When it’s time to replace your carts, what are your priorities?
Maybe you’re focused on the easiest option, so you order what you had before.
Or maybe you want the cheapest option, even if the quality doesn’t last long.
But are you considering what would make your fleet better, what would make your carts more useful to your laundry facility? When you pay attention to the details, like we do, you’ll find plenty of big and small ways your carts can improve your overall efficiency.
Let’s look at how you can optimize your fleet.
1. Check that your carts are fit for purpose
Sometimes, it’s obvious when your carts are no longer fit for your purpose. The liners may be ripped, the handles torn off. Or the frames are bent, the bottoms rusting out. Other times, it’s less clear.
Here are some questions to help you determine if your carts are right for your needs.
Is your cart the right size? If your cart is too small, you may be wasting time lugging too many undersized loads. If your cart is too big, you may struggle to navigate narrow doorways or tight corners.
Steele’s carts come in 10 sizes, ranging from 6-28 bushels, giving you plenty of options for easy rolling.
Is your cart the right style? A standard vinyl bulk truck is a handy option for piling everything in. But carts with internal organization, like an optional sewn in divider, might fit your laundry facility’s needs better. Keep scrolling for suggestions selected with laundry in mind.
Is your cart sturdy enough to hold up to your needs? If you go through carts quickly, you might need some extra support. Modifications like a metal base, rather than a wooden one, or a belly band could help stabilize your fleet.
2. Select carts made of quality, long-lasting materials
Durability is key for heavy-use carts. That means poly, vinyl and canvas carts should have thicker walls or liners that won’t tear, puncture or warp. As well as steel frames to keep carts steady and help distribute weight evenly.
Choosing the right caster size is also important for safe weight distribution, as well as maneuverability. Even though 3-inch casters are the industry standard, we use 4-inch casters on all our carts. Not only can the larger wheels hold more weight per caster (about 275 pounds), but they also make navigating over taller thresholds and wider gaps easier.
3. Repair, rather than replace, your carts
If your cart is a little worse for wear, but still functional, there are a few simple fixes you could try.
- Replace the casters — our non-marking, easy-glide swivel and rigid casters are available in three sizes (3”, 4” and 5”)
- Swap the liner — available in canvas and vinyl, replacement liners can make an old cart look and feel new again
And for carts that need some extra love, ask our team about the best solution to extend the life of your cart.
Carts and accessories made with laundry in mind
The 43-cubic-foot linen exchange truck
This cart is our laundry best-seller for a reason. Its heavy-duty polyethylene walls won’t buckle or warp under heavy linens. And it makes organization simple with its easy-to-access shelves.
If 43 cubic feet isn’t big enough for you, there’s also a 48-cubic-foot option.
Flatwork ironer trucks
Designed specifically for commercial laundries, the height and width of these trucks match a standard flatwork ironer. As the linens come off the machine, they go straight into the cart. Easy, peasy, done.
The thick vinyl lining is also water- and tear-resistant. And thanks to its BACshield treatment that protects against 99% of mold, mildew, fungi and bacteria, you can trust your clean linens are staying clean.
Explore flatwork ironer trucks in three sizes here.
Steps, platforms and other accessories
Whether you need a boost or a hand with heavy lifting, these accessories will help your fleet and employees perform better.
Available with one, two, three or four steps, these polyethylene steps are heavy duty. They’re made with thick .225-inch walls and have a 500-pound weight capacity. They also ship fast and their hollow backs make for easy storage.
When loading and unloading carts, elevated spring lift platforms prevent awkward and potentially dangerous bending and lifting. They’re made of the same steel and heavy-duty vinyl as the rest of the cart, so they can easily handle heavy loads. Find the size that’s right for your cart.
We obsess over carts. Let us obsess over yours.
Carts are all we do. There’s no corrugated boxes, no packing tape and no shipping supplies. Just carts. So, we take pride in doing them well.
Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or you have a few questions, talk to our team. We’ll make sure your carts fit your needs and your facilities.