Help Hub / FAQs

FAQs

Castors & Wheels

Pre-sales

+ Are the load capacities listed static or dynamic?

All of the load capacities in our catalogue or on our website are dynamic load capacities. Unless otherwise stated they are all based on a 4km/h walking pace. We are able to offer castors for higher speeds in certain ranges which can go up to 16km/h for towable loads. If your application is static, we would add 25% to the load capacity.

+ Are your castors manufactured in the UK?

Yes – our castors are manufactured at our site in Calne, Wiltshire.

+ Can I have a different coloured castor?

We offer zinc plated, stainless steel castor with a metal finish and also a range of black painted castors. We can offer certain of our castors in different colours as a bespoke option based on a minimum order quantity. Please call us and we will be happy to help you 01249 822222.

+ Can you buy just a replacement wheel?

Yes you are able to buy replacement wheels. Make sure that you measure your wheels accurately to get the correct size. If you are not sure which size to buy, please complete one of our specification forms or contact us 01249 822222 and we will be happy to help you find the wheel you need.

+ Can you rebond polyurethane tyres?

Yes you can.

It depends on the sizing of the tyre but with standard wheels, it would often be cheaper to replace the wheel. For a quotation to rebond your tyres Please call our sales team on 01249 822222. We will ask you for these measurements: tyre diameter, tread width and diameter of centre core.

+ Do you have a catalogue?

Our catalogues are all available from the catalogues section of our help centre or you can call us on 01249 822222 to request a copy.

+ Do you have a showroom where I can look at different options?

All of our products are shown in the catalogue and on the website. We do not have a showroom but it is possible to arrange a visit to our Head Office in Calne.

+ Do you offer bespoke products?

Yes – we are able to offer bespoke products. Please call us on 01249 822222 to discuss your requirements. We’d love to hear from you.

+ Do you offer fixing material with the castors?

These are available as separate items and can be added to your order. See our extensive range.

+ Do you offer site visits to help with my requirements?

Yes. Our external sales team can visit your site, discuss your requirements and run through the options available. They can also bring samples to your site for trial. This service is available for customers who are looking for a large quantity of products. Please call to arrange a demonstration on 01249 822222 or complete our online booking form.

+ Do you offer these wheels in other colours?

We offer black, grey and blue rubber tyres and red, blue and green polyurethane tyres. In some of ranges, we can offer any colour – please call our sales team on 01249 822222 to discuss your options.

+ Do you work out the weight loading for jacking castors the same as normal castors?

No. BIL jacking castors are rated differently to other castors. They are designed to lift a load off of the floor and therefore each castor is liable to carry half of the total load. To avoid any potential overloading we advise that each BIL jacking castor should have a load capacity of at least 50% of overall load capacity. You can work this out by adding the weight of the trolley to the maximum load and then dividing the total load by 2 to give the capacity of each jacking castor.

+ How can I work out pneumatic wheel sizes?

You will need to measure the tyre depth and rim diameter. Simply input your measurements (in inches) for your tyre depth and rim diameter into our tyre calculator and we will suggest wheels of an appropriate size.

+ How do castor expanders work?

Castor expanders are used to attach your castor wheels to hollow metal tubing (either square or round cross-section). They are often used in trolley and cart legs.

+ How do I know what castor I need?

You can simply call us and our specialist team are ready to help you. Just call 01249 822222 to discuss your needs. If you require help with measurements, you can call us or complete the enquiry form on the website.

If you speak to us we can advise you and also we will check to see if we have something suitable that isn’t on our website and/or look to manufacture this for you.

+ How do you work out the load capacity?

This depends on the configuration and takes into consideration the effect of uneven floor surfaces which can affect the castor share of the total loading. It also accounts for the possibility of one, or more, of the castors potentially lifting from the floor. For safe working, we calculate the load rating:

  • for a 4 wheel configuration: Each castor has the capacity of 33% of the total load (divide the total load by 3 to give the load capacity of each castor)
  • For a 3 wheel configuration: each castor has the capacity for 40% of the total load (divide the total load by 2.5 to give the load capacity for each castor)
  • For a 6 wheel configuration: each castor has the capacity of 50% of the total load (divide the total load by 2 to give the load capacity for each castor)

See our configuration guide for further information

+ What bearing type is best to use in my wheels?

