Trying to design the perfect picking cart on your own can be extremely difficult. You might spend a lot of time thinking about your specific needs for the cart and creating what you think is ultimately the best design. Then, you have one built, only to find out that you forgot to include something important. This can be extremely frustrating, not to mention, a waste of time and money. Let us introduce you to the Build Your Own Picking Cart (BYOC) from New Age Industrial. This cart allows you to create the perfect picking cart for your specific needs and works as a great starter cart for a picking operation.
Choose a Base
The base of the BYOC is essentially a 24-inch-deep shelf on casters. The all-welded deck is constructed from T-Bar slats. There are three shelf lengths to choose from including 36, 48, and 60-inches. There are also three different wheel configurations. The 4-wheel configuration has two rigid casters on one end and two swivel casters on the other. A 5-wheel configuration has a center, spring-loaded caster to provide a zero-turn capability while maintaining a stable base. Lastly, the 6-wheel configuration has two sets of swivel casters on both ends and two rigid casters placed in the middle to provide for zero-turning. The 6-wheel cart, however, will rock slightly on the end.
Determine Shelf Types
Now that a base and caster configuration has been chosen, it’s time to determine which shelf types to add to it. When deciding on shelving styles, it’s important to consider what items will be picked using this cart. Heavy-Duty (HD) Shelves have four horizontal square tubes and are tough enough to hold large boxes. T-Bar Shelves have perpendicular slats that are spaced evenly every 1 ¾ inches. This shelf type is ideal for smaller items. Lastly, Solid Brute Shelving, which is a solid sheet with a 1/8” marine edge, accommodates individual small items that might otherwise fall through slats. The marine edge also contains liquids in case of a leak. In addition, the solid top is easily removable for cleaning or replacement. You can even mix and match the shelf types, so you don’t have to choose just one.
Select Number of Shelves & Spacing
As you approach the finish line, there’s only a few things left to decide. Select how many total shelves are needed and how much space is needed between each shelf. This may vary depending on product types and heights to be picked. Based on this important information, upright shelf posts ranging from 12 to 96-inches in height are added. The posts are marked at 2-inch intervals allowing the shelves to become fully adjustable, time and time again, by simply using one tool, a provided Allen Wrench. This allows the cart to evolve with an organization’s ever-changing needs.
Accessorize the Cart Once all the main components are selected, there are a variety of useful accessories that can be added to really make this picking cart your own. We always recommend adding a handle for easy maneuvering and proper ergonomics. We off two handle options for the Build Your Own Cart. Choose from a single, 1.5-inch handle or a deluxe handle connected to a miniature document desk. Other options that can be added include a document tray, RFID scan gun holder and a removable, hanging trash can. All accessories can be added, removed, or adjusted every 2-inches, just like the shelves. Once a BYOC has been designed to fit your exact needs, it can be manufactured. Upon completion it’s time to use it, test it, and decide what features you love most. With this information, along with any other requests, you can confidently advise New Age Industrial to build a solid, fully welded cart tailored to your organization. Or perhaps order a fleet of Build Your Own Carts if they work perfectly for your picking operation. New Age Industrial is the leading aluminum extruder and fabricator of storage and transportation equipment in the United States. We design and manufacture heavy duty, yet lightweight aluminum products to meet your exact needs. We work with various industries including foodservice, supermarket, and material handling. For more information, contact us today, and our team will help find you the perfect product that fits your needs.
