In automotive manufacturing and repair environments, efficient fluid management is essential—not just for safety, but for maintaining clean, organized workspaces. Whether dealing with engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, or hydraulic fluid, spills can lead to workplace hazards, contamination issues, and downtime. One highly effective solution? Custom carts with built-in fluid drainage systems designed specifically for automotive applications.
At Salco Engineering & Manufacturing, we specialize in designing custom material handling carts that streamline operations while solving practical problems—such as fluid drainage during part staging, movement, or disassembly. Our solution uses integrated steel drip pans with precision-formed creases that direct fluid into removable collection containers, allowing for easy cleanup and compliance with shop cleanliness standards.
The Problem: Managing Fluid Runoff in Automotive Facilities
From EV battery lines to internal combustion engine assembly, automotive production involves thousands of components that may contain residual oils, coolants, or lubricants. When staging or transporting engines, transmissions, axles, or other fluid-bearing parts, runoff can quickly accumulate and contaminate workstations, carts, and floors.
Traditional flat-deck carts or steel racks are not designed to handle fluid drainage, often leading to:
- Unsafe, slippery work areas
- Equipment contamination
- Labor-intensive cleanup
- Risk of cross-contamination between parts
- Lost productivity due to spills or maintenance
The Solution: Fluid-Draining Carts with Integrated Drip Systems
To address this challenge, Salco has developed a custom drip tray system built into material handling carts used throughout automotive facilities. These trays are designed with angled creases that funnel fluid runoff toward a central drainage point, where it is collected in a removable plastic jug or container located at the base of the cart.
This simple yet effective design ensures:
- Controlled fluid flow
- Minimal splash or mess
- Easy jug replacement and cleaning
- Reduced time spent on post-operation cleanup
- Improved workplace safety and cleanliness
Key Features of Salco’s Fluid-Draining Cart Designs
Here’s what makes Salco’s custom carts with drainage systems a reliable choice for modern automotive facilities:
1. Steel Drip Trays with Precision Creases
Each cart is outfitted with a durable steel drip tray, formed with engineered creases that direct fluids toward a drain opening. The sloped design ensures gravity does the work—no pumps, no manual effort. Trays are fully welded and finished to resist corrosion and maintain strength under heavy loads.
2. Removable Plastic Drain Jug
Located at the bottom of the cart, the drain collection jug captures fluids as they exit the tray system. The jug is removable, easy to empty, and resistant to oil and chemical exposure. Many clients opt for color-coded or labeled containers for quick fluid identification (e.g., oil, coolant, ATF).
3. Heavy-Duty Construction
Salco’s carts are built for the demands of the automotive industry. From reinforced steel frames to impact-resistant casters, each cart is fabricated to support frequent, heavy-duty use in assembly lines, parts washing areas, or storage zones.
4. Custom Configurations for Part Fitment
No two operations are the same, which is why we tailor each cart to fit the shape, weight, and drainage profile of your specific components—whether you’re staging engines, mounting gearboxes, or transporting EV modules. Side rails, supports, and tie-down features can be added for additional security.
5. Easy-to-Clean Surfaces
Sanitation is a growing concern in automotive production, especially where technical cleanliness is critical. Our fluid drainage carts are built with smooth surfaces and drain access points that make it easy to wipe down and disinfect after use.
Applications in the Automotive Industry
These drainage-equipped carts are used throughout the automotive supply chain, including:
- Engine and transmission staging before assembly or disassembly
- Draining work-in-process (WIP) parts during temporary storage
- Post-wash drying and drainage for oily components
- Movement of hydraulic and fuel system parts
- EV powertrain components that require technical cleanliness and drip control
Whether in a Tier 1 parts supplier, OEM assembly plant, or repair operation, these carts support clean, efficient workflows that prevent contamination and reduce downtime.
Why Custom Design Matters
Off-the-shelf carts rarely meet the nuanced demands of fluid-sensitive automotive operations. Salco works directly with clients to engineer a solution that fits your exact parts, layout, and handling requirements. Our design process includes:
- 3D modeling using SolidWorks
- Prototyping and field testing
- Material selection based on fluid compatibility
- Modular options for reconfiguration
- Collaboration with EHS and process engineering teams
By customizing the fluid drainage system, we ensure that the cart performs exactly as needed while integrating seamlessly into your facility’s material handling process.
Enhancing Workplace Safety and Compliance
Aside from performance and efficiency, fluid-draining carts also contribute to OSHA compliance and safety goals. By minimizing floor spills, you reduce slip hazards and improve overall cleanliness. Contained fluid collection also simplifies hazardous waste handling and documentation for environmental compliance.
Let Salco Engineer Your Next Fluid-Handling Cart
Salco Engineering & Manufacturing has decades of experience designing custom material handling solutions that solve real-world problems on the shop floor. Our fluid-draining carts are already helping automotive OEMs and suppliers reduce cleanup times, extend equipment life, and protect employees from dangerous working conditions.
Ready to explore a custom solution for your facility? Contact Salco today to discuss your part specifications, fluid challenges, and layout needs. Our team will guide you from concept to fabrication—delivering a cart built to perform.