Our Blogs Top 5 Types of Warehouse Trolleys and Their Applications

Date Posted:10 December 2024

By understanding the various types of trolleys and their applications, you can make a more informed decision about which one best suits your warehouse’s requirements.

In any warehouse setting, efficiency is key to smooth operations. One essential tool that can significantly improve workplace productivity is the warehouse trolley. These versatile pieces of equipment are designed to move goods and materials with ease, saving time and reducing physical strain on employees. However, not all trolleys are the same. Different types of warehouse trolleys are suited to different tasks, each offering unique features and benefits.
In this blog, we will explore the top 5 types of warehouse trolleys and their specific applications to help you choose the best one for your operations.

1. Platform Trolleys

Application: Heavy-Duty Transport

Platform trolleys are some of the most commonly used trolleys in warehouses. With a large, flat surface, they are designed to carry bulky or heavy items that need to be moved across long distances. These trolleys come in various sizes and load capacities, making them versatile for a range of warehouse activities.
Key Features:
•   Large flat surface with or without raised edges
•   Can be used for bulk or heavy items
•   Usually equipped with robust wheels for easy manoeuvring
Applications:
•   Moving Heavy Loads: Platform trolleys are ideal for transporting large boxes, equipment, and materials that don’t require delicate handling.
•   Order Picking: These trolleys are widely used for order picking in warehouses, where they help employees move multiple items at once.
•   Storage Replenishment: Platform trolleys are perfect for restocking shelves or inventory, especially when large quantities of products need to be moved.

2. Shelf Trolleys

Application: Organised Storage and Retrieval

Shelf trolleys are designed with multiple tiers or shelves, making them ideal for organising goods during transit. They allow employees to pick and store items in a systematic manner, increasing storage capacity and ensuring goods are easily accessible.
Key Features:
•   Multiple shelves or racks
•   Ideal for smaller or boxed items
•   Allows organisation of items during transport
Applications:
•   Order Fulfillment: Shelf trolleys are perfect for warehouses with high turnover rates, such as e-commerce and retail operations. They help in quickly assembling orders by carrying multiple products across different shelves.
•   Storing Small Items: Shelf trolleys are suitable for warehouses dealing with smaller products or parts that need to be organised and easily accessible.
•   Transporting Tools and Equipment: In warehouses where tools and parts need to be moved around frequently, shelf trolleys offer a convenient way to store and transport them.

3. Cage Trolleys

Application: Safe and Secure Transport

Cage trolleys, also known as roll cages, are enclosed trolleys designed to keep goods secure during transit. Their sides are often made of mesh or wire, offering both protection and visibility. Cage trolleys are commonly used in industries where goods need to be transported securely but still require easy access.
Key Features:
•   Enclosed sides with wire mesh
•   Lockable for security
•   Ideal for transporting fragile or valuable items
Applications:
•   Transporting Fragile Goods: Cage trolleys are ideal for moving delicate or high-value goods such as electronics, glassware, or pharmaceuticals. The enclosure keeps items secure and prevents damage during movement.
•   Retail and Distribution: Used in retail and distribution environments, cage trolleys can help move goods from storage areas to the shop floor or delivery vehicles.
•   Stock Transfers: In large warehouses, cage trolleys are often used for transferring stock between different sections, especially in situations where security is important.

4. Flatbed Trolleys

Application: Versatility for Large Items

Flatbed trolleys are incredibly versatile and feature a flat platform, similar to platform trolleys, but often without the raised edges. These trolleys can carry oversized or irregularly shaped items that don’t fit well on traditional shelving or platform trolleys. Due to their open design, they are ideal for a wide range of materials.
Key Features:
•   Flat, open platform without raised edges
•   Typically used for large or awkwardly shaped items
•   May have foldable sides for easier storage
Applications:
•   Moving Oversized Items: Flatbed trolleys are commonly used to transport large, heavy, or oddly shaped items that other trolleys cannot accommodate.
•   Bulk Material Handling: These trolleys are ideal for moving large quantities of bulk materials such as pallets, machinery, or crates. They’re often used in warehouses with diverse inventories.
•   Construction and Industrial Applications: In warehouses dealing with industrial products or heavy-duty equipment, flatbed trolleys provide a safe and easy way to transport large tools and machinery.

5. Folding Trolleys

Application: Space-Saving Solutions

Folding trolleys are designed to be compact and space-efficient, making them perfect for warehouses that are short on storage space. These trolleys can be collapsed when not in use, allowing for easy storage in tight spaces. Despite their smaller size, they are capable of carrying significant loads, depending on the model.
Key Features:
•   Can be folded for easy storage
•   Lightweight yet durable construction
•   Perfect for smaller warehouses or temporary setups
Applications:
•   Lightweight Transport: Folding trolleys are often used for lighter loads, including office supplies, tools, or small equipment. They are ideal when you need a quick and compact transport solution.
•   Temporary or Seasonal Use: These trolleys are perfect for warehouses that experience fluctuating demands or those that need additional trolleys only during peak times, as they can be folded away when not needed.
•   Small Warehouse Operations: In smaller warehouse environments, folding trolleys help maintain flexibility and efficiency, allowing workers to move materials in confined spaces.

Choosing the Right Warehouse Trolley for Your Needs

Selecting the right type of warehouse trolley is critical to ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
1.   Load Capacity: Ensure that the trolley you choose can handle the weight and size of the items you plan to move.
2.   Type of Goods: Different trolleys are better suited for different types of materials, from fragile items to oversized loads.
3.   Manoeuvrability: If your warehouse has narrow aisles, look for trolleys that are easy to manoeuvre and fit into tight spaces.
4.   Storage Requirements: Consider whether you need a trolley that can be folded or stacked for easy storage when not in use.

Warehouse trolleys are indispensable tools that can make all the difference in the efficiency and productivity of your warehouse. Whether you need to move heavy materials, organise smaller items, or secure fragile goods, there is a trolley designed to meet your needs. By understanding the various types of trolleys and their applications, you can make a more informed decision about which one best suits your warehouse’s requirements.