What Is a Folding Platform Trolley? Explained

A foldable platform trolley is made up of a flat surface where goods are placed, wheels, on which loads are manoeuvred, and a handle, which folds down when not in use. 

The handle and platform are usually connected with a hinging mechanism that allows the handle to fold down and lie flat against the platform to create a more compact unit for easier storage.

Platform folding trolley frames are usually made from strong tubular steel, with a thick plywood platform. They’re frequently used across busy factories, warehouses and workspaces that require space-saving solutions.

Benefits of a collapsible platform trolley 

A folding platform trolley truck makes it easier to quickly and easily transport heavy or bulky items, boosting productivity and throughput. It reduces the time and effort required for manual handling, and crucially, reduces injury risks. 

According to UNISON, one in three accidents at work are caused by manual handling, many of which cause damage to the back. In fact, every year, 300,000 people in the UK suffer from back pain due to manual handling accidents. 

Employers have a responsibility to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of their workers, and if employees are required to move heavy or bulky items as part of their role, a platform trolley can significantly reduce injury risk.

A compact folding trolley also brings storage benefits. Its ability to fold flat means busy and crowded workplaces can use space more economically. The trolley can be collapsed when not in use so it has a smaller footprint. 

Where are folding platform trolleys used? 

Platform trolleys are incredibly versatile, and are used across a range of different environments including: 

• Factories and manufacturing plants - A folding warehouse trolley can be used to transport large and heavy items, like machinery and machine parts. A foldable cart for heavy loads is regularly across the likes of oil rigs and steelworks, where heavy parts and materials must be safely transported across the site.

• Warehouse and distribution - A heavy-duty folding trolley is often required for moving goods safely around site and order picking.   

• Cash and carry - DIY and home stores and other retail environments regularly use collapsible hand trolleys to help staff and customers safely transport large, heavy or awkwardly-shaped items around store, like flatpack furniture.  

• Airports - Staff and customers use folding luggage trolleys to quickly and easily move heavy baggage.

• Publishing - Using a folding utility cart to transport heavy document files, books and equipment around departments. 

Considerations for finding the right folding platform trolley 

• Load capacity - Work out the maximum load you’ll need to transport at any one time and ensure your trolley and wheels are capable of withstanding the weight. We cover how to calculate trolley and wheel capacity in this blog.

• Platform size - Whether you’ll be using your platform trolley to transport large single items, or multiple heavy items, you need to ensure the flat level is big enough to support the load. Be sure to check the length and width before purchasing. 

• Wheels - Choosing the right wheels and tyres is crucial for a smooth and easily portable platform trolley. Consider where you’ll be using the trolley - will you be crossing rough outdoor terrain or smooth warehouse floors? Are you transporting fragile items, and need to minimise harsh lumps and bumps in transit? We cover all the need-to-know info choosing the right wheels and castors in this blog.

Platform trolley maintenance 

While industrial trucks and trolleys are typically low-maintenance, here are a handful of useful tips and considerations to maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan. 

• Keep trolley hinges free of rust, dirt and debris to ensure the handle continues to fold down easily. 

• Be careful not to overload trolleys. It can be tempting to think ‘I can squeeze one more item on here’ to save a trip, but putting excess weight on trolleys can cause parts to bend and break, compromising the safety of the user as well as the smooth running and lifespan of the trolley.  

• Check wheels and castors periodically to ensure they’re still in good working order, and replace any misshapen parts as soon as possible.

• Store your trolley in a dry place, away from the elements. If they need a clean, simply give them a wipe down with a soft cloth.   

Industrial handling equipment that works as hard as you do

Industrial folding trolleys are a staple for a range of busy work environments - they’re a versatile, hard-worker for the movement of heavy goods and fold neatly away when not in use. 

Our folding toe plate sack truck is one of our bestselling items for this reason - it’s perfect to move heavy goods up and down stairs, and can tuck neatly away on delivery wagons or in warehouses when it’s done its job.  

At Bluetrolley.com, we stock a broad range of versatile and adaptable multi-purpose folding trolleys, so you can use them as and when needed. Each and every one of our products is manufactured in the UK to provide long-lasting quality you can rely on, fast lead times and speedy delivery. 

Browse our range here, or for help selecting the right equipment for your needs, talk to our expert team.