If you were a betting individual, you might say that our 115+ years of experience as a manufacturer of casters and wheels give us a certain advantage in the carts and trailers marketplace. We understand how our casters will perform because we rigorously test them. And we bring those same testing capabilities to our carts and trailers. How will a Hamilton trailer handle an oversized load? Is it stable? Is weight properly distributed? How much overload can be applied before suffering permanent deflection? All of these factors help inform the design principles of our trailers.
Here are some of the ways we test Hamilton trailers to ensure that they live long and prosper.
Simulated test using Finite Element Analysis (FEA): For specialized and demanding trailer designs, our engineers run a finite element analysis (FEA). An FEA is great because it allows us to test the trailer virtually before it’s even built. This not only helps us determine design feasibility but also dictates the most efficient materials we should use.
Load tests: We test our casters and wheels under strict load test criteria, such as deflection under certain loads and push/pull forces.
Static or dynamic tests: In a static test, we apply a load to an immobile trailer for a given period of time and inspect it for any signs of yielding. Taking measurements before, during and after can help determine if any permanent deflection is involved. During a dynamic test, we apply a load to the trailer and then move it to mimic actual use, collecting measurements such as draw bar forces.
Functional tests: Just like it sounds. We put the trailer through the paces to ensure it performs as intended.
Tipping tests: Determining the tipping factor of a load is a big consideration in trailer design. Several factors come into play—including trailer height and center of gravity, speed, turning radius and floor slope—all of which we plug into our Tipometer spreadsheet to analyze the safety of a load. For trailer loads, we aim for a factor safety of 2—twice the industry standard.
Now don’t you feel safer already?
XT3469 2K Platform Cart
- Capacity: 2,000 lbs.
- Deck Size: 42” wide x 108” long
- Deck Material: Steel Plate
- Steering Type: Caster Steer
- Running Gear: (4) S-SPWH-4DB-1-4SL-ZB Spring Loaded Workhorse Swivel Caster with 4" x 2" Duralast® Polyurethane (95A) on Cast Iron Wheel with 1/2" Sealed Precision Ball Bearings
- Travel Speed: 3-5 mph recommended
- Finish: Grey