What are skates and dollies?

Skates and dollies are wheeled platforms designed to move heavy or bulky items easily and safely in warehouses, factories, workshops, and retail environments.

What types of skates and dollies are available?

There are pallet skates, machine skates, drum dollies, barrel dollies, furniture dollies, adjustable width skates, heavy-duty dollies, and custom solutions.

How do skates differ from dollies?

Skates are usually flat platforms with wheels underneath for moving large, low-profile loads like pallets or machinery, while dollies often have frames to secure or cradle specific loads like drums or boxes.

What materials are skates and dollies made from?

They are commonly constructed from heavy-duty steel or aluminium with powder-coated or galvanised finishes for strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.

What weight capacities do skates and dollies support?

Capacities range widely, from a few hundred kilograms up to several tonnes (some up to 24,000 kg), depending on size, wheel type, and construction.

Are skates and dollies suitable for moving machinery?

Yes, heavy-duty machine skates and dollies are designed specifically to move heavy machinery safely and efficiently within industrial premises.

Can skates and dollies be customised?

Many are custom-made or adjustable with features like bolt holes, recessed bases, cradles, straps, or ratchet loops to secure loads and fit specific applications.

What types of wheels are used on skates and dollies?

Common wheels include nylon, polyurethane, rubber, and steel rollers—each suited for different floor surfaces, load requirements, and environments.

Are skates and dollies easy to manoeuvre?

Yes, swivel castors and rollers provide good manoeuvrability in tight spaces, warehouses, and workshops, reducing operator effort.

How do skates and dollies improve workplace safety?

They minimise manual lifting, reduce injury risk, and enable safe transport of heavy or awkward loads with less physical strain.

Are skates and dollies used in warehouses?

Absolutely, they are essential for transporting bulky goods, pallets, heavy equipment, and furniture in warehouse and logistics operations.

Can dollies be used for drums and barrels?

Yes, specific drum dollies are designed to securely move cylindrical containers like 55-gallon (210 ltr) drums safely.

Are skates and dollies suitable for uneven or rough floors?

Some models with pneumatic or large rubber wheels handle rougher surfaces, but most are optimised for smooth concrete or warehouse floors.

What industries use skates and dollies?

Industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, healthcare, retail, and construction utilise skates and dollies for efficient material handling.

Are skates and dollies durable?

Constructed from high-grade steel and robust wheels, these units are built to withstand daily heavy use in industrial environments.

Can skates and dollies be stored easily?

Many models are compact and lightweight, with some designed for upright storage to save space in workshops or warehouses.

How do I maintain skates and dollies?

Regular wheel inspections, cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, and checking frames for wear keep them functioning safely and smoothly.

Do skates and dollies comply with UK safety standards?

Quality skates and dollies meet relevant UK health and safety regulations for manual handling and workplace equipment.

Can I use skates and dollies outdoors?

Certain heavy-duty models with weather-resistant finishes and suitable wheels can be used outdoors on hard surfaces.