Dollies are still affordable and dependable for carrying freight over long distances or transferring empty shipping containers from one site area to another.
There is a wide variety of options for these platforms, so knowing your needs is essential before making a purchase. The most excellent load a dolly can on its wheel size and available attachments. Heavy-duty rollers make it possible to move containers across rough terrain, whereas other wheels may only be used on level ground.
How do Container Dollies Work?
A typical dolly has a steered front section and a fixed back section. These two parts command and control the container like a car’s steering and brake. Delivery vehicle, loading gear, and travel distance are all variables that might affect the optimal setup.
A dolly’s leading section features a towing eye and a pulling handle. Attach the handle to a forklift, truck, or another pulling vehicle to transport your containers.
What Are the Different Sizes and Styles of Dolly Wheels?
Polyurethane or composite wheels, found on most modern dollies, are highly durable and resistant to wear. The wheels of specific hybrid dolly systems are even vehicle tires with a diameter of 18 inches.
The standard wheel diameter for a Dollie is between 6.6″ and 3.3″. The dolly’s height is 6.6 inches when using 3.3-inch wheels and rises to 11.8 inches when using 5.5-inch wheels.
Benefits of Using Container Dollies
Operating forklifts might be dangerous if your container carries a load without central support. Shipping containers with unequal weight distribution might benefit significantly from using a container dolly in these situations.
Dolls are advantageous on congested streets since they can be maneuvered with minimal effort, even when fully loaded. Planning a shipping container delivery to a remote site with terrible roads and uneven ground may also benefit from the use of dollies.
Dolly System Varieties
A dolly may be broken down into several types based on weight capacity, wheel type, and attachments.
- Indoor/Outdoor Dollies
- Dollies for Medium and Heavy Loads
- Dolly systems
Each system warrants a more profound examination; therefore, let’s do that now.
Indoor/Outdoor Dollies
Low-slung, cone-shaped attachments characterize indoor dollies. They function best on flat, even surfaces like sidewalks. On the other hand, outdoor dolls include huge wheels with twist locks that can secure the container and make short work of rugged terrain.
Adjustable Weight-Capacity Dollies
Dollies vary in the weight they can carry, but they can all handle the width of conventional shipping containers. The load capacity may also dictate the kind and construction of the wheel axles. JUNG dollies are available in sets of 28, 40, and 60 tons, whereas a DynaDolly can handle between 5 and 15 tons.
What Are Some Alternatives to Dollies?
A shipping container dolly may not be sufficient if you transport big containers that require regular loading, unloading, and stacking. Dolls are not as efficient for moving high-cube and flat rack shipping container wheels as they are for moving standard containers.
Forklifts
Using forklifts is a time-saving solution for transporting and stacking containers inside. Be sure your forklift can lift at least 15,000 pounds and has arms broad enough to accommodate the containers.
Cranes
If you need to transport your container long distances, you may employ a crane to load it onto a trailer truck or a flatbed. The only real impediment to utilizing cranes to transport the containers is the necessity for an operating license or a licensed operator.
