A new collection of Crescent industrial utility carts and modular add-ons and accessories popped up online, and it seemed interesting enough to take a closer look.
To start, none of these products are priced for home or personal use; Crescent describes these as industrial utility carts, and the prices are definitely aligned with that.
One of the new carts features 8″ casters, HDPE structural foam shelves each with a load capacity of 250 lbs, V-notch for securing pipes and round materials for cutting operations, and an adjustable handle with 3 locking position.
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There’s a more economical version with smaller casters.
The first add-on I saw was this angled workstation, made from “18+ gauge” powder coated steel.
This mesh security panel, which wraps around the utility cart, features a center shelf and Site-Vault locking mechanism with recessed lock housing.
There’s also a non-mesh solid sheet metal version.
Described as “a groundbreaking innovation for industrial utility carts,” the Crescent electrician’s corner posts “elevates wire spools to the top shelf.”
This helps to reduce bending and frees up the bottom shelf for other tools and materials storage.
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Crescent says:
Transform your utility cart into a mobile electrical workshop and experience the difference!
PVC shelf liners can be added to help protect the cart from scratches, stains, and spills. Crescent says they can be cut or trimmed to fit if needed.
Pricing
- Cart with 8″ Casters (IUC2S8CBM) – $450
- Cart with Hard Casters (IUC2SCBM) – $240
- Angled Workstation (IUCPWCRM) – $300
- Mesh Security Panel (IUC1DMPLCRM) – $440
- Security Panel (IUC1DLCRM) – $330
- Electrician’s Corner Posts (IUCRCPCRM) – $100
- Shelf Liners (IUCSL20CBM) – $200
COO: Made in USA with Global Components
Discussion
Yes, it’s pricey for home users, but not out of line for commercial or industrial use.
We’re seeing an increased focus in industrial carts. Klein launched a ModBox work cart, and Dewalt launched their ToughSystem DXL modular workstation.
Crescent looks to be taking on Knaack’s mobile cart solutions at lower price points. Knaack has an “armored transport mobile cart” with security panels for $799 at Acme Tools.
If you combine Crescent’s cart with 8″ wheels and solid security panels, that comes out to $780, which is just under the price of the Knaack. The Knaack has a higher payload rating, but the Crescent cart seems a little better featured.
Milwaukee launched a tool cart nearly 6 years ago, and it’s still available (Home Depot has it for $503). I’ve been expecting to see a revised model with greater Packout compatibility, especially now that they have workshop storage products and tool box rail attachment accessories.
Crescent’s new industrial utility cart system seems limited but perhaps full of potential.
I also found it interesting that the carts and accessories only carry Crescent branding, rather than Jobox. Many Jobox products – cabinets, chests, field boxes, and similar – now carry Crescent Jobox labeling, but the new carts are only “Crescent.”
Jobox and Knaack are competitors, and the new Crescent carts – most notably the security enclosures – compete with Knaack. That these are Crescent and not Crescent Jobox products is noteworthy, although I’m not certain of the implications.
At the least, this seems like a noteworthy expansion of Crescent’s focus beyond tool bags for tradespersons and into industrial mobile storage solutions.
John
Pricing is very off. Large casters is over $200 more than the small ones. Zero justification for that sort of jump in cost. You can buy those large casters for under $100 retail.
Not surprised anymore. Companies are in gouging mode these days. I bought the Klein cart few months back which I feel was a decent price for the size, weight, durability and casters, total around $200.
Stuart
Carts like these are for mainly for users who aren’t spending their own money.
Andy
Just because it isn’t your money doesn’t mean you should over spend.
Stuart
Can you find something comparable from a name brand at a reputable retailer or supplier for less?
$200 for shelf liners is a bit much. But everything else seems average.
Would I buy it for personal use? No. Industrial use? Probably not, but it looks to be a new competitive option in a category with few options.
Jared
When it’s a business purchase though, there’s value in knowing you’ll get a product that’s fully worked out and will be fit for it’s intended purpose.
Buying for personal use, I have no problem spending a couple hours (or more) researching a new tool cart and compatible configurations. For example, if I like a cart but it doesn’t have the casters I want, I might well spend time finding a suitable alternative with a matching bolt pattern, capacity, material, etc. If it comes and something doesn’t fit, I’ll send it back and try again.
If you’re paying an employee to do that though… you’re losing their wages and productivity during that research time – and the utility of the cart if something doesn’t match up perfectly.
The point isn’t that this a great deal because of that context, just that other entities might see value you don’t while shopping for yourself.
Adam
That sounds like a government purchase.
Prices seem a hair high, but I like seeing all the cart add-ons.
Jared
Is that 250lbs per shelf, as-in 250lbs on the top and another 250lbs on the bottom of that two-level cart? That’s pretty good.
Seems like I’m used to seeing these advertised by total capacity.
Stuart
Specs said 250 lbs per shelf, 500 lbs total.
Wayne R.
Have to get it with the cheap casters, then replace them with your own larger *locking* casters. But it’s still pricey.
Seems like a guy could make his own, and it’d be bomb-proof and less expensive.
Big Richard
Speaking of Crescent, at least for those of us in the midwest – https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/pliers-plier-sets/crescent-reg-z2-auto-bite-trade-v-jaw-tongue-groove-pliers-set-2-piece/rtabcgset2/p-1642874344624127-c-9156.htm
$10 after mail in rebate, over $30 everywhere else.
If you really want the 8″ as well, they also have the 3pk for a not as good but still decent $20 – https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/pliers-plier-sets/crescent-reg-z2-auto-bite-trade-v-jaw-tongue-groove-pliers-set-3-piece/rtabcgset3/p-1642874344624132-c-9156.htm
IndianaJonesy (Matt J.)
Good pliers, great deal, but I just gave away my 8″ because I keep pinching my finger in those “nutcracker” jaws. Something about my plier habits and the placement of those didn’t mesh well. I ended up grabbing a pair of the Doyle Knipex knockoffs and they have done ok so far.
Big Richard
For $10 I figured I’d give them a chance, and the very least I’ll throw them in my camper to have a set in there.
OldDominionDIYer
It’s interesting that they seem to be happy to essentially double the price when they state it’s for “commercial” use! Not sure this would be very robust for industrial/commercial use but hey at least they can double the cost with a single word. I’m not knocking Crecent alone, I recognize they almost all do it, but it does seem unjustifiable. The Milwaukee cart you refer to is available at HD for 452.70 with my discount and comes with plenty of accessories including locking casters power strip drawers etc. and it’s all metal.
Stuart
Rubbermaid tends to be the standard. Amazon has the medium 2-shelf 500 lb total load cart for $162. https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-Products-Ergonomic-Manufacturing/dp/B001F0GASU/?tag=toolguyd-20 and a different style for $170 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZ318KS/?tag=toolguyd-20 .
Shop industrial suppliers, and they tack on another $100 to the price, possibly to cover shipping.
Matt_T
Industrial list pricing is inflated but there’s normally room for significant discounting. How much, if any, discount an account gets depends on several factors.
ElectroAtletico
I can get a couple of US General, 5-drawer carts on sale for less and still have some $$ for lunch & gas.
SamR
Definitely not for the average Joe!
JoeH
Who are you calling Average buddy! 🙂
Donny
Crescent another brand that has lost its way. Too much made overseas. Whomever ruined automotive brands like Raybestos, auto lite, gates, etc has apparently moved onto tools.