Trolleys

Industrial trolleys are material-handling equipment designed to transport goods, materials, and tools safely and efficiently across various work environments in Singapore. Far more robust than their domestic counterparts, these heavy-duty trolleys are engineered to carry significant loads, reduce manual labour, and improve overall productivity in industrial, commercial, and institutional settings.

RS Singapore offers a broad selection of trolleys and carts suitable for offices, warehouses, kitchens, hotels, workshops, and schools. They come in a vast array of styles, materials, and load capacities, and are available with removable or fixed shelving as well as in foldable versions for easy storage.

Benefits of Using Industrial Trolleys

Increased Safety: Industrial trolleys reduce the need to manually lift or carry heavy and/or bulky items, thus significantly lowering the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and workplace accidents.
Improved Productivity: By facilitating faster and easier movement of goods, heavy duty trolleys streamline workflows and reduce cycle times in warehouses, workshops, and other industrial settings.
Protection of Goods: A trolley cart provides a secure platform so goods do not shift, tilt or fall during transport.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Well-designed trolleys with adjustable handles and non-slip surfaces are safe and comfortable to use, reducing operator strain and fatigue.
Versatility: Trolley carts are available in a wide variety of configurations, so they are applicable to diverse applications from moving delicate lab equipment to transporting heavy machinery.
Cost-Effectiveness: Durable construction and low maintenance requirements make industrial trolleys a cost-effective long-term investment that saves labour costs and minimises downtime.
Environmental Impact: Manual or semi-manual trolleys do not consume fuel or electricity, making them an eco-friendly option for material handling.

Key Considerations When Purchasing Industrial Trolleys

When purchasing industrial trolleys in Singapore, there are several factors to consider that will directly impact their safety, efficiency and longevity for your specific application(s).

Wheel Type and Configuration

Material: Choose wheels based on floor type and environment: Hard wheels (steel, nylon, phenolic) are ideal for smooth, hard floors, and heavy loads; soft wheels (rubber, polyurethane) provide better traction and are less noisy.
Swivel vs. Fixed: Swivel wheels enhance manoeuvrability in tight spaces, while fixed wheels offer stability when moving in a straight line.
Brakes: Brakes are essential to prevent unintended movement during loading, or other instances where the trolley must be stationary.
Non-marking and Chemical-Resistant: Important for cleanrooms, hospitals, or chemical environments.

Load Capacity

Load capacity determines the maximum weight the trolley can safely transport without structural failure or compromising on performance. Overloading a trolley is extremely dangerous as it can lead to tipping, structural damage, wheel collapse, and potential injury to workers.

That’s why it’s crucial to select a trolley with a load rating that exceeds the anticipated maximum weight, often with a safety margin of 25% to 30%.

Frame Material

The frame material affects the trolley’s strength, durability, and suitability for specific environments:

Stainless steel is the most common industrial choice due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for harsh or sterile environments such as food processing and pharmaceutical laboratories.
Aluminium offers a lighter alternative with good strength and corrosion resistance, ideal for settings or layouts where greater manoeuvrability is needed.
High-density plastic and composite materials provide corrosion resistance and are lightweight, suitable for less demanding environments or settings where chemical exposure is a concern.

Overall Height and Ergonomics

The overall height of an industrial trolley (including the platform and any handles) is crucial for operator comfort, visibility, and safety. Handles should be at an ergonomic height (typically between hip and shoulder height, around 910-1000mm for most users) to prevent back and shoulder strain. Adjustable handles are ideal for accommodating users of varying heights.

In addition, when a trolley is loaded, its overall height must not obstruct the operator's view. This is to ensure safe navigation, particularly in busy industrial areas.

Weight Class

While load capacity refers to the maximum weight an industrial trolley can carry, weight class (also known as the trolley’s empty weight) also matters. A lighter empty trolley is easier to push, pull and manoeuvre, reducing operator fatigue and improving efficiency. Extremely heavy trolleys, even when empty, can contribute to floor wear over time, especially on less robust flooring.

Industrial Applications of Trolleys

Industrial trolleys are incredibly versatile tools found across a wide range of sectors in Singapore, including:

Warehouses

Multi-tier or cage trolleys are widely used for picking individual items or multiple orders from warehouse shelves, reducing the number of trips required and improving picking accuracy. Order picking trolleys may have built-in steps or ladders for reaching higher shelves.

Heavy-duty trolleys transport large, bulky, or heavy items from receiving docks to storage areas, or between different zones for packing and dispatch.

Commercial Workshops and Garages

Trolleys with drawers are commonly found in commercial workshops as the multiple compartments allow mechanics and technicians to keep their tools organised, secure, and readily accessible. Their mobility means tools can be brought directly to the vehicle or workstation, reducing time spent searching and walking.

Some workshop trolleys are designed with sturdy worktops, becoming mobile workstations where small repairs or assembly tasks can be performed directly beside the main work area.

Catering and Food Industries

Multi-tier serving trolleys are used extensively in hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, and large event venues to deliver meals to rooms or dining areas. Insulated or heated/refrigerated banquet trolleys are critical for maintaining food temperature and quality during transport.

Rack trolleys are used to collect dirty dishes, glassware, and cutlery from dining areas and transport them to the dishwashing station, which are often designed to directly accommodate standard dish racks.

Schools

Trolleys can significantly improve efficiency, safety, and organisation across various school departments. Book trolleys are indispensable for shelving, collecting returned books, and moving new acquisitions or large sets of books between library areas and classrooms. Additionally, lab trolleys transport sensitive equipment, chemicals, glassware, and experiment setups safely between preparation rooms and lab benches.

Come to RS Singapore for the Industrial Trolleys You Need

RS Singapore stocks a wide range of industrial trolleys from trusted brands such as Bahco, Facom, and Treston. Whether you need trolley carts for warehouses, kitchens, workshops, or retail environments, RS offers durable, high-quality products with various features to suit your operational needs.

In addition to trolleys, RS Singapore stocks a full range of material handling equipment like dollies, lift tables, and pallet trucks, ensuring a comprehensive solution for your logistics and storage requirements. Buy your industrial storage trolleys, foldable trolleys, and shelving trolleys with us today. For more information on our ordering process, delivery services and delivery fees, please refer to ourdelivery page.