Electric transfer cart, from the current market point of view, can be simply divided into two types: rail transfer cart and trackless transfer cart. Whether in the steel industry, mold casting industry, shipbuilding yards, or factory warehouse transportation, these two types of transfer trolleys are commonly used as handling equipment. What are the differences between them? The following is a detailed explanation of the differences between rail transfer trolley and trackless transfer trolley:
Operation Mode & Adaptability
Rail transfer cart: Its operation is completely dependent on the preset rail, which makes it only transported on fixed routes. Therefore, for occasions where the transport path needs to be changed frequently, the adaptability of rail flat car is poor. Different rail gauges need to be customized according to different sites and handling requirements.
Trackless transfer cart: Due to the lack of rail restrictions, it can not only be transported freely in factories and warehouses but also work in special environments and unfixed places, adapting to various complex environments and terrains, which can help everyone solve the problem of heavy duty work. As an emerging transport tool, trackless transfer trolley breaks the rule that electric track flat cars cannot turn in a small radius, which has great flexibility and broadens the scope of use.
Safety Performance
Rail transfer cart: Since it runs on a fixed track, it has high stability and safety. In addition, rail flat cars are usually equipped with a variety of safety devices, such as limit switches, emergency stop buttons, etc., to ensure the safety of workers and equipment.
Trackless transfer cart: Although steerable transfer carts have a high degree of flexibility, this also brings certain safety hazards. Since trackless transfer trolleys need to face more uncertainties and risk factors (e.g. uneven ground, obstacles, etc.), their safety is relatively low. However, trackless transfer carts are also equipped with corresponding safety devices and anti-collision systems to ensure that they can stop in time in an emergency.
Power & Energy
Rail transfer cart: It usually uses electricity as the power source (including low-voltage rail power supply, cable drum power supply, busbar power supply, drag cable power supply, battery power supply), and requires external energy supply. In some cases, this may lead to inconvenience or limitations on energy supply.
Trackless transfer cart: It usually uses batteries as the power source, does not require an external energy supply. This makes steerable transfer carts more flexible and convenient in terms of energy supply.
20 Ton Rail Transfer Cart Video
Load Capacity
Rail transfer cart: Due to the characteristics of its structural design and power system, rail flat car usually has a strong carrying capacity and can carry materials weighing hundreds of tons. This makes rail transfer trolley widely used in heavy machinery manufacturing, steel metallurgy, shipbuilding, and other industries.
Trackless transfer cart: Although the carrying capacity of trackless transfer cars is relatively weak, it can meet the transport needs of factories and warehouses. What’s more, due to its flexibility and freedom, trackless transfer car may have more advantages in some special occasions.
Maintenance Cost
Rail transfer cart: In addition to the maintenance cost of the cart itself, the cost of laying, maintaining, and replacing the rail also needs to be considered. This makes the total maintenance cost of rail electric trolley relatively high.
Trackless transfer cart: Since there is no need to maintain specific track facilities, the maintenance cost of trackless transfer carts is relatively low. However, the manufacturing cost of trackless transfer carts may be higher as their design and production involve sophisticated mechanical, electronic, and control technology.
Wheel Type
Rail transfer cart: The wheels of rail electric flat car are devices used to support the weight of heavy duty transfer cart and enable it to run. According to the form of wheel rims, they can be divided into double rim, single rim, and rimless. Usually, the wheels of the large car adopt double rim, and the wheels of the small cart mostly adopt single rim. When installing, the rims of the rail wheels are placed on the outside of the track.
Trackless transfer cart: The wheels generally used can be divided into rubber wheel, polyurethane wheel, and mecanum wheel. Usually, wheels with solid inner cast steel and outer polyurethane are used. Such wheels can carry tens of tons of weight without damaging the ground. For more information about transfer cart, please read this article — How to Choose Heavy Material Transfer Cart
