A lumber dolly, or lumber dolly cart is a transportation tool capable of moving several pieces of large flat panel materials. They typically feature several uprights across a flat platform that allows for a number of separated loading areas to allow sorting of lumber by size or type.
They’re standard in many workshops as an easy solution to moving heavy panels from one area to another. Minimal physical effort’s required once loaded safely in position on the lumber dolly cart.
As they’re expected to be capable of carrying several large pieces of lumber they need to be manufacturer to be fully capable of supporting high lads comfortably.
Advantages of Using a Lumber Dolly Cart
- Physical effort required to move heavy pieces of lumber is severely reduced
- Creates a transportable storage area for lumber sheets in your workshop, making great use of floor space
- The storage area and transport tool become one, reducing number of times you need to move the lumber by hand
- Removeable uprights allow the cart to be used for multiple purposes, making full use of the entire loading platform
They’re maximum loading capability usually ranges from 1400 lbs to 4000lbs, depending on manufacturer and model.
Common features usually include an alloy steel frame. at least 2 swivel caster wheels. Removable uprights, and powder coating or a soft touch material finish.
Main Features:
Alloy Steel Frame
Steel is a high strength and durable material. Alloy steel is used to make best use of the high strength qualities while improving the rigidity of the frame.
Swivel Caster Wheels
Swivel casters allow 360 degree rotation of the wheel for improved control over the dolly. This is especially important when trying to maneuver in tight areas where the ability to turn quickly and easily makes this far more straight forward.
Removable Uprights
The uprights support the material slabs on the loading platform and allow sorting of materials into separate areas. They’re also the main handling point for the user moving the lumber dolly. These same uprights are often removable. Providing the opportunity to make use of the entire loading platform to store or transport wider items.
Powder Coating or Soft Touch Material Finish
To protect the loaded lumber materials from damage, soft touch finishing around the main contact points of the platform and handle uprights are sometimes included. In addition to providing protection for damage against materials, the soft touch finish also provides an grippy area for users to grab hold and control the dolly while moving.
Powder coating protects the frame from rusting.
Alternatives
Slab Dollies
Slab dollies are also useful for transporting large flat panel materials to and from workshop spaces. They are far smaller in size than lumber dollies. As such, not as capable at carrying the large number of materials. Neither being used as a semi-permanent workshop storage solution. On the plus side they are far more transportable and can be stored away in small areas when not in use.
Dolly Carts
Dolly carts, in a similar to hand trucks are far smaller transportation vehicles that make use of a flat open loading platform that allows for a wide range of items to be transported. They typically will not have uprights, meaning the panels will have to be laid down flat to be transported. While this is not ideal dolly carts are far cheaper and more widely available than lumber dolly carts.
Summary – Lumber Dolly Cart – What Is It?
Lumber dolly carts are transportation tools used for moving and storing flat panel materials with minimal effort.
They’re characterised by a large metal alloy loading platform separated by several handle uprights. Typically featuring swivel caster wheels for improved directional control.
Viable alternatives to lumber dolly carts include slab dollies and dolly carts, as well as other industrial transportation tools.