This depends on your application. We offer plain bearings which are good for light duty or wheels that get washed down a lot. A roller bearing option makes things easier to manoeuvre. The best option is ball bearing but this is more expensive and is suitable for heavier applications.

+ What castors would you recommend for a towing application? Are your castors towable?

Power towing can put a greater stress on castors (compared to manual handling). Our specially designed internal and external towable castors can run at speeds up to 20kph and will meet the needs of the most demanding applications.

Our spring-loaded power towing castors are specially designed internal and external towable castors can run at speeds up to 16kph.

Towing castors can be used in many different situations – from inside car plants to on snow ploughs so please call us on 01249 822222 to discuss your needs and we will help you find the most suitable castor for your application.

+ What does ergonomic mean?

Ergonomic means that something has been designed to be effective, efficient, safe and comfortable for a person to use in the workplace.

+ What does the Shore Hardness mean?

Shore hardness is a scale that measures how hard or soft a wheel is. Rubber will have a lower shore rating than polyurethane or nylon which are much harder.

+ What is a drive wheel?

A drive wheel is driven by a motor and the force created causes other wheels to move.

+ What is a parking jack?

A parking jack is similar to a truck lock. It is normally used in conjunction with heavier duty fabricated castors and is not designed to lift any load but to act as a brake mechanism. You would use a number of these around your unit as a safety element. An example of this would that the parking jacks are used to lock staging in place while work is being carried out on an aircraft but can also be released to allow the staging to be moved into different positions.

+ What is the difference between Nylon and Polypropylene?

Both nylon and polypropylene are types of plastic. Nylon wheels are stronger and can cope with a heavier load than polypropylene but they can also be more expensive. Nylon wheels are porous and can absorb moisture if left in standing water.

+ What is the difference between pressed steel and a fabricated castor?

A fabricated castor has been welded together whereas pressed steel has been pressed from a sheet of metal. The fabricated castor would therefore be thicker and thus more suitable for heavier loads.

+ What is the difference between, plain, roller and ball bearing?

Plain bearing – is just the centre of the wheel with nothing in it.

Roller bearings or needle roller bearings is a plastic casing that has metal pins going round it. This makes the wheel easier to use.

Ball bearings comprise of little balls in a metal shield, with a rubber or steel seal. These bearings will last longer, take heavier loads and make everything easier to move.

+ What kind of Castors and Wheels do you stock?

We stock an extensive range of castors and wheels. Please see our castors by category here and our wheels by category here.

+ What type of brakes can you offer on your castors?

Swivel wheel brakes which locks the swivel head and the wheel. On some range we offer a wheel only brake.

+ What’s best for castors for noise reduction?

The best castors for noise reduction have soft rubber wheels. We recommend 55 Shore A or 65 Shore A.

+ What’s the advantage of a twin wheel castor?

One advantage of a twin wheel castor is the weight handling capacity. A twin wheeled castor will handle more weight than a single wheel. This also means that you could use a smaller twin wheeled castor in place of a larger single wheel castor if the load height is a concern.

Twin wheel castors rotate independently which makes turning, changing direction or reversing much easier and makes it possible to manoeuvre heavy loads with less effort.

+ What’s the best wheel to use on rough concrete/grass/cobbles etc

We recommend a pneumatic or very soft wheel for use on uneven, rough ground or surfaces as these will absorb some of the impact.

+ What’s the difference between a hub width and a tread width?

The tread width is the width of the tyre or wheel. The hub width is the width of the hole where the wheel fits on to a bolt or axle. https://www.bilgroup.co.uk/product-specification-input-sheet/plain-bore-wheel/

+ Where do I find the product data sheets and are there any drawings?

A product data sheet is available for all products on the website. When you are on the individual product page, you will see the option to download the PDF data sheet.

In order to access the drawings, you will need to sign up for free CAD access. Please complete the registration form online or call us on 01249 822222 to arrange this.

+ Which is better - a pneumatic or puncture proof?

