Trolleys & Ramps

About Trolleys & Ramps

Trolleys and ramps are essential material handling solutions designed to move heavy loads safely and efficiently across warehouses, workshops, building sites, and retail environments. Whether transporting tools between floors, loading equipment into vehicles, or moving stock around a trade counter, the right trolley or ramp can dramatically reduce manual handling risks whilst improving productivity. From compact folding sack trucks for light deliveries to heavy-duty platform trolleys capable of shifting hundreds of kilograms, this category encompasses a wide range of equipment to suit every application.

Ramps provide crucial access solutions for wheeled equipment, enabling smooth transitions over steps, kerbs, and vehicle tailgates. Available in various materials including aluminium, steel, and rubber, ramps are manufactured to different weight capacities and configurations—from portable channel ramps for motorcycles and lawnmowers to modular wheelchair access systems and heavy-duty loading ramps for plant machinery. Trolleys complement these access solutions by offering wheeled platforms, cages, and frames that distribute weight effectively and allow one person to move loads that would otherwise require multiple handlers.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes specialist trolleys for specific trades and industries, such as panel trolleys for sheet materials, bottle trolleys for gas cylinders, and folding platform trucks that store compactly in vans. Modern designs incorporate ergonomic handles, puncture-proof tyres, and robust construction from materials like powder-coated steel and corrosion-resistant aluminium, ensuring longevity even in demanding site conditions.

Jargon Buster

• Load Capacity: The maximum safe working load (SWL) a trolley or ramp can support, typically measured in kilograms. Always factor in the combined weight of goods and any packaging or containers.
• Platform Truck: A flat-decked trolley with four wheels and a handle, designed for transporting bulky or irregularly shaped items. Often features a folding handle for compact storage.
• Sack Truck: A two-wheeled upright trolley with a toe plate at the base, used for moving boxes, sacks, and cylindrical loads in a tilted position. Also known as a hand truck or dolly.
• Gradient Ratio: The steepness of a ramp expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:12), indicating one unit of rise for every twelve units of length. Gentler gradients are safer and easier to navigate with heavy loads.
• Channel Ramp: A pair of parallel ramps designed to support wheeled equipment like wheelbarrows, motorcycles, or ride-on mowers, with the wheels running along the channels whilst the body sits between them.
• Pneumatic Tyres: Air-filled tyres that provide cushioning and shock absorption when moving loads over rough terrain or uneven surfaces, common on heavy-duty sack trucks and site trolleys.

Who Uses Trolleys & Ramps?

• Warehouse Operatives and Logistics Workers: Moving stock, parcels, and palletised goods throughout distribution centres and storage facilities
• Delivery Drivers and Couriers: Transporting packages from vehicles to customer premises, particularly for white goods and heavy parcels
• Builders and General Contractors: Moving materials, tools, and equipment around construction sites and between different floor levels
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Transporting boilers, radiators, and cylinders, often requiring specialist bottle trolleys for gas cylinders
• Electricians: Moving cable drums, distribution boards, and tool boxes across sites and into properties
• Retail and Shop Staff: Restocking shelves, moving deliveries from stockrooms, and handling customer orders
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers: Loading mowers and equipment onto trailers, moving plants, paving materials, and garden machinery
• Facility Managers and Maintenance Teams: General material handling across commercial buildings, schools, and hospitals
• Event Organisers: Setting up and dismantling equipment, moving staging, lighting rigs, and audio equipment
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners: Home improvement projects requiring movement of building materials, garden equipment, or heavy appliances

How to Choose the Right Trolleys & Ramps

Assess Load Requirements: Calculate the maximum weight you'll need to transport, including any containers or packaging. Select equipment with a load capacity that exceeds your requirements by at least 20% to provide a safety margin and account for occasional heavier loads.

Consider the Terrain: Pneumatic tyres are ideal for rough ground, building sites, and outdoor use, whilst solid rubber or polyurethane wheels suit smooth warehouse floors and paved surfaces. Larger diameter wheels roll more easily over obstacles and uneven ground.

Evaluate Storage and Transport: If space is limited in your van or workshop, folding trolleys and collapsible ramps offer excellent portability. Platform trucks with fold-down handles can reduce storage footprint by up to 70%.

Match Design to Application: Panel trolleys with vertical supports suit sheet materials like plasterboard and plywood, whilst open platform trucks accommodate irregular shapes. For steps and vehicle loading, ensure ramp length provides a safe gradient—typically 1:12 or gentler for manual pushing.

