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Loading platform trucks, often referred to as platform trolleys or simply platform trucks, are designed to help carry loads that are too heavy or awkward to carry by hand. They are especially useful for moving large or heavy things short distances, such as within a warehouse or delivery van.
These platform trucks consist of a flat platform or platform base where items can be placed, and four wheels that allow them to be pushed or pulled along. The wheels usually have brakes to stop the truck moving when it shouldn't, which is helpful when loading or unloading items. Let's look at some of the most common types of loading platform trucks and the unique features they have.
Flat platform trucks
One of the most common types of loading platform trucks is the flat platform variety. As their name suggests, these trucks have a flat, open platform base with no sides or walls. This design makes them very versatile since they can be used to move practically anything that can fit on the flat surface.
The platform is usually made from sturdy wood or metal, and the wheels allow it to roll smoothly, even under heavy loads. Flat platform trucks are ideal for transporting boxes, furniture, or pretty much any bulk item that is too awkward or heavy to carry by hand. Their simple yet effective design has made them a reliable solution for countless transporting needs.
Folding platform truck
If storage space is an issue, then folding platform trucks could be the answer. These trucks have a platform that can be folded up when not in use, allowing for much more efficient use of space. Some models even have folding handles that collapse down against the base.
The ability to fold makes these trucks ideal for use in small warehouses, delivery vans, or anywhere that storage is limited. When fully opened, the folding platform trucks provide a large area to transport goods, and then they can be collapsed down to take up much less room.
High platform truck
As the name suggests, a high-platform trolley is a vehicle with a high platform. This is best for transporting goods in bulk. A high platform trolley can be stacked with several items at once as it has a huge space. You will normally see a flat and high platform trolley working together in a warehouse. It is well known that any mechanical handling equipment is equipped with safety measures. This platform truck also has edge guards and non-slip surfaces to prevent the load from falling.
Cage platform truck
However, one disadvantage of a folding platform truck is that the edge of the platform is open and all the items placed on the platform can slip out while moving. To overcome this problem, trucks with end frames and wired mesh as a surrounding frame were made, which considered a cage platform truck.
It helps to carry delicate things like glass items and documents that need security while transporting. Some cage platform trucks have a foldable part so that the cages can be folded when not in use and less space occupied.
Electric platform truck
Manually operated platform trucks need to push the load themselves, which is fine for light to moderate weights. However, when very heavy items need moving, it can be tough and put a strain on the body. That's where powered platform trucks come in.
These trucks have a small electric motor that does the hard work of pushing the load. Just using a battery makes it much easier to move heavy items. Electric trucks are really helpful in big warehouses, loading docks, and factories because they can keep going all day with a charged battery.
Manual folding
There are some platform trucks available on Alibaba.com that can fold the platform and handle by itself to save space when not in use. These are manual folding trucks shown below that help in easy storage.
Tilting platform trolleys
These platform trucks are useful for people who should not lift heavy items. It is not necessary to lift the items as the platform can be tilted in such a way that the load can slide from the platform to the ground easily. These devices are often used in bakeries and kitchens where loads can be heavy and hard to handle.
Friction brakes
Certain models are equipped with external friction brakes on the rear wheels, which helps stabilize the truck on ramps and enhances safety during its operation on inclined surfaces.
Pressure brake systems
Emergency pressure brake systems enable the truck to be stopped in case of any failure of the first braking system. It is used mostly in heavy trucks where the safety factor should be higher due to higher loads and hazardous conditions.
Handle locks
Some handle lock platform trucks are equipped with other lock opportunities for the handle. This prohibits the operator from moving the handle and tilting the platform, thus avoiding the use of the wrong mechanism by the accidental employee and protecting the construction from breakages.
Dust seals
Dust seals are installed on all platform trucks to save the braking system and other parts from damage due to dust or any other small particles. They are mostly found in platform trucks, which are used in difficult or even dusty conditions.
