equipment.
• Unpack and inspect: Remove all packaging and verify that all rails, casters, screws, and locking mechanisms are present and undamaged. If any parts are missing, contact the supplier before continuing.
• Assemble the frame: If the rack ships with rails and casters detached, attach the four casters securely to the base frame. Ensure the casters are locked when positioning the rack for equipment installation.
• Attach the mounting rails: Install the standard 19-inch mounting rails to the dual-post frame according to the provided hardware. Confirm rails are level and properly spaced to accommodate your equipment depth and weight distribution.
• Load equipment strategically: Begin with heavier devices at the bottom to maintain a low center of gravity for stability. Use compatible screws and spacers as recommended by the manufacturer to securely fasten servers, switches, patch panels, and other devices.
• Route cables and power: Plan a clean cable layout with adequate slack for service and future expansion. Use cable ties, Velcro straps, and any built-in cable management features to minimize clutter and maximize airflow.
• Test mobility and safety: With equipment mounted, test the caster mobility and engage wheel locks as needed to prevent unwanted movement during operation.
• Final checks: Recheck all connections, ensure no cables are pinched, and confirm doors or panels (if included) close securely. Document the equipment layout for future upgrades or maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

• Is this rack suitable for long-term IT equipment? Yes. The 2-post, open-frame design is intended to accommodate longer IT devices and network gear while keeping a compact footprint and allowing easy access for maintenance and upgrades.
• What does 42U capacity mean in practical terms? It indicates the total vertical space available for mounting equipment in units (U). In practice, a 42U rack can house multiple servers, switches, patch panels, and UPS units, depending on the depth and mounting rail configuration.
• Can I move the rack around my room or data center? Absolutely. Four swiveling casters provide mobile flexibility, enabling you to re-stage equipment, service devices, or reconfigure a space with minimal effort.
• Do I need special tools to assemble the rack? Basic assembly typically requires standard tools included with the package or readily available from a hardware kit. Always follow the manufacturer’s mounting hardware instructions for best results.
• What environments is this rack best suited for? The rack is well-suited for IT closets, small data centers, AV studios, classrooms, and broadcast or enterprise environments that require a durable, mobile, open-frame solution for 19-inch equipment.