European Trolley Design Influencing The American Janitor Cart

In this article, industry manufacturers answer common questions asked by building service contractors.

American carts are being influenced by European trolleys. What are the advantages to customizable "add-ons" and color-coded bins?

The advantages to the user in terms of customized carts are immeasurable and greatly appreciated by users who must maintain a high level of sanitation despite budget cutbacks. Most American users have been forced to accept a "one size fits all mentality" which typically involves carts with shelves that are meant for the storage of everything that a housekeeper carries on the cart.

However, users are looking for better organization for the storage of many items that are different sizes and different shapes. And they want the most frequently used items to be in a prime location on the cart where the housekeeper always knows where that particular item is.

The very idea of color-coded bins are ideal for segregating cleaning solutions and the associated cleaning cloths and other tools that are stored in them.

— Paul J. Recko Jr., Sr. Vice President Sales & Marketing, Vermop USA Inc., Charlotte, N.C.

Europe's "Smart Cart" designs and the "Classic American Muscle Carts" all attempt to improve use and value. Add-ons allow the user to build a task-specific tools and organization cart.

— Todd Carlson, General Manager, Delamo Manufacturing, Los Angeles

Building service contractors have problems with the small waste receptacles or can liners on carts. Are newer carts being designed with more space for waste? How can BSCs accommodate more waste on their existing carts?

With a one size fits all type of product, this is a problem. The solution lies in the manufacturer's ability to customize the cart by adding additional storage space perhaps by adding a little height to the cart. Optional doors can be added for easy removal of the trash.

— Paul J. Recko Jr., Sr. Vice President Sales & Marketing, Vermop USA Inc., Charlotte, N.C.

Yes, cart systems are adding capacity for waste, tools and developing attaching devices (example wringers or full size waste can). These trolleys and accessories help improve many of those task-specific applications.

— Todd Carlson, General Manager, Delamo Manufacturing, Los Angeles

How can BSCs retrofit their older carts designed for cotton mop buckets to now accommodate a microfiber mop bucket?

BSCs cannot retrofit an older cart that has been used with an old-fashioned cotton mop, bucket and wringer and expect good working results or a professional appearance. Many facilities now using daytime cleaning are no longer tolerating the use of old thrown together cleaning systems for use in public areas. What happens in most cases is the BSC will use a tub and place it on the cart to create a sort of "pre-wash" type of system. But most of the old plastic and metal carts were not designed to meet the needs of today's market.

— Paul J. Recko Jr., Sr. Vice President Sales & Marketing, Vermop USA Inc., Charlotte, N.C.

I must encourage BSCs to consider a new cart specific to the task. The proper cart and tool has labor value that outweighs the spend factor. Do it right the first time.

— Todd Carlson, General Manager, Delamo Manufacturing, Los Angeles