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About plant mover

Types of Plant Movers

A plant mover is used to transport heavy or large objects with little effort in the gardening world. There are various types of plant movers for plants available for different platforms and purposes.

  • Utility Cart

    A utility cart is a cart with wheels used to transport various items and is commonly found in warehouses, supermarkets, and hospitals. An example would be the food carts used in hotels and motels. They usually have three or four shelves and are pushed by hand. Though commonly used to carry food from the kitchen to dining areas, utility carts can also be used by gardeners to transport tools or plants from one point to another. They are an excellent option for moving several small pots simultaneously. They can be found with different wheel sizes and capacities and are manufactured with materials like aluminum or plastic for durability and lightweight maneuverability.

  • Garden Trolley

    Like the plant trolley, the garden troller is designed with larger wheels for uneven outdoor surfaces. It is a useful tool for moving potted plants, gardening equipment, and heavy objects that are cumbersome to lift. It can also have swiveling front wheels for ultimate maneuverability, letting the user turn corners easily. Furthermore, some trolleys come with foldable trays for easy storage and transport.

    Though useful in moving around the garden, the trolley often maxes out its ability to carry heavy items. This is where the plant dolly comes in.

  • Plant Dolly

    The plant dolly generally has four wheels mounted to a square or rectangular platform. It is functional and practical for moving heavy pots.  Because of its sturdiness and ability to maneuver even the heaviest of plant pots, it has gained popularity among landscapers and nursery attendants as an indispensable equipment choice. The wheels of a plant dolly can be fixed or swivel casters that turn freely, allowing the user to push and pull it without difficulty from various angles.

    Although plant dollies are known to be tough, indoor cart movers are also known for their durability, especially when used anywhere in the garden.

  • Hand Trucks

    A hand truck is a two-wheeled cart that stands upright. It is also known as a sack truck or trolley, and it is used to move heavy items. It is pushed or pulled and is widely used to haul boxes, crates, and other items. Hand trucks vary by shape, size, and functions— some have tilting wheels while others have a flatbed. A hand truck with a tilting wheel can be used to transport large potted plants.

  • Palaut Dollies

    A platform cart with four wheels is usually moved by foot or hand. They are used to move large and heavy items

Specifications and maintenance of plant movers

Plant mover trolleys are available in different specifications to suit various needs. Usually, the dimensions will include the width, height, and weight capacity of the base. The most common dimension is 30 cm x 30 cm (or 12 in x 12 in) with a maximum capacity of 250 kg-300 kg, which is suitable for small pots. However, there are larger bases like 90 cm x 90 cm (or 36 in x 36 in) with capacities between 800 kg to 1200 kg for heavier and larger equipment. For extra heavy-duty capacities up to 80 tons (80000 kg), a plant pot trolley with a capacity of 80 cm x 80 cm will be used.

When choosing plant movers, the wheel type is also important. Solid rubber tires (which are made with air-filled inner tubes) provide flat, sturdy movement, but may not roll as well over bumpy or rough surfaces as other types. Polyurethane wheels are a type of plastic that is soft and resilient, capable of rolling over rough surfaces with ease. Caster wheels can swivel and be locked into a set place. Polyurethane wheels can be total, but usually consist of separate wheels and are made to be swivel-caster wheels. Fixed wheels are attached to a frame and are locked into place, but can still roll and moving objects sideways. Some wheel types are: swivel caster wheels, PVC wheels, heavy-duty caster wheels, and silent wheels. Generally, the more heavy-duty the wheel is, the better support and load it can provide.

Maintenance of the plant movers mainly focuses on the wheels, as they are the primary movers of the object. Checking the condition of each wheel on a regular basis is important. This includes visually inspecting for loose, missing, or damaged parts. Other aspects like cracks, bulges, or worn tread. Making sure each wheel can spin freely, on its axle, and rolling freely on the ground, without obstruction. Lubricating the axles promptly so they could move smoothly and freely is also important. Lubricate stuck swivel parts and cleaning debris usually helps them to move smoothly.

Scenarios

The following industries and applications commonly use plant movers.

  • Nurseries and Greenhouses

    Plant trolleys with wheels are widely used in nursery and greenhouse settings. These environments have changing weather conditions that require frequent changes, and they also have space constraints. Plant movers allow for easy relocation of plants to ensure they receive optimal sunlight exposure. In addition, they also allow for efficient use of floor space within the greenhouse.

  • Retail Garden Centers

    Garden centers face the challenge of attracting customers. Their main goal is to sell products. Plant movers are useful tools for the garden center staff to effortlessly rearrange product displays to create eye-catching focal points that draw attention. Additionally, they can be used to conveniently move sales items closer to the checkout counter, thereby reducing the time required for customers to wait in line and expediting the purchasing process.

