Specialty Trikes

Industrial Tricycles

heavy duty adult tricycle
Written by Mad Triker
Share

While most tricycles are intended for recreational use, there are others designed for commercial and business use. These are heavy duty industrial tricycles, and they have a rugged construction. They can transport either light or heavy cargo between locations amongst other uses.

These tricycles can handle significant loads when compared to regular trikes. They are also bigger than the average adult trike to ensure they can manage the weight that comes with carrying larger loads.

Just like any other tricycle, these units need balancing and coordination skills. They also require the basic concepts of riding.

Features of an Industrial Tricycle

industrial coffee tricycle

  • Fork and Frame

The frame supports the rider’s weight and cargo while the fork is the major support for the front wheel. Together, they help the user stabilize the load and move on hard packed surfaces or paved roads.

  • Rugged Handle System

Since this tricycle is built to carry cargo, the handlebars are meant to offer ultimate comfort such that you don’t have to lean forward when steering the trike. This feature reduces pressure on the back and neck especially for persons who have to use the industrial tricycle every day.

The handlebars need to be flexible enough to allow forward or backward tilting to whichever riding preference you like.

  • Height-Adjustable Saddle

The saddle provides a comfortable height. The heavy-duty tricycle comes with a seat clamp which prevents the seat from moving when the rider is cycling.

  • Tires, Tubes, and Wheels

Most heavy-duty tricycles have wheel diameters of around 24 inches or 26 inches. This is much like a full-size bicycle, but it’s because of the load they are intended to carry. The large wheels are explicitly made to traverse through mud and rough roads by providing more floatation. This affects speed as you’ll find that they can’t accelerate to high rates.

  • Front Brake

An industrial trike will have a powerful and responsive v-brake. They perform well in mucky conditions; that’s why they are preferred for industrial tricycles.

Advantages of Industrial Tricycles

  • Heavy-Duty Capacity

Their extensive rear wheel-base gives them a layout that can secure cargo. They have a cargo basket that can take a decent load. Some even have cargo platforms and puncture-resistant tires to ensure they can ride smoothly on all types of roads.

  • Increased Stability

The third wheel provides greater stability, better than any bicycle. This makes it easier for one to keep their balance even when transporting heavy cargo. They also ride better when going uphill especially when they have a drag from the goods they may be carrying. They do not risk toppling over because they don’t need the forward momentum required for upright bikes.

  • Stress-Free Ride

Trikes, in particular, offer the assurance of balance not experienced on regular bikes. And when they are used to transport goods, they provide a relaxed feeling since one is seated in a comfortable chair with enough back support. They distribute the weight of the user and the cargo making it super easy to navigate even with a large load.

  • Comfortable for Heavy Users

Because of their robust constructions, these tricycles are favorable to overweight and obese riders. Their frames have a sizeable weight capacity such that they won’t fall apart when high pressure is applied. The best thing is that they don’t feel bulky or any different from a standard tricycle. Thus they offer the same benefits of increased hand/eye coordination and a fun way to exercise.

Drawbacks of Industrial Tricycles

industrial tricycle heavy duty

Image courtesy of Christopher on Flickr

  • Slow Speeds

Heavy-duty trikes are pretty slow. They have large wheels which inhibit speed, but this means you won’t be using lots of effort to cycle the trike to the destination you’d like.

  • They are Bulky

Industrial tricycles have additional weight mostly because of the rugged frames. They are difficult to lift and cycling them up a hill can take a toll on your legs and feet.

Cargo Recommendations for a Heavy Duty Industrial Tricycle

heavy duty industrial trike

Depending on the model, a heavy-duty tricycle is designed to carry either light or massive loads. It’s vital that you observe the recommendations of the manufacturer. However, you should never stack the cargo too high.

It is also crucial that 75% of the load’s weight is always centered directly above the tricycle’s rear axle. Also, do not forget to spread the weight of the cargo on the basket or platform you’ll be using.

Maintaining an Industrial Tricycle

It’s apparent that heavy-duty tricycles are under massive stress every day. This calls for proper servicing of the trike to keep in top performance. But tricycles are much like bicycles, so the maintenance procedures are almost the same.

If you are well versed with the parts of a tricycle, you can do most of the routine repairs without extra help. This includes tire/tube maintenance, lubrication, tightening loose bolts/nuts, and adjusting chain tension.

Still, you may require a trained mechanic to perform most of the major repairs like truing, wheel alignment, etc.

Safety Recommendations

With the industrial trike bound to carry cargo, you will need to familiarize yourself with the components of the trike so that you can inspect the tricycle every day before heading out. Apart from knowing your tricycle, it’s essential that you take the necessary precautions.

  • Wear a Safety Helmet

A hard helmet is recommended for heavy-duty tricycles; more so if you are carrying cargo that could offset the balance of the trike at any moment.

  • Follow Local and State Laws

Riding in public places and streets means you are responsible for your life, other people’s lives, and the cargo you are delivering. Learn the rules and regulations that control trike riding and follow them. This will save you from confusion for you and also for other motorists.

  • Expect Extreme Riding Conditions

Handling cargo on a trike sets you up with extremities that need expert control of the tricycle. You should expect factors that may affect the performance of your tricycle. This includes rough roads where maneuvers can be complicated to undertake.

Conclusion About Industrial Trikes

An industrial tricycle is beefed up to carry large-capacity loads. They offer a simple way of moving cargo from one location to another. Their heavy-duty designs allow them the balance the user needs to handle the load. As such, they are becoming increasingly popular in small business ventures where they need to move goods over short distances.


Share

About the author

Mad Triker