How to Choose the Right Hand Trolley for the Workplace

The industrial and warehouse industries have an intricate network of logistics and infrastructure that require reliable and powerful equipment to help move heavy loads. More often than not, workers have to deal with hefty and bulky items that require a great deal of effort and manual labour to move. As such, industrial lifting equipment becomes the pinnacle of the operation as it helps to simplify and streamline the process.

Among the potential solutions that can help with the transportation of cumbersome materials we have hand trolleys. As their name implies, these products allow users to transport a variety of items with ease and convenience, giving them a tremendous advantage in the workplace.

What Types of Hand Trolleys Are There?

As you begin your search for a resilient and stable hand trolley for the job, the first obstacle on the road to success is to determine what type of model best fits your needs. Depending on the nature of the goods, many workplace environments would benefit from one (or more) of the following three types:

hand trolley
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Upright

Designed specifically for vertical placement, the upright model consists of two parallel upright frames with a crossbar at the base. It uses two load carriers or platforms, one on each side of the frame, which provide secure and balanced support for goods as they are being shifted around.

Most models can handle a 90-kilogram load, but designs can vary in size and strength depending on the manufacturer. Some options have adjustable handles, removable sides and other extras that give them the ultimate degree of versatility. Others come with fixed sides and wheels for ease of movement.

Convertible

This type of hand trolley is designed with a simple yet elegant mechanism that enables it to convert from a vertical position to a horizontal one in just a few seconds. This allows for effortless and quick loading and unloading of items, with a secure grip on both the front and back.

convertible type trolley
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The load capacity of a convertible model typically ranges between 130-190 kilograms, so it can efficiently manage large and heavy items. An important feature of this type of sack trolley is that it can be used either manually or with a forklift, which can be mounted on the top of the frame.

Specialty

The specialty variety consists of a wide range of models that serve specific purposes. Examples include model trolleys for medical equipment, concrete blocks, cartons, and more. Given the nature of each item, these trolleys are uniquely designed and built to ensure optimal durability and performance.

Depending on the usage, these models can have either a metal or plastic frame and are meant to provide optimum reliability for their intended task. The former is highly preferred for extended use and superior strength, while the latter is lightweight and can be manoeuvred in smaller areas.

How to Choose an Appropriate Hand Trolley?

To make sure you’re getting the right tool for the job, the exact make and model aren’t the only thing you should be looking at. Sometimes, even the seemingly insignificant details can make or break your experience with the option you choose, with some models being more suitable for certain tasks than others.

warehouse trolley
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Frame Materials

As previously mentioned, some of the most common materials used for the construction of trolleys are metals and plastics. The former is typically more expensive but also offers maximum strength and durability, while the latter is lightweight and significantly cheaper.

Aluminium and stainless steel are the typical metal options, as they are suitable for more robust applications due to their superior strength. Aluminium is inherently corrosion-resistant while stainless steel has a slightly higher load capacity. But even if you opt for a more affordable plastic version, bear in mind that it should still be robust enough to handle your specific load size and weight.

Wheel Type

The set of wheels you select will largely determine the performance of your trolley. Selecting the wrong type can result in a cumbersome experience, with poorly balanced and unstable loads. Not only can this hinder the transportation process, but it can also present a safety hazard.

hand trolley wheel
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Ideally, you should opt for large-diameter wheels that provide the best rolling resistance and are of a tread material suitable for the terrain you plan on using them in. Bigger wheels have better balancing and are also perfect for moving larger items but they can be slightly bulky and might be too big for narrow pathways. On the other hand, smaller varieties can be more suitable for smaller loads and confined spaces.

Terrain and Environment

Warehouses generally have smooth concrete floors, while outdoor conditions often involve dirt, mud, and other uneven surfaces. Oftentimes, you’ll be using trolleys on both types of terrains, so it’s essential to choose a model that can handle them both.

If you’ll only be using the trolley indoors, it’s safe to opt for a regular model with hard rubber wheels that provide good traction and are suitable for flat surfaces. On the other hand, if you’ll be using them strictly outdoors, more robust all-terrain models with polyurethane or pneumatic wheels can provide a more enjoyable experience.

Industry-Specific Regulations

Finally, depending on the industry you’re in, there may be certain regulations or guidelines that must be met. For instance, certain applications require the use of an open trolley model to ensure easy access and visibility, while others might require a closed box-style model to protect the items inside from hazardous materials.

trolleys for warehouse
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Safe Handling Techniques and Tips

Regardless of the application, you’d have to practice safe handling techniques when operating trolleys. Always be mindful of your load balance and make sure it’s secure before operating. Also, never overload the trolley as this can cause irreparable damage and put your safety at risk. This can easily lead to poor ergonomics, fatigue and even injury.

Additionally, you should do regular check-ups and make sure the wheels are in proper working order, as well as check if the frame is rusting or not. Taking these few extra steps can significantly extend the life of your trolley and optimise your workflow.