Carts are a type of material handling aid similar to a trolley, except with a push along handle and 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 (can be 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-removable 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 handle 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 tool baskets attached
- carts which can hold a removable bag allowing for clippings/waste etc
- 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 2 wheels centered in the middle of the cart for balance in either flat top, caged or solid side designs.
Powered or motorised carts are also available:
· Carts—motorised
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
For individuals with disability that restricts 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 type, size and style of items to be transported, terrain over which the cart will be pushed, distance which cart will need to be used and whether a manual or powered cart would be of most benefit or a trailer style cart to attach to a ride on mower or quad bike.
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 (Ace 2008; Easy Barrow (no date specified)).
References:
Ace 2008, Lawn & Utility Carts, Ace Hardware, Illinois, viewed 26 January 2008,.
Easy Barrow (no date specified), Hand Trucks, Easy Barrow, United Kingdom, viewed 26 January 2008.
Easy Barrow (no date specified), Garden Centre Trolleys, Easy Barrow, United Kingdom, viewed 26 January 2008.