Anyone who regularly has to transport different objects, packages or materials from one location to another will know the difficulty in figuring out how to do this! Carrying heavy or cumbersome objects can lead to back strain, fatigue and even more serious accidents if you are not careful, so there must be a better way to get your items from A to B.
As far as we are concerned, the answer is a hand truck. Their clever design means that you have a very short distance and height to actually lift your objects – sometimes you can go one better than this and actually just push your items onto the plate of the hand truck! Once you have done this, by simply tipping your hand truck backwards you will be able to move your packages wherever you need to. No lifting, no real strain, just a tilt and a push. You will even be able to use your hand truck going up and down stairs! This makes hand trucks invaluable, as your chance of having an accident when carrying heavy objects increases dramatically when stairs are involved!
This clever truck is known by many different names, such as a hand trolley, sack trolley, hand barrow and a box cart. But they will all be the same handy truck with a flat plate on the bottom and a tall spine to allow you to stack and then lean back a number of objects at once.
If you already know how handy hand trucks can be, or maybe you are looking to use one for the first time, then we are here to help. Here are some of the best hand trucks available at the moment, along with the key features that you need to look out for when buying!
Best Pick – Wolfcraft TS 1500
- foldable and suitable for use on stairs with extra-large base plate and rounded support plate for loads of up to 200 kg
- easy, comfortable transport thanks to large foam wheels, each with 2 ball bearings
- telescopic handlebar with central locking system, ergonomically shaped handles
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
Got a load of stuff to move and don’t know how to move it? Then you need a hand truck…and quick! More than halving the time and effort it will take you to move items from one place to another, they really are a tool that you cannot do without! But how do you know what to look for…keep reading to find out…
Ladened Load
By far the first thing you need to think about is the maximum load that your hand truck is going to be able to carry at one time. This is crucial because you need a hand truck that is going to be up to the task. If your hand truck doesn’t have a high enough maximum load then you will find yourself having to make multiple extra trips, or run the risk of overloading your hand truck, which could lead to the truck becoming damaged, or an accident involving you and your precious cargo!
Maximum loads vary considerably depending on the build material and structure of your hand truck (which we will go into more detail on below) but you will find the range is normally from around 80kg up to around 350kg. It is always worth opting for a hand truck with a bigger payload than you are going to need to be on the safe side – but remember that this is going to impact on the size and weight of the truck itself.
Hand Truck Size
The size of the hand truck that you need depends on the items that you are going to be moving round with you. A smaller hand truck is going to be much easier to maneuver and transport between jobs you are completing, but a larger hand truck is going to allow you to carry larger and heavier items with ease – so it is important to find a fair balance between the two.
You need to remember to not just consider the overall size of the hand truck but also the load plate size. This is the place where you position your objects so it is going to directly impact on the size of materials that you can carry. It is recommended that you don’t fill the load plate of your hand truck to more than ¾ full, otherwise you are risking dropping items and having an unstable load. This means that a decent plate size is essential! We found that they tended to range from as small as 18cm x 20cm all the way up to 40cm x 35cm.
TOP TIP: Look out for models that come with an extendable load plate. This can be folded away to a much smaller size if you are working with smaller objects, which will make them easier to move around, but then extended when you are working with bigger objects so that you can still be carrying them safely!
Finally, you need to consider the unladen weight of your hand truck when looking at the size. The weight of your hand truck is also going to be impacted by the build material – but we will go into more detail on this below! Weights ranged between 8kgs and 14kgs, which will make quite a difference to the overall weight that you are carrying up and down the stairs. When looking at the size of your hand truck, make sure to think about what size is going to work best for you so that you aren’t having to strain or bend over to pull/push your hand truck. This is essential to reduce pain and fatigue when you are working. We found that sizes range from around 70cm tall up to around 120cm tall. The width of most hand trucks tend to be between around 35cm and 60cm but there are some variations to this on either side. Bear in mind that a standard door frame in the UK is going to be around 76cm so you need to make sure that you have space to fit through doors!
Hand Truck Materials
The two main materials that you will find hand trucks made from are metal and plastic (polypropylene). Metal is going to be by far your strongest option, whilst still being light enough to make them easy to move around. We also like how durable the material is so you know that your hand truck is going to be able to last for a long time.
The two types of metal that you will be able to choose from are steel or aluminium. Steel is going to be your stronger option, so will allow you to carry a higher maximum load. This means that it is regularly used for the more heavy-duty hand trucks. However, it is going to be slightly heavier than aluminium. Aluminium is going to be particularly light, but this does mean that they are going to come with a lighter maximum load, so won’t be up to the task for particularly large jobs you are completing. It is worth mentioning, however, that aluminium is going to be your best option for keeping your hand truck rust free! Unless you opt for powder-coated steel which is also a good way to stop your hand truck from suffering with any corrosion!
For the models that we found that had used plastic, this only tended to be used on the non-stress points. This is essential if you are wanting your hand truck to last, as plastic will not be able to cope with carrying heavy weights like metal can. However, it can be a good option to reduce the overall cost and weight of your hand truck.
Hand Truck Wheels
As well as the overall L-shaped design of this truck, the wheels are going to play a large part in helping you get around with whatever items you are carrying.
