In warehouses, on construction sites, across agricultural yards, and throughout schools, hospitals, and local authority grounds, the turntable truck is the unsung workhorse of material handling. No other piece of manual handling equipment combines the load capacity, manoeuvrability, and sheer versatility of a well-built turntable truck. And no manufacturer builds turntable trucks quite like Stubbs.
Manufactured by WB Stubbs (Hawksworth) Ltd at their Nottinghamshire works since 1836, Stubbs turntable trucks represent the gold standard in British-made platform handling equipment. With load capacities spanning from 150 kilograms up to an impressive 1,500 kilograms, robust angle steel frames finished in the company's distinctive dark green enamel, and timber decks that have proven themselves across decades of demanding service, a Stubbs turntable truck is not an expense — it is an investment in productivity that will repay itself many times over throughout its extraordinarily long working life.
This comprehensive guide explores the complete range of Stubbs turntable trucks available from Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies, explains what sets them apart from the competition, and provides the detailed technical knowledge you need to select the ideal model for your operation. Whether you are moving half a tonne of boxed goods across a distribution centre or transporting landscaping materials across an uneven school campus, there is a Stubbs turntable truck engineered precisely for the task.
What Is a Turntable Truck and Why Does It Matter?
A turntable truck — sometimes called a turntable trolley, platform truck, or hand truck — is a four-wheeled flatbed transport device featuring a rotating front axle assembly. This turntable mechanism is the defining characteristic that separates these trucks from simple fixed-axle platform trolleys, and it is the feature that makes them so remarkably effective in real-world handling situations.
The front axle of a turntable truck is mounted on a rotating plate (the turntable itself), which allows the front wheels to pivot independently of the rear. This means the truck can be steered around corners, through doorways, between racking systems, and along narrow corridors with a turning circle that would be impossible for a rigid-axle platform. When you are manoeuvring a heavily loaded truck through a busy warehouse or navigating between vehicles in a loading bay, that steering agility is not simply convenient — it is essential for safe, efficient operation.
The platform provides a large, flat loading surface — typically constructed from timber, plywood, or steel mesh — that accommodates a wide range of load shapes and sizes. Unlike a sack truck, which relies on the operator to balance the load on two wheels, a turntable truck supports the entire weight on four wheels at all times. This means larger, heavier, and more awkwardly shaped loads can be transported safely by a single operator, with dramatically less physical effort than any two-wheeled alternative could provide.
The combination of high load capacity, four-wheel stability, and turntable steering makes these trucks indispensable across virtually every industry that involves regular movement of materials. They are the default choice for operations that need to move significant quantities of goods efficiently, safely, and without the capital investment and running costs associated with powered handling equipment such as forklifts or electric tuggers.
The Stubbs Heritage: Nearly 190 Years of British Manufacturing Excellence
The story of Stubbs turntable trucks begins in 1836, when Thomas Wade established his workshop in the village of Hawksworth, Nottinghamshire. What started as a modest operation producing agricultural implements has evolved, across nearly two centuries and multiple generations, into one of the most respected names in British handling equipment manufacturing.
The company takes its name from Sarah Stubbs, Thomas Wade's partner, whose family were well-established blacksmiths and carpenters throughout south Nottinghamshire. When their son William Blount Stubbs took over the business, the name WB Stubbs was formally adopted — and it has endured ever since. Remarkably, what is believed to be Thomas Wade's original Hawksworth workshop still stands today, complete with its forge, a physical testament to the craftsmanship tradition that runs through every product the company manufactures.
By 1886, the company was confident enough to publish a bold claim in its first 100-page catalogue: that Stubbs makes a larger variety of trucks, hand carts, trolleys, sack trucks, and dock trucks than any other firm in the United Kingdom. That claim held true then and it holds true today. The company's product range has expanded dramatically over the decades to encompass equestrian equipment, stable accessories, recycling stations, and a comprehensive portfolio of industrial trucks and trolleys — but the turntable truck has remained a core product throughout, refined and improved across generations without ever losing the fundamental qualities of strength, durability, and practical design that define the Stubbs name.
The resilience embedded in the company's culture was memorably demonstrated on 15th May 1969, when a devastating fire badly damaged the Hawksworth premises. At the height of the blaze, 40 firefighters worked to bring the fire under control. Every employee reported for work the following weekend — refusing pay — to create temporary workspace, and production restarted on the Monday morning. That spirit of determination and loyalty continues to define the company today, where average staff service still exceeds 20 years and several team members have served for more than four decades.
