The logistics industry is now fast-paced, and it is important to choose the right order picker with cages to balance work efficiency and worker safety. People who purchase equipment must consider technological development, safety regulations and costs to make good plans. This article will talk about new market trends, important functions, and ways to reduce costs to help you buy equipment suitable for modern warehouses.
1. Increased Demand for Order Pickers with Cages
With the development of e-commerce and the increase in dense warehousing, the way companies handle orders has changed. Some warehouse shelves are more than 10 meters (30 feet high), and operators need equipment to enter and exit narrow passages and pick up goods at high places, so more advanced equipment is needed to improve sorting efficiency. Order pickers with cages are one of them. Because safety regulations are stricter and to reduce work-related injuries, major warehouses will give priority to this type of equipment, and the purchase ratio is very high.
First of all, safety is the most important thing in all work. Industry reports show that order pickers with cages can reduce high-altitude falls by 40%. Anti-slip platforms, reinforced guardrails and emergency descent devices can deal with the risks that arise during operation. Warehouses prefer modular designs, which are easy to adjust according to pallet size or work shifts.
Another reason is warehouse automation. Advanced order pickers can now connect to warehouse management systems to synchronize real-time data to operators. Emphasis on safety and connectivity makes order pickers not just tools, but assets for efficient warehouse operations.
For equipment purchasers, this trend shows that the equipment they buy should meet current needs, but also have the ability to upgrade to keep up with the ever-changing automated warehousing chain. Manufacturers of order pickers with cages have also found that the demand for order pickers with adjustable height (up to 35 feet) and ergonomic design has increased by 25%, indicating that equipment flexibility is important to meet the requirements of different situations.
2. Key Functions of Modern Order Pickers
Choosing order pickers with safety cages is not only for safety, but also for efficiency.
First, look at the load capacity and height. Most order pickers now have a load capacity of 200~300KG. A good picker can bear 3000 pounds (1400KG), with a lifting height ranging from 2.7 meters to 4.5 meters, and a maximum of 35 feet (11 meters), which is suitable for narrow aisles and dense shelves. The most important thing is the ergonomic operating table, which can effectively reduce the difficulty of operators picking up goods and make work more comfortable. Adjustable panels, shock-absorbing mats and simple joysticks can also reduce operator fatigue and directly improve efficiency.
Safety cages are also critical. Usually, order pickers over 4.5 meters are equipped with 42-inch guardrails (in compliance with safety standards), wire mesh (clear visibility) and automatic door closing (to prevent accidental opening). Some also have safety belts or retractable ropes, which are safer for high-altitude operations. According to safety regulations, safety cages must have emergency descent devices to ensure that the operator can be safely lowered in the event of a power outage.
Another important aspect to consider is energy saving. Lithium batteries are now the most used, charging 30% faster than lead-acid batteries and lasting 20% longer. Energy can be recovered during braking, saving electricity, which is more beneficial to the environmental protection of the warehouse.
Finally, choose one that can be connected to the Internet. Networked picking vehicles can send information such as battery status and maintenance reminders through the cloud. Early maintenance can reduce maintenance costs by 15% and ensure that the warehouse does not stop working. It not only protects the machine, but also prevents work from being delayed.
3. Control Total Cost and Save Money in the Long Run
When buying order pickers with cages, you can’t just look at the price. Total cost and energy consumption, maintenance, and service life are all factors that need to be considered when purchasing equipment. These affect the work efficiency of the entire warehouse and then affect the entire company’s supply chain. For example, although lithium batteries are 15-20% more expensive, they save 40% of electricity costs and do not require maintenance. In the long run, it will be more economical.
On the other hand, preventive maintenance is also important. Networked equipment can detect problems such as brake pad wear and hydraulic oil leakage in advance. Fleets using maintenance plans can reduce unexpected repairs by a certain percentage, saving $1,200-1,800 per device per year. Choosing modular design also saves money. If parts are broken, they can be replaced. The equipment can be used for 5 more years, and the cost savings are far greater than the initial cost.
Training operators is also necessary. Training employees and fining operators who violate regulations can effectively reduce risks. If the equipment has automatic sensing or anti-collision functions, it can also reduce liability.
When purchasing, you should also consider the second-hand value. Equipment that can upgrade software or use hybrid power can still be sold at 20-25% of the original price after 5 years, which is more cost-effective.
4. Warehouse Demand Drives Innovation in Order Picking Vehicles
Warehouses want to save space and improve picking accuracy, and the design of order picking vehicles should focus on these goals. If the warehouse uses multi-layer shelves and narrow aisles, choose a small and flexible order picker with cages, which can be used in narrow places. For example, the new model has a foldable mast, which occupies less than 50 inches when raised, suitable for 60-inch wide aisles.
Automation upgrades also bring changes. Automated order picking vehicles can connect to warehouse management systems and automatically plan routes based on inventory data, which can reduce manual errors and speed up work. Some equipment also has voice prompts, so operators can quickly complete the work without having to do anything.
Environmental protection requirements have also brought about upgrades in power systems. From the original lead-acid battery, whole battery to the combination of new energy lithium batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, the equipment is more environmentally friendly and pollution-free, and the use time is also increased by 50%, which is very important for warehouses that want to obtain environmental certification. Modular design can add sensors or upgrade guardrails to old equipment to extend the service life.
The company’s purchasing staff should cooperate with manufacturers who can design on demand and customize modules according to their respective warehouse conditions. A good order picker is not just a tool, but must be able to upgrade with warehouse needs.
5. Conclusion
When buying order pickers with cages, you must balance safety, efficiency and future development. In terms of function, it must have ergonomic design and networked maintenance to improve work efficiency. As the industry changes, warehouses are getting taller and smarter, and choosing the right and advanced equipment can lead the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the order picker need fall protection?
Yes. Operators must use safety cages, safety belts or restraints when working at a height of more than 6 feet. Make sure that the equipment meets local safety standards and has qualified guardrails and safety buckles.