Rubber tyres are your best option for if you are working on building sites where there is ANY chance of finding nails and other sharp objects on the ground. This is because they are going to be puncture proof, so you don’t need to worry about any damage that might occur. Their sturdiness also makes them a great option for working on smooth ground as they will be nice and easy to push along. However, you do also have the option of pneumatic wheels. These are the perfect option for anyone that is working on uneven surfaces or soft surfaces such as grass and gravel. The flexibility in the tyres will help to reduce any bumps in the path that could send your items flying! Just remember that they are going to be susceptible to punctures!
Always make sure to check how easy it is for you to remove the wheels of your hand truc. Ones that are fitted with simple pins will be much easier to replace or repair if necessary!
TOP TIP: It is worth checking the number of wheels that your hand truck has. Standard models will come with two wheels, but if you know that you are using stairs regularly, look out for a model with three wheels as you can simply roll your hand truck up and down the stairs!
Best Budget – Wilbest Folding Hand Truck
- Fold Up for Easy Storage
- Heavy Duty And Durable
- With Adjustable Bungee Cord and Larger Capacity Backpack
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Additional Features To Consider
Once you have found some models with the key features above, it is time to find the best hand truck for you. The only way that you are going to do that is by continuing to read and finding a hand truck with some of the best features around!
Adaptable
If you know that your hand truck is going to need to complete a number of jobs and in different locations then look for these features:
- Collapsible hand trucks – These are models that will fold into themselves or have removable handles that will make them much easier to store or transport between jobs. Some even have collapsible load plates so that they can be stored flat. Just be careful that this can sometimes impact on the maximum load of the hand truck as they can be less secure.
- Flatbed truck – Although not a common feature, some hand trucks can be adjusted so that they can be used as a flatbed truck as well as a hand truck. This will give you the option to carry a much wider range of objects when you are working.
Handles
You will have two options when it comes to looking at the handles of your hand truck – either twin handles or a P-handle design. A P-handle is one arched handle that gives you much more option in terms of your hand position, which will allow you to move around with one hand when necessary. Whereas a twin handle model comes with two individual handles, making it easier to turn and control your hand truck.
It is also worth looking at the grip that comes with your hand truck – particularly if you know that you are carrying heavier items or working for a long time. Look out for models with grips that are made from rubber or foam. Although they potentially won’t last for as long, they are going to be much more comfortable to work with and easier to grip!
TOP TIP: We love knuckle protectors on the lower bars! The best way to stop yourself from scuffing your hands when you are working.
Added Extras!
- Welded joints – Always go for welded rather than pinned joints if you can! They will be able to carry much more weight and be much longer lasting thanks to the strength of the joint!
- Assembly – Check how easy it is to assemble your hand truck and whether you are going to need any tools to do so! Some are as simple as attaching the wheels, which will save you a considerable amount of time!
- Bungee cord included – A simple bungee cord attached to your hand truck will allow you to secure this around the objects that you are carrying to ensure that they do not fall off! A simple but effective way of saving you time and risking the damage to your items!
Best of the Rest
- [Strong Load-Bearing Capacity] The folding trolley has an integrated chassis. Between the chassis host and the frame support, the connection is firm, and the load-bearing tray is used as the support, which increases the safety factor, strengthens the ribs, resists breaking, and has good load-bearing effects. A folding trolley with wheels can bear 60kg.
- [Appropriate Size] Folding sack truck floor size: 39 x 28cm, adjustable height: 69cm, 95cm, 106cm; Folding size: 69 x 40 x 5.5cm, small footprint, space saving, simple storage, and convenient transportation.
- [Foldable And Retractable] The sturdy aluminum alloy rod is durable and not easily deformed. The trolley on wheels folding is easy to use and meets different needs. The folding bike is light, easy to carry, foldable, and can be placed anywhere after folding. The foldable trolley on wheels can be carried with you to enjoy a happy time of traveling.
- [Humanized Design] The folding sack truck is designed with curved handles, which are soft and comfortable, increase friction, and are easy to push and pull. When the cargo exceeds the handrail, it will not be pressed into the hand. The toe board and the wheels can be opened at the same time. Noise reduction, anti-skid, shock absorption, and smooth wheels can be used for a long time.
- [Multifunctional] Ideal for use around the house and garden, also suitable for shops, grocery stores, warehouses and offices. You can use this handy wheeled trolley when you are shopping, traveling, carrying boxes or storage boxes.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Heavy duty - durable steel frame with 135kg capacity as a 2-wheel or 4-wheel mode
- Easy to use - quick conversion with no pins or tools
- Convertible - use as a 2-wheel upright hand truck or a 4-wheel cart
- Folds flat for transportation and storage
- Fits in most size car trunks
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Move heavy loads, boxes, furniture indoors and outdoors easily and safely
- Compact Design with durable steel construction
- Plastic handles provide better grip and include knuckle protection
- Large pneumatic wheels allow for easy movement
- Scroll down to get an overview of similar Stanley Trucks!
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get a guarantee with my hand truck?
You should always opt for a hand truck that comes with a warranty – this will usually range from 1 year up to around 5 years, with the average being around 3. Models that are made purely from metal are going to be much longer lasting.
Can pneumatic wheels on hand trucks be repaired?
This really depends on the puncture! Potentially yes they can – but you will have to consider that the wheels won’t then be able to cope with the same strain/weight as they could before. You are always better replacing damaged wheels if possible to make sure that your tool remains safe!
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