Trolleys | Dollies | Work Positioning Frames

Reel trolleys and dollies are wheeled platforms or carts made to move reels (film, foil, paper, etc.) safely and efficiently between storage, warehouses, and production or packaging lines. They reduce manual lifting and handling, ease transitions, help preserve hygiene (especially in food, pharmaceutical, medical FMCG sectors), and improve throughput by enabling smoother reel exchanges or transport.

Packline offers a range of such solutions, each suited to different reel sizes, weights, environmental constraints, clean-room requirements, and usage patterns.

Reel trolleys and dollies are simple but crucial components in any operation where reels or rolls of material need to be moved frequently. Packline’s range—from low-profile reel dollies to mobile dollies, handling trolleys, and multi-reel “hedgehog” storage dollies—offers a variety of capacities, hygiene levels, and flexibility. Taking into account capacity, reel size, environmental requirements, safety features and customisation needs will help you pick the right trolley or dolly that increases efficiency, protects products, and keeps operations safe.

Here are some of Packline’s reel trolley/dolly-type products, and what makes them stand out:

1. Reel Handling Trolley

• Designed to transport reels of material to the dock of existing processing lines—for example film or foil lines.
• Constructed in stainless steel (304, 316/316L) with options for polished finishes.
• Lift capacity up to 500 kg. Manufactured in the UK, with bespoke options. (
• Four swivel castors, non-marking anti-static wheels; safety foot guards; “stop-fix” brake options. Good manoeuvrability especially in tight spaces.

2. Mobile Reel Dolly

• Transports reels up to 500 kg as standard (higher on request) in mild- or stainless steel.
• Removable handle via star knob for ease of handling and storage; stackable design when handle removed to save space.
• Swivel wheels, anti-static non-marking wheels, IP rating options (IP30C or IP65) for different hygiene or environmental protection levels.

3. Low Profile Reel Dolly

• Designed for handling horizontal reels (from pallet or warehouse) onto production lines. The low base height enables easier loading and unloading. (
• Standard sizes given: roll width ~ 800 mm, diameter ~ 1,400 mm. Core left free so it can be loaded onto mandrels.
• Two pallet wheels + two swivel wheels for manoeuvrability. Stainless steel construction, again with hygiene and clean-room suitability in mind.

4. “Hedgehog” / Multi-Reel Dolly

• Designed for transporting or storing several reels (up to eight) for high-capacity or high-storage scenarios.
• Useful for medical / clean room settings: constructed stainless steel; provides hygienic storage away from floor or pallets; castors with brakes to allow use as temporary storage unit.

To select the right trolley/dolly, think through these factors:

1. Load Capacity & Reel Size
   • What is the heaviest reel you expect to move? Many Packline dollies have ~500kg standard capacity.
   • What is the maximum reel diameter and width? Also, how is the core handled (does the design require core to be free, or do you grip by outer diameter)?
2. Environment & Hygiene Requirements
   • If used in food, pharmaceutical or clean room environments, stainless steel, polished finishes, designs that minimize cleaning issues are essential. Packline offers stainless steel 304/316 with hygienic finishes.
   • IP ratings for electrical or environmental protection may be needed (dust, moisture). Some models have IP30C or IP65 options.
3. Manoeuvrability & Footprint
   • Swivel wheels or castors help in tight spaces. Non-marking and anti-static wheels protect clean floors and reduce static risks.
   • Stackability (for storage), removable handles (for storage or transport) are useful in space-constrained operations.
4. Loading / Unloading Method
   • Dolly base height matters: low profile bases facilitate easier transfer from pallets or forklifts.
   • Adjustable collars or cores that allow various reel sizes help to ensure a secure fit and correct orientation.
5. Safety Features & Compliance
   • Brakes or stop-fix systems, safety foot guards, castors with brakes, anti-static, etc., to ensure safe handling and stable stopping.
   • Compliance with CE / UKCA marking, ensuring legal standards are met.
6. Customisation & Flexibility
   • Because reel dimensions, environments and usage vary, bespoke design is often necessary. Packline offers customer-specification design for many models.

• Always match the trolley/dolly to the actual reels used, not just what might be a theoretical “typical” size—ensure capacity and dimensions are sufficient.
• Train users in safe docking/loading procedures. For example, aligning the core so loading onto mandrels or processing lines is smooth and doesn’t damage the film or foil edges.
• Maintain the wheels & castors: keep swivel units lubricated, brakes working, castor assemblies clean (especially in hygiene-sensitive environments) to avoid binding or contamination.
• Inspect surfaces and finishes for damage or corrosion—especially stainless steel models in wet or wash-down areas—to ensure hygiene standards remain intact.
• Store dollies appropriately when not in use—stackable designs or ones with removable handles can help free up floor space and avoid trip hazards.