Choosing a great cart for your business just takes a little math…
(And a special thanks to Lakeside for originally providing this handy calculator.)
_____1. What will the cart’s average load weigh? (Start at 100 lbs if your loads are less than that. Add 100 if the load will be dropped on from a height of more than 18” and add 100 more if the shelves are longer than 33”.)
+
_____2. Add in the floor surfaces the cart will be used on regularly.
(Use 0 for smooth vinyl tile or indoor concrete, 100 for ceramic tile or carpet, 300 for thresholds or uneven outdoor surfaces.)
+
_____3. How many hours per day will the cart be used?
(Add in 0 if the cart is used less than 3 hours per day, 100 for 4-9 hours, 200 for 10-15 hours, and 300 for 16+ hours per day.)
= _____ Your cart’s total required load capacity.
So for example, if I run a restaurant that will be using this cart for loads of 120 lbs on carpeted floors for 8 hours a day, the math would look like this:
120 (for average load)
+ 100 (for carpeted floors)
+ 100 (for 8 hours of use a day)
320 lbs required load capacity
![Bus Cart]()
Online, in each bus cart’s product page, I found the load capacity listed under the heading “Features.” In this case, I found that Serv-U’s CMCQ-5800 would serve my needs well. Or—if I’m in the mood for stainless steel—the ADMQ-1800 also has a 400 lb capacity. Calculate your needs and find the bus cart that’s best for you.
