Drive Medical 13049W Bariatric Free-Standing Wheeled Trapeze | 1,000 lbs. Capacity Mobility Aid

The Drive Medical 13049W is certified for a 1,000 lb weight capacity and is secured via heavy-duty locking casters that prevent the unit from shifting during patient movement. This high-load rating is made possible by the use of reinforced heavy-gauge steel square tubing that resists deflection even at its maximum safe working load. For facility safety officers, the locking mechanism on the wheels is the critical safety component that converts the unit from a mobile cart to a stable, fixed structural assist. This dual-purpose design ensures that the trapeze remains safe for bariatric patients while offering mobility for facility staff. It is the gold standard for high-capacity, portable patient handling.

The 13049W utilizes a wide-stance anti-tip base that maintains the same structural stability as the non-wheeled model while adding the utility of industrial swivel casters. The casters are positioned at the furthest points of the 43" x 48.5" base to ensure that the center of gravity remains low and balanced during patient use. When the casters are locked, the unit effectively achieves the same floor-contact friction as a stationary unit, preventing lateral sliding. This design is crucial for clinical environments where patient rooms are frequently reconfigured for various medical procedures. Clinicians can trust the stability of the wheeled base for even the most demanding bariatric repositioning tasks.

The silver vein powder coating on the 13049W is a non-porous, medical-grade finish that is fully compatible with EPA-registered disinfectants and standard hospital sanitation protocols. This finish is specifically chosen for bariatric equipment because it is highly resistant to the chipping and scratching that can occur when moving heavy-duty gear through tight hallways. By maintaining a smooth, intact surface, the coating prevents the accumulation of bio-contaminants and pathogens that often hide in cracked paint. Procurement officers can be assured that this unit will pass rigorous hygiene inspections even after years of high-volume use. The durable finish also ensures a professional aesthetic throughout the product's long service life.

The 13049W offers a superior Total Cost of Ownership by serving as a universal mobility asset that eliminates the need for room-specific fixed lifts or multiple trapeze models. Because it is a free-standing, wheeled unit, it can be shared among different wards as patient census dictates, reducing the total number of units a facility must inventory. The heavy-duty steel construction and limited lifetime warranty minimize the frequency of replacement and repair costs associated with lighter-duty equipment. Additionally, by facilitating independent patient movement, the unit reduces the risk of expensive caregiver workers' compensation claims related to manual lifting. This makes the 13049W a high-ROI investment for institutional budgets.

Safe deployment of the 13049W requires a minimum floor clearance of 43 inches in width and approximately 49 inches in depth to accommodate the base under or around the bed frame. The unit stands 73 inches tall, making it compatible with all standard 8-foot ceiling heights found in most medical facilities. Because the boom extends 36 inches, it is essential to ensure that there are no overhead light fixtures or oxygen lines that could interfere with the trapeze chain's range of motion. The wheeled base is designed to slide under beds with at least 5 inches of clearance, allowing the trapeze handle to be perfectly centered for the patient. Accurate spatial planning ensures the unit provides maximum assistance without obstructing emergency access to the patient.