Work in warehouses often involves lifting and moving items of a wide range of shapes, sizes and weights. How warehouses are configured and their accessibility can be equally varied, with some functioning with limited space while others need to cover distances involving journeys inside and outdoors.
Versatile materials handling solutions, trolleys are workhorses of the warehousing world. With an understanding of the different needs of operations, manufacturers have created a dizzying number of models to match applications. This can make choosing the ideal option for a warehouse a bewildering task.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most commonly used warehouse trolleys and discuss when they are the best option. Read on to see which one most closely fits your needs.
Key considerations when choosing a trolley. To find the correct trolley, you must consider some key points. These include worker health and safety and fitting the trolley type to the inventory you handle, processes like picking tasks, aisle dimensions and the surfaces you work on.
Health and safety features
Today, high-quality trolleys are designed to support worker wellbeing. Choose a model with features that allow operators to load and unload trolleys without physical harm. Many trolleys have other attributes that promote health and safety, including brakes, lights and ergonomic handles.
Examine your warehouse environment and requirements
Aisle width is of prime importance. Measure the aisles in your warehouse and any tight corners first. If you have limited space to manoeuvre, ensure you choose a compact or narrow-width trolley with swivel wheels to change direction easily.
To assess load weight, add the weight of the heaviest product you will move to the weight of the trolley. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendation for maximum load to ensure it can cope with your cargo.
Consider the floor surface you will be working on. Robust wheels with good grip are necessary if you need to move stock from your main warehouse to outbuildings. Rubber-coated castor wheels are ideal for smooth transit, and swivel options can enhance steering.
Match trolley types to tasks
Each type of trolley available has its own unique advantages. When selecting the best-suited option, always consider the jobs the trolley will be used for and just what kind of inventory it will be moving.
As their name suggests, platform trolleys are engineered with a wide, flat surface to stack goods on. They are an excellent option when warehouses store oversized, bulky or heavy items, as they can distribute weight evenly and offer plenty of space for larger goods.
At the other end of the scale are tote and picking trolleys, which are typically used for smaller items. The trolleys often feature multiple shelves or totes in their design that allow warehouse operators to sort and separate small goods to ensure they are organised effectively. As a result, they are coveted models for e-commerce operations, helping to streamline order fulfilment processes.
Trolley models are also available that are engineered to ensure that loose goods remain secure on board during transit. High-sided roll containers and cage trolleys are two popular options and feature solid or mesh sides that enclose all materials being moved.
When fragile or flat sheet goods made of glass and timber are stored on site, moving them from A to B can present a challenge without an appropriate solution. Fortunately, manufacturers have designed specialised board trolleys. The purpose-built design of these models includes an A-frame or vertical support that accommodates the unique dimensions of these heavy or fragile items, allowing them to stay upright, resting at a secure angle. It also facilitates easier loading and unloading, reducing the potential for product damage.
Choosing the correct warehouse trolley can have a powerful impact on the productivity, profitability and safety of a site. For advice on the ideal trolley for your goods and requirements and high-quality solutions built to last, contact us today at Steely Products.
You may also interested in:
Factors to consider when choosing between a mobile and static A-frame
A-frames are valuable solutions for a range of operating environments and are often deployed in
What is the difference between a stillage and a trolley?
A stillage and a trolley are both widely-used storage and transportation solutions in warehouses, factories and retail distribution environments. We’ll use this article to break down the difference between the