The choice of which is better really depends on what they will be used for. Pneumatic tyres offer a smooth ride, capable of cushioning bumps in the ground and generally take less effort to get from one place to the next. However, there is the possibility that the tyre might puncture or lose pressure.

Puncture proof tyres on the other hand are solid and don’t suffer from going flat and are always ready to use. They are less able to deal with soft or rough ground, transmitting every bump you go over and prone to getting stuck in the mud.

Please see our guide about the advantages and disadvantages of pneumatic and puncture proof tyres.

Products

+ Can I have a brake and directional lock on a castor?

Yes this is possible on our fabricated castor ranges. The directional lock can be retrofitted as long as it doesn’t interfere with the brake.

+ Can I have a brake on a fixed castor?

A fixed castor does not normally require a brake as it is not moving. As standard, our fixed castors do not have brakes but it is possible for us to fit these if required. Please contact us on 01249 822222 and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.

+ Can you offer castors for high temp applications?

Our zinc plated and stainless steel castors for high temperature applications which go up to 400C. See our full range here.

+ Do you do castors for mobile steps?

Yes we have a range of castors designed for use with mobile steps.

+ Do you have an anti-static range of castors?

We offer a range of anti-static and electrically conductive castors in stainless steel or zinc frames. Our anti-static wheels generally have resistivity ratings of below: 10̂^6 Ohms and our electrically conductive wheels have a resistivity rating below 10^4 Ohms. Please see our anti-static range here and our electically conductive range here.

+ Do you have ergonomic castors?

Our ergonomically designed range of wheels and castors feature effortless rolling with a very low push-pull effort required to move heavy loads. See our ergonomic castors.

+ Do you make castors that do not mark the floor?

We offer a wide range of castors that do not mark the floor castors. For non-marking castors select grey rubber rather than black rubber. Alternatively, choose from our polyurethane and nylon ranges which are also non-marking.

+ Do you offer castors suitable for industrial ovens?

Our range of castors that are suitable for high temperature applications are suitable for use with industrial ovens. The temperature range for these castors is -40C to 400C. See our full range here.

+ Do you offer foot guards with your castors?

We offer a range of castors with foot guards.

We also offer foot guards to fit a range of castor sizes.

If you need a bespoke foot protection guard manufactured? Contact us today on 01249 822222.

+ Do you offer jacking castors in stainless steel?

We normally offer zinc plated jacking castors as standard. We can manufacture stainless steel jacking castors if they are requested. Please call us on 01249 822222 to discuss your requirements.

+ Do you supply Shipping Container Castors?

Yes – we have our Shipping Containers Castor range. These will easily and safely move containers weighing up 28,000kg. This is a link to our Shipping Container Castors.

+ Is it possible to lock a swivel castor in one direction?

Yes – this is called a directional lock. We supply these on the majority of our castors. It is also possible to retrofit a directional lock if required.

+ What castor is best suited to an autoclave?

We offer castors that are suitable for use with autoclaves. We would need to know more details about your autoclave and how it is being used before recommending the castors that you will need. Please call us on 01249 822222 and we will be happy to help you.

+ What grade of stainless steel is used in the manufacture of your castors?

Our stainless-steel castors are all grade 304 which is an industry standard. We can offer grade 316 on request which is less corrosive than grade 304 but more expensive. Please call us on 01249 822222 to discuss your options.

+ What is the difference between a top plate and single bolthole?

A top plate has four bolt holes – one in each corner to spread the load. This type of fixing is suitable for heavier duty applications and is unlikely to become loose.

A single bolt hole fixing is limited to loads of up to 500kg and is fastened directly through the centre.

+ What is the heaviest duty castor that you offer?

The heaviest duty castor we offer as standard has a rating of 11,500Kg per castor.  However we have just introduced our specialist ISO Container Castors and they can move weights up to 28,000kg. We are also able to offer bespoke options if non of our standard ranges give you the load capacities you require. Please call us on 01249 822222 to discuss your individual requirements.

+ What is the spring compression on the gate castor?

Compression starts at 20Kg. The compression at 75Kg is 48mm.

+ What weight does a truck lock take?

