Pulley vs. Trolley — What's the Difference?

A pulley is a wheel on an axle or shaft that is designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable or belt, or transfer of power between the shaft and cable or belt. In the case of a pulley supported by a frame or shell that does not transfer power to a shaft, but is used to guide the cable or exert a force, the supporting shell is called a block, and the pulley may be called a sheave.

A large metal basket or frame on wheels, used for transporting heavy or large items, such as supermarket purchases or luggage at an airport or railway station.

A wheel with a grooved rim around which a cord passes, which acts to change the direction of a force applied to the cord and is used to raise heavy weights.

A wheel attached to a pole, used for collecting current from an overhead electric wire to drive a tram.

Hoist with a pulley

Short for trolleybus or trolley car

A simple machine consisting essentially of a wheel with a grooved rim in which a pulled rope or chain can run to change the direction of the pull, for example to lift a load.

A streetcar.

A wheel turned by or driving a belt.

A device that collects electric current from an underground conductor, an overhead wire, or a third rail and transmits it to the motor of an electric vehicle.

One of the simple machines; a sheave, a wheel with a grooved rim, in which a pulled rope or chain lifts an object (more useful when two or more pulleys are used together, as in a block and tackle arrangement, such that a small force moving through a greater distance can exert a larger force through a smaller distance).

A small truck or car operating on a track and used in a mine, quarry, or factory for conveying materials.

(transitive) To raise or lift by means of a pulley.

A wheeled carriage, cage, or basket that is suspended from and travels on an overhead track.

A wheel with a broad rim, or grooved rim, for transmitting power from, or imparting power to, the different parts of machinery, or for changing the direction of motion, by means of a belt, cord, rope, or chain.

Chiefly British A light cart designed to be moved by hand.

To raise or lift by means of a pulley.

To convey (passengers) or travel by trolley.

A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove in which a rope can run to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope

A trolley pole; a single-pole device for collecting electrical current from an overhead electrical line, normally for a tram/streetcar or a trolleybus.

(US) A streetcar or light train.

A light rail, tramway, trolleybus or streetcar system.

A truck from which the load is suspended in some kinds of cranes.

A truck which travels along the fixed conductors in an electric railway, and forms a means of connection between them and a railway car.

A cart or shopping cart; a shopping trolley.

(British) A hand truck.

(British) A soapbox car.

(British) A gurney, a stretcher with wheeled legs.

(Philippines) A handcar.

To bring to by trolley.

To use a trolley vehicle to go from one place to another.

To travel by trolley (streetcar, trolleybus or light train).

A form of truck which can be tilted, for carrying railroad materials, or the like.

A wheeled vehicle that runs on rails and is propelled by electricity;