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A flatbed trolley a common form of freight transport in distribution environments, for moving bulk loads. A very simple design offers a basic flat platform with four casters and a fixed handle which is used to either push or pull the platform with the load on the platform. Without a flat surface it becomes an open frame trolley and without a handle it is a bogie or dolly.[1]
A flatbed trolley is also sometimes called a dray, but the term dray is also used to refer to a truck with no sides.[2]
Materials
The frame is usually fabricated steel. The primary flatbed surface can be constructed from wooden boards, plastic, steel or mesh. Flatbed casters can vary dramatically, made of solid rubber, air filled pneumatic or cast iron. The caster is generally the component on the flatbed trolley that limits the safe working capacity.
Types
There are many types of specialised trolleys, including:
Piano dolly
A balance trolley with centrally mounted wheels.A piano dolly features a stronger-than-usual frame.[3]
U-boat trolley
A U-boat trolley is used to move and stock goods by retailers such as grocery stores, and has two high handles on opposite ends of a thin flatbed.
Turntable trolley at a railway station.
Balance Trolley
Balance trolleys often have wheels mounted on a central axle to create a pivot point, operating in a similar fashion to a seesaw. These centrally mounted wheels allow the operator to rotate the trolley on a central axis, providing a turning circle no longer than the length of the trolley.
Turntable trolley
The trolley shown at right is termed a turntable trolley due to its steering mechanism. Unlike a flatbed trolley that is mounted on castors, turntable trolleys are mounted on solid axles which allows a much higher load capacity. The rear axles are fixed to the chassis, and the front wheels are attached to a steering mechanism that allows the trolley to be turned when moved.
Modern factory systems commonly track individual trolleys digitally to facilitate automated bills of lading; automated systems may have remotely operated or autonomous trolleys for transport during storage and access.[4]