A truck lock does not have a load capacity rating as it is not used to take the weight. It is used in conjunction with castors that are on the trolley and is in the middle of two wheels. It is engaged by pushing down with a foot and acts as a brake and is not load bearing.

+ What wheel works in a hot oven area?

We have a range of wheels specifically designed for high temperature applications.
View our high temperature wheel ranges here.

+ What’s the best castor for use on rough ground?

We would recommend two options. Firstly, a 55 Shore A rounded elastic wheel on an aluminium or a nylon centre that is fitted with a ball bearing. This range was originally designed for the flower industry in Holland and because it is so soft it reduces most of the vibration when travelling over rough ground.

We also have a pneumatic option where air can be released, reducing pressure and so making the wheel more bouncy. The best castor will depend on your application so please give us a call on 01249 822222 and we will be happy to discuss this further.

Orders/delivery

+ Do you accept Overseas Orders?

Yes, we do. Please place your order through the website https://www.bilgroup.co.uk/ or you can call us to place your order 01249 822222.

+ Do you offer discounts?

Potentially yes. Please contact our sales team on 01249 822222 to discuss our possible discounts.

+ How can I place my order?

You can order from the website https://www.bilgroup.co.uk/ or you can call us to place your order 01249 822222.

+ How Quick is your delivery time? Is same day delivery available?

For website orders, please allow up to 3 days from the order date. Next day delivery is available for some items, please contact our sales team on 01249 822222 if you wish to discuss this.

+ How will my order be delivered and how much will I have to pay?

We will send your order by the most efficient method. However, certain sizes and weights may require specific carriers to be used.

Delivery within the UK mainland is £5.95 for orders up to £20, £8.95 for orders up to £250 and free for orders over £250. To Northern Ireland and some Highlands of Scotland the delivery charge is £15. Postcode restrictions apply. Orders can be collected for free from our warehouse in Calne.

Orders to specific destinations* in Europe are free for orders over €300. Below €300, a variable courier charge is applied depending on the weight of the order being shipped.

Palletised freight – Items too heavy or large to be transported by standard shipment will be sent by pallet. If this is the case for your order, you will receive a freight quote. You may need to provide assistance for unloading individual items over 30kg.

+ What is your returns policy?

This is stated within our terms and conditions:

If you are a consumer then for most Goods (other than Bespoke Goods, except at our discretion and subject to clause 5), you have a legal right to change your mind and cancel the Contract within 14 days (beginning on the day after you or someone nominated by you receives the Goods) and receive a full refund. Advice about your legal right to cancel is available from your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau or Trading Standards office.

To cancel the Contract please contact us by phone, email or post. Please provide details of what you bought, when you ordered or received it and your name and address. You may also complete and return the cancellation form available on our website at https://www.bilgroup.co.uk/help-hub/contact/, however this is not obligatory.

If you cancel the Contract after Goods have been despatched to or received by you, you must return them to us in their original packaging wherever possible without undue delay and in any event within 14 days of telling us you wish to cancel the Contract.

We will pay costs of return if the Goods are faulty or misdescribed or if you cancel the Contract because we have told you of an upcoming change to the Goods, an error in pricing or description, a delay in delivery due to Events Outside Our Control (see paragraph 12 below) or because you have a legal right to do so as a result of something we have done wrong. In all other circumstances you must pay the costs of returning the Goods to us.

We will refund you the price you paid for the Goods but may make a deduction to reflect any decrease in value of the Goods if this has been caused by your handling them in a way which would not be permitted in a shop. If we refund you the price paid before we are able to inspect the Goods and later discover you have handled them in an unacceptable way, you must pay us an appropriate amount. We will make refunds to you by the same method you used to pay for the Goods.

+ What payment methods do you take?

We accept credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, G pay and Apple pay.

Materials Handling

Company/sales

+ Do you offer account facilities?

If you feel BIL Equipment is right for your business (we can’t find a reason it wouldn’t be!) then yes we do provide account facilities! Our standard terms are 30 days and all it takes is a couple of forms to be completed! If you would like a copy of these forms then please contact us.

+ Do your ranges come with a warranty?

Yes they do! Our ranges come with a 12 month warranty as standard.