Today, every Stubbs turntable truck continues to be manufactured at Progress Works in Hawksworth, Nottinghamshire. The company's in-house manufacturing capabilities span welding and fabrication, sheet metal work, plastic coating, and joinery. This vertical integration gives Stubbs complete control over quality at every stage of production, from raw material selection through to the final inspection before dispatch. When you purchase a Stubbs turntable truck, you are buying a product that has been entirely conceived, designed, and built in the heart of England by craftspeople whose skills have been honed across generations.
The Anatomy of a Stubbs Turntable Truck: Engineering That Endures
Understanding what makes a Stubbs turntable truck superior to the competition requires an appreciation of the engineering decisions and material choices that go into every unit. These are not arbitrary design features — each one represents a deliberate choice made to maximise strength, longevity, and practical performance in demanding working environments.
The Angle Steel Frame
The frame is the skeleton of any turntable truck, and Stubbs constructs its frames from angle steel — steel formed into an L-shaped cross-section that delivers exceptional rigidity and resistance to bending, twisting, and fatigue. This is a fundamentally different approach from the thin-walled tubular steel used by many budget manufacturers. Angle steel provides a significantly superior strength-to-weight ratio, maintaining its structural integrity under heavy loads and repeated stress cycles over many years of use.
The fully welded construction ensures that the frame acts as a single, unified structure rather than a collection of bolted-together components that can gradually work loose over time. Every weld is made by skilled fabricators at the Hawksworth factory, using techniques refined across decades of production. The result is a frame that will withstand the sustained, demanding use that professional handling operations require without developing the cracks, distortions, and joint failures that plague cheaper alternatives.
The Dark Green Enamel Finish
Every Stubbs turntable truck is finished in the company's distinctive dark green baked enamel coating. This is far more than a cosmetic choice — the enamel finish provides a genuine protective barrier against corrosion, impact damage, and chemical exposure. In environments where trucks are routinely exposed to moisture, cleaning agents, fertilisers, animal waste, or general rough handling, a quality enamel finish adds years to the working life of the equipment.
Budget turntable trucks typically feature basic powder-coated finishes that chip and flake relatively easily, allowing rust to take hold at the damaged point and progressively compromise the structural integrity of the frame. The Stubbs enamel finish is considerably more resilient, maintaining its protective properties even after years of heavy use in harsh conditions. The distinctive dark green colour has become a visual shorthand for Stubbs quality — instantly recognisable in yards, warehouses, and workshops across the country.
The Timber Deck
Stubbs turntable trucks feature selected timber decks, finished in a distinctive light green colour that complements the dark green frame. Timber is the ideal deck material for general-purpose turntable trucks for several important reasons. It provides a naturally non-slip surface that grips loads without the need for additional matting or fixings. It absorbs impacts and vibrations during transit, protecting both the load and the truck structure. It is easy to repair or replace if damaged, extending the overall life of the truck. And it accommodates loads of varying sizes and shapes without the load catching or snagging on mesh apertures or raised edges.
The timber used in Stubbs decks is carefully selected for dimensional stability and durability. It is treated and finished to resist moisture absorption and the consequent swelling, warping, and decay that would compromise an untreated wooden platform. The deck sits within the angle steel frame, supported across its full area to prevent flexing and sagging under load — a critical detail that budget manufacturers often overlook, resulting in decks that bow downwards under heavy loads and eventually split or break.
The Turntable Mechanism
The turntable itself — the rotating plate that connects the front axle assembly to the main platform — is the engineering heart of the truck. Stubbs turntable trucks feature friction plate steering on lighter-capacity models and ball bearing turntable rings on the heavier-duty variants. Both systems are designed to provide smooth, controlled steering under load, allowing the operator to navigate the truck with precision even when carrying substantial weights.
The friction plate system uses the controlled resistance between two machined plates to provide a steering action that is smooth enough for easy operation yet firm enough to prevent the front wheels from swinging freely when the truck hits a bump or uneven surface. This self-damping characteristic is important for maintaining directional control, particularly when the truck is being pushed rather than pulled.
On heavier-duty models, the ball bearing turntable ring replaces the friction plate with a ring of precision ball bearings that distribute the load evenly while allowing free rotation. This is essential for the highest-capacity trucks, where the sheer weight on the turntable would make a friction plate system too stiff to steer comfortably. The bearing assembly is engineered for longevity, with properly rated bearings that will maintain their smooth operation across thousands of steering cycles without developing the roughness, play, or binding that would indicate bearing degradation.
