We have about 50 carts of clean linen dropped off at our loading dock each day. We use carts to distribute the clean linen to each floor and then return later to collect the soiled linen. Obviously, the task is labor intensive. Are there products you recommend for linen departments?
Several of our products could be helpful to you, but the most popular with many linen departments is the Ergo-Express® Tug and Universal Hitch System. The Universal Hitch will allow you to pull any cart without the addition of custom hitches to carts you don’t own. Maneuvering in tight spaces such as elevators and hallways is effortless due to the exclusive pivot mechanism built into the Universal Hitch.
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Are any of your products customized for linen departments?
All of our motorized carts are customized based on our client’s needs and departmental protocol. Platform carts can be custom sized and designed to use with linen bins, laundry hampers and for restocking shelves. Wire racks, shelving and custom enclosures can also be designed to your specifications.
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What are the benefits of motorization in an Environmental Services department?
In general, the immediate benefits are safety and efficiency. Pushing and pulling manual linen carts throughout the hospital can cause injuries that are preventable through the use of motorized carts or tugs. Carts are simply driven by guiding it down hallways and through doorways rather than pushing, pulling or muscling it where you it need it to be. Tugs operate in a similar way and allow you to guide the motion of a manual cart by allowing the tug to provide the force.
The Ergo-Express® Tug and Hitch system is ideal for moving your existing carts. This hitch requires no adaptation of your carts. Simply push down on the hitch plate with your foot and watch the Universal Hitch grab the base of your cart for effortless transport. The Compensating Hitch is another option used when you are “training” multiple carts together.
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Can you help us determine and demonstrate how these factors would specifically benefit our organization?
Yes, we offer a free customized risk assessment and cost analysis, which can be used to determine the benefits of motorization in your department. This information can be invaluable in your decision-making and approval processes.
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Is there a way to motorize our current carts?
Yes, your current cart or equipment can be retrofitted and mounted on a motorized platform cart.
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What is an “on demand” retractable drive?
The retractable drive feature on an Ergo Express® cart retracts (or lifts) the two motorized wheels off the floor with the push of a button. Much like raising the fifth wheel on a gurney, this allows the cart to have 360 degree maneuverability from the four wheels that remain on the ground. The benefit is that the cart can easily be positioned into tight treatment rooms and elevators.
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Do the carts require regular maintenance? How frequently?
The only regular maintenance is to replace the battery each year. To help you remember, a reminder letter is sent on the 11th month of each year with information on how to order a new battery. Installation is quick and easy.
Depending on usage, casters and wheels wear out – just like the tires on your car, but that is a less frequent maintenance item that varies for every department.
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Are you available if I have questions?
Yes, 24/7 technical support assistance is provided for the life of your cart. It doesn’t end when your warranty ends. You can call any time, day or night, for anything from how to turn the key to how to replace the battery.
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What safety features do your carts have?
Our carts have numerous safety features built in. These include:
- Self Braking – Immediate controlled deceleration when you release the throttle. The transaxle is locked so the cart cannot move forward or backward until you pull back on the throttle.
- In Motion Alarm with On/Off Control – Alert those around you as you move. Can also be turned off in quiet surroundings.
- Emergency Stop Switch – Also called the Emergency Brake Button. This large, blue button on the end of the controller immediately locks the brake when depressed, regardless of whether you are traveling forward or in reverse.
- Forward/Reverse Directional Control – Safety feature that forces you to cognitively decide if you are going to travel forward or in reverse.
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Phone: 888-639-5438 OR 763-498-7576 | Fax: 763-498-8128 | E-mail: info@phswest.com
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