What is an I Beam Trolley?
Beam trolleys are one of the earliest conveyor types. They are simple to plan, install and use. Use them as one of the most affordable ways to move products efficiently. Because of this versatility, I-beam trolley applications include home workshop use, paint finishing lines and use in automotive assembly plants. They are sometimes called monorail trolley track systems in factories.
Ultimation distributes a range of Jervis Webb and Ultimation hand push trolleys for steel I beams, with trolleys available with weight capacities of 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 and 4,000 pounds. So unlike welded mild steel “home handyman” style trolleys, these cast iron units are designed for continuous operation in heavy duty industrial applications. They are commonly used in finishing, painting or powder coating conveyor applications as they can withstand high temperatures.
Use hand push I-beam trolley conveyor systems when:
- Moving simple products from one location to another
- Product can easily be attached to the trolley with a hook
- Moving a product around curves. Therefore I-beam tracks are available in various length straights and curves
Don’t use hand push I beam trolleys if you need:
- Motorized movement. There are different Webb trolley products and chains that are specially developed for motorized systems
- Moving products up or down inclines. As a result, the loads can move under their own weight causing a dangerous condition
- To use the conveyor as a working surface.
Models Available:
Depending upon the product weight and I-beam size, you can select the right Webb I beam trolley conveyor product for your needs:
- The model #9792 has 500 pounds capacity (1/4 ton) and suits 2-5/8″, 3″ and 4″ I-beams
- Model # 10705 has 1,000 pounds capacity (1/2 ton) and suits 3″ and 4″ tall I-beams
- Trolley model #10711 has 1,500 pounds capacity (3/4 ton) and suits 4″, 5″ and 6″ I-beams
- Model #8360 has 2,000 pounds capacity (1 ton) and suits 6″ through 8″ I-beams (can suit up to 15″ with adapter kit)
- And finally Model #8363 has 4,000 pounds capacity (2 ton) and suits 6″ through 12″ I-beams (can suit up to 15″ with adapter kit)
Features of all Ultimation and Webb hand push trolleys
Because side guide rollers are standard on all products, they will roll more smoothly and can negotiate curves (unlike home handyman style beam trolleys). In addition, other standard features are extended flanges, standard triple labyrinth seals, and a rugged cast iron body construction. Wheels are bolted for easy replacement.
What kind of steel beam is an I beam trolley designed for?
I-beam trolley conveyor components are designed to run on I beam track with tapered flanges (please see cross section in the graphic). Consequently these are known as “Standard I Beams” and generally have the prefix S (e.g. S6 or S-6 for a 6″ American Standard I beam). While Wide Flange or H beams have a wider flange and generally have the prefix WF (e.g. WF6). Therefore this wider flange may impact the fit of the product. See dimension “A” in the graphic and if using a wide flange or H style beam ensure this dimension is maintained. Since you should check this dimension, here is a link to the dimensions for standard S type I-beams.
How to measure an I-beam correctly
It’s one of the most common errors that we see. Customers measure across the flange of their beam and order a beam trolley to suit. This is not the way to measure an I beam (or any type of steel beam). I-beams and wide-flange beams are designated by the height of the beam, not the width across the flange. See the graphic below for the dimensions of a 4″ I-beam (S4 I-beam):
How do I make my I-beam trolley suit a wider flange beam?
If the I-beam trolley you ordered doesn’t fit your beam, you are welcome to return it to us and purchase a larger model. Alternatively, you can use spacers (washers or steel tube) and longer bolts as required to separate the two halves of your I-beam trolley. Just remember to use Grade 5 or better bolts and that when you extend the I beam trolly halves wider than their originally designed maximum spacing, you will need to de-rate the maximum loading accordingly.
Engineers and Architects – 2D and 3D CAD Models available for download
Contact Ultimation for downloadable 2D Autocad and 3D Solidworks and Inventor files of these Jervis Webb trolleys and other conveyor system components. Files are available in .dwg .step and .iges formats. Click here to request the items that you need.
Load limits for I-beam trolley conveyor systems
Finally, be mindful of load limits for both the tracks and the trolleys for I-beam systems. You can use the chart below for approximate load ratings:
Call us. Our staff are ready to help.
- Ready to buy standard models? Click here to go to our online store. Same day shipping available on most I-beam trolley sets
- Call us on 586-771-1881. Most of all, our staff will help you with the necessary calculations for getting you going
- Need help learning about other conveyor types, which types to use and how to specify them? This step by step guide will help.
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