Rubbermaid Utility Carts: A Comparison Guide

When it comes to getting the job done efficiently, having the right utility cart can make all the difference. Whether you're hauling heavy loads, organizing cleaning supplies, or moving tools around the shop, there's a specific cart for every task. In this blog, we'll compare a variety of Rubbermaid utility carts, including shelf carts, maid carts, and service carts. Choosing the right cart isn't just about convenience—it's about having the right tool for the job, increasing productivity, and reducing strain. So, let's dive into the details and see which cart best fits your needs.

Rubbermaid Shelf-utility carts organize and haul items or tools in offices, warehouses, retail stores, healthcare facilities, and more.

These carts come with multiple adjustable shelves that you can customize for larger items when needed. If you’re on a job that has you carrying a lot of different tools or materials, and you find yourself lugging everything back and forth, making endless trips to your toolbox or truck, that’s when these shelf carts come in handy.

When transporting your tools or other materials using the cart, you may find that the shelf cart itself isn't that heavy. If you’re wondering what they’re made out of because they're so lightweight, don’t worry—you weren't the only one.

Rubbermaid builds these carts with sturdy structural foam, which is the key to preventing them from rusting, denting, chipping, or peeling. This structural foam also makes the cart easy to maneuver, push, or pull along. Shelf-carts can support a minimum of 300 lbs to a maximum of 750 lbs, with the average shelf-storage utility cart handling around 500 lbs of storage weight capacity.

For a better look at these shelf carts, check out Rubbermaids short informative video: 

Choose the best option from the Rubbermaid Shelf Carts selection below for your needs:

Utility Service Carts with Flat or Raised Handles

1. Flat Handle: Rubbermaid FG450089BLA 18" W X 33" H X 39" L Utility Service Cart 2 Shelf Flat Handle
2. Raised Handle: Rubbermaid FG450088BLA 18" W X 33" H X 39" L Utility Service Cart 2 Shelf W/ Raised Handle

Heavy-Duty (HD) 2-Shelf Utility Carts with Lipped Shelf

Large:

1. Rubbermaid FG454600BLA HD 2-Shelf Utility Cart W/Lipped Shelf (Large)
   
2. Rubbermaid FG454610BLA HD 2-Shelf Utility Cart W/Lipped Shelf (Large) - With Pneumatic Wheels
   

Medium:

1. Rubbermaid FG452010BLA HD 2-Shelf Utility Cart W/Lipped Shelf (Med) With Pneumatic Casters
   
2. Rubbermaid FG452088BEIG HD 2-Shelf Utility Cart W/Lipped Shelf (Med)
   

2-Shelf Utility Carts with 4" (10.2 cm) Casters

1. Rubbermaid FG9T6600BLA 2 Shelf Utility Cart, 4" (10.2 Cm) Casters (9T66)
   
2. Rubbermaid FG9T6700BLA 2 Shelf Utility Cart, 4" (10.2 Cm) Casters
    

Housekeeping tasks are fast-paced and work-intensive, especially in facilities with a large number of rooms or areas to keep clean. Hauling cleaning equipment around is strenuous, and the various types of cleaning that need to be done usually involve several different kinds of cleaning supplies and chemicals.

Keeping buildings clean is one of the most important jobs there can be. You can't get any work done if your area is dirty and grimy. However, housekeeping professionals can’t clean if they don’t have the proper tools at their disposal.

Rubbermaid housekeeping carts are designed to help you tackle cleaning tasks with ease. Move fluidly throughout each room or open area with ease, and keep everything from mops and brooms to pine-sol and disinfectant safe and secure in compartments on the cart. Roll with everything you need at your fingertips without worrying about overexerting yourself by making multiple trips. 

Not only do these maid carts provide a great deal of storage solutions and easy maneuverability, but they also meet the desired aesthetic for any hospitality environment. In a professional environment, you need carts that won’t damage the walls or other items if you accidentally bump into them.

These Rubbermaid maid carts all come equipped with impact-resistant bumps on the sides of the cart and non-marking wheels.

Check out this video comparing Rubbermaid housekeeping carts to their competitors:

There are four types of models you can choose from, but they all stick to the same design to keep things cohesive. You can choose from hooded and non-hooded models, and they’re also available with or without doors, whatever suits your preference. Their compact model is more geared towards cleaning tight spaces as it requires less floor space, but if you need more storage, the full-sized cabinet offers more and an adjustable middle shelf.

Compact Housekeeping Carts

1. Rubbermaid FG619000BLA Compact Housekeeping Cart
   
2. Rubbermaid FG619200BLA Compact Housekeeping Cart With Doors
   

Full-Size Housekeeping Carts

1. Rubbermaid FG619100BLA Full Size Housekeeping Cart With Doors
   
2. Rubbermaid FG618900BLA Full Size Housekeeping Cart
   

Though these Rubbermaid housekeeping carts are built tough enough to handle daily use, they're limited to housekeeping jobs. Don’t expect these carts to haul heavy loads or be used on a construction site. If you need a cart for a jobsite that involves tools and machinery, Rubbermaid offers other products like their service carts for that. 

