Tiered industrial trolleys can be found in virtually every office, hospital and manufacturing plant around the world. That’s because these convenient material handlers are efficient, easy to manoeuvre and above all perfectly suited for being deployed en masse.
Their hallmark convenience comes from how rapidly they can be configured and reconfigured for so many different transport and storage tasks within a business. Versatility is the key component of trolley success. And it’s no surprise that there’s one basic style of tiered trolley that’s easier to optimise, and consistently more versatile than any other.
Three Tier Industrial Trolleys Add Scale To Versatility
Make no mistake: when it comes to industrial equipment, it’s versatility, not size that matters. This is especially true when it comes to industrial trolleys, where the advantages of configurable three tier trolleys really come through. Three tiered trolley layouts offer the ideal compromise between space and convenience, especially in fast moving environments where the ability to separate and transfer large quantities of small- and medium-sized elements among multiple locations is critical, such as:
- Healthcare facilities and laboratories. Medical and research professionals who need to safely dispense medication, or transport supplies and specimens in a timely and controlled manner can appreciate the scalable convenience afforded by three tier trolleys.
- Manufacturing plants. The three tier trolleys are perfect fast-moving solutions for stockists, kitting room specialists and maintenance technicians when organising warehouses, replenishing assembly lines, conducting internal inspections or servicing plant equipment.
- Document distribution and storage areas. In-house administration personnel, librarians and archival experts rely on the stability and carrying capacity of tiered trolleys to stage, store, and distribute all types of documents, records and periodicals.
From order picks at e-commerce logistics centres to linen collection and turn-downs at 5-star hotels, the versatility of tiered trolleys allows businesses to scale their material transport activities to match their operational requirements. Trolleys have to be durable enough to meet those requirements, though, and it’s no coincidence that versatility begins with the heaviest duty construction for the widest range of applications.
Heavy Duty Attributes That Build Three Tiered Toughness
While multi-shelf, in-house trolleys are rarely exposed to the elements, unintended impacts with walls, accidental collisions with forklifts and splashes from corrosive cleaning agents are to be expected. These are all reasons why businesses need to be confident that their industrial trolleys are built to the most rugged standards possible.
Unlike the heavy-gauge steel trolleys that dominated the industrial landscape a generation ago, modern industrial trolleys from manufacturers like Sitequip, Sitecraft, and Prestar are every bit as tough as they are versatile, and are built around heavy duty attributes that include:
- Lightweight stainless steel construction. Not only are fully welded 304- and 316-grade stainless steel trolleys corrosion-resistant, they’re also considerably lighter than their heavy-gauge predecessors, and considerably easier to repair if they’re damaged.
- Durability and strength to spare. Industrial trolleys have to be durable. And although stainless steel models lack the rigid strength of their classic carbon steel counterparts, 250 – 400kg load capacities are more than achievable on swivel casters with brake locking, 125 – 200mm non-marking rubber wheels.
- Finishes formulated for maximum protection. A choice of either zinc plated or powder-coated finishes offers premium protection against rust, and makes for quick and thorough cleanups when used in hospitality, food service, or healthcare environments.
With their light weight and easy to swivel wheels, modern industrial trolleys also do away with the twisting and straining needed to move stubborn steel trolleys. Lower back pains and shoulder and wrist injuries have long been linked to the pushing, pulling and stooping associated with rusty, difficult-to-manoeuvre single tiered trolleys. Modern three tier trolleys eliminate these unwanted workplace liabilities, allowing businesses to focus on their Work, Health and Safety (WHS) guidance, while solidly reinforcing their commitment to versatility.
Features That Take Flexibility To the Next Level
With Total Quality Control (TQC) and Just In Time (JIT) fulfilment making up two of the most critical aspects of modern business planning, flexibility is more important than ever. Businesses have to be capable of balancing their core processes with changing demands at all times.
And as plant and business equipment are absolutely vital to this balance, the versatility of three tier trolley equipment is absolutely essential to take a business’s in-house transport and storage activities to the next level. Flexibility-enhancing options are the way to go when businesses are looking at investing in new three tier trolleys, and some of the features available to them typically include:
- Easy access sloped shelves. Not only do sloped shelves help reduce the time needed to view and retrieve trolley cargo, they can also be fitted with nesting crates for further improvements in time-saving organisation and storage.
- Foot-activated brake kits. For industrial trolleys that require more centralised control over how their brakes are applied, foot-activated brake kits are a cost effective option that can be retro-fitted to any trolley for added safety.
- Ladder steps. Ladder steps are the perfect option for order picking, or a wide range of other industrial applications. The small footprint of folding ladders provides an ideal alternative to standard ladder trolleys that are prone to instability and tipping if overloaded.
Anti-static wheels, spill-proof shelf lips and ergonomic handles are also among the features that premium trolley manufacturers and resellers can have custom fitted to any of their three tier models. They’re even available in six wheel variations for the heaviest in-house loads, earning them the right to be considered more versatile than ever.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, while there’s no shortage of modern industrial trolley variations to choose from, shelving configurations make a big difference. It only takes three shelves on a narrow, easy to handle trolley frame, to build a solution that offers optimal versatility.
The advantages of modern, configurable trolleys with three tiers are unmistakable. They’re the perfect choice for fast moving businesses that need the flexibility to react quickly to changing material requirements.