Check Build Quality: Welded steel construction offers maximum durability for heavy industrial use, whilst aluminium provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio for portable applications. Look for powder-coated finishes that resist corrosion in damp or outdoor environments.

Ergonomic Features: Comfortable handles reduce strain during extended use, whilst toe guards on platform trolleys prevent load slippage. For sack trucks, consider stair-climbing models with tri-wheel configurations if you regularly navigate steps.

Safety Features: Ramps should include raised edges or side rails to prevent wheels slipping off, whilst non-slip surfaces ensure traction in wet conditions. Trolleys benefit from hand brakes or parking mechanisms when working on slopes.

Popular Accessories

• Ratchet Straps and Bungee Cords: Secure loads to trolleys and prevent shifting during transport
• Trolley Covers and Tarpaulins: Protect loads from weather when moving goods outdoors
• Replacement Wheels and Castors: Maintain trolleys with spare pneumatic tyres and solid wheels in various sizes
• Wheel Chocks: Prevent trolleys and ramps from moving on inclines during loading operations
• Non-Slip Tape: Enhance grip on ramp surfaces, particularly in wet conditions
• Loading Ramp Bags: Protective carry bags for portable ramps, preventing damage during storage and transport
• Trolley Locks and Security Chains: Secure valuable trolleys and equipment when left on site overnight
• Work Gloves: Improve grip and protect hands when manoeuvring heavy loads

Safety Information

Manual handling remains one of the leading causes of workplace injury in the UK, making proper use of trolleys and ramps essential for HSE compliance. Always inspect equipment before use, checking for damaged wheels, bent frames, or worn ramp surfaces that could compromise safety. Never exceed the stated load capacity, and distribute weight evenly across the platform to maintain stability.

When using ramps, ensure they're positioned on firm, level ground with secure contact at both top and bottom. Wheeled loads should be guided rather than pushed forcefully, with the operator maintaining control throughout the ascent or descent. For steep gradients or heavy loads, use a second person to assist and prevent runaway situations.

Position your body correctly when using sack trucks—keep your back straight, bend at the knees, and let the equipment's leverage do the work rather than straining your lower back. Wear appropriate PPE including safety footwear with toe protection, and hi-visibility clothing when operating in warehouses or on building sites. Store trolleys and ramps securely when not in use to prevent trip hazards, and ensure pneumatic tyres are maintained at correct pressures for optimal performance and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What load capacity trolley do I need for building materials?

For typical building site use, a platform trolley with 300-400kg capacity handles most applications including bags of cement, plasterboard sheets, and tool boxes. Heavier items like bricks or dense materials may require 500kg+ capacity models. Always check the combined weight of materials including packaging, and choose equipment rated above your maximum anticipated load.

What gradient should a loading ramp be for safe use?

The ideal gradient for manual pushing of wheeled loads is 1:12 or gentler (one metre of rise over twelve metres of length), though 1:8 is acceptable for lighter loads and powered equipment. Steeper ramps require significantly more effort and increase the risk of losing control. For wheelchair access, regulations typically specify 1:12 as the maximum permitted gradient.

Can I use an aluminium ramp for heavy machinery?

Aluminium ramps are suitable for heavy machinery provided you select one with adequate load capacity. Commercial-grade aluminium ramps are available rated for several tonnes, making them appropriate for ride-on mowers, small plant equipment, and even compact vehicles. Always verify the ramp's capacity exceeds your machine's weight and use a pair of ramps or a full-width design for stability.

What's the difference between a platform truck and a flatbed trolley?

These terms are often used interchangeably to describe four-wheeled trolleys with flat load surfaces. Platform truck typically refers to designs with a push handle, whilst flatbed trolley may describe models with lower profiles or pull-handle configurations. Both serve similar purposes for general material handling, so focus on load capacity, wheel type, and dimensions rather than terminology.

Do I need pneumatic or solid tyres on my sack truck?

Pneumatic (air-filled) tyres provide better shock absorption and perform well on rough terrain, uneven surfaces, and building sites, but require occasional inflation and can puncture. Solid rubber or polyurethane tyres are maintenance-free, puncture-proof, and ideal for smooth warehouse floors or paved areas. Tooled-Up stocks both types, so consider your primary working environment when choosing.