If you work in the retail or distribution industry, you probably know that utilising your warehouse space is of utmost importance. On that note, pallet cages can be a game changer when it comes to making the most out of your facility's storage space. They enhance safety, boost efficiency, and keep everything organised.
However, selecting the most suitable type for your business is essential. Pallet storage cages, otherwise known as stillages, come in various types, each suited for various purposes, environments, and goods. Buying the right pallet cages is vital to ensure safety, protection, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency.
Collapsible Pallet Cages
Designed to be stackable and durable, these cages guarantee secure containment of stored items, minimising the risk of damage or spillage. They can be folded flat when not in use, freeing up valuable space. This makes them ideal for smaller warehouses that need efficient space-saving storage solutions.
Stackable Pallet Cages
Stackable stillage cages are another space-saving solution. They’re designed to be safely stacked on top of one another, maximising space efficiently. Suitable for storing goods in bulk and high-density storage environments, these cages ensure that everything you store is securely contained, minimising the risk of any damage and overspills. Also, when not in use, you can easily store these cages to increase warehouse capacity without requiring additional floor space.
Mesh Pallet Cages
Mesh warehouse cages feature a framework made of steel or iron with wire mesh walls, providing visibility, ventilation, and security for the stored goods. Due to their design, they allow for easy inspection of contents without opening the cage. Mesh pallet cages can be used for a variety of applications but they are ideal for storing and transporting irregularly shaped, fragile, loose or unpackaged goods. That's because the sturdy metal frame and mesh walls prevent goods from falling out during transport.
Solid Wall Pallet Cages
Unlike mesh pallet cages, solid wall cages are containers with solid, non-perforated walls made from materials like steel, plastic, or wood, offering more protection to the contents. These cages are suited for specific applications where mesh pallet cages might not be ideal like providing more security against theft or damage of valuable, sensitive, or confidential items.
Heavy-Duty Pallet Cages
These cages are designed to handle heavy loads, often ranging from 1,000 kg to 2,500 kg or more, depending on the design and material. They are usually made from heavy-duty materials, like reinforced steel or metal alloys, to withstand rough handling, impacts, and heavy loads without compromising safety. Additionally, many heavy-duty pallet cages are stackable, making them a perfect storage solution for optimising vertical space in high-density storage environments. Moreover, they come with lockable lids or doors to ensure that valuable or sensitive items are securely stored.
Roll Pallet Cages
Pallet cages equipped with castors (or wheels) are designed to be easily moved around the warehouse without the need for forklifts. They come in handy in environments where mobility and flexibility are crucial.
How to Choose the Right Type
Determining the right type of pallet cage for your business involves considering various factors such as the type of goods, frequency of use, storage space, mobility needs, environmental conditions, and safety requirements. By carefully assessing these aspects, you can select the type of pallet cage that will optimise your operations, enhance safety, and deliver long-term value to your business.
First and foremost, you need to consider what type of goods you are storing. Fragile items, loose materials, or small components might need mesh or solid wall cages, while bulky or heavy items might require heavy-duty or stackable cages. The volume and size of goods also matter when choosing the right solution for your business. Small or mixed goods might work better with collapsible or half-height cages while large, bulky items might need stackable or solid wall cages.
Next, you need to consider the frequency of use when determining the type of pallet cages that will best meet your needs. Different models are designed to handle varying levels of usage and operational demands. For instance, rolling pallet cages are a good option if you regularly need access to the contents of the pallet cage, since these make loading and unloading easier. On the other hand, solid wall cages or stackable cages may be more appropriate for objects that are kept in storage for extended periods of time and are not often accessed.
The floor space is another factor that needs to be considered when selecting the type of pallet cage that will optimise your operations. If you want to maximise vertical space, stackable pallet cages are a great choice. They help you make the most of your warehouse's vertical space, offering a means to store items up high and out of the way.
Finally, understanding the storage environment can help in finding the right type of storage solution. Galvanised pallet cages are resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring lifespan in settings where cages may be exposed to moisture, chemicals, or severe temperatures. In food storage and other controlled environments, cages with easy-to-clean surfaces and non-corrosive materials may be more suitable.