The U-Shaped Folding Handle
Stubbs turntable trucks are fitted with a U-shaped handle that provides comfortable, ergonomic operation for both pushing and pulling manoeuvres. The U-shape allows the operator to grip the handle at any point along its width, accommodating different body positions and handling techniques depending on the situation. For pulling the truck forward, the handle provides a natural hooking point. For pushing from behind, it distributes the force evenly across both hands, reducing strain on the wrists and shoulders.
Crucially, the handle folds flat against the front of the truck when not in use. This apparently simple feature delivers significant practical benefits: it reduces the overall footprint of the truck during storage, prevents the handle from catching on racking, doorframes, or other equipment during loading and unloading, and allows the truck to be positioned flush against walls or in compact storage areas when not required.
The Wheels
Stubbs turntable trucks are available with a choice of wheel types to suit different operating environments. The two primary options are pneumatic (air-filled) tyres and solid cushion rubber tyres, and the choice between them has a significant impact on the truck's performance characteristics.
Pneumatic tyres feature an air-filled inner tube within a rubber outer tyre, typically 400 millimetres in diameter on the heavy-duty models. The air cushion provides excellent shock absorption, smoothing out the jolts and vibrations caused by rough, uneven, or outdoor surfaces. This makes pneumatic wheels the ideal choice for construction sites, agricultural yards, equestrian environments, landscaping operations, and any other setting where the truck must traverse ground that is not perfectly smooth and level. The larger diameter also provides superior ground clearance and makes it easier to navigate over kerbs, thresholds, and small obstacles.
Solid cushion rubber tyres offer a different set of advantages. They are completely maintenance-free — there is no possibility of a puncture, no need to check tyre pressures, and no risk of a flat tyre bringing operations to a halt at an inconvenient moment. While they provide less shock absorption than pneumatic tyres, they deliver smooth, predictable performance on the hard, level surfaces typically found in warehouses, factories, distribution centres, and indoor commercial environments. For operations where the truck will be used primarily or exclusively on smooth surfaces, cushion wheels represent the more practical choice.
Both wheel types are mounted on solid steel axles that provide robust support and eliminate the axle deflection that can occur with lighter-gauge alternatives under heavy loads. The axle diameter and bearing specification are matched to the load capacity of each model, ensuring reliable rolling performance throughout the full range of intended loads.
The Complete Stubbs Turntable Truck Range
Stubbs produces an extensive range of turntable trucks covering load capacities from 150 kilograms to 1,500 kilograms, with multiple platform sizes and configuration options. This breadth of range allows buyers to select a truck that precisely matches their operational requirements rather than compromising with a one-size-fits-all solution.
Light Duty Turntable Truck with Sides (150kg)
The entry point to the Stubbs turntable truck range, this model is designed for lighter handling tasks where manoeuvrability and compact dimensions are priorities. With a 150-kilogram load capacity and platform dimensions of 960 x 500 millimetres, it is ideal for moving sacks, boxes, buckets, tack boxes, and other moderate loads around stable yards, small workshops, retail stockrooms, and similar environments.
The truck features 150-millimetre-high sides that securely contain loads during transit, preventing items from sliding off the platform during manoeuvres. It is mounted on four 200-millimetre cushion-tyred wheels on solid axles, providing smooth rolling on warehouse floors and other hard surfaces. The overall dimensions of 1070 x 550 x 1000 millimetres and a weight of 19.5 kilograms make this a truck that is easy to store and manoeuvre in confined spaces.
With over 20 years of proven quality in this particular design, the Light Duty Turntable Truck has established a reputation for outlasting multiple generations of cheaper imported alternatives. It represents an excellent entry point for organisations that need reliable, British-made handling equipment without the investment required for the heavy-duty range.
Turntable Flatbed Truck with Sides (350kg) — 1000 x 600mm Platform
Stepping up in both capacity and platform size, this model bridges the gap between the light-duty range and the full heavy-duty models. With a 350-kilogram capacity and a 1000 x 600 millimetre platform fitted with 305-millimetre sides, it handles a wide range of medium-duty tasks with ease. The sides provide excellent load containment for boxed goods, sacked materials, and loose items.
This model is particularly popular in educational settings, healthcare facilities, and hospitality operations where loads are moderate but regular, and where the combination of generous platform size, protective sides, and manageable overall dimensions creates an ideal handling solution for corridors, lifts, and other space-constrained environments.
