Supermarkets, factories, warehouses, and similar spots all share a common need: moving different types of loads from one location to another. Since some of these loads can be pretty heavy, it's not safe for people to just carry them around. That's why these places should think about investing in a trolley or truck. If there are a lot of stairs and no elevator, things can get tricky. In that case, a trolley for warehouse use is a game changer. Here are a few key points to keep in mind when you're looking to buy one of these trolleys.
Types of Warehouse Trolleys
Parcel Trolley
Parcel trolleys come with four tall sides, making them great for securely stacking smaller items. They're often used in warehouses during picking and packing tasks, allowing staff to store and transport several orders at once without hassle.
Platform Trolley
A platform trolley for warehouse use is a very common choice. It features a flat surface where workers can load items and easily push or pull them around. This type of trolley is perfect for moving heavy and bulky stuff like boxes, crates, and equipment. With four wheels (two fixed and two that swivel) they're a breeze to maneuver.
Sack Trolley
Sack trolleys are built specifically for hauling heavy sacks or bags. They have a smaller surface area than platform trolleys, which makes them easier to navigate through tight aisles and cramped spaces. Plus, they feature a curved backrest for extra support when carrying heavy loads.
Rocker Trolley
Rocker trolleys are constructed with a sturdy, extra-long steel platform and come with handles on both sides and six wheels. They're designed to handle heavy loads and are perfect for tough industrial settings. This trolley type is ideal for moving large, heavy items like furniture, machinery, and equipment. The extra wheels provide better stability and control when transporting those hefty loads.
Order Picking Trolley
Daily picking and packing operations in warehouses are a must, and an order-picking trolley is key to keeping things running smoothly. These trolleys have multiple shelves or tiers to hold different orders, making it easy for staff to fulfil several orders in one go.
Consider the Materials
When you're buying a warehouse trolley, you'll notice that it typically comes in either aluminium or steel. Each material has its pros and cons, so your choice should depend on what you plan to move. Aluminium is super lightweight, making it a breeze to maneuver the trolley, especially if you need to carry it upstairs. Plus, it's rust-resistant, so you can count on it lasting a long time. On the flip side, steel is incredibly strong and durable, but it does come with extra weight. It's a better fit for heavy-duty tasks since it can handle a larger load.
Check the Tires
Trolleys can be equipped with either solid or pneumatic tyres, and picking the right one really depends on your specific needs.
Pneumatic tyres are filled with air, similar to what you'd find on a car or bike. This makes them lightweight and flexible, perfect for rough terrains. They offer great control over your load and help keep the trolley balanced while moving.
Solid tyres, however, have the perk of being puncture-proof, so you won’t have to worry about flat tyres from nails or glass. They’re reliable and work best on flat, solid surfaces like factory floors, but they might struggle a bit on uneven ground.
Stair Climber Wheels
When there's no elevator around, the stair walker trolley steps in. These trolleys have unique stair climber wheels arranged in a triangular formation. This setup allows the trolley to ascend steps, making it super handy for transporting items up and down stairs regularly. Since stairs are flat and sturdy, it's a good idea to choose stair climbing wheels with solid tyres.
Types of Toes
Folding Toe
The toe of the trolley is the flat plate situated in front of the wheels. It’s designed to slide under the load and lift it. Toe plates come in various sizes to accommodate different loads, and they can either be fixed or folded. The folding toe is larger than the fixed version, providing a bigger loading area, which makes it more versatile for different loads. Plus, it folds away when not in use, making storage a breeze and reducing the chances of tripping over it.
Fixed Toe Plate
As the name suggests, this toe plate doesn’t fold. It’s designed for tougher jobs since it can handle heavier loads compared to the folding toe plate. However, the loading area is smaller, making it ideal for compact but heavy items.
So, which one should you go for? It really depends on what you need. If you’re often dealing with larger, heavier items, the folding toe plate is the way to go. But if you’re mostly lifting smaller loads, the fixed one is a better fit.
Environmental Factors To Have in Mind
• Distance - For long distances, opt for trolleys with sturdy wheels and casters, and consider adding some mechanical help.
• Floor gradient - If your floor has a slope, go for trolleys that have straps to secure loads, speed control on the handles, mechanical assistance, and safety brakes.
• Floor surface - The best surface for trolleys is smooth and free of bumps or ridges, and ideally, there shouldn’t be any stairs.
• Space availability and storage. Pick a trolley that fits your available space. If storage is tight, a foldable or collapsible trolley might be your best bet.