Things to Consider When Buying a Trolley: How to Find a Reliable Supplier

If you're a warehouse owner or manager, and your everyday operations include moving bulky or heavy materials around the premises, hand carts, also known as trolleys are one of the most beneficial pieces of equipment that can increase workplace productivity and safety without breaking your bank. In fact, most safety and health risk guides state that using a mechanical aid for transporting goods, such as trolleys or forklifts should be highly considered. But with so many different types of trolleys, there are many considerations that need to be taken into account. What do you need the trolley for? How do you pick the most suitable one? What type of material should it be made of - metal or plastic? What's the difference between a cage and flatbed trolley? Finding an answer to all of these questions can make your buying process significantly easier and less complicated.

But before I get into that, let's talk about the basics. Trolleys are material handling equipment used to effectively transfer materials from one location to another. They can be used in a wide range of settings, including warehouses and factories. There are many different types of trolleys, available in a range of sizes, shapes and materials. These trolleys also differ in weight limitations and load capacities. So who needs a trolley?

As aforementioned, these pieces of equipment are designed for use in many different applications. You'll see them lined up in warehouses, departmental stores, aboard a flight or retail stores. While they're available in several variations, they all serve the same purpose. Not only do they make transporting loads more efficient, but they also reduce the risk of injuries in the workplace, ultimately making them very valuable items that can save you a lot of money in the long term.

Choosing the right trolley is easy when you know what you need it for. However, there are a few other considerations to take into account before making a final decision, namely:

• The type of objects you handle. For instance, are you moving bulky and heavy construction equipment, boxes of paper or pallets? The weight and the shape of the items will help you determine the loading capacity and shelf size for your trolley
• The way the load is handled. Are the organised or disorganised? Can they be packed in crates or boxes, or are they odd-sized, loose items that can't be stacked. Answering these questions will help you decide on the size you need from the trolley. Having odd sized items could mean you need a caged trolley to prevent the goods from falling over during transport
• The type of environment. Is there enough space in the walkways and doors for the trolley to pass through? And is there a lift for every floor? Large trolleys can be transported in cargo and service lifts only. The physical environment of the workplace will help you determine the shape and size of trolley you should use
• How important if flexibility? Are you looking for a trolley that can adapt to different situations, or do you need an application-specific type like a stair climbing hand cart? Can the trolley be adjusted to a specific height or width you need, or can it be extended or retracted easily? At the end of the day, you should look to get a versatile trolley that can be used for a variety of applications

Where can you find trolleys? There are many industrial trolley suppliers and manufacturers, and your best bet is to look online. To help make the right decision, do some research before buying. Make sure the supplier you settle on is trustworthy and has a history of providing quality trolleys. Make sure to pay attention to the limitations and specifications of each trolley to determine whether they're suitable to handle and transport the materials you have. But how do you determine whether a supplier is trustworthy and provides quality trolleys?

For starters, contact the supplier and see whether they have exactly the type of trolley you need, including shape, size and capacity. Look for a supplier that uses top-quality materials and has ISO or metric standard products. Check out multiple suppliers to see the difference in prices and quality. Having more options is always better. You want to find a trolley that fits your quality requirements, but suits your budget as well. See whether there are any other services that the manufacturer or supplier can provide you with. Things like extended warranty and free delivery, free spare parts, etc. will help you weigh your options and get the best value for your business. And lastly, you want a trolley supplier with a proven track record. Suppliers with application specific-products, like a stair climbing hard cart, or completely custom-made trolleys are the ones to look out for, since they can tailor the trolley for your specific needs.