Industries often have many heavy objects or large groups of materials to move, but with so many different types of handling equipment, how do you find the right solution for you? When forklifts or cranes are not available, or when greater safety or convenience is required, a mobile equipment engineer may recommend the use of a “transfer cart” to handle the largest materials: transfer cart vs. forklift. While there is some overlap between the two, each of these vast material handling solutions has its own unique uses and applications.
Industrial Transfer Carts
Technically, any motorized cart or automated guided vehicle (AGV) can be included in the broad category of transfer carts, as they both function to move material from point A to point B. However, when most equipment engineers describe transfer vehicles, they are typically referring to a number of specific functions.
- Power handling capacity – up to 1000 tons
- Dual options for fixed track as well as trackless transport
- Variety of power supply options, powered/unpowered; externally wired/unwired
- Wireless control/handle control, saving labor
- Simple operation, no need for professional operators, cost saving
- Different levels of automation
- Customized with different additional functions according to handling needs and handling scenarios, such as hydraulic lifting, weighing, explosion-proof, heat-proof…
Industrial transfer carts are specifically designed to help reduce the use of forklifts and overhead cranes to move and handle large payloads. These applications are often so heavy that they require the operator to keep a safe distance from the cart as it moves. We typically see industrial handling trolleys as being well suited for moving large fabrications, metal coils, heavy equipment, structural steel or large parts and assemblies.
While rail transfer carts can solve simple transportation paths, transfer carts are also ideal for environments that require a high degree of mobility. Multiple drive wheels and casters allow for easy 360-degree rotation, especially when transporting heavy loads through tight spaces as well.
Industrial Forklifts
Forklifts are often used in industrial plants to move objects, and while most are in use, they have significant drawbacks:
- Requires specialized operators
- Safety risks of overloading
- Single object to be handled, not for shaped objects
- The space required for handling is relatively large
- Fuel-powered, not environmentally friendly
- Cannot be used in flammable and explosive situations
- High maintenance cost
The customized service of the transfer cart is more suitable for the actual needs of industrial factories, and it can also achieve more efficient handling, as well as more cost saving, environmental protection and energy saving.
