We use cookies to make your experience better. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
Using a Flat Cart: 5 Material Handling Tips for Warehouse Operators
September 4, 2024
|
Categories: Blogs, Ergonomics, Manufacturing, OSHA, Material Handling
Flat carts — also called flatbed carts, platform carts, and flat deck carts — are essential for many warehouses. They do for large, awkward items what an Order Picking Cart does for bins and packages. But despite their ubiquity, many warehouse operators aren’t using them to full advantage.
That’s because material handling always follows the law of “the right tool for the job.” There are many types of flat carts, and they’re not all perfectly matched to every warehouse task. Additionally, staff aren’t always trained to use these tools to maximize safety and efficiency.
The good news is that these challenges are easy to address. Simply follow these five material handling tips to get the most benefit from your fleet of flat carts.
What Is a Flat Cart?
What makes a “flat cart” different from other types of warehouse carts?
The answer is in the name: A flat cart consists of a single, level surface attached to rolling casters and/or forklift pockets.
This design allows users to load the widest-possible variety of materials. Flat carts with wheels are commonly used to handle large items, like furniture and heavy equipment. But they’re equally effective when handling bundled loads, like wrapped pallets, carton stacks, and bagged bulk materials.
At BHS, Inc., we offer at least four types of flat carts, in addition to custom material handling solutions to match any use case. Our standard models include:
- Flatbed Carts - 24-by-48-inch (610-by-1,219-centimeter) to 36-by-72-inch (914-by-1,829-centimeter) decks roll on six center-steer casters, with an ergonomic push bar for ease of use.
- Flat Deck Carts - These carts feature carrying surfaces that measure from 42-by-72 inches (106-by-182 centimeters) to 48-by-96 inches (96-by-243 centimeters), with or without push bars, and with stainless steel options available.
- Platform Trucks - Designed primarily for manual operation (although with fork pockets just in case), these carts feature decks sized 24-by-48 inches (60-by-121 centimeters) to 36-by-72 inches (91-by-182 centimeters).
- Flat Stacking Carts - These innovative flat carts are designed to limit storage footprint. Flat decks measure 24-by-48 inches (60-by-121 centimeters) to 40-by-83 inches (101-by-210 centimeters), and removable steel posts allow units to be stacked on top of one another between uses.
Regardless of the cart that best fits your warehouse, these five tips can help your staff get the most benefit from this essential material handling equipment.
5 Ways to Use Flat Carts More Effectively
These tips are intended for warehouse managers, so you can empower your teams to work as safely and efficiently as possible:
- Choose flat carts that match your materials. Buy material handling equipment to solve specific problems. In the case of flat carts, that means knowing the materials you need to move, and choosing a cart that can handle them.
- Plan your traffic routes to determine steering/mobility/size requirements. Will your carts move through standard doorways? Narrow aisles? Tight turns or elevator cars? All of these considerations will affect the size of cart you choose — so make sure to plan your routes before making a purchase.
- Pay close attention to cart capacities. Not all flat carts are designed to carry dyes, engines, and other heavy equipment. While BHS carts typically have carrying capacities of 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) and up, many flat carts with wheels are much more limited. Make note of material weights so you don’t risk failure in the aisles.
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Flat carts are relatively simple machines, but they still require minimal maintenance and inspection. Manufacturers will tell you how to best care for your equipment, but it’s up to you to put maintenance procedures in place.
- Invest in ergonomic training. Don’t assume employees know the safest way to load and operate carts. Create an OSHA-compliant training program, and be sure to include ergonomic practices for handling flat carts and cart loads.
Still have questions about how to get the most benefit from your flat carts? Contact the BHS sales team for help choosing the right equipment, and putting it to use for the fastest-possible return on your investment. Call us today at 1.800.247.9500.
