Wheel Trolleys

About Wheel Trolleys

Wheel trolleys are essential handling equipment designed to make moving, storing, and working with wheels, tyres, and heavy cylindrical objects significantly easier and safer. Whether you're operating a busy garage, managing a tyre fitting centre, or maintaining a fleet of vehicles, these specialised trolleys eliminate the strain and risk of manual handling whilst protecting valuable wheels and tyres from damage. From simple wheel dollies that allow single wheels to be manoeuvred effortlessly across workshop floors, to sophisticated hydraulic wheel skates capable of supporting entire vehicles, wheel trolleys represent an indispensable investment for any professional working with automotive components.

Our comprehensive range includes wheel storage trolleys that keep seasonal tyres organised and off the floor, drum dollies designed to safely transport heavy barrels and containers, and transportacar trolleys that enable vehicles to be moved when they cannot be driven. These tools are manufactured to exacting standards by trusted brands including Sealey and Draper, ensuring robust construction that withstands the demanding conditions of professional workshops and garages. With load capacities ranging from individual wheel handling to supporting entire vehicle weights, there's a wheel trolley solution for every application and budget.

Modern wheel trolleys incorporate thoughtful design features such as swivel castors for enhanced manoeuvrability, reinforced frames for heavy-duty applications, and protective surfaces that prevent scratching expensive alloy wheels. Many models feature adjustable components to accommodate different wheel sizes and vehicle types, whilst interlocking dollies can be configured to suit specific workshop layouts and handling requirements.

Jargon Buster

Wheel Dolly

A low-profile platform on castors designed to support and transport individual wheels or tyres around a workshop, typically featuring a recessed centre to keep the wheel secure during movement.

Wheel Skate

A heavy-duty device that fits under a vehicle's wheel to enable the car to be moved when it cannot be driven, available in mechanical or hydraulic variants with the latter offering easier lifting and positioning.

Transportacar Trolley

A complete set of four wheel skates designed to work together, allowing an entire vehicle to be manoeuvred around a workshop or garage, essential for moving non-running vehicles or positioning cars precisely on ramps and lifts.

Drum Dolly

A circular platform with castors specifically designed to transport 205-litre drums of oil, lubricants, or other fluids safely, often featuring raised edges to prevent the drum from slipping during movement.

Load Capacity

The maximum weight a wheel trolley can safely support, typically measured in kilograms, with ratings varying from around 50kg for simple wheel dollies to over 400kg per skate for heavy-duty vehicle movement applications.

Swivel Castors

Rotating wheels attached to the trolley base that pivot 360 degrees, enabling precise manoeuvrability and easy direction changes even when loaded with heavy wheels or components.

Who Uses Wheel Trolleys?

• Motor mechanics and garage technicians working on wheel changes, tyre fitting, and vehicle servicing
• Tyre fitters and fast-fit specialists requiring efficient wheel handling throughout busy working days
• MOT testing centres needing to move vehicles precisely and safely during inspection procedures
• Vehicle body shops manoeuvring damaged vehicles that cannot be driven under their own power
• Car dealerships and showrooms positioning vehicles for display without starting engines or adding unnecessary mileage
• Fleet maintenance workshops managing high volumes of seasonal tyre changes and wheel rotations
• Racing teams and motorsport enthusiasts transporting competition wheels and maintaining organised tyre storage
• Classic car restorers moving project vehicles safely around workshops during long-term restoration work
• Warehouse and logistics operations handling drums and heavy cylindrical containers efficiently
• Serious DIY enthusiasts and home mechanics with dedicated garage space for vehicle maintenance

How to Choose the Right Wheel Trolleys

Determine Your Primary Application: Consider whether you need to move individual wheels, transport entire vehicles, or handle heavy drums. Single wheel dollies suffice for basic tyre storage and movement, whilst wheel skates or transportacar trolleys are essential for moving non-running vehicles. Drum dollies serve a different purpose entirely, designed for heavy containers rather than automotive wheels.

Assess Load Capacity Requirements: Always select a trolley with a load capacity exceeding your heaviest anticipated load. Standard car wheels typically weigh 15-25kg including tyre, whilst larger 4x4 or commercial vehicle wheels can exceed 50kg. For wheel skates supporting entire vehicles, calculate at least a quarter of the vehicle's kerb weight per skate, plus a safety margin.

Consider Wheel and Tyre Sizes: Ensure the trolley dimensions accommodate your typical wheel diameters, from compact 13-inch wheels to larger 20-inch or commercial sizes. Adjustable models offer versatility if you work with varied vehicle types, whilst fixed-size dollies work perfectly well for workshops with consistent wheel sizes.

Evaluate Workshop Space and Flooring: Larger swivel castors roll more easily over uneven surfaces and workshop debris, whilst smaller wheels suit smooth, level concrete floors. Consider the clearance height—low-profile designs fit under vehicles more easily but may struggle with floor irregularities. Interlocking dollies maximise storage efficiency in compact workshops.

Hydraulic vs Mechanical Operation: Hydraulic wheel skates feature foot-operated pumps that raise vehicles with minimal effort, ideal for frequent use in professional settings. Mechanical versions require more physical effort but cost less and have fewer components that could require maintenance, suiting occasional use or budget-conscious buyers.

