Modular Platform Trucks: Features and Use Cases

Whether you operate a warehouse, manufacturing facility, or virtually any other industrial operation, your primary concern is material handling: Tools, materials, and products need to move from point A to point B, as efficiently — and safely — as possible.

A modular platform truck is a versatile material handling solution designed to transport heavy or bulky loads across a facility while adapting to the specific dimensions of the cargo. Unlike traditional fixed-frame carts, modular carts allow operators to add or remove components as needs change.

Modular Platform Trucks: Key Features to Consider

By maximizing the utility of a single piece of equipment, businesses can significantly improve throughput and protect worker ergonomics.

Here’s everything you need to know about the essential features of modular platform trucks and the specific use cases where modularity provides a competitive advantage.

Key Feature: Field-Adjustable Guard Rails and Push Bars

Different loads require different approaches. If you’re moving something big and bulky, you might not want a push bar in the way — but if you’re moving a load of smaller packages, an ergonomic handle will make the task much easier.

Ideally, a modular platform truck can be reconfigured in the field without specialized tools. BHS modular carts are engineered for compatibility with an optional removable push handle, along with bolt-on steel handrails. With the integrated safety-harness attachment points, the entire unit can also be utilized as a safe, compliant elevated work platform.

Use Case: Removable push bars are ideal for facilities handling mixed-size inventory. For example, an operator can install three-sided guard rails to secure a collection of small parcels, then quickly remove the guarding to transport an oversized industrial motor that overhangs the deck edges.

Key Feature: Integrated Fork Pockets

For high-capacity operations, look for platform trucks that include integrated fork pockets built directly into the frame. Fork pockets enable the cart to be safely lifted and transported by an order picker truck or placed onto a mezzanine. We incorporate built-in fork pockets when designing most MHE, including the Order Picker Furniture Cart.

Use Case: Fork pockets are essential for multi-story warehousing. Instead of manually unloading a cart to move items between levels via a freight lift, a forklift can simply pick up the entire loaded modular truck and place it exactly where it needs to go.

Key Features: Specialized Towing Hitches and Linkability

A standout feature of modular design is the ability to add or remove towing hitches. A good implementation includes reinforced mounting points that allow the truck to be attached to an electric tugger or linked together with other carts to form a train.

With built-in linkability, a manual push-cart can become a high-volume transport system. Our modular trucks support various hitch styles, allowing you to integrate them into your existing tugger fleet seamlessly.

Use Case: Ideal for long-distance facility transport or milk runs. In large manufacturing plants, modular trucks can be linked into a train to deliver raw materials to multiple workstations in a single trip, then disconnected at the destination to be used as individual mobile workstations.

Also consider BHS Mother Daughter Tugger Cart systems to reduce forklift traffic, boost efficiency, and save space.  

Products from BHS, Inc.

BHS material handling equipment can be customized to meet the needs of your operation. We proudly design and manufacture our products in the USA, and additional custom features are available — send an inquiry to learn more about customization.

Order Picker Furniture Cart (OPCMF)

The OPCMF features a universal base design that can be outfitted with various bolt-on accessories, including push bars and side rails. It’s the ideal choice for facilities that require future-proof equipment that adapts to changing load sizes.

A flat steel platform supports furniture, pallets, large containers, and other items too big or heavy for carts with shelves. Choose the platform size that’s right for your use case — then select from a long list of optional features.

Mother Daughter Carts (MDC)

The MDC features a nested design that integrates a tuggable Mother Cart frame with one or more independent Daughter Carts. It’s great for operations that utilize milk-run logistics or just-in-time line feeding to minimize round trips and streamline facility-wide material flow.

Daughter Carts lock securely into the mother frame for transit and release via a foot pedal for manual delivery to workstations or warehouse aisles. Because the system is modular, you can choose from various Daughter Cart configurations — including specialized tops like roller surfaces or ball-transfer decks — to accommodate specific bins, pallets, or bulk loads.

Ready to outfit your operation with a more flexible fleet?

To learn more about how our modular solutions can optimize your facility’s workflow and reduce your total equipment costs, call the BHS sales team at 1.800.BHS.9500 or request a quote online today.