+ How do BIL Group keep consistent quality throughout the range?

BIL Group operate to ISO9001:2015 standards and have multiple systems and processes in place to ensure we operate to the highest levels. On the BIL Equipment range we only use the highest grade materials available. On assembly we have highly skilled operators on site who check all components before fitting.

Components are also checked when they arrive from production and we also perform random batch spot checks on a monthly basis to ensure nothing is missed!

+ Where are you based?

Calne in Wiltshire. We have two factory sites with carrier collections on a daily bases shipping to the UK and the rest of the world.

+ Who manufactures your equipment ranges?

We manufacture the majority of components and products in house or otherwise via an approved UK based partner who has been carefully selected and audited to ensure consistent high standards and that products conform to our selected designs.

Orders/delivery

+ How does the order process work?

We hold all parts in component form here in Calne, Wiltshire. Once your order is placed we process it onto our SAP Business one system where a build is generated along with a delivery note. Our production team take charge from here and the paperwork is taken by our team of warehouse pickers who locate all the individual components to build your product. Once picked the parts are then taken to our assembly bays where our skilled operators fully assemble your product. As soon as the item is assembled and processed through our quality control, our dispatch team pack it and the goods are prepared for delivery. We use an outsourced carrier to deliver the goods, generally on a next day delivery service for stock items.

+ How quickly can I expect delivery?

As a manufacturer of a wide range of products, some items are stocked for next day delivery, other items are available with a 2-3 week lead time.

Pre-sales

+ Can I fit spare parts myself?

Replacement wheels can be fitted at a later date if required. Our group of companies incorporate one of the biggest castor and wheel manufactures in the UK so we can offer a very competitive price on spares with next day delivery.

+ Can we have the trucks branded?

Yes – We can supply products with self adhesive branding stickers, lasered plated or anything else – please talk to us about your requirements and the options available to you.

+ I need something bespoke – can you cater for this?

One of our company virtues is innovation; another is flexibility. Both of these fit hand in hand when being able to provide bespoke requirements. We always do our best to offer the complete sack truck solution for your business and one that will fully cater for your needs. You may benefit from a more in-depth discussion with one of our representatives about such requirements so please feel free to contact us.

+ Is there any assembly required?

Generally all products are shipped pre-assembled unless stated otherwise.

+ What is the best specification?

Quite honestly there is no individual specification we would consider the ‘best’ as we understand that each industry and customer is unique. We provide what we consider to be popular models for each industry, these are listed on the website but we also offer CAD service for you to approve prior to purchase. Alternatively we offer on-site consultations so you can sample a basic model before making any necessary changes that may be required. To do so, please contact us.

Alutruk

Company/sales

+ Do you do site demonstrations or trials?

Yes.

Our sales people will be happy to visit your site, discuss your requirements and explain the options available. They can also bring samples to your site for trial.

Please note; This service is really only available for customers who are looking for a larger quantity of products.

Orders/delivery

+ How can I pay for my order?

We accept credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, G pay and Apple pay.

+ How do I know my order has been placed?

Once you have completed your order, you will receive a confirmation email and invoice followed by regular updates on despatch and delivery.

+ How do I place an order for a sack truck?

You can order a sack truck from the website or you can simply call us to place your order 01249 822 222.

+ How will my order be delivered and how much will I have to pay?

We will send your order by the most efficient method. However, certain sizes and weights may require specific carriers to be used.

Delivery within the UK mainland is;

• £5.95 for orders up to £20,
• £8.95 for orders up to £250
• Free for orders over £250.

Please Note: To Northern Ireland and some parts of Scotland the delivery charge is £15. Postcode restrictions apply.

Alternatively, orders can be collected for free from our warehouse in Calne.

European Orders
Orders to specific destinations in Europe (listed below) are free for orders over €300.

We currently deliver to Cyprus, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Solvenia, Spain and Sweden.

Palletised Shipments
Items that are too heavy or too large to be transported by standard methods will be sent by pallet. If this is the case for your order, you will receive a freight quote. You may need to provide assistance for unloading individual items over 30kg.

+ What is the lead time on your sack trucks?

