There are dozens of ways to move items, materials and inventory within the workplace. For smaller and lighter gear, transporting physically them from one point to another is almost understood, but in typical industrial and commercial settings dealing with stock that is much heavier and bulkier, using the proper devices, like trolleys and hand trucks cuts out the risks of injuries, reduces the likelihood of accidents, and prevents material damage. Moreover, this also quickens workflow, increases productivity and substantially reduces costs.

Trolleys are basic material handling devices used to transport any gear safely and securely. They’re found in hundreds of places, from supermarkets, retail stores, airports, offices, and large storage and manufacturing facilities. Warehouses and factories use heavy-duty varieties that make mobility and transporting heavy items over large distances that much easier. When used correctly, the right trolley will also reduce fatigue levels in employees.

Choosing the Right Trolley for the Task

The wide variety of trolleys on offer can soon become a headache. They differ in designs, materials, the type and size of the loads they can carry, and the settings they’re suited to most. Differences may be subtle but have a huge say in how easily they get the job done.

The Lowdown on Heavy-Duty Trolleys

The most basic design used with heavier loads is the heavy duty flatbed trolley. This usually consists of 4 wheels, a large flat loading bed, and a steel frame that protrudes into a handle. But even here, specific details make one type better with different loads and settings than another. Let’s take a closer look.

Flatbed Dimensions

The loading area is rectangular and can be sized up to 1000mm wide by 2000mm long. This needs to accommodate the full length of the load (with extra space as leeway) and to prevent damage in maneuvering. Having a larger loading bay helps with versatility in moving objects of varying sizes, but something too big can be overkill, and hard to maneuver, especially in tighter spaces. The general idea is to size the trolley and bed according to the loads they’ll be used with.

Choosing the Right Wheels

Castor assemblies and wheels differ in materials. For heavy-duty trolleys, this often means the use of solid metal (aluminium, steel or cast iron) wheels, industrial bearings and metal plates affixed to the frame and bed. These are often reserved for loads of 500 kilos or more. Lighter items can be used with trolleys that have Nylon or rubber wheels, either with plate or bolt fixings, to better absorb bumps and uneven surfaces and reduce the risk of falling items. Go with non-marking wheels to keep floor surfaces clean, avoid excess noise and prevent damage.

Most trolleys come with 4 wheels at each corner, but 6-wheeled types offer more stability. Here the centre wheels are larger while allowing more movement in those front and back. They can additionally differ in materials. Lastly, consider the differences between swivelling and fixed wheels. Most often the rear wheels are fixed and with fitted brakes, while the front ones can swivel. However, braking and movement in a heavy duty flatbed trolley can be tailored to exact needs with different configurations.

The last consideration in this respect is wheel height. Bigger wheels are more forgiving in bumps, roll faster, and make loading easier with more height in the flatbed.

Difference in Handles

Pushing trolleys is the safest way they’re handled. That’s why most have a single handle in the form of a tube, usually as an extension of the frame. Angled handles offer more space between the operator and the trolley, so are regarded as safer, and more comfortable. There are also trolleys with handles at either end, often in an angled and straight combo. For easy storage, get versions with foldable handles. Also, consider the overall height at which the handles are positioned to prevent fatigue.

Why Materials Matter?

In loading beds, materials determine loading capacity and safe working loads and whether the trolley will last in heavy-duty use. Aluminium is the most popular choice for medium to heavy loads, being both lightweight and strong. It is also rust-free so works better in settings with liquids, chemicals or food. Loads over a tonne are better handled with thicker stainless steel, and coated or painted to prevent corrosion. The bed can also be optioned in non-slip surfaces, usually in a checker-plate design.

Smaller and lighter trolleys made of plastic have a carrying capacity averaging 100 kilos. The materials pick up fewer dents and scratches when hit against walls, equipment or furniture. Additional extras here include antibacterial coatings for trolleys used in hospitality and food processing, and antistatic coatings in warehouses and plants producing electrical goods.

Summing Up

When buying a trolley for your application, consider the loads it needs to transport, the distances it needs to cover, and where it will be used. Heavy-duty applications in warehouses, loading bays and manufacturing facilities can all benefit from trolleys that are well-built, using durable materials, in the appropriate dimensions and with all the features appropriate for the job.