There are several factors to consider when purchasing a pallet cage. Here is a checklist of eight questions to ask to narrow down your choice and ensure you buy the right product:
1) What Is The Right Wire Thickness/Gauge For The Pallet Cage?
The thickness, or gauge, of the wire influences the strength and longevity of the container. Pallet cages used for heavy-duty products require thicker and stronger wire. Buying a product with wire that is too thin for the intended load capacity risks premature damage to the pallet cage.
2) What Is The Level Of Corrosion Resistance?
If you are using the pallet cage to transport liquids or corrosive substances, choose a material with an adequate level of resistance to rust and corrosion. Stainless steel and galvanised steel pallet cages are a good option.
3) How Secure And Stable Is The Pallet Cage?
Many pallet cages are designed to be collapsible, which is great for storage, but also means that users have to be careful not to overload the unit. A pallet cage will be secure and stable up to its load capacity, beyond which there is a risk of collapse, so please confirm with the manufacturer that the load matches your usage requirements.
4) What Kind Of Product Do You Intend To Use The Pallet Cage For?
Each model of pallet cage is designed for a particular product category. They will differ in size and style, as well as design. For optimum safety and performance, purchase a pallet cage intended for use in your business environment.
5) What Is The Weight Of The Products Being Moved By Pallet Cage?
You must confirm the products' weight range, to be in sync with the weight the pallet cage can comfortably handle. Large products and boxes will require a heavy-duty pallet cage.
6) What Is The Approximate Working Life Of The Pallet Cage?
Some pallet cage builds are more durable than others, affecting the product's working life span.
Metal cages generally have better durability than plastic/polyurethane cages, although the prices higher, so consider your target ROI when purchasing pallet cages in bulk. Potentially more important than the length of working life is the total cost of ownership. High-quality pallet cages that are less susceptible to faults – i.e. lower repair costs – are usually more cost-effective than cheaper models over the same period.
7) What Pallet Cage Design Is Most Appropriate?
Pallet cage design is determined by several factors. These include the intended product weight, the fragility of the products, their shape, and if the cage is designed to transport sensitive or hazardous materials.
8) Can The Provider Customise A Pallet Cage For You?
There are many standard designs of pallet cage available, but sometimes you may need a bespoke solution. Check with your manufacturer if they can design a custom pallet cage to meet your specs or adjust one of their standard models – and if so, how much it costs.
Find Out More
At Steps & Stillages, we manufacture and supply a range of durable pallet cages for various retail and warehouse applications. Many of our products can be customised with branding and company colours, and we offer competitive prices and rapid fulfilment on all order volumes.