On orders placed through the website the lead time is typically just 2-3 working days.

Pre-sales

+ Can you provide bespoke options?

As AluTruk® is modular, you are able to design or build it to suit your own individual requirements. Everything is in component form so you can choose exactly how you wish to configure your own sack truck.

+ Can you send me a catalogue?

Our catalogues are all available from the catalogues section of our help centre or you can call us on 01249 822222 to request a copy.

+ Do I have to assemble the item on delivery?

No.

We assemble our AluTruk’s in house to your specification. The truck is then bagged or palletised for delivery and will arrive fully ready to use.

+ Do you provide puncture proof wheels? What is the difference between pneumatic and puncture proof wheels?

Around 95% or our AluTruk’s are sold with puncture proof wheels. These are solid wheels filled with micro cellular-foam which means that they won’t puncture and so reduces the risk of downtime.

Our pneumatic wheels provide a softer, more cushioned ride which can be of benefit when the sack truck is being used over rough ground such as gravel or cobbles.

+ How do you ensure that quality is consistent across your AluTruk range?

Rigorous testing and quality control is standard at BIL Materials Handling and our products have been extensively field tested and also evaluated by independent test laboratories within the UK.

Full batch traceability is incorporated into our systems to track every single component and materials back to source. BIL are ISO 9001:2015 accredited as a manufacturer, designer and developer of materials handling equipment and our Quality Management System forms the backbone of our organisation.

Each and every modular AluTruk® is hand built to order by skilled operators and every AluTruk® is hard stamped with an individual, unique trace number for future reference. Strict quality controls throughout this process, including rigorous checking procedures in the production, assembly, packing and despatch departments, ensure that the superior build quality remains consistent and protects our excellent reputation for quality products.

+ What is your best sack truck specification?

Our best specification is the one that meets all your requirements!

AluTruk® is modular, so you are able to design or build it to suit your own individual needs.
We deal with such a wide range of industries, applications, conditions and people that we understand that everyone has their own specific needs for material handling.

See how to configure your personal AluTruk® at or see our full range here.

For help with your project, contact us on +44 (0)1249 822 222 or email sales@bilgroup.co.uk.

+ What warranty do you offer on AluTruk?

All of our standard modular trucks come with a 2-year warranty on parts. Our stair climber and water bottle trucks come with a 12-month warranty.

Product

+ Are aluminium sack trucks better than steel sack trucks?

Although aluminium is more expensive than steel, the way the AluTruk® is designed makes it much more durable than a steel sack truck – therefore it will last longer and the deliver better value for money. The AluTruk® modular design also means that you can replace the individual parts rather than the whole truck. Again, this makes it very cost effective over a longer period. The use of aluminium also means that it is weld free – if a weld breaks on a steel truck you will need to replace the whole truck but the modular design of the aluminium AluTruk® means that you can replace just one part.

A steel truck will be much heavier than an aluminium one but that doesn’t mean it’s less durable. With AluTruk® you still retain the strength because of the modular design and the top quality components used. See “What makes AluTruk® a premium quality sack truck?” for more detail.

AluTruk® parts are anodised so that there is less risk of corrosion or rust, whereas steel is powder coated and when this wears off it is vulnerable to rust and so doesn’t maintain it’s appearance in the same way as AluTruk®.

+ Are the wheels better than those on other general sack trucks?

In short, Yes!

Why can we say this? Because the majority of our tyres are puncture proof, and we also crown the tread on them to make it easier to turn and pivot under load.

Also really important is that our axles are manufactured to have a very small tolerance of 0.1mm between the axle and the wheel bearing which reduces any unwanted movement on the axle. Inferior wheels have a higher tolerance meaning that there is more impact between the bearing and the axle, causing more damage which can break the bearings and ruin the tyres.

See our full range of wheels.

+ Are your wheels non-marking?

Our most popular wheel isn’t non-marking as it has a black tyre which can leave marks on certain surfaces. Howver we do offer a grey puncture proof tyre which is non-marking. https://www.bilgroup.co.uk/product/AluTruk-non-marking-grey-puncture-proof-wheel/

+ Can I buy AluTruk spares? What spare parts are available?

