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Finding an Expert Utility Cart Manufacturer

We’ve put together a list of the factors to consider when choosing a manufacturer for your material handling equipment, such as pallet and utility carts.

 

Material handling carts are essential for a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and automotive to food service and retail. And employing the right carts can help improve efficiency and productivity in your business. But with so many utility cart manufacturers to choose from, how do you know which one to pick?

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a manufacturer for your material handling equipment:

Material Quality

When choosing a manufacturer, consider the quality of the materials used in their products. The manufacturer should use high-quality products like stainless steel materials, powder-coated finishes, and corrosion-resistant coatings, so your products last longer and require less maintenance.

Load Capacity

You need to know that your carts can handle the weight of what you need to transport, so in selecting a manufacturer, it’s important to consider their products’ load capacities. Whether you’re using them for pallets, totes, or stock carts, make sure the manufacturer you’re working with can provide carts that meet your material handling requirements.

Ergonomics

Ergonomic designs reduce the risk of injury and improve productivity. Look for manufacturers who design with ergonomics in mind and offer custom solutions to fit the needs of your workforce. Here are a few ergonomic design considerations to look for in a manufacturer’s product line:

Adjustable handles

Adjustable cart handles can help accommodate different operators’ heights and arm lengths, reducing strain and fatigue.

Swivel casters

Swivel casters can be added to the cart to make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

Tilted shelves

Steel shelves can be designed to tilt at an angle, making it easier to access items on the cart and reducing the need for awkward reaching and bending.

Pneumatic tires

Pneumatic tires can be added to the cart to absorb shocks and vibrations when moving heavy loads, reducing the risk of injury and fatigue.

Height-adjustable decks

Decks can be made to adjust in height to allow for comfortable loading and unloading of materials.

Power-assisted features

Some carts can be designed with power-assisted features like electric motors or hydraulic lift systems to reduce the amount of manual labor required to move heavy loads.

Warranty

A warranty is a sign of reliability and accountability. Consider choosing a manufacturer that offers at least a one-year warranty, so you’re covered in case of defects or issues.

Product Line

A manufacturer with a broad product line can offer you more options and customized solutions for your specific needs. Look for manufacturers that offer different types of carts, including:

  • utility carts

  • platform trucks

  • service carts

  • order picker carts

  • stock carts

  • custom material handling carts

Lead Time

The lead time is the time it takes for the manufacturer to produce and deliver your carts. Be sure to clarify the lead time for the carts you need ahead of time and choose a manufacturer that can meet your timeline. Some manufacturers even offer rapid ship products with expedited lead times for tight schedules.

Quality Management

ISO 9001 is a quality management standard that guarantees the manufacturer follows standardized processes to deliver high-quality products. Look for manufacturers that are ISO 9001 certified to feel confident knowing their processes meet industry standards.

Durable Design

If you’ll be using your carts in wet or harsh environments, choose a manufacturer that offers high-quality stainless steel carts with a high level of corrosion and rust resistance, so your carts can withstand their environment for years to come.

Customized Solutions

Sometimes a standard model won’t quite meet your needs. That’s where custom solutions come in. A reputable cart manufacturer should be able to provide you with customized options that fit your specific requirements. Here are some things to look for when choosing a cart manufacturer for custom material handling solutions:

Flexibility

A good cart manufacturer should be willing to work with you to understand your unique needs and develop a solution that meets those needs. In addition, they should be able to customize several aspects of your carts, including the size, shape, weight capacity, and features.

Design expertise

Look for a manufacturer with design expertise who can work with you to develop an efficient, ergonomic, and safe custom solution.

Material options

The manufacturer should be able to offer a range of material options, including steel, aluminum, and more. They should also be able to provide different finish options tailored to your specific working environment. 

Quality construction

The manufacturer should have a reputation for producing high-quality carts with durable construction that can withstand heavy and repeated use.

Testing and certification

The cart manufacturer should be able to provide testing and certification to prove that the custom solution meets safety standards and regulations.

Customer service

Choose a manufacturer with a strong reputation for excellent customer service, so you can be confident that you’ll receive support and communication throughout the process, especially for custom orders.

Distributor and OEM

Look for manufacturers with distributors or OEM partnerships that will give you greater access to spare parts and maintenance services as needed.

Nutting Carts and Trailers is a trusted name in the industry, offering a wide range of customizable material handling solutions designed for your unique processes. Our commitment to quality and innovation ensures that each cart we produce is engineered to deliver superior performance and reliability. To learn more about how Nutting can help you, visit our website today.

The Right Industrial Cart for Your Material Handling Operation

Discover how to pick an industrial cart or heavy-duty utility cart that has the right features to maximize the efficiency of your material handling facility.

In today’s fast-paced industrial environment, ensuring the efficient and safe movement of materials and equipment within your facilities is more important than ever. Industrial carts are a great tool to help.

Industrial carts, which can range from heavy-duty models capable of handling large loads to lightweight designs that are easy to maneuver, offer a variety of customizable features, allowing them to be tailored to suit nearly any application.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the advantages of industrial carts and how to choose the right cart for your specific material handling operations.

Advantages of Industrial Carts

Industrial carts provide a versatile solution for material handling. They can handle heavy loads, making them suitable for transporting large equipment or items. Swivel casters also offer easy maneuverability, making them optimal for navigating tight corners, hallways, and obstacles. By investing in industrial carts, businesses can streamline operations, reduce workplace injuries, and keep their facilities better organized.

