Flatbed Cart or Platform Truck?
...Trick question - they’re the same thing!
While platform trucks are known by many names (flatbeds, flat carts, push carts, etc), they are all essentially the same. But within that product line, there are many different styles, options, and features available. So today we want to go over some of these different features so you know what is available.
A platform truck consists of a flat platform on at least (4) wheels, and with at least one push handle:
They are available in several deck materials including steel (shown above), aluminum (shown at the top of this post), wood, or plastic. Each material has it’s own benefits and downsides. For instance, steel is usually slightly less expensive, very strong and durable, but also much heavier than the alternatives, and it can rust. So a steel platform truck may not be suitable for environments prone to corrosion, but it may be perfect for use in a typical warehouse.
Aluminum platform trucks offer some of the same key benefits of steel in that they are very strong and durable. In addition to that, they are also lighter weight, and will not rust like steel. The downside to aluminum is that it is usually more expensive.
Plastic is lightweight, but the least durable option, and is usually built with a steel frame and handle, which can rust eventually.
Hardwood platform trucks are relatively inexpensive, durable, and have a moderate weight. They are our personal preference for most applications because they offer some of the better features of all the alternatives combined. The obvious downside is that wood will not last as long if it is subject to wet or corrosive environments. They also use steel, and sometimes cast iron handle components, which are also subject to corrosion. However, as you can see in the below photos of a vintage platform truck we have here, if properly cared for, they can stand the test of time. This one has cast iron wheels, but they still roll just fine, and the wooden components are in fantastic shape.
A new hardwood platform truck looks more like the one pictured below:
In addition to the various deck materials available, we can customize the caster and wheel options 100% to suit each individual application. Non-marring wheels, clean room wheels, stainless steel casters, pneumatic wheels, and high capacity wheels are just some of the options. You can also add a second handle, opposite the first handle, floor locks, and more.
So as you can see, a platform truck and a flatbed cart are the same thing, but after that the possibilities are seemingly endless. For more on these products and our other products and services, visit our website at www.clarkecasters.com, give us a call at 1-800-325-2753, or stop by our showroom at 1700 Roseneath Rd. RIchmond, VA 23230. We look forward to helping you customize your platform truck!