Any part of the AluTruk® is replaceable, including handles, wheels, toeplates, frames to name a few. You can find all of our spare parts at https://www.bilgroup.co.uk/product-category/sack-trucks/AluTruk/AluTruk-parts-and-spares/

+ Can I retrofit additional parts to my AluTruks?

Yes. Parts are interchangeable so it is possible to retro fit parts at a later stage, for example if you change your mind about the type of handle you need on your sack truck you can buy a different one and retro fit it to your sack truck.

It may be that you bought your AluTruk® without wheel guards, but if you later change your mind, they can be retrofitted on to the truck. It is really easy to add the additional parts when you want to, and we are always here to help if needed.

+ Can our AluTruk® be personalised or branded?

For orders of ten or more, we can offer personalised side strips with your logo on. Please note that this is not standard and needs to be requested when ordering. We also engrave a unique serial number on to the back of every toe plate, which can either be a generic number or one specified by you. This is a useful option if you need to match sack trucks to vehicles, drivers or operators.

+ How does the AluTruk tri-wheel stair climber sack truck work?

The stair climber is a material handling sack truck that is purposely designed to safely climb up and down stairs with a load capacity of 180kg.

It has a tri-wheel design which rotates as the truck is pulled up or lowered down the stairs. This ensures that there is always at least one wheel in contact with the floor / stair at any time.

+ What is AluTruk®?

AluTruk® is a brand name for BIL’s Aluminium sack trucks range – used for material handling.
AluTruk is a range of modular aluminium sack trucks designed to be more durable than standard sack trucks even though they are much less heavy. Being modular, you can design your AluTruk® to suit your own requirements and you can also get spares if needed, to prolong product life. All this makes AluTruk excellent value for money.

See our AluTruk® catalogue for full details of our range of sack trucks

+ What is the load capacity of the AluTruk sack truck range?

For safe handling, an AluTruk® upright truck used on two wheels (whether they are pneumatic or puncture proof) has a load capacity of 300kg.

When our convertible sack trucks are used in the flat position, the load capacity goes up to 500kg.

For our stair climber range, when used on the stairs the load capacity reduces to 180kg due to the number of wheels in contact with floor at any given time.

+ What makes AluTruk® a premium quality sack truck?

We use only premium quality structural aluminium for our AluTruk frames due to its high strength to weight ratio. The most suitable alloy has been chosen for tensile strength, density, ductility, formability, workability and corrosion resistance.

AluTruk® handgrips stay on the sack truck and once fitted correctly, our nylon grips are virtually impossible to remove without cutting tools!

We use UK-sourced fasteners which deliver superior strength and longevity. For maximum strength and durability we use magnesium alloy axle brackets which are less brittle and more impact resistant than standard die cast aluminium.

Our one-piece pressed steel hubs are made from 1.8mm coated steel for maximum durability available with puncture proof tyres for reduced downtime.

Extruded aluminium is used for our toe-plates, again designed for maximum strength.

ALL parts of the AluTruk® are replaceable saving on both cost and downtime within your fleet to give excellent value for money.

For all these reasons we can truly say the AluTruk is a premium quality sack truck.

Skoots

Orders/delivery

+ How do I place an order?

You can order from the website or you can call us to place your order 01249 822 222.

We accept credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Once you have completed your order, you will receive a confirmation email and invoice followed by regular updates on despatch and delivery.

+ How will my order be delivered and how much are the shipping costs?

We will send your order by the most efficient method. However, certain sizes and weights may require specific carriers to be used.

Delivery within the UK mainland is free for orders over £250. To Northern Ireland and some Parts of Scotland the delivery charge is £15. Postcode restrictions apply so please check. Orders can be collected for free from our warehouse in Calne.

Orders to specific destinations in Europe (listed below) are free for orders over €300.
We currently deliver to Cyprus, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Solvenia, Spain and Sweden.

Palletised freight – Items too heavy or large to be transported by standard shipment will be sent by pallet. If this is the case for your order, you will receive a freight quote. You may need to provide assistance for unloading individual items over 30kg.

+ What is the lead time on Skoots®?

For website orders the lead time is 2 to 3 days.