Heavy Duty Industrial Turntable Truck (500kg) — 1524 x 711mm Platform
This is the model that has established Stubbs as a leader in the turntable truck market. With a 500-kilogram capacity and a generous 1524 x 711 millimetre timber platform, it handles the full spectrum of heavy-duty industrial and commercial handling tasks. The robust angle steel frame, dark green enamel finish, and light green timber deck are all present, along with the U-shaped folding handle and a choice of 400-millimetre pneumatic or cushion wheels.
The overall dimensions are 1600 x 711 x 1130 millimetres, with a platform height of 510 millimetres. The truck weighs 54 kilograms — substantial enough to feel solid and stable under heavy loads, yet light enough for comfortable one-person operation when empty. This model is available as a flatbed (without sides) or with removable timber sides for enhanced load security.
The flatbed variant is the most versatile configuration, accommodating loads of virtually any shape and size up to the platform dimensions. Large boxes, machinery components, building materials, furniture, and bulky equipment can all be placed directly onto the flat deck and transported with confidence. The absence of sides means loading can be performed from any direction, which is particularly valuable in crowded loading bays and tight storage areas.
The sided variant adds fixed timber ends and removable timber sides as standard, creating a contained platform that is ideal for transporting multiple smaller items, loose goods, or any load that needs to be prevented from sliding off the platform during transit. The sides are removable, allowing the truck to be converted quickly between sided and flatbed configurations depending on the task at hand. This dual-purpose capability makes the sided version an exceptionally versatile choice for operations that handle a variety of load types.
Stubbs Turntable Flatbed Truck with Pneumatic Wheels (1500kg)
At the top of the Stubbs range sits the 1,500-kilogram capacity turntable truck — a serious piece of handling equipment designed for the most demanding industrial and commercial applications. This extraordinary load capacity places it in a category that few manually operated turntable trucks can match, making it the natural choice for operations that regularly handle extremely heavy loads without the option of powered handling equipment.
The 1500 x 700 millimetre platform provides a generous loading surface, while the pneumatic wheels deliver the shock absorption and traction needed to move loads of this magnitude across varied surfaces. The angle steel frame is correspondingly uprated to handle the significantly greater forces involved in transporting near-tonne-and-a-half loads, with heavier gauge steel and reinforced stress points throughout the structure.
This model is available as a flatbed, providing maximum flexibility for large, heavy, and irregularly shaped loads. It is the truck of choice for heavy engineering workshops, large-scale agricultural operations, building material yards, and any environment where the ability to move extremely heavy loads safely and efficiently is a core operational requirement.
Stubbs Heavy Duty Turntable Truck with Cushion Wheels (1500kg)
For operations that require the maximum 1,500-kilogram capacity but operate primarily on smooth, hard surfaces, this cushion-wheeled variant offers the same extraordinary load capacity with the added benefit of maintenance-free wheels. The solid cushion rubber tyres eliminate the risk of punctures and the need for tyre pressure maintenance, ensuring the truck is always ready for use without any routine wheel maintenance.
This model is particularly well suited to factory floors, large warehouses, distribution centres, and other indoor environments where the floor surfaces are smooth and level. The cushion wheels provide reliable, predictable performance on these surfaces, and their solid construction ensures that the truck can be parked under load for extended periods without any concern about slow punctures or tyre deformation.
Stubbs Turntable Truck with Sides and Cushion Wheels (1500kg)
Combining the maximum 1,500-kilogram capacity with side panels and cushion wheels, this model provides the ultimate in contained heavy-load transport for smooth-surface environments. The sides prevent loads from shifting during transit, which is particularly important when transporting extremely heavy loads where even a small shift in the load position could compromise the truck's stability or create a hazard for the operator.
This is the premium model in the Stubbs turntable truck range, designed for operations where maximum capacity, load security, and maintenance-free operation are all critical requirements. Large-scale manufacturing facilities, major distribution hubs, and heavy industrial workshops are typical applications for this specification.
Stubbs Heavy Duty Turntable Truck with Pneumatic Wheels (750kg)
Positioned between the 500-kilogram standard models and the 1,500-kilogram maximum-capacity range, the 750-kilogram pneumatic model fills an important gap for operations that need more capacity than the standard heavy-duty range provides but do not require the full 1,500-kilogram specification. The pneumatic wheels make this an excellent choice for outdoor and mixed-surface operations where loads are consistently heavy but fall short of the maximum capacity tier.