  • Landscaping Companies

    Landscaping companies can save a lot of physical labor and improve productivity with plant movers. They protect newly planted trees and shrubs from damage. Using a mover reduces stress on plants and promotes better establishment in the landscape.

  • Warehousing and Logistics

    In plant logistics and nurseries, oversized flat plant movers simplify transporting large quantities of plants and flowers. They can reduce time spent moving products and increase efficiency. With fewer trips required, staff can focus on other important tasks.

  • Trade Shows and Exhibitions

    Plant exhibitors often face time constraints when setting up their displays. They can use plant movers to bring all the plants they need to the exhibition area at once, significantly reducing the time and effort required to set up their display quickly. Additionally, plant movers can help create a more organized and professional-looking presentation for visitors.

  • Hospitality Industry

    Hotels and resorts want to impress their guests with beautiful outdoor spaces. Using plant movers to reposition large decorative plants helps create an impressive visual experience in hotel lobbies and resort receptions.

  • Special Events and Occasions

    Plant movers are often used for weddings, corporate events, and outdoor parties. They can help plants be quickly repositioned to enhance venue decor. At the end of the event, plant movers allow the speedy removal of plants and fixtures.

  • Office and Corporate Facilities

    Office spaces in corporate facilities need to be clean and organized to create an efficient working environment. Corporate facilities prefer to use plant movers to easily reposition potted plants and minimize employee disruptions. Plant movers can help maintain a tidy, professional appearance throughout the office.

How to choose the plant mover

  • Weight capacity

    Choose a plant trolley mover that will hold the weight of the largest plant. It may be tempting to pick a lighter one because it will be cheaper, but it should be able to safely carry the weight of the plants. Consider the weight of the full-size plant and any extra weights, like lift fittings and watering equipment.

  • Mover size

    The base size will need to be big enough to hold the largest plant pot's circumference. Consider any overhanging branches or leaves. Also, think about if there is a need to shift more than one plant at a time. The size of the trolley may need to be increased if moving plants in bulk.

  • Wheel size

    If the wheels are too small, they will get stuck in the soil. However, larger wheels may be heavier and harder to manoeuvre, especially for a low-cost plant mover. Consider the terrain and the comfortable weight that needs to be moved.

  • Clarity of purpose

    The simple, straightforward designs are often the cheapest. More novel plant movers, like the hula hoop, may take longer to understand and be less effective. However, they may provide a more entertaining experience for users. Consider the intended purpose and whether fun is more important than functionality.

  • Cost

    Garden plant movers cost as little as $20, but decorative ones can cost significantly more. Bulk orders may qualify for discounts. Weigh the costs against the number of moves each plant will require and the risk of breakage.

Plant mover Q&A

Q1. Which type of plant mover is suitable for heavy pots?

A1. The best type of plant mover for heavy pots is a plant trolley with a handle. It prevents injuries caused by lifting heavy pots and allows plants to be moved at least six inches away from the plant's base to inspect for surface level issues. Another appropriate type is the plant trolley with a swivel castor wheel. This type has wheels that spin freely in all directions, which is useful when positioning or redirecting plants with ease in any direction.

Q2. Are plant movers necessary?

A2. Yes, plant movers are necessary tools for those who spend time and invest money in growing and nurturing plants. They protect the pot and root system of the plant while driving the force required to change the positioning of the plant easily. The easiest way to change a plant’s growing environment or its location for optimal sunlight exposure is by using a mover.

Q3. What materials are used to make a plant mover?

A3. The materials used to make the plant mover are durable, weather-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. The most common materials are metal, such as iron or stainless steel, polyester, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. Iron and stainless steel provide strength, stability, and load-bearing capacity. Carts made from these metals are long-lasting and can withstand heavy weights. Plant movers made from iron usually have a powder coating to prevent rust. The powder coating also adds to the product’s aesthetic appeal. HDPE plastic is an excellent choice because it is sturdy, versatile, and resistant to extremes of heat and cold. It is also an eco-friendly option.

Q4. What size plant mover should be bought?

A4. The big size plant mover is usually required when moving large and heavy pots. Small sizes are suitable for small plants in small pots. Mover size is also determined by the pot's shape. Irregularly shaped pots may require an adjustable or custom plant mover. Check the weight capacity before deciding. Weight-bearing capacity is determined by the base and wheel size.

Q5. Can a plant mover be used for an indoor plant?

A5. Yes, a plant mover is an invaluable tool for indoor planting. It allows for the rapid repositioning of indoor planters to keep them looking fresh and changing decor whenever the need arises quickly and effortlessly. Moreover, using a plant mover under the base of an indoor plant pot allows for easy cleaning and care of the plant.