The platform truck is an indispensable piece of equipment in all fields. Large items that cannot be easily carried are loaded onto the platform trucks and wheeled from one place to another with ease.
Warehouses and distribution centers
Heavy items that cannot be easily carried are loaded onto the platform trucks and wheeled from one place to another with ease in warehouses and distribution centers, which is a common sight. Used extensively for the movement of inventory, pallets, and packages over short distances, the platform trucks help in boosting productivity as well as cutting down on the costs that are associated with manual handling.
Loading docks
Loading docks are busy areas, and platform trucks are widely used to handle cargo. The workers employ the trucks to take the shipments off the delivery vehicles and place them onto storage areas or other trucks to transport the goods. Some trucks are designed with a high platform, making them suitable for bulk handling business operations.
Retail stores
It is also seen in retail stores that the platform trucks are used to stock shelves and do backroom inventory. The large and flat-backed trucks help manage many products at a time and eliminate repeatedly bending or lifting, which is good for the workers' welfare.
Construction sites
Large equipment, tools, and materials such as tiles, timber, and plumbing supplies are all moved on construction site platform trucks. This makes it easier to transport the items from one filed to another, and it is especially useful for transporting them inside the building.
Hospitals
Hospitals are large institutions with many platform trucks for transporting medical supplies, linen, and even patient food from one department to another. Some platform trucks have been designed to make it easier to move those bulky or hard-to-lift items, especially in healthcare settings.
Event setup
Platform trucks are very versatile and frequently used for preparing events. The platform trucks are used by the staff to arrange chairs, tables, stage equipment, and other supplies, making it easier for them to transport everything they need from storage to the venues.
Printing presses
In the printing business, platform trucks are extensively used to move paper and printing machines from one location to another. These trucks are useful when handling large inventory and equipment.
Weight capacity
Weight capacity is an important criterion when selecting a platform truck. Different types of platform trucks have different load-bearing capacities, and thus the maximum weight that each platform truck can carry should be as per the requirement to avoid overloading.
Platform size
The platform size should be large enough to accommodate the articles to be carried, but at the same time, the platform size should not be large so that it easily fits in the doorways and narrow aisles, if required. More, the big-sized platform trucks are better for carrying big-sized loads but not suitable if you have to pass through narrow spaces.
Mobility
So, for improving the mobility of the platform truck, please pay attention to the size of the wheels and their material during the purchase of the platform truck. The larger the wheels, the better the rambling capability of the truck on any particular surface. Always go for castor wheels that come with a locking system in order to ensure stability when it is needed at some point in time.
Durability
It is important to get durable platform trucks, especially if there are frequent loading and offloading or heavy usage. Metal trucks are tougher than wooden ones, but sometimes wooden ones can be lighter and easier to carry around. Ensure the construction of the wheels is reinforced, and if friction brakes are present, they can be used for a longer time.
Handle type
In the case of push and pull in the platform trucks, the types of handles are different. One should buy a platform truck with a D-shaped or T-shaped handle, as this will give the users good grip and control. If they are going to pull the truck, a more pull-friendly handle design would be appropriate.
Ease of storage
If there is storage space, then no issue. But, if the area of use allows limited storage space, one should buy platform trucks with folding handles and platforms for easy storage. It simplifies the usage because whenever it is needed, the truck is opened up, and as soon as the need for transport is over, it will be closed up and stored in some corner.
An electric platform truck can hold approximately 2,200 pounds of weight, whereas a manual one can lift around 1,500 pounds without electricity.
The wheels of platform trucks are suitable for outdoor pavements provided that they are constructed with rubber material and size is big enough to overcome any hurdle on the surface.
The best way to prevent the load from sliding off the platform truck is to use a cage platform truck or a truck with a raised side.
It is advised to do the regular maintenance of the platform trucks, such as greasing of wheels and checking of brakes. Also, check if there is something that can affect the mechanisms.