This model is popular with building contractors, landscaping companies, agricultural operations, and facilities management teams who handle heavy loads across varied terrain on a daily basis. The 750-kilogram capacity comfortably accommodates the vast majority of manually handled loads, while the pneumatic wheels ensure smooth, controlled movement even on rough or uneven ground.
Choosing the Right Stubbs Turntable Truck
Selecting the optimal Stubbs turntable truck for your operation requires consideration of four key factors: load weight, platform size, wheel type, and side configuration. Getting these decisions right ensures you have the perfect tool for the job.
Load Capacity
The most fundamental consideration is the maximum weight you need to transport. Stubbs turntable trucks are available with capacities of 150, 350, 500, 750, and 1,500 kilograms. When assessing your requirements, always consider the heaviest load you are likely to encounter, not just the average. A sensible approach is to select a truck with a capacity that exceeds your maximum expected load by at least 25 per cent. This provides a safety margin that accounts for variations in load weight, dynamic forces during movement over uneven ground, and the fundamental safety principle that handling equipment should never be routinely operated at its absolute maximum rating.
Platform Size
The platform must be large enough to accommodate your typical loads securely. The Stubbs range spans from the compact 960 x 500 millimetre platform on the light-duty model to the 1524 x 711 millimetre deck on the heavy-duty range and the 1500 x 700 millimetre platform on the maximum-capacity models. Consider not just the dimensions of individual items but also whether you will frequently need to carry multiple items simultaneously. A larger platform allows more goods to be transported per trip, improving overall handling efficiency.
Wheel Type: Pneumatic Versus Cushion
This choice depends primarily on your operating environment. Pneumatic tyres are the superior choice for outdoor use, rough terrain, cobbled yards, construction sites, and any setting where the ground surface is uneven, loose, or unpredictable. Their air-filled construction absorbs shocks and provides traction that solid wheels simply cannot match on challenging surfaces.
Cushion wheels are the better choice for smooth, hard indoor surfaces such as warehouse floors, factory environments, and distribution centres. They are completely maintenance-free, cannot puncture, and provide smooth, predictable rolling on level surfaces. For operations that involve both indoor and outdoor use, pneumatic tyres generally offer the greater versatility, though some operators in mixed environments choose cushion wheels to eliminate the maintenance burden and accept a slightly rougher ride on outdoor surfaces.
Flatbed Versus Sided
Flatbed turntable trucks offer maximum flexibility for loading and accommodate the widest range of load shapes and sizes. They are the best choice when you primarily handle large, heavy items that do not need lateral containment, or when you need the ability to load from any direction.
Sided trucks provide load security for smaller, multiple, or loose items that might slide off a flat platform during manoeuvres or transit over uneven ground. The removable sides on many Stubbs models allow you to switch between configurations, providing the best of both worlds. If you handle a variety of load types, a sided model with removable panels offers the greatest operational flexibility.
Stubbs Turntable Trucks and UK Workplace Safety Legislation
Investing in quality turntable trucks is not simply an operational decision — it is a legal requirement for UK employers. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) place clear duties on employers to avoid hazardous manual handling operations wherever reasonably practicable, to assess the risks of unavoidable manual handling tasks, and to reduce the risk of injury to the lowest level reasonably practicable.
HSE statistics consistently show that musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common categories of work-related ill health in the United Kingdom. Hundreds of thousands of workers suffer from these conditions each year, with back injuries being the most prevalent. The financial impact on businesses is substantial, encompassing lost working days, recruitment of temporary cover, compensation claims, and potential prosecution for regulatory non-compliance.
Providing appropriate mechanical handling aids — including quality turntable trucks — is one of the most effective measures an employer can take to discharge these legal duties. A Stubbs turntable truck allows a single operator to move loads of up to 1,500 kilograms without manual lifting, dramatically reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injury. The ergonomic U-shaped handle, smooth turntable steering, and quality wheel assemblies all minimise the physical forces required during operation, further reducing strain on the operator.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 reinforce these duties by requiring comprehensive risk assessments for all workplace activities. When conducting manual handling risk assessments, the provision of Stubbs turntable trucks demonstrates a genuine commitment to providing the best available control measures — exactly the proactive approach that the Health and Safety Executive expects from responsible employers.
For organisations in sectors such as education, healthcare, and local government — where both regulatory compliance and duty of care obligations are closely scrutinised — investing in British-made, professionally specified handling equipment provides documented evidence of responsible risk management.
