The handling efficiency of warehouse cages depends on whether the tool combination matches the scenario. For short-distance, small-batch transfers inside the workshop, caster cages are the most flexible; for cross-area, bulk moves, forklifts are fastest; for flat short hauls on smooth floors, pallet jacks are the lowest cost. When the three are used together, handling efficiency can double.
Forklifts are suited to large-batch, long-distance moves. Carrying one cage per trip or stacking two, and traveling along the main warehouse aisles and workshop arteries, they achieve the highest efficiency. But forklifts require certified operators, demand sufficient aisle width, and have a large turning radius, so they are not suitable for weaving between narrow workstations. They are generally used for trunk-line transfers between warehouse and workshop.
Pallet jacks are suited to short-distance, low-height flat moves. Warehouse cages have forklift slots at the bottom; once the jack's forks slide in, the cage can be pulled away with no power and simple operation. They are ideal for transfers between workstations inside the workshop—for example, from machine tool to inspection area, or inspection area to semi-finished goods store. Efficiency is lower than with a forklift, but flexibility is high and cost is almost zero.
Caster warehouse cages suit scenarios requiring frequent pushing and pulling without lifting. Four swivel casters, two of them braked, are mounted at the bottom of the cage; workers simply push them along. They are ideal for line-side replenishment on assembly lines and temporary turnover in sorting areas. However, caster cages add dead weight, are inconvenient to stack, and cannot be stacked high; they are intended for floor-level use.
The best solution is combined use: forklifts handle trunk-line transport, pallet jacks handle short in-plant hauls, and caster cages handle line-side replenishment. Nanjing Tongnuo Warehouse Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. can select cages with different handling modes according to the customer's workshop layout, and run sample-cage route tests before mass configuration—avoiding the awkward situation of buying a pile of cages that cannot actually be moved.