Warehouse platform trolleys vary widely in function, capacity, and quality, so before you invest your money buying a warehouse platform trolley, take a look at this brief guide to the main factors to consider.
Size Matters
The first determining factor is the size, type and dimensions of the items to be transported. Bulky heavy, and irregularly shaped objects will demand a heavy-duty platform trolley, while lighter ones may not.
As well as this, you may require a trolley with shelves; if the items to be transported cannot be stacked neatly, this will help organise your goods while in transit. You may even want to consider a gorilla roll cage. This has bars around the outside, keeping the items firmly in place while the trolley is in use.
You should also think about how often your trolley will be used. The more it is to be used, the sturdier and more robust it should be - particularly if you transport heavy duty objects. If your trolley is to be used on a daily basis, then trying to save money by choosing a flimsier model is a false economy, as robust models could quickly develop wheel axel faults or steering problems.
Getting Around Your Facility
You'll also have to consider the size of your shelving aisles, walkways and access areas. Measure the dimensions of the doorways, lifts, and floor spaces of your warehouse or facility. If your trolley doesn't fit, there's no getting around it. We recommend choosing a trolley that gives you ample space to manoeuvre two side by side along all your main picking and delivery routes.
Something else to consider is the flexibility of the trolley. You might need an adjustable trolley that can be extended, or one that can reverse if needed. This will prevent accidents and make the trolley easier to navigate around your warehouse layout. Finally, think about trolley storage. When your trolley is not in use, where will it be kept? Nesting platform trolleys are worth considering if storage space is at a premium, or if the trolley is only used infrequently.
Safety First
Safety is always key when buying warehouse equipment. A heavy duty trolley is essential if you're transporting heavy or bulky items and want to avoid accidents. However, heavy goods trolleys need to have safety bars in place to prevent spillages, as well as efficient brakes and a wide horizontal base to prevent the trolley from capsizing. You might also want to look for an order picking trolley that comes with a ladder fixed to it. This will help prevent workers standing on tiptoes or stooping while carrying products, saving time and reducing the risk of injury.
Choosing The Right Trolley
The warehouse platform trolley range from Steps & Stillages includes all kinds of trolleys and transportation platforms, from roll cages to nesting trolleys. Have a look through the products listed on our website, and feel free to get in touch if you need more information, or would like to discuss a custom trolley.