Industry Applications: Where Stubbs Turntable Trucks Excel
The versatility of Stubbs turntable trucks means they deliver exceptional value across an extraordinarily wide range of industries and operational settings.
Warehousing and Distribution
Turntable trucks are the backbone of efficient warehouse operations. They transport palletised goods, boxed stock, and bulk items between receiving areas, storage locations, picking zones, and dispatch bays. The 500-kilogram and 750-kilogram Stubbs models handle the vast majority of warehousing loads, while the 1,500-kilogram models serve heavy industrial warehousing and building material distribution. The turntable steering allows navigation through narrow racking aisles, and the flat timber deck accommodates pallet-based loads without the catch points that can occur with mesh-based platforms.
Construction and Building
Construction sites present some of the most demanding conditions for handling equipment: heavy loads, rough ground, exposure to the elements, and the inevitable rough treatment that equipment receives on active sites. The pneumatic-wheeled Stubbs models are specifically designed for these conditions, with their oversized tyres providing the shock absorption and traction needed to move building materials, tools, and equipment across uneven, muddy, and debris-strewn terrain. The 1,500-kilogram capacity models handle the heaviest construction loads, including bags of cement, bricks, blocks, and timber.
Agriculture and Equestrian
The agricultural and equestrian sectors are where the Stubbs name carries perhaps its greatest recognition. Stubbs turntable trucks transport bales of hay and straw, sacks of feed, bedding materials, fencing supplies, tools, and equipment across yard surfaces that are frequently rough, muddy, and exposed to the elements. The robust angle steel construction, weather-resistant enamel finish, and pneumatic wheel options make these trucks ideally suited to the demanding conditions found in farming and equestrian environments.
The sided variants are particularly popular in these sectors, containing loose or irregularly shaped loads during transport across uneven ground. The ability to remove the sides when handling larger items such as machinery or fencing panels adds valuable flexibility.
Education and Local Authority
Schools, colleges, universities, and local authority facilities have diverse and constant handling needs — from moving maintenance supplies and grounds equipment to transporting furniture, deliveries, and waste. Stubbs turntable trucks provide a safe, reliable handling solution that withstands the varied and sustained use these environments demand. The choice of cushion wheels for indoor corridors and pneumatic wheels for outdoor grounds maintenance allows each truck to be specified for its primary operating environment.
Healthcare and Hospitality
Hospitals, care homes, hotels, and catering establishments all require efficient material movement: deliveries to stores, supplies to departments, laundry, waste, and equipment. The smooth, controlled operation of a Stubbs turntable truck makes it ideal for environments where quiet operation, precise steering, and reliable performance are essential.
Manufacturing and Engineering
Factory and workshop environments generate heavy, continuous handling demands. Raw materials, work-in-progress components, finished goods, and tooling all need to move efficiently between workstations, storage, and dispatch. The high-capacity Stubbs models — particularly the 1,500-kilogram variants — handle the substantial loads common in manufacturing environments, while the quality construction withstands the sustained daily use that factory operations demand.
Maintenance and Care for Maximum Service Life
One of the most compelling advantages of investing in a Stubbs turntable truck is the exceptionally long service life these machines deliver. With proper care, a Stubbs turntable truck will provide reliable service for many years — and there are examples in the field that have been working dependably for decades.
Wheel Maintenance
For pneumatic-tyred models, regular tyre pressure checks are essential. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance (making the truck harder to push), cause uneven tyre wear, and reduce load capacity. Inflate to the manufacturer's recommended pressure and check at least weekly for trucks in daily service. Inspect tyres for cuts, cracks, and embedded objects that could cause slow punctures.
For cushion-wheeled models, inspect the tyres for flat spots, cracking, or excessive wear. Cushion tyres are maintenance-free in terms of pressure, but they do wear over time and should be replaced when the tread depth is no longer sufficient to provide adequate grip and shock absorption.
Check wheel bearings by spinning each wheel and listening for grinding, clicking, or roughness. Bearings should rotate smoothly and quietly. Any roughness or play indicates bearing deterioration and warrants replacement before the bearing fails completely and damages the axle or wheel hub.
Frame and Deck Inspection
Inspect the angle steel frame periodically for signs of cracking, bending, or weld deterioration. Pay particular attention to the turntable mounting point, the handle attachment, and the axle mountings — these are the areas of highest stress during operation. While Stubbs frames are built to withstand years of heavy use, any equipment can be damaged by overloading, impact, or misuse, and early detection of damage allows for repair before it becomes a safety issue.
