Important Things to Consider When Buying Trolleys

Trolleys are one of the most popular types of material handling equipment used in a wide range of industries. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to use and store, allowing you to transport all kinds of items around the workplace while significantly lowering the risks of accidents or injuries. Trolleys are available in a wide range of styles, specifications, frames and colours, so no matter what your application for them is, you’re bound to find a suitable one. However, choosing the best one for your needs takes a fair amount of consideration, and it’s important you make the right choice in order to increase the efficiency of your everyday operations.

Platform or Upright Trolley?

Platform trolleys feature a long, flat, solid deck with wheels underneath it. The large decks make them suitable for carrying large and bulky items, but you still have to lift them onto the bed of the trolley, which still puts a strain on the operator. Some trolleys have built-in brakes, allowing you to control them easier, even on slopes. Upright trolleys, on the other hand, feature a solid toe at the bottom side that can slide under boxes and other types of load. This makes it easier to lift and move heavy items without having to do any manual work yourself. However, their construction doesn’t allow for moving bulky items.

There are specialised platform and upright trolleys meant for carrying specific types of items. For instance, a gas cylinder trolley makes it easy to carry around gas cylinders. So, if your business deals with gas cylinders or any other cylindrical-shaped items on an everyday basis, a gas cylinder trolley is the best choice for you. Mail trolleys, on the other hand, are best suited for office environments where thousands of letters or documents need to be transported multiple times on a daily basis. That being said, figure out what you need the trolley for before you start looking at all the different models and types.

Steel or Aluminium Trolley?

Most trolleys are made using either aluminium alloy or steel. Both materials have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the ideal trolley for you will depend on the environment you intend to use it in, as well as the loads you intend on carrying. Aluminium is lighter, making it easier to maneuver and store. Furthermore, this allows you to lift the trolley onto a truck, van or up and downstairs. Aluminium is also resistant to rust, so you can rest assured your investment will last quite a few years. Steel, on the other hand, is heavier, but also incredibly strong and durable. Steel trolleys are considered heavy-duty, as they’re capable of handling tonnes of weight, literally.

Pneumatic or Solid Tyres?

Trolleys come with both pneumatic and solid tyres, and again, the ideal type of tyres for your application will depend on how and when you intend on using your trolley. Pneumatic tyres are the same tyres you have on your vehicle or bicycle. The air inside makes them springy and lightweight, making them suitable for rugged and bumpy terrain. Pneumatic tyres are also decent at absorbing bumps and lumps from the ground, making it easier to control the trolley and the load. Solid tyres, on the other hand, are completely puncture-resistant. They don’t go flat, meaning you can rely on them for years to come. These tyres are best suited for use on flat, solid floors inside warehouses, factories or other types of production centres.

Type of Handles

Even something as seemingly insignificant as the handles on the trolley can make or break your choice. There are a few different types of handles trolleys can be built with, including standard, dual and P handles. On top of that, you can choose to add skids if you want to.

Standard handles refer to separate handles meant for both your hands. These handles can improve the stability and ensure your trolley is controlled and maneuvered well. These handles are suitable for trolleys intended for carrying heavy loads.

P handles, as their name implies, are P-shaped extrusion handles at the back of the trolley. They allow you to operate the trolley using one hand, freeing up your other hand for steadying the load, opening doors, etc. However, P handles are only suitable when carrying light loads.

Dual handled trolleys are meant for people who want the best of both worlds. These trolleys feature a left and right standard handle, but they also feature a loop at the top, allowing you to control the trolley with one hand. Dual handled trolleys provide flexibility, making them useful in a wide range of situations.

Lastly, skids are the angled runners found beneath the truck. These “accessories” are similar to legs on a wheelbarrow. They come in contact with the ground and make it possible to lay the trolley down for easier loading and unloading. Whether you want skids or not is up to you, but they can be very useful in loading items safely.

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