Product

+ Are Skoots® made in the UK?

Skoots® are manufactured by BIL in house at our sites in Calne, Wiltshire. This includes all of the welding and assembly which gives us total control over the quality of our Skoots®.

+ Are the castors on Skoots® all swivel castors?

Yes. Skoots® are easy to manoeuvre. The four, smooth-running swivel castors have precision bearings for minimum rolling resistance. They allow for 3600 rotation of heavy loads offering precise manoeuvring and controlled steering around corners and obstacles.

Skoots® castors are fitted with industry leading four-way directional locks giving ultimate control in tight spaces and on floors with a gradient. This means that doorways, corridors and similar restrictions can be negotiated easily and safely.

+ Can I buy spare parts for my Skoots®?

Yes. All spare parts, including casters, jacks, straps and toe plates are available on the website.

+ Can I replace rams (jacks) on existing Skoots® with old frames?

Rams are hydraulic jacks. These can be replaced in many cases but could possibly reduce the lifting weight in some cases. Please call us on 01249 822 222 and we will be happy to discuss your options and offer advice.

+ Can Skoots® be serviced?

We offer back to base servicing. This will depend on the age of the Skoots® or jacks. As part of service process, we will inspect the Skoots®, and then offer a quote on any repairs necessary. We will then wait for authorisation from the customer before proceeding with the repairs. You can get more information on Skoots® servicing here

+ Can Skoots® be used on any type of surface/ground?

Skoots® are ideally designed to be used on flat, smooth surfaces like those found in warehouses or on tarmac. If you need to move items across rougher terrain, please contact us for advice and guidance on what is practical.

+ Do my Skoots® come with any certification?

Yes. All Skoots® are tested and certified by an independent testing authority.

+ Do you have a Skoots® product catalogue?

Our catalogues are all available from the catalogues section of our help centre or you can call us on 01249 822222 to request a copy.

+ Do you offer onsite demonstrations for Skoots®?

Yes we do. Please call to arrange a demonstration on 01249 822 222 or complete our online booking form https://www.bilgroup.co.uk/help-hub/contact/

+ How do you prevent overloading of the Skoots®?

The hydraulic jacks or rams are equipped with a PRV fitting which prevents the Skoots® from working if overloaded. For instance, if the jacks are set to 2T and you have a 3T product on the Skoots®, when you try operating the jacks, they will refuse to lift it. So, although you can physically overload the Skoots®, you won’t be able to operate them in this instance.

+ How should Skoots® be secured to the product?

Heavy duty straps are supplied to fasten the load tightly to the Skoots® to prevent the load slipping or sliding as it is moved. This enables Skoots® to transport heavy, bulky items across a range of terrains without the load shifting.

+ How should Skoots® be stored?

Skoots® should always be stored upright due to the hydraulic oil in the jacks. If they are stored horizontally, there is the potential for oil to go into areas of the jack that it shouldn’t which can then cause problems.

+ Should I use more than the two standard securing straps?

Our Skoots® are supplied with two heavy duty straps but it is possible to purchase extra straps, from our website, if these are required. These come in two lengths- either 2m https://www.bilgroup.co.uk/product/2-metre-skoots-securing-strap/ or 5m https://www.bilgroup.co.uk/product/5-metre-skoots-securing-strap/

+ What are Skoots® used for?

Skoots® are a hydraulically controlled, portable moving system. They enable products to be lifted from the floor, using hydraulic jacks and onto castors which allows safe, easy movement in any direction. Skoots® lift loads of up to 5000kg, with the ability to accurately and precisely position items, using the four swivelling castors and hydraulic jacks.

+ What is the warranty period on my Skoots®?

The warranty on frames and toe plates is 5 years. For hydraulic jacks and casters, the warranty is 12 months.

+ What type of oil is used in the jacks?

We use Varpress 68 hydraulic oil in our jacks.

+ Why don’t the castors have brakes?

Directional locks and brakes are slightly different. Directional locks will lock the castor in one direction whereas brakes would lock it off completely. We don’t use brakes for safety reasons: for example, if castors are locked on an incline there is the danger that the weight of the load could cause a brake to fail and the load to slide.