3 Structural Dolly Parts You Need to Keep an Eye On

In order to get the most out of your facility, you’ve surely invested in high-quality dollies or skates. And, like any other great investment, you need to protect and maintain them. Having your eye on dolly/skate parts as they incur wear will keep you moving smoothly.

Knowing which parts age the fastest is important to good dolly maintenance. Pay attention to these three components and you’ll be rewarded with a dolly that stays in good working order for years to come.

Skate Axles

Your axles bear much of the weight of your dolly loads. They can become damaged or deteriorated without you even noticing. A few points about skate axles:

• Over time, your set screws could be less effective in keeping your axles in place, causing problems turning or making rollers halt altogether.
• If your skate axles don’t turn like they used to, they should be replaced as soon as possible. 
• Hardened axles have the highest load capabilities as they are heat treated for durability.
• When shopping, double check your current axles as they come in a variety of sizes.

Contact us with any questions on how to replace yours.

Rollers

Rollers are one of the most important dolly parts and should be maintained for continued efficiency over the life of your dolly. We recommend that you grease your rollers on a regular basis. Some points about dolly and skate rollers:

• Your rollers have direct contact with the floor of your shop or warehouse, meaning they have one of the hardest jobs of all your dolly parts. Because of this, they show the most obvious signs of wear and tear right on their face.
• If your rollers look cracked or like they’re about to fall apart, discontinue use of your dolly until you can replace your rollers.
• Whether you use steel or polyurethane coated rollers, most standard machinery skates can switch between poly or steel rollers. Depending on your wheel type and their configuration, you may need to consider switching material.
• If you’re a user who’s never used both types, be aware that poly rollers require additional maintenance and care that steel rollers do not. Feel free to contact us if you’re considering switching types.

Remember: Rollers do not include bearings and may require that you find the right bearings to fit your system.

Bearings

Bearings are one of your dolly parts that need the most regular maintenance. Make sure you keep them lubricated. A dry bearing can turn to a cracked bearing, bringing your dolly to a grinding halt and throw a wrench in production. A few points about dolly and skate bearings:

• Be sure you’re using the best lubricant for your dolly.
• Your bearing size and specifications will depend on the roller you use, so when replacing, be sure you get the right bearings for your system.
• If you notice wobbling or if your rollers don’t seem to be moving at the same pace, you’re likely facing a bearing issue.

Follow our guide if you find yourself needing to replace the bearings on any of your dollies.

Well-Maintained Dolly Parts Keep Facilities Moving

In order to keep your production, shipping, or manufacturing system in good working order, make sure your dolly’s parts are well taken care of. Smooth dollies are also good for safety, as workers tend to expect a certain level of performance from their tools. The sudden seizure of a wheel can cause a load to tip and lead to headaches.

Remember to be sure you’re up to date on all safety standards. Stay productive and safe by keeping your dolly parts in perfect condition!