Page 103 - Treston main catalogue 2021

TROLLEYS TROLLEYS

What to consider when selecting a trolley?

Selecting the right trolley is not complicated, but there are certain considerations to take into account to ensure you
get the best possible trolley for your needs.

1. Why do you need the trolley? What is its purpose? Are flexibility and easy reconfiguration important features
of the trolley? If you have a fixed task and fixed need for the trolley, a specific trolley for that need will most likely
be the best solution for you. But if you need a trolley that can be easily adapted to changing needs and production
processes, choose a trolley that has a modular structure, a wide range of accessories, and good ergonomics, which
will help you flexibly adapt the trolley to a multitude of tasks.
2. What are the objects being handled on the trolley? Are you moving lightweight boxes of the same size
and weight or bulky equipment that can differ in size and weight? The weight and shape of the objects handled
determine the load capacity and shelf and work surface size of your trolley. If the size of handled objects varies,
select a height adjustable work surface and/or shelves to ensure proper ergonomics no matter what size of objects
you handle. Tilted shelves improve access and handling of objects, as it enables you to work from your power zone.

3. How are the objects handled? Are they sorted or unsorted? Can you stack them or are they loose? Especially
for unsorted and loose objects, it is better to equip the trolley shelves with edges and/or rubber mats, to ensure the
goods do not fall over when moving. Remember though that shelves with edges make it more difficult to handle,
lift and lay down heavy objects. Another possibility is to use a caged trolley, where the side walls of the trolley are
at least partially closed in order to help keep objects in place. Mesh panels are a good option for this: they allow
visual inspection and keep the construction light.

4. What kind of working environment is it? Do you have to enter doors with the trolley? How wide are the
walkway spaces? If you have to move through doors in different workspaces and/or long distances within the
space, checks the walkway and door widths to ensure sufficient space.

5. What type of castors should I have? A quality castor is of the appropriate size in relation to the working
environment and purpose of the trolley. Castors have a big effect in minimizing the start forces needed to get the
trolley moving as well as in reducing the rolling resistance and therefore play an important role in ensuring proper
ergonomics.
6. How about handles? Trolleys that are moved around a lot and transported for longer distances should be
equipped with at least one handle, to make handling, pushing and pulling easy, effortless and ergonomic. Vertical
handles are considered the most optimal, as every sized worker is able to grasp the handles in their unique power
zone. Preferred handle height is between the shoulder and knuckle height of the worker, optimizing the force
applied for pushing and pulling. The optimal shape for handles is cylindrical and smooth, which allows the best
power grip with straight wrists.

7. How often is the trolley used? If you have a trolley in active everyday use, invest in a high quality, reliable and
durable trolley with high quality castors. This might be a more expensive initial investment, but in the long run a high
quality trolley will pay for itself with its long lifetime and flexibility in use.

8. Consult the people using the trolley in their work. They have the best hands-on experience and can give
valuable input on the required features, such as size and load capacity, as well as on the accessories needed to
perform the work ergonomically and efficiently. Knowing your loads helps you to buy equipment of appropriate
capacity.

9. How ergonomic is the trolley? As a quick ergonomics check, make sure the handles, work surfaces, and
accessories are easily height adjustable to adjust to the worker and task at hand to ensure proper ergonomics. If
your goal is to ensure efficient processes and ergonomic working conditions, start by selecting the correct type of
trolley for the task and then orientating all workers with the physical aspects and best working techniques for the
specific task at hand. No matter how fancy the features of your trolley, if your workers use bad techniques while
performing their tasks with the trolley, you are sure to increase the risk of injuries and create inefficiency in processes.

Treston - For a better work environment 103