What Is an Aluminum Cart?
An aluminum cart is a general term for wheeled carts made of aluminum used for transporting various items, including luggage.
Being made of aluminum, these carts are easy to maneuver and practical for various applications. This article specifically describes aluminum carts used in agriculture.
Uses of Aluminum Carts
Aluminum carts are primarily utilized for transporting seedlings to fields and for moving harvested crops. They are often referred to as harvest carts. Additionally, these carts can be employed for carrying tools to work sites.
Agricultural work involves numerous tasks, often requiring repeated transport of items to various locations. Repeated manual carrying can strain the body. Aluminum carts help reduce this workload and increase efficiency.
Features of Aluminum Carts
Pros
Aluminum carts, especially those available at home centers, are lightweight and user-friendly. They are also affordable.
Cons
When compared to stainless steel carts, aluminum carts are slightly less durable. Some models lack specialization and versatility and can be more expensive. Large carts may require dedicated storage space to avoid clutter.
Types of Aluminum Carts
Aluminum carts come in various types, each suited to specific crops, work areas, and ergonomic needs. Commonly, they are categorized based on the number of wheels: one, two, or four.
1. One-Wheel/Two-Wheel Type
One-wheel and two-wheel carts usually feature handles on both sides for easy transport and storage. The cargo beds are typically flat or vessel-shaped, with variations in width, height, and tire size depending on the manufacturer.
2. Four-Wheel Type
Four-wheel carts range from compact to larger sizes, sometimes with adjustable wheel spacing for navigating ridges. Compact models allow adjustments in wheel width and cargo bed size. Larger models can adjust wheel width to fit ridges and height for ergonomic working positions. Some models even feature a saddle for seated operations during planting.
How to Choose an Aluminum Cart
One- or two-wheeled carts are suitable for narrow spaces, like paths between rice paddies, offering balance over uneven terrain. They are versatile, easy to transport, and require minimal storage space.
Compact four-wheel carts are ideal for harvesting crops like eggplant and peppers, allowing easy movement alongside plants. If working with ridges, choose a model with adjustable wheel width. For crops like lettuce and cabbage, four-wheelers that straddle ridges are commonly used. Select a cart with adjustable width to fit various ridge sizes and adjustable height to minimize physical strain.
How to Use Aluminum Carts
One- or two-wheeled carts are maneuvered by lifting the handlebars to the work area. If the cart has a flatbed, it should be used with a container on top. These carts can be stored upright or laid flat.
Four-wheeled carts are pushed using the handle or cargo bed to the work area. Adjust the wheel width to fit ridge widths and the height for user comfort. Carts designed for straddling ridges may require two people for directional changes. Some carts can carry multiple containers for sorted harvesting. However, ensure the cart is balanced and used on even surfaces to prevent items from falling.