Storage Considerations: If storing seasonal tyres is your priority, dedicated wheel storage trolleys with multiple tiers keep tyres off the floor, clearly visible, and protected from damage. Some include covers to prevent dust accumulation and UV degradation during extended storage periods.

Build Quality and Durability: Professional-grade trolleys from manufacturers like Sealey and Draper feature reinforced steel construction, quality castors with sealed bearings, and protective coatings against workshop chemicals and moisture. These withstand daily commercial use far better than budget alternatives that may seem attractive initially but quickly deteriorate.

Popular Accessories

• Wheel storage covers protecting stored tyres from dust, sunlight, and environmental damage during seasonal storage
• Tyre inflators and pressure gauges for checking and adjusting pressures before fitting or storage
• Wheel balancers ensuring smooth running and extending tyre life after fitting
• Tyre levers and bead breakers for manual tyre fitting and removal tasks
• Alloy wheel cleaners and brushes maintaining wheel appearance and preventing corrosion
• Torque wrenches ensuring wheel nuts are tightened to manufacturer specifications
• Vehicle jacks and axle stands complementing wheel trolleys for safe vehicle lifting and support
• Workshop mats and floor protection preventing castors from marking or damaging floor surfaces
• Cable locks and security chains protecting valuable wheels during storage
• Tyre racks and wall-mounted storage systems for additional organised tyre storage capacity

Safety Information

Load Limits Must Be Respected: Never exceed the manufacturer's stated load capacity for any wheel trolley. Overloading can cause structural failure, castors to collapse, or loads to shift unexpectedly, potentially causing serious injury or damage to expensive wheels and vehicles. Always account for the combined weight of wheel, tyre, and any residual brake components.

Secure Vehicles Properly: When using wheel skates or transportacar trolleys to move vehicles, ensure the handbrake is off and the transmission is in neutral. Move vehicles slowly and deliberately, watching for obstacles and ensuring adequate clearance. Never position any part of your body between a vehicle on skates and fixed objects—vehicles on wheel skates can roll unexpectedly.

Floor Conditions Matter: Wheel trolleys perform best on clean, level surfaces. Clear debris, oil spills, and obstructions from the path before moving loaded trolleys. Be particularly cautious on sloped floors where loaded trolleys may gain momentum. Avoid transitions between different floor surfaces where possible, as these can cause wheels to catch or loads to shift.

Manual Handling Considerations: Whilst wheel trolleys significantly reduce manual handling strain, lifting wheels onto dollies still requires proper technique. Bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and hold loads close to your body. HSE guidelines recommend avoiding repetitive lifting of loads exceeding 25kg where possible—consider mechanical assistance or two-person lifts for heavier items.

Maintenance and Inspection: Regularly inspect castors for damage, debris accumulation, and bearing wear. Check hydraulic wheel skates for fluid leaks and ensure release valves function correctly. Replace worn or damaged components immediately rather than risking failure under load. Keep moving parts lubricated according to manufacturer recommendations to ensure smooth, predictable operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use wheel dollies to store alloy wheels without causing damage?

Yes, provided you choose dollies with protective surfaces or add rubber matting. Quality wheel dollies feature smooth, non-abrasive platforms that won't scratch delicate alloy finishes. Position wheels with the decorative face upward to prevent contact with the dolly surface, and avoid dragging wheels across the platform. For long-term storage, consider dedicated wheel storage trolleys that support tyres without placing pressure on alloy faces.

What's the difference between hydraulic and mechanical wheel skates?

Hydraulic wheel skates incorporate a foot-operated pump that raises the vehicle with minimal physical effort, making them ideal for frequent daily use in professional garages. Mechanical versions use a screw-jack or lever mechanism requiring more manual effort but offering simpler construction with fewer components that could fail. Hydraulic models cost more initially but save considerable time and effort in busy commercial environments, whilst mechanical versions suit occasional use or situations where simplicity and reliability are priorities.

How do I move a car that won't start using wheel trolleys?

You'll need a complete transportacar trolley set consisting of four wheel skates. With the vehicle in neutral and handbrake off, position one skate at each wheel, then use the lifting mechanism (hydraulic or mechanical) to raise each wheel slightly off the ground. Once all four wheels are on skates, the vehicle can be pushed or pulled around your workshop. Always work on level ground, move slowly, and ensure adequate space around the vehicle. Never leave a vehicle unattended on wheel skates without chocking them or applying additional restraints.

Are drum dollies suitable for moving any cylindrical load?

Drum dollies are specifically designed for standard 205-litre drums and feature dimensions and load capacities appropriate for these. Whilst they can accommodate other cylindrical objects of similar size, always verify that your load doesn't exceed the stated capacity (typically around 250-300kg) and that it sits securely on the platform. Models with raised edges or securing straps offer additional security. Drum dollies aren't suitable for moving gas cylinders, which require purpose-built cylinder trolleys that include securing chains and meet specific safety standards.

Do I need different trolleys for different wheel sizes?

Not necessarily. Many wheel dollies feature recessed centres that accommodate various wheel diameters from compact car wheels through to larger SUV and light commercial sizes. However, if you regularly work with particularly small or large wheels, dedicated sizing might offer better support and stability. Adjustable wheel storage trolleys can be configured for different wheel diameters, making them versatile for workshops handling multiple vehicle types. For wheel skates supporting entire vehicles, size matters less than weight capacity—ensure the skates are rated for your heaviest vehicle.