If you’re looking for carts that can handle heavy loads on jobsites or durable service carts for both the front and back of the house, Rubbermaid Service Carts and Platform Carts are the options you need to consider.

These carts are specifically built to handle warehouses, manufacturing facilities, restaurants, and more. Moving around a handful of dishes or toolbags one by one just isn’t productive, especially when you’re trying to get a job done quickly and efficiently.

These carts are different from self-carts or housekeeping carts because they offer multiple shelves and compartments with optional models that lock. These carts are built using high-density structural resin and structural foam polypropylene construction for the most demanding dirty environments. 

Though Rubbermaid service carts  are bulkier, they can still squeeze through tight spaces, depending on the model you choose. The heavy-duty utility/service carts ensure this through an easy-access bottom shelf and molded-in storage compartments, holsters, hooks, notches, and customizable fittings. Rolling whatever you need, wherever you need.

Want to see how these heavy-duty service carts work? Watch this quick video by Rubbermaid:

Toolboxes are great. Don’t get me wrong—they can store everything you need, but sometimes it’s nice to have a portable cart with drawers and compartments for smaller parts or tools, like Rubbermaid TradeMaster carts, to keep them from getting lost.

These TradeMaster Carts are easily transportable and offer a better way to incorporate a workbench into your jobs. This is an all-in-one solution that all trades can use from electricians to mechanics. 

Though not technically coined restaurant service carts, these Rubbermaid service  and platform carts  are mainly meant for front and back-of-the-house job tasks. They're built to easily blend into the aesthetics of each place they’re being used, and their advanced functionality means that each facility can run smoother.

For bussers in busy restaurants or dining areas, having the ability to take fewer trips to the kitchen is a need. These service carts offer an increased weight capacity of up to 300 lbs. Worried that the cart can’t withstand that? Rubbermaid has ensured each cart has reinforced shelves and meta uprights.

Keeping things clean and hygienic is a must when food is being prepared, made, and eaten, so Rubbermaid has also offered smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces on these carts for the convenience of professionals.

Check out the different types of service carts Rubbermaid has available below:

Utility / Service Carts:

1. Rubbermaid FG452088BLA Heavy-Duty Utility / Service Cart (Black)
   
2. Service Utility Cart (4520-89) Rubbermaid FG452089BLA Service Utility Cart
   

Platform Carts:

1. Utility Cart Rubbermaid FG342488BLA Utility Cart With 4" Dia (10.2 Cm) Swivel Casters
   
2. Rubbermaid FG409600BLA 4 Shelf Cart, Open Sided
   
3. Rubbermaid FG409100GRAY Utility Cart, Open Sided
   
4. Rubbermaid FG342488OWHT Utility Cart With 4" Dia (10.2 Cm) Swivel Casters
   
5. Rubbermaid FG342488PLAT Utility Cart With 4" Dia (10.2 Cm) Swivel Casters
   
6. Rubbermaid FG409100BLA Utility Cart, Open Sided
   

TradeMaster Carts:

1. Rubbermaid FG453388BLA TradeMaster Cart With 4-Drawer And Cabinet
   
2. TradeMaster Cart with 4 Drawer Cart Rubbermaid FG451388BLA TradeMaster Cart With 4 Drawer Cart
   

Carry Caddy:

1. Deluxe Carry Caddy Rubbermaid FG315488BLA Deluxe Carry Caddy
   

Equipment Cart:

1. Equipment Cart Rubbermaid FG409500BLA Xtra Equipment Cart
   

Instrument Cart:

1. Instrument Cart with Lockable Doors Rubbermaid FG409400GRAY Instrument Cart With Lockable Doors And Sliding Drawers
    

The chart below shows each category of Rubbermaid Utility carts and important information you need to know to make the right decision on which cart would best suit your jobsite. This Rubbermaid Utility cart chart gives you features and benefits, pros and cons, and applications and industry information.

When choosing a Rubbermaid Utility cart, consider several factors. First, you’ll want to make sure that the cart can withstand the weight capacity of the job. Always make sure the load, tools, or materials you are carrying do not overload the cart, as this becomes a hazard.

Secondly, think about how portable the cart is and if you need bumpers on the sides of it to prevent damaging walls or other delicate items. Another question to consider is how versatile it is and whether you can load or store all the potential things you need on it. Ask yourself if this utility cart is made for your trade and if it’ll work in the environments you're placing it in. 

Overall, deciding on a Rubbermaid Utility cart can seem tough, but once you break it down, it narrows the options for you. The diversity of Rubbermaid utility carts is great because they’ve just about managed to design one for every trade. Whether you’re in construction, maintenance, housekeeping, or even the food industry, there is a utility cart for you.

Rubbermaid's commitment to durability and functionality shines through in their utility cart designs, with features like sturdy construction, smooth-rolling wheels, and ergonomic handles enhancing usability. While each cart type has its limitations, such as the smaller load capacity of shelf carts or the specialized functionality of housekeeping carts, these carts are still better than breaking your neck trying to work without one.

So, whether you're organizing supplies in an office, keeping a hotel spotless, or tackling heavy-duty transport tasks in a warehouse, there's a Rubbermaid utility cart ready to streamline your operations and lighten your workload.