The timber deck should be inspected for splitting, warping, loose fixings, and rot. Keep the deck clean and free from substances that could promote decay. If individual deck boards become damaged, they can be replaced without affecting the rest of the truck — a significant advantage over welded mesh or pressed steel platforms that must be replaced as a complete unit.
Finish Maintenance
The enamel finish protects the frame from corrosion and should be maintained in good condition. Clean the truck regularly with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dirt, grease, and corrosive substances. If the finish becomes chipped or scratched, touch up the damaged area with appropriate paint to prevent rust from establishing at the exposed point. In environments with regular exposure to chemicals, moisture, or aggressive cleaning agents, more frequent inspection and maintenance of the finish is advisable.
Turntable Mechanism
The turntable mechanism requires minimal maintenance but should be checked periodically for smooth operation. The steering should feel consistent and controlled — any stiffness, roughness, or excessive looseness indicates that the mechanism needs attention. A small amount of grease applied to the turntable bearing or friction surfaces will maintain smooth operation and extend the life of the steering components.
Fasteners
Check all bolts and fasteners periodically for tightness. The vibration and jolting that occurs during operation — particularly on rough surfaces — can gradually loosen fixings over time. A routine tightening check every few weeks for heavily used trucks, or monthly for lighter use, will prevent loose fasteners from developing into more serious problems.
The Total Cost of Ownership: Why Stubbs Turntable Trucks Save You Money
The purchase price of a Stubbs turntable truck is higher than that of the cheapest imported alternatives, and there is no avoiding this fact. However, purchase price is only one component of the total cost of owning and operating a turntable truck, and it is frequently the least significant component over the full life cycle of the equipment.
A budget turntable truck might cost half or even a third of the price of a comparable Stubbs model. But budget trucks are typically built with thinner steel, inferior welds, lower-grade timber, cheap bearings, and basic paint finishes. Under heavy daily use, these shortcomings manifest quickly: frames flex and fatigue, welds crack, decks split, bearings seize, and paint flakes off to expose the steel beneath to corrosion. A typical budget turntable truck might last two to four years under demanding daily use before it becomes unsafe or impractical to continue operating.
A Stubbs turntable truck, properly maintained, can reasonably be expected to provide fifteen to twenty years of reliable service — and many examples significantly exceed this. When you calculate the annualised cost (purchase price divided by years of useful service), a Stubbs truck typically works out cheaper per year than repeatedly purchasing and replacing budget alternatives. And this calculation does not account for the reduced maintenance costs, the avoided operational disruption during replacement periods, the superior safety performance, the improved operator comfort, and the consistent productivity that a reliable, well-built truck delivers day after day, year after year.
The availability of replacement parts further extends the economic advantage. Wheels, tyres, bearings, deck boards, and other wear components can all be sourced and fitted as needed, allowing the core truck to continue in service long after the point at which a budget alternative would have been scrapped and replaced. This repairability is fundamental to the Stubbs value proposition and represents a genuinely sustainable approach to equipment procurement — extending useful life rather than accepting premature disposal.
Why Professionals Choose Stubbs Over Imported Alternatives
The UK turntable truck market is flooded with imported products at prices that seem attractively low. Professionals who have experience with both imported and British-made equipment consistently choose Stubbs, and the reasons are grounded in tangible performance differences rather than sentiment.
Every Stubbs turntable truck undergoes quality control by the same team that built it, in the same factory where it was manufactured. Any defect or issue identified during inspection can be traced back to the specific production step and corrected immediately. This closed-loop quality system is simply not available with imported products, where the retailer typically has no visibility of the manufacturing process and no ability to influence quality standards.
The angle steel frame construction used by Stubbs is measurably stronger and more durable than the thin-walled tubular steel used by most imported manufacturers. The fully welded joints, properly specified axles, and appropriately rated bearings all contribute to a truck that performs reliably under loads that would expose the structural limitations of a cheaper alternative.
The Stubbs warranty of quality is backed by a company that has been in continuous operation for nearly 190 years. Spare parts, technical knowledge, and product support will be available for years to come. The same assurance cannot always be made for imported products from manufacturers that may change their product range, rebrand, or cease operations at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stubbs Turntable Trucks
Where are Stubbs turntable trucks manufactured?
All Stubbs turntable trucks are manufactured at Progress Works in Hawksworth, Nottinghamshire, England. The company has been manufacturing at this location since 1836, and every product is entirely produced in the UK.
