Shopping carts become difficult to maneuver over time due to rusted ball bearings, axles, and swivels. The fixed rear wheels and misaligned front wheels also contribute to the problem. Trying out different carts is recommended.
Contrary to what some of us might suspect, the wobbly wheel on a shopping cart isn’t factory installed. If you need more proof, wait until a new grocery store opens and try a brand new model yourself. Easily driving shopping carts is rarely a problem during the first few months of a grocery store’s operation. It’s only after the shop has been open for a while that driving a cat becomes more and more of a challenge. There are actually a number of mechanical reasons why driving shopping carts is so difficult.
The wheels of modern shopping trolleys usually contain metal ball bearings that rotate around a metal axle. The wheels are more likely to be solid rubber, similar to office chair casters, than the pneumatic type found on cars. Over time, ball bearings, axles and swivels can start to rust, which increases friction and makes the front wheels less maneuverable. Driving shopping carts with rusty pins and axles is much more difficult than driving brand new shopping carts.
Another consideration is the difference between the rear and front wheels of most shopping carts. The rear wheels are likely to be fixed and stiff, which is great for forward and reverse motion, but not so good for side-to-side adjustments. The front wheels are free to move in any direction, but both wheels must be aligned for best results. Steering shopping carts with a front wheel out of alignment creates the frustrating feeling of fighting for control. Replacing the rear stiff wheels with free-rolling ones would only make the problem worse, since there could be four misaligned wheels at play.
Time and intensive use are largely responsible for the frustrations shoppers face when maneuvering shopping carts down the aisles. Most grocery stores do not employ technicians who can repair shopping carts. Over time, the most problematic trolleys are retired or replaced with newer models. Before that day arrives, most of the shopping carts have been seriously abused by younger shoppers, left in rainy parking lots, overloaded with groceries and used as makeshift scooters. When wheels become dirty and warped, and casters have been forced out of alignment, eventually steering shopping carts becomes nearly impossible.
Shopping experts suggest trying to ride a few shopping carts before deciding which one is best to use. The wobbly wheel phenomenon may not become a factor until the shopping cart has hit a certain speed, so give all applicants a good ride whenever possible. Driving shopping carts through the aisles of a grocery store shouldn’t be a test of endurance.
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