Author: Derek Buffardi

How the Scoop Dolly Helped Move a Piece of 9/11 History

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When Innovation Meets Honor

At Saw Trax, we design tools that make hard work easier, safer, and smarter. But every once in a while, a project reminds us why we do what we do.
That was the case when Facilitator Technologies of New York, led by Bruce, reached out about a monumental challenge: transporting a 7-foot-diameter, 700-pound Fireman Hatthe “911 Shield” — now proudly displayed at the FDNY Fire Museum in New York City.

(Derek and the team at Saw Trax) The task? Move this priceless, one-of-a-kind piece of art safely and smoothly — and possibly prepare it for travel across the country for future exhibitions.
The solution? The Saw Trax Scoop Dolly.

After working closely with Bruce, Derek and his team confirmed — and proved — that the Scoop Dolly could handle the task. Upon receiving and testing it, Bruce couldn’t have been happier with the results.

Scoop Dolly in New York

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Built for Heavy Lifting — Literally

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Originally engineered to handle our own 10-foot, 500-pound crated panel saws, the Scoop Dolly combines the scoop-lip loading technique of a hand truck with 360° omnidirectional dolly movement. Its ergonomic design allows one person to move loads up to 800 lbs (and up to 1,000 lbs with the heavy-duty upgrade) without the need for forklifts or multiple handlers.

Made from 12-gauge American steel, the Scoop Dolly’s flat-loading scoop and adjustable tilt legs make it easy to load large, tall, or awkwardly shaped objects while maintaining balance and safety. From oversized doors and windows to prefabricated walls, the Scoop Dolly turns what used to be a four-person lift into a one-person, no-sweat operation.

A New York Challenge: Moving the 911 Shield

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When Bruce at Facilitator Technologies first contacted us, his question was simple — “Will it hold?”
The Fireman Hat, or “911 Shield,” was massive, beautifully crafted, and delicate. It had to fit onto the dolly, clear the truck roof by just an inch, and stay secure through setup, movement, and display.

After working closely with Bruce, our team confirmed — and proved — that the Scoop Dolly could handle the task. Upon receiving and testing it, Bruce couldn’t have been happier with the results.

Customer Testimonial: Confidence in Every Move

Here’s what Bruce had to say about his experience:

How was working with Derek?
“Amazingly professional.”

Are the dollies safe and efficient?
“Totally safe and efficient.”

Did they save your team time?
“Would be impossible without.”

Did it perform as promised?
“Performed as advertised!”

Would you recommend to others?
“Yes.”

Additional comments:
“Thanks to a wonderfully dedicated team!”

Today, that same Scoop Dolly still supports the 911 Shield — not just as a transport tool, but as the foundation for its museum display. Few products can say they help carry history.

Empowering Work, Elevating Purpose

From stair manufacturers to window fabricators, from warehouses to museums, the Scoop Dolly continues to prove its worth in any setting that demands precision, power, and safety. It’s more than a tool — it’s a testament to what one person can achieve with the right equipment.

At Saw Trax, we’re proud to help teams like Facilitator Technologies and institutions like the FDNY Fire Museum work smarter, safer, and stronger.
Because when innovation empowers people, even history can move with ease.

Ready to Empower Your Workflow?

Explore the Scoop Dolly and accessories that fit your unique operations.
Visit SawTrax.com/ScoopDolly\

Derek’s info for questions and future needs. 

Derek C. Buffardi Sr. – National Sales Manager

Derek.Buffardi@SawTrax.com

Cell Phone: 706-973-2889

Saw Trax / Dolly Trax Mfg, Inc.

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How To Reduce Job Site Noise – Forklift Free Zones

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Reduce Noise Job Site
Forklift “Free Zones” will significantly lower noise pollution in warehouses and job sites. To replace them properly requires heavy duty dollies to pickup, maneuver and deliver payloads safely in a timely manner

In any bustling distribution center, noise can quickly escalate to levels that are not only irritating but also potentially harmful to your workforce. While noise is an unavoidable byproduct of high activity, there are efficient ways to manage and reduce it without compromising on safety or productivity. Here’s a practical guide to minimizing noise in your warehouse or job site while ensuring a safer and more pleasant work environment.

Utilize Quiet Equipment

One of the simplest yet most effective methods to reduce noise is by using equipment designed to operate quietly. Consider investing in manual dollies that are specifically engineered to be noise-free. These dollies glide effortlessly across the floor without creating unnecessary sound, significantly reducing the overall noise level in the facility.

Encourage the Use of General Warehouse Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

While the instinct might be to reach for noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs, it’s essential to remember that these types of PPE can sometimes be hazardous in a dynamic environment like a distribution center. Workers need to be able to hear warnings or alerts from their surroundings—like a coworker shouting to signal danger or the approach of heavy machinery.

Instead, focus on encouraging your workforce to wear general warehouse PPE that does not isolate them from crucial auditory cues. Continuous training and awareness programs can educate workers about maintaining optimal safety and situational awareness without relying on noise-cancelling devices.

Redesign the Layout to Separate Noisy and Quiet Zones

Strategic layout planning can substantially mitigate noise exposure. By rearranging your work flow to create distinct noisy and quiet zones, you can minimize the noise pollution that penetrates into areas where concentration and quiet are necessary. Place all noisy machinery and operations in one consolidated area of the job site, while designating other parts as quiet zones. These quiet areas can be used for breaks and tasks requiring higher concentration levels, such as inventory checks or planning.

Establish Forklift-Free Zones

Another innovative approach to reducing noise is to establish forklift-free zones with powerful Dolly Carts; an alternative to heavy machinery equipment. Forklifts are often a significant source of noise due to their engines and the movement of heavy loads. By creating zones where forklifts are not permitted, you not only reduce noise but also enhance the safety of those areas, making them more conducive to tasks that require a quieter environment.

Conclusion: Safety, Employee Retention and Productivity from Noise Reduction

Reducing noise in the work place doesn’t require drastic changes—simple adjustments to equipment, PPE policies, and the physical layout can make a significant difference. Scoop Dollies can eliminate the need for most Forklift use cases, saving time, money, and noise pollution. These changes not only improve the auditory environment but also contribute to overall safety and worker satisfaction. By continually assessing and addressing noise levels, you can create a more productive and less stressful workplace for everyone involved.

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