Carts, Trucks and Casters for Facility Material Handling
Carts, trucks and casters for moving supply, equipment and waste across hospitals, surgery centers, laboratories and long-term care facilities. Utility carts, platform trucks, hand and appliance trucks, and replacement casters from Rubbermaid, Metro, Magliner and Harper. Two- and three-shelf utility carts in small through large footprints, plastic and wire construction, plus swivel and rigid casters in a range of stem and plate mounts. Stocked in case quantities for facilities and central supply. Wholesale case pricing for materials management procurement.
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Carts, Trucks and Casters for Facility Transport
Material handling carts and trucks move par stock, equipment and waste between the receiving dock, central supply and the point of use. Utility carts handle day-to-day departmental transport, hand and platform trucks handle heavier dock loads, and replacement casters keep existing carts and equipment rolling. This page covers the wheeled transport formats stocked for facility operations.
Cart and Truck Types Stocked
- Plastic utility carts - Two- and three-shelf molded carts with recessed shelf tops and push handles for supply transport. Rubbermaid and Metro utility carts are widely stocked in small, medium and large footprints.
- Wire utility carts - Open wire-shelf carts that improve visibility and airflow, common where open decks suit infection-control layout, from the Metro line.
- Platform trucks - Single-deck trucks with a push handle for moving heavier or bulk loads across the dock and corridors.
- Hand and appliance trucks - Two-wheel hand trucks and convertible trucks for cartons, cylinders and equipment. Magliner and Harper are common lines.
- Casters - Swivel and rigid replacement casters in stem and plate mounts, in different wheel materials and load ratings, to service existing carts, racks and equipment.
Cart and Caster Formats
| Format | Configuration | Representative Brands | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic utility cart | 2 or 3 shelf, small to large | Rubbermaid, Metro | Departmental supply transport |
| Wire utility cart | 2 or 3 open wire shelf | Metro | Open-deck transport |
| Platform truck | Single deck, push handle | Rubbermaid, general line | Dock and bulk moves |
| Hand and appliance truck | 2-wheel, convertible | Magliner, Harper | Cartons and cylinders |
| Casters | Swivel and rigid, stem or plate | General line | Cart and equipment service |
Wheels and Load Ratings
Cart and caster wheels are stocked in different materials, and the wheel choice sets rolling behavior and floor compatibility - polyurethane and rubber tread for quiet corridor rolling, polyolefin for wash-down areas, and thermoplastic for general storeroom use. Load ratings differ by cart and caster model, so matching the caster stem or plate and the rated capacity to the existing equipment keeps a repair correct. Brake and total-lock casters are stocked where a cart needs to hold position.
Carts and trucks are durable equipment ordered on a replacement and expansion cycle, while casters are a recurring maintenance item as wheels wear on hard flooring. Sourcing carts and their replacement casters from one wholesale account keeps stem sizes and load ratings matched so facilities maintenance can service a cart instead of retiring it. Order at the best Wholesale Prices with MAP Medical.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a utility cart and a platform truck?
A utility cart has two or three shelves and a push handle for moving smaller loads of supply between departments, with the shelves keeping items separated. A platform truck has a single flat deck and a removable push handle for moving larger or bulkier loads across the dock and corridors. Facilities stock both: utility carts for daily par delivery and platform trucks for heavier receiving moves.
What sizes of utility carts are stocked?
Plastic utility carts are stocked in small, medium and large footprints in two- and three-shelf configurations, with load ratings that differ by model. Rubbermaid and Metro plastic carts and Metro wire carts are common lines. Wire utility carts are stocked where an open deck suits the storeroom layout. Contact the team for the current size and capacity grid.
How do I choose replacement casters for a cart?
Replacement casters are matched on three points: the mount type (threaded stem, grip-ring stem or top plate), the wheel diameter and material, and the rated load capacity per caster. Matching all three to the existing cart or rack keeps the height and rolling behavior correct. Swivel, rigid, and brake or total-lock versions are stocked. Contact the team with the cart model or old caster spec to match.
Can facilities order carts and trucks in bulk?
Yes. Utility carts, platform and hand trucks, and casters are stocked in case and pallet quantities for hospitals, surgery centers, long-term care facilities, laboratories and licensed distributors. Standing order programs are available for standardized cart footprints and high-wear caster sizes. Contact the procurement team for tiered case pricing and standing order setup.
What carts should be in a facility formulary?
A cart formulary typically standardizes on one utility cart footprint for departmental delivery, a platform or hand truck for the receiving dock, and a matched set of replacement casters in the facility's common stem and plate sizes. Standardizing keeps casters interchangeable across the fleet. MAP Medical builds consolidated cart and caster packages matched to facility layout - contact the team for an assessment.