3-in-1 Shop Utility Cart Plans
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When you need a Shop Cart with more capacity than those off-the-shelf, build it! These shop cart plans include options for size and capacity, 3,000+ lbs. It’s a floor cart, then add a utility cart top for even more function. 3-in-1.
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$ 12.99 - Complete Plans
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Description
Description
Around the shop we are always moving a heavy project, a machine, or something. Got a super tough Shop Cart (aka Floor Dolly)? These shop cart plans are for the high capacity cart you can’t buy at the store.
The base cart holds up to 3200 lbs evenly loaded, when built with the right casters. Or choose less, like 3000 lbs. or 2400 lbs. with wheels that glide. Wheel options and Cart Size variations are in the plans.
Base size of this cart in the plans is nominally 28″ x 22″, and it stands less than 7″ high. Modify length and width to meet your needs. Engineering info about capacity with size is in the plans.
Add The Utility Cart Upper
This cart is modular. 3-in-1. To make the cart more useful (when not in dolly duty) by adding the utility upper. Build it at your work height. It makes the cart perfect for roving with tools.
Then, when you need the high capacity base, just pop the upper off. 3-in-1. The plans even include multi-function leg extensions. They lock the upper to the cart, or flip so the utility top stands, on it’s own, and remains at your chosen work height (like a mini work bench).
Or, skip the extensions and go with simple clips (like the 3rd item in the image above). The design is modular, and the plans have options, so you can choose the functions.
Sure, you can buy a cart at the store, but we can’t find one at this capacity. See this article about the cart design. If you need a seriously tough shop cart, build one from these plans.
Specifications
Specifications
Utility Shop Cart Plans
- Modular Design. Plans include the base floor cart as well as the Utility Upper that attaches.
- Plans show cart at 28″ x 22″ nominal, with instructions about changing the base size.
- Also contains engineering information for capacity if cart is made much larger.
- Options for capacity are based on Casters — 3,600 lbs max.; 3,000 lbs. standard.
- Your choice of wheels. Soft or hard for easy rolling super high capacity.
- Standard materials easily available. Steel or aluminum. Requires welding.
- Options for the cart surface.
- Utility top plans included. Make a shelf or shelves at the height you desire.
- Shop cart plans include complete blueprints and instructions, including a cut list and info about purchasing the needed parts.
More About The Design Features
More About The Design Features
The shop cart design is simple, yet very strong to do what most carts can’t. Build it with quality casters so it’s tough enough to withstand the rigors of continued, heavy use. This is NOT a wimpy mail order cart. While made for utility and ease of use, this design will support the full advertised load without complaining. And, you can adjust the size to meet your requirements. Best of all . . . You Can Build It Yourself !
Options include capacity up to 3,600 lbs. (4x 900 lb casters). Since capacity is set by the wheels, we recommend a slightly lower total load in use. The better casters for rolling on the floor have ratings of 800 lbs and below. 3,000 lbs is a good compromise, but the choice is completely yours.
The utility upper is also a simple design with legs, a top, and the shelves you choose. The design shows one shelf, but you can add many. You can also add hooks, or brackets or whatever makes the cart most useful.
Make the work top at your perfect height. If you’re tall, make it tall. If you’re shorter, make it fit your style. The utility upper is actually designed as a useful way to store the floor cart in multi-function.
Separate the top from the base cart when the cart is needed for other things. The design includes some brackets for that. And, the optional brackets can turn up-side-down to be leg extensions when the base cart is removed. That keeps the work top at the proper height.
Cart construction requires steel cutting, drilling, and welding.
Max Load Capacity is 3,600 lbs.*
These shop cart plans include easy to follow, fully illustrated instructions as well as engineering options for sizes. For more, see the Shop Tools Plans including presses, gantry style cranes, and lifting accessories.
Maximize Your Project
Make the most of your new Shop Tools project. We have plans, of course, plus these suggestions.
First: Purchase plans with the "Add to Cart" button, then right after payment, a digital copy is ready to save to your computer. Please see this article for answers about getting the plans.
Second: Look through the plans and choose your options. (Things like size, capacity and extras.) For changes, read When It's Safe To Customize the Plans. Also, check out Customer Stories for inspiration.
Third: Get the most from your new Tool with accessories. We recommend Quality accessories to serve well for years. Try Grainger, MSC, McMaster and others. Amazon, eBay, etc. can be good, but be careful getting cheap stuff.
Fourth: We have many articles to help in building. Just type a question in the Show Me bar (top of this page), then press "GO". Or, for simple browsing, visit Articles from the Mechanic.
Reminder:
Building requires skill and proper tools for cutting, drilling, accurate set-up, and (for some plans) machining and welding. Strength, durability, and enjoyment depend on quality construction. Please take time to Build it well, so it will Serve you well !!
Shop Tools Notes for Success
* Load capacity of a CRANE is a static, vertical load which is highly dependent on materials used, construction techniques, assembly methods, orientation and squareness of the assembly, and proper load distribution. Load capacity does not include component capacities for tools, trolley, cables, chains or other hoist equipment. Do not exceed manufacturer limits on any equipment. Always use Extreme Caution when lifting, and don't allow hanging loads to swing. Here is some more good Crane Safety advice.
* Load capacity of a PRESS is a static, central load in the frame, and is highly dependent on choices for materials, components, construction techniques, assembly methods, orientation and squareness of the assembly. It is made for a hydraulic or screw type prime mover only. Not for pneumatics. Load capacity does not include strength of purchased parts like the hydraulic jack, tools, press plates or other equipment. Do not exceed manufacturer limits of any equipment. Always Use Extreme Caution and Proper Safety Equipment when Pressing, and don't press items that are not inline with the prime mover (jack) forces.
* Load capacity of a CART is a static, vertical load, spread over the load surface, which depends on wheel choices, materials, construction techniques, assembly methods, weld quality, etc.. Cart frame load capacity does not include component capacities like casters or bolts. Do not exceed manufacturer limits for components. Always use Caution when setting or moving loads on a cart, and make sure you are in control. Use Extreme Caution with carts on sloped surfaces.
For trouble-free life with shop tools, we always encourage care and safety. Please make sure all fastening methods will handle the environment where it will operate – including vibration, fastener types, bolt grades, torques, and nut types (like lock nuts). Then, be smart with loading, load distribution, force orientation, pressure, and surrounding conditions. We want you safe to enjoy your new tool for a long time ahead.
Thank You — The Mechanical Elements Team
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