What load capacities are available?
The Stubbs range includes turntable trucks with capacities of 150kg, 350kg, 500kg, 750kg, and 1,500kg. The heavy-duty 1500 x 700mm platform models are available with either 750kg or 1,500kg capacities depending on the specification.
What is the difference between pneumatic and cushion wheels?
Pneumatic wheels are air-filled and provide excellent shock absorption for rough or uneven outdoor surfaces. Cushion wheels are solid rubber, completely maintenance-free, and ideal for smooth indoor floors. Choose pneumatic for outdoor or mixed use, cushion for primarily indoor environments.
Do Stubbs turntable trucks come with sides?
Several models are available with sides as standard, and many can be specified with optional removable timber sides. Flatbed (no sides) variants are also available for maximum loading flexibility. On sided models, the timber sides are typically removable, allowing quick conversion between configurations.
How long will a Stubbs turntable truck last?
With proper maintenance, a Stubbs turntable truck can provide fifteen to twenty years of reliable service or more under demanding daily use. The angle steel frame, quality bearings, and durable enamel finish are all designed for exceptional longevity. Replacement parts including wheels, tyres, and deck boards are available to extend the service life further.
Can I use a Stubbs turntable truck outdoors?
Absolutely. Stubbs turntable trucks with pneumatic wheels are specifically designed for outdoor and rough terrain use. The weather-resistant enamel finish protects the frame from corrosion, and the 400-millimetre pneumatic tyres provide the traction and shock absorption needed for uneven ground, cobbled surfaces, and outdoor environments.
What does "made to order" mean?
Stubbs turntable trucks are manufactured to order at the Hawksworth factory. This means your truck is freshly built specifically for you, ensuring the highest quality standards and allowing for any specification options to be incorporated during manufacture. Typical delivery times are within 15 to 28 days depending on the model.
Are Stubbs turntable trucks suitable for warehouse use?
Yes. The cushion-wheeled models are specifically optimised for smooth warehouse floors, providing maintenance-free operation and smooth, predictable rolling. The turntable steering allows navigation through narrow aisles, and the high load capacities handle the substantial loads common in warehousing operations.
How do I maintain my Stubbs turntable truck?
Regular maintenance includes checking tyre pressure (pneumatic models), inspecting wheels and bearings for wear, checking the frame for damage, keeping the deck clean and dry, maintaining the enamel finish, and periodically tightening all fasteners. These simple tasks, performed routinely, will maximise the already exceptional service life of the truck.
What is the platform height of a Stubbs turntable truck?
The platform height on the heavy-duty 500kg models is 510 millimetres from the ground. This is an ergonomically sensible height that allows comfortable loading and unloading without excessive bending, while remaining low enough to maintain a stable centre of gravity under heavy loads.
Can I get replacement parts?
Yes. Stubbs supports its products with replacement components including wheels, tyres, bearings, and deck boards. This repairability is a core advantage of the Stubbs range, allowing the truck to be maintained in service for decades rather than being disposed of when a single component wears out.
Why is a Stubbs turntable truck more expensive than imported alternatives?
The price reflects the cost of genuine British manufacturing using premium materials: angle steel frames, quality bearings, selected timber decks, baked enamel finishes, and skilled hand assembly. The total cost of ownership over the truck's much longer service life is typically lower than repeatedly purchasing budget alternatives.
Buy Your Stubbs Turntable Truck from Hall-Fast
Stubbs turntable trucks represent the finest manually operated platform trucks manufactured in Britain, combining nearly 190 years of engineering heritage with materials and construction methods that deliver exceptional performance, durability, and long-term value. From the 150-kilogram light-duty model for yard and stockroom use to the remarkable 1,500-kilogram heavy-duty trucks for the most demanding industrial applications, there is a Stubbs turntable truck engineered precisely for your operational requirements.
Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies is proud to offer the complete range of Stubbs turntable trucks, including the heavy-duty 1500 x 700mm platform models featured on this page. Backed by expert product advice and the service standards that have earned Hall-Fast its ISO 9001:2015 accreditation, the team can help you select the right specification, wheel type, and configuration for your specific handling needs.
To discuss your requirements, request a quotation, or place an order, contact Hall-Fast today on 01623 645645, by email at sales@hall-fast.com, or browse the complete Stubbs turntable truck range online at hall-fast.com. Invest in a Stubbs turntable truck, and invest in handling equipment that will serve your operation faithfully for decades to come.
