I. Why Buy a Trackless Cart?
Our factory manufactures automotive stamping parts, and we use a large number of heavy molds. Previously, we relied on a combination of forklifts and cranes to move the molds. While forklifts are convenient, they have several issues:
The molds are too heavy, with some weighing over ten tons, making them difficult to lift with a forklift.
The large size of the molds easily obstructs visibility during forklift operation, posing a high safety risk.
The workshop aisles are narrow, leaving the forklift with limited turning space and often requiring multiple reversals.
The process is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when moving molds over long distances, as the forklift often has to make numerous back-and-forth trips.
Although cranes can lift molds, they also present several problems:
The lifting process is slow.
The slings and wire ropes require frequent disassembly and reassembly.
The molds are unstable when suspended in mid-air.
If a mold falls, the consequences can be disastrous.
So, we began searching for a safer and more efficient way to move heavy molds. We later saw a competitor using a trackless electric transfer cart. This device allows molds to be loaded and transported directly on the cart, eliminating the need for tracks or forklifts. Simply placing the mold on a stable platform seemed quite convenient, so we began our research.
II. Research and Selection Process
At that time, we contacted several suppliers and compared their specifications. Eventually, we chose a trackless mold transfer cart with a 20-ton load capacity from a Chinese manufacturer. The main reasons for choosing it were:
It can steer freely and rotate 360° on the spot.
It uses solid rubber tires, eliminating the need for rails.
It can be operated with a wireless remote control, allowing one person to operate it.
The tabletop can be customized to fit the mold base.
It features an emergency stop switch, audible and visual alarms, and a speed limiter - providing excellent safety.
The manufacturer even filmed a test video for us before shipment, showing its solid build quality. It was installed and debugged within a week of delivery and was put into operation soon after.
III. Trackless Cart Structure and Operation Experience
This trackless flatbed cart measures 4 meters by 2.5 meters, is approximately 700 mm high, and has a 20-ton load capacity. The entire vehicle is constructed from welded thick steel plates, giving it an exceptionally sturdy frame. The wheels are solid rubber tires - puncture-resistant and requiring no inflation. The battery is a maintenance-free lead-acid type, capable of operating continuously for over eight hours on a full charge.
The remote control is simple, with buttons for forward, reverse, left, right, emergency stop, and horn. The operation is similar to driving a remote-controlled toy car, making it easy to learn. We usually assign a dedicated operator, and we check the battery and vehicle condition before each use.
The vehicle starts smoothly, with adjustable speed and no sudden acceleration. The brakes are very responsive, and even when fully loaded, it stops without shaking. The steering is extremely agile - we once turned it around in a passage less than six meters wide without any problem.
IV. Usage Scenarios and Results
We currently use this trackless mold transfer cart for three main tasks:
Mold transfer: From the warehouse to the assembly area. Molds weighing over ten tons are directly loaded onto the cart and transported there. Previously, a crane would take half an hour; now, it takes only ten minutes.
Production line material handling: Some semi-finished stamped parts are also transported using this cart, which is safer than a forklift.
Maintenance mold transport: After repair, molds are returned to the workshop at a steady speed, without the risk of bumps or collisions.
Our factory floor is hardened concrete with a slight slope, but the cart climbs it easily. Its low chassis and stable center of gravity keep it steady even when fully loaded. Mold handling used to be a major challenge, but now it's completely solved.
V. Existing Shortcomings
Of course, it's not completely flawless. We've identified a few minor issues:
Battery charging takes time: While the battery life is long, forgetting to charge it can delay work. We now use two batteries in rotation.
Surface flatness matters: A bumpy surface can affect wheel smoothness.
Initial learning curve: At first, the operator wasn't very skilled and turned too abruptly. After remote training from the manufacturer, operation improved greatly.
Higher cost than a typical forklift: While slightly more expensive, the long-term efficiency and safety make it well worth the investment.
VI. After-Sales Service and Support
We are very satisfied with the manufacturer's service. After the machine arrived, they provided video guidance and remotely helped us adjust parameters. During use, we encountered an abnormal battery reading once, but they arranged remote assistance the same day, and the issue was resolved the next day.
Overall, the after-sales service was prompt and professional.
VII. Post-Operation Summary and Suggestions
This electric trackless flatbed cart is now used almost daily in our factory. After three months, there have been zero failures, the vehicle operates smoothly, and maintenance is simple.
For manufacturing companies like ours that frequently move molds and equipment, this vehicle is truly worry-free, labor-saving, and time-saving.
If you're in manufacturing, mold shops, steel structure factories, or automotive processing plants, I sincerely recommend considering this equipment - especially if:
The molds or materials are too heavy for forklifts;
Crane handling is too slow or unsafe;
Your factory floor is flat and space is limited;
You require flexible maneuvering and frequent transfers.
The trackless mold transfer cart is definitely worth considering.
We're already planning to purchase a larger vehicle for transporting stamping parts and mold frames. Overall, this purchase has been a great success.
