How to Extend the Life of Your Trolleys

Keeping your trolleys in top condition ensures they remain safe, reliable, and efficient. Proper care can extend their lifespan, reduce costs, and improve the shopping experience for your customers.

Why Taking Care of Your Trolleys Matters

Trolleys are essential tools for supermarkets, retail stores, garden centres and warehouses. Like any equipment, they wear down over time, particularly under heavy use. Without proper care, your trolleys can become less reliable, require frequent repairs, or even pose safety risks. Regular maintenance helps you protect your investment, maintain smooth operation, and keep customers and staff safe.

Essential Tips for Long-Lasting Trolleys

Here are practical steps to keep your shopping trolleys in excellent condition:

Keep them clean: Regularly wipe down frames, baskets, and handles to remove dust, dirt, and grime. Debris can accumulate on wheels and axles, causing friction and premature wear. Make sure trolleys are dried after cleaning to prevent corrosion.

Lubricate moving parts: Axles, bearings, and swivel joints benefit from occasional lubrication. A light application of oil or silicone-based lubricant keeps wheels turning smoothly and reduces the strain on other components.

Inspect for signs of wear: Periodically check wheels, castors, frames, and fasteners for cracks, bends, or loosening. Addressing small issues early prevents them from becoming costly problems.

Follow load guidelines: Exceeding a trolley’s weight limit can stress wheels, axles, and the frame. Ensure loads are distributed evenly and do not surpass the trolley’s rated capacity.

Store trolleys correctly: Avoid leaving trolleys outside or in damp conditions. Indoor, covered storage keeps them protected from moisture and environmental damage. Never stack heavy items on idle trolleys, as this can warp frames or baskets.

Train staff on proper use: Rough handling, dragging, or bumping into walls and fixtures accelerates wear. Educate staff on careful usage to maintain trolley performance.

Shopping Trolley Wheels and Castors

The wheels and castors are the parts most exposed to stress, so they deserve extra attention:

• Clean regularly – Remove dirt, hair, and debris lodged in treads or axles to prevent resistance and damage.
• Check rotation and stability – Wheels should roll without wobbling, and swivel castors must turn freely. Misaligned or stiff wheels increase stress on the frame.
• Lubricate bearings – Apply light lubricant to ensure smooth movement. Avoid products that attract dust.
• Replace worn parts promptly – Cracked, flattened, or noisy wheels should be swapped before they affect other components.
• Choose wheels suitable for the environment – Hard surfaces, rough floors, or outdoor use require wheels with appropriate materials like rubber, polyurethane, or nylon to reduce wear.

Benefits of Consistent Trolley Care

Maintaining your trolleys regularly delivers clear advantages:

• Lower costs over time – Reduced repairs and fewer replacements.
• Safer environment – Reliable trolleys prevent accidents and injuries.
• Smooth shopping experience – Well-maintained trolleys are easier for customers to use.
• Maximised investment – Extending the lifespan of your fleet ensures the most value from your purchase.

Get Expert Advice

Our team can help you develop a tailored maintenance plan for your trolley fleet, supply replacement components, and advise on the best trolleys for your environment.