What Are Industrial Rolling Carts Used For?

Industrial carts are used across a wide variety of industries to improve material handling, organization, and safety. Some common applications include:

Manufacturing

Industrial carts are often used in manufacturing facilities to move materials and equipment through the production process.

Warehousing and Distribution

These utility carts are also commonly used in warehousing and distribution facilities to move products and supplies between different areas of the facility and reduce forklift traffic.

Healthcare

In healthcare settings, industrial carts can transport medical equipment and supplies in hospitals and clinics.

Hospitality

Hotels often use industrial carts to move linens, cleaning supplies, and other items throughout the property.

Retail

Retail stores use industrial carts to move merchandise and supplies between the stockroom and the sales floor.

Food Service

Restaurants and other food service establishments use industrial carts to transport food, dishes, and utensils around prep areas.

Educational Institutions

Schools and universities use industrial carts to move books, supplies, and other materials between classrooms, libraries, and other areas of the campus.

How to Choose the Right Industrial Utility Cart

Depending on their intended use, industrial carts feature different configurations, caster types, and weight capacities, making them highly versatile tools for various applications.

When deciding on which industrial cart is suitable for your operation, here are some crucial factors to consider:

Load Capacity

Make sure the cart you choose can accommodate the weight and shape of the materials you frequently transport or store. Consider whether you will need multiple shelves, locking mechanisms, lipped edges, or any other special features to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of materials and goods throughout your facility.

Facility Space

If your facility features tight corners or hallways, consider the maneuverability of the carts you choose to employ. Be sure to select a model that can accommodate your space.

Wheel Type

If you’re selecting an industrial cart on wheels, you should first assess the terrain in which you will be using your carts to make sure you choose the right wheels for the job.

Wheels are typically made of rubber, polyurethane, phenolic, or another heavy-duty material, depending on the surface they frequently traverse.

Pneumatic caster wheels are great for outdoor use or use on uneven surfaces, while hard rubber or polyurethane wheels are ideal for smooth surfaces.

Ergonomic Features

Look for carts that have ergonomic features like adjustable handles, swivel casters, comfortable grips, and other features that can help reduce strain and fatigue for your workers.

Warranty

Ensure the cart you choose has a warranty covering any potential defects or issues.

Types of Industrial Carts

Service Carts

Service carts are designed for use in commercial and institutional settings. They are typically made from stainless steel or other durable materials, making them corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. Service carts often have multiple shelves, allowing them to carry a variety of items at once. Many service carts also have swivel casters, which make them easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Platform Cart

Platform trucks are designed for transporting heavy loads. They typically feature a flat platform with four wheels and are often used to move items like boxes, furniture, and equipment. These heavy-duty utility carts are available in a variety of sizes and weight capacities, allowing them to be used in a range of applications.

Nutting Platform Truck
Wooden Deck Platform Truck by Nutting

Stock Carts

Stock carts are designed for use in warehouses and other industrial settings. They often have multiple shelves or storage bins, allowing for efficient organization and transport of goods. Many stock carts are also equipped with pneumatic casters, enabling them to easily move heavy loads across uneven surfaces.

Instrument Carts

Designed with the unique needs of healthcare and laboratory settings in mind, instrument carts provide a secure and stable means of transporting medical or laboratory equipment. Instrument carts often have swivel casters, allowing easy movement and positioning.

Plastic Utility Carts

Plastic utility carts are lightweight, easy to clean, and corrosion-resistant. They are often used in food service, healthcare, and educational settings and can transport various items such as food, supplies, and equipment. Many plastic utility carts have top shelves and bottom shelves, allowing for efficient organization.

Dollies 

Dollies are typically low-profile carts designed to move heavy objects or equipment across a flat surface. Some dollies are designed to be used in conjunction with forklifts or other lifting equipment, while others can be used by hand.

Shelf Utility Carts

Shelf utility carts are designed with multiple shelves and are often used in food service, hospitality, and healthcare settings to store and transport supplies, tools, and equipment. The lipped shelves on these carts are usually adjustable, which allows users to customize the cart.

Shelf Cart
Steel Shelf Cart by Nutting

Rack Carts

Rack carts feature wire or mesh racks and are often used in industrial settings, including warehouses and factories. Their racks can be customized to accommodate specific storage needs.

Storage Carts

Storage carts are designed with drawers, compartments, and/or storage shelves and often feature a locking mechanism for secure mobile storage of sensitive items. They are commonly used in healthcare and laboratory settings to store and transport medical supplies, equipment, or samples.

Flat-Top Carts

Flat-top carts are often used in industrial settings to transport large or bulky items, such as boxes, equipment, or machinery. Flat-top carts with side rails, lipped edges, and other accessories can be customized to prevent items from falling off during transport.

U-Boat Carts

U-Boat carts are designed with a U-shaped platform and are often used in retail settings. The U-shaped design of these carts allows them to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces, making them useful for restocking shelves in crowded retail environments.

Tilt Trucks

Tilt trucks feature a tilting mechanism that lets users quickly offload the cart’s contents into a larger receptacle, making them a popular choice for material handling applications in various industries.

When selecting an industrial cart, it’s essential to consider factors like weight capacity, maneuverability, and wheel type to ensure that the cart will meet your specific needs, helping to streamline your operations, increase productivity, and create a safer and more organized work environment.

To learn more about Nutting’s range of customizable industrial carts, contact our team today.