Are these brands interchangeable?

No. Beam connector profiles differ between Dexion, Colby and Macrack. Beams from one brand will not safely engage uprights from another.

Which has the best aftermarket parts?

Dexion has the deepest aftermarket parts pool in Australia, with Colby a close second. Macrack components are available but with shorter inventory tails.

Which is best for cold-store?

All three offer hot-dip galvanised options. Colby and Dexion have the broadest cold-store track record in QLD and NSW.

How do lead times compare?

Macrack is typically the fastest at 2–3 weeks, followed by Colby and Dexion at 3–6 weeks for standard selective configurations.

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Dexion vs Colby vs Macrack

The three most common pallet racking brands in Australian warehouses, compared by an installer who works with all of them — beam profiles, parts, lead times and fit.

TL;DR

All three are AS 4084:2023 compliant when installed correctly.
Dexion: longest heritage, broadest aftermarket parts.
Colby: deep engineering range, strong drive-in offer.
Macrack: cost-effective and fast lead times for selective.

Key Takeaways

Beam clip profiles are unique to each brand — never mix in one frame.
Dexion parts are the easiest to source for older brownfield extensions.
Colby leads on heavy-duty and drive-in configurations.
Macrack typically wins on price and lead time for standard selective.
Match the brand to local installer expertise as much as the rack itself.

Reviewed by Matt Gade — QBCC-licensed installer & lead inspector

At a glance

Side-by-side brand comparison

Attribute	Dexion	Colby	Macrack
Heritage in AU	1947+	1957+	1990s+
Aftermarket parts	Excellent	Very good	Good
Selective range	Comprehensive	Comprehensive	Comprehensive
Drive-in offer	Yes	Strong	Limited
Cold-store finish	HDG available	HDG available	HDG available
Typical lead time	3–6 wks	3–6 wks	2–3 wks
Indicative price	$$$	$$$	$$

Best fit

Where each brand shines

Dexion → brownfield extensions, parts continuity, large national fleets.
Colby → heavy-duty selective, drive-in configurations, complex layouts.
Macrack → standard selective for SMEs, fast turnarounds, cost-sensitive jobs.

Don't mix

The clip profile that engages a Dexion beam to a Dexion upright is patented and brand-specific — the same is true for Colby and Macrack. Mixing brands within a single frame voids OEM compliance and AS 4084 sign-off.

Choosing

How to make the call

For most QLD and NSW warehouses, the right answer is whichever brand your existing racking already uses (continuity wins). For greenfield, weight lead time, cost and the depth of local installer expertise. All three brands deliver compliant, durable racking when installed and certified correctly.

Need expert help?

Specifying or Extending an Existing Brand?

We supply, install and service Dexion, Colby, Macrack and other major Australian brands across QLD and NSW — independent advice, manufacturer-original components.

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