march2021 - 35

PRODUCT PROFILE

depends on the towing vehicle and
what the airport authority or end
user allows.
The co-polymer resin
requires less upkeep than traditional steel baggage carts, as well.
" It doesn't require painting, and the body doesn't rust, "
Ostrander points out.
What's more, the AlphaCart has
an interlocking framework design,
allowing for easy repairs or replacements should the cart become damaged on the job. The damaged panel
can simply be removed and replaced,
eliminating the need to buy a completely
new unit.
According to Ostrander, the interlocking framework design also makes it easier
to ship large numbers of the cart to FAST
Global Solutions' customers.
The cart is used in locations with
varying climates, which means it must
be able to withstand a variety of weather
conditions. Ostrander notes FAST Global
Solutions' customers, which consist mainly
of airlines and ground handlers, helped
refine the AlphaCart design through rigorous testing before it was introduced to
the market.
The AlphaCart has been tested in
temperatures ranging from -40 degrees
to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. FAST Global
Solutions monitored the wear and tear on
the AlphaCart in these locations and then
refined the design before it fully went into
production. The cart has been purchased
or tested in more than 15 locations in the
US and Europe.
" In addition to the company's high level
of product quality testing during the manufacturing process, FAST partnered with
a number of airlines in real-use trials of
the AlphaCart - with a particular focus on
areas with extreme climates, to be able to
evaluate the cart's durability in challenging temperature and weather conditions, "
Ostrander says.
" Feedback from ground handling teams
at each airline provided FAST with valuable
insight as to how the AlphaCart performed
in situations of rigorous daily use, monitoring any signs of wear, tear or corrosion.
Input from the airline partners, especially

those focused on product
features intended to help
improve operations and team member
safety, was then utilized to refine the
design prior to full-scale production, " adds
Ostrander.
The AlphaCart has a variety of features
designed to help ground handlers perform
their jobs more efficiently, according to
Ostrander.
" The FAST team is always keeping the
operator in mind with new product design
and the AlphaCart is loaded with specific
features to help the ground handling teams
on the ramp perform their jobs faster and
safer, " she says.
The AlphaCart's floor is channeled,
allowing rainwater to drain away easily.
This reduces baggage drag when workers
are moving cargo in and out of the cart.
FAST Global Solutions also integrated
side-pull handles into the design to further
increase maneuverability.
Vinyl curtains with webbed reinforcements protect baggage from the elements.
FAST Global Solutions partners with
Quadro Inc., a Glenwood Minnesota manufacturer, to make the AlphaCart curtains.
FAST Global Solutions carries replacement
curtains should they become damaged on
the job.

The AlphaCart features a number of
optional add-ons, including an interior
light, color choice, a bolt-in middle shelf
and advertising/branding space.
The optional interior light is powered
by a battery located underneath the unit,
which harnesses energy via a solar panel
located on the side of the cart.
Customers can customize the color of
the rotomolded structure and choose an
optional bolt-in middle shelf to manage
baggage placement.
The top panel can be branded with the
customer's logo or used as an advertising
space, if desired.
Ostrander says when purchasing a
baggage cart, customers must consider its
compatibility with existing fleets.
The AlphaCart uses common FAST
running gear, according to Ostrander. The
running gear can be either rigid mount or
four-wheel independent rubber torsion
axles.
" The AlphaCart was designed with
the objective to keep the importance of
commonality of parts a high priority, "
Ostrander notes.
" The ability to ensure that those parts
most often needing replacement, such as
tires, bearings, tow-bars and hitches, can
be interchanged between units provides
cost savings and improved ROI, " she continues. " In addition, the replaceable panels on the AlphaCart present a significant
improvement over legacy carts. "

MARCH 2021

AviationPros.com

http://www.AviationPros.com

march2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of march2021