Deciding the best way to move goods
When to choose a platform trolley, a sack truck or a turntable truck
Author: Dee Jones/17 October 2024/Categories: PRODUCT GUIDANCE, Stock handling, WORKPLACE ADVICE, Goods movement
When asked which type of trolley or truck is better for moving goods, the answer isn’t that straightforward. There are several things that need consideration before choosing equipment and by answering a short set of questions, this can hopefully lead you to a simple answer.
- What is the physical size and weight of the item(s) that are to be moved?
- How often will this task be carried out?
- What type of flooring are the goods being moved over ie: cement, wooden or rough ground?
- Are there any stairways, kerbs, small doorways or gradients to encounter?
- Are the goods of an unusual shape or are they boxes/cartons?
- Are the goods likely to slide or move around i.e. liquids, loose materials etc?
- Is there a specific budget for this item of equipment?
Generally a popular way of moving light goods around with capacities ranging from 50 – 200kg. They carry goods on a horizontal platform and are fitted on 4 castors or wheels.
Pros:
Lightweight construction.
Economically priced.
Easy to manoeuvre.
Easy to store and transport in vehicles.
Cons:
Not robust or long lasting.
Castors and wheels are often standard and not always suited for different floor surfaces.
Cannot access stairs and awkward on gradients.
Seen as the most traditional way of moving goods. They are mounted on 2 wheels and you carry goods along in a near vertical or 45-degree position. Capacities range from 50 – 500kg, but please consider that moving almost anything manually by sack truck has physical limitations for the operator and anything over 200kg can be very tiring. There are also stairclimber models available which enable the operator to move goods up and down stairways and even electric versions of this type of truck as well.
Pros:
Some have strong and robust construction.
Easy to use.
Easy to manoeuvre and store.
Can handle kerbs.
Good selection of wheel choices.
Economically priced.
Stairclimber and electric options.
Folding foot and telescopic fold up options.
Cons:
Limited in what type of goods they can carry.
Requires physical effort.
Some models are more consumable rather than long lasting.
Stability of goods can be compromised.
These are very popular in warehouses and factories. They are fitted on 4 wheels and have a turntable fitted at one end that enables the operator to steer the truck by pulling the handle. Capacities range from 100kg – 3000kg with even higher capacities possible with more industrial type trailer options. Goods are carried on a flat horizontal platform and optional sides can be fitted to retain the goods during movement.
Pros:
Heavy duty construction.
Good choice of wheel types.
Large capacities available.
Safe way of transporting goods.
Many options available like sides, box bodies, ackerman steering, handle options and construction materials.
Cons:
Heavy and bulky.
More expensive than other options.
Can not handle stairways or narrow turning restrictions.
Not suitable to be transported in vehicles.
If you are still finding that making a choice is difficult, seek advice which is usually free, to avoid choosing the wrong piece of equipment.