Carts are a type of material handling aid similar to a trolley, except with a push along handle and are usually designed for outdoor use. Carts are used predominantly in work such as landscaping, grounds keeping or equestrian related industries where movement of supplies or equipment is required over large outdoor areas.
Carts generally have four large wheels which can be either pneumatic which are more easily punctured, or rubber and enable easy movement over rough terrain. Depending on the types of materials to be transported, trolleys can be plastic, metal or wooden, however usually have a flat base. Carts are generally pulled along and come in a range of styles which support varying load weights including:
- flat bed carts
- multi-tiered carts
- flat base with drop down gated sides
- carts with non-removeable caged or wooden sides
- small plastic two wheeled pull along carts for light weight tasks similar to a bucket on wheels
- large plastic two wheeled carts with high handles for ease of pushing which could be used for transferring of lawn clippings or weeds
- carts with a bucket similar to a wheelbarrow that can be lifted and emptied
- wheelbarrow style carts with toolbaskets attached:
- carts which can hold a removeable bag allowing for clippings or waste
- carts with push handle and fold down seat over a small storage area which could be used for sitting on during low gardening tasks whilst allowing for carrying of gloves and small gardening tools
- trailer style carts that can be attached to a small vehicle such as a ride on mower or quad bike
- carts with two wheels centred in the middle of the cart for balance in either flat top, caged or solid side designs
- carts with hydraulic lifting platform.
Powered or motorised carts are also available:
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with disabilities that restrict lifting or carrying, a wide range of carts are available to assist with transporting either the tools required to undertake work tasks, the products or stock used to complete tasks or waste products from tasks such as lawn clippings and weeds.
When choosing an appropriate cart, consideration needs to be given to the following:
- distance which cart will need to be used
- foot or hand operated brakes
- handle position and adjustability
- load capacity of cart
- manual or powered cart
- size of turning circle
- type, size and style of items to be transported
- wheel type
- terrain over which the cart will be pushed.
It is recommended the provision of lifting and moving equipment such as carts, be part of an integrated, organisational approach to occupational health and safety, and used to complement other manual handling hazard control methods.
References
Independent Living Centre NSW 2009, Buyers Guide—Industrial Trolleys, Independent Living Centre NSW, Parramatta, viewed 1 September 2011, http://www.ilcnsw.asn.au/items/3058#product_details.
Rapini 2008, Flat Bed Trolleys, Rapini, Moorabbin, viewed 1 September 2011, http://www.rapini.com.au/Trolleys-Carts-FlatBedandMultiDeck.php.