What is a Hand Truck?
While hand trucks are often miscalled dollies, they are actually quite different, as they feature two large wheels and stand upright. Since hand trucks also feature an L-shaped design, they can easily slide underneath the item that needs to be moved without having to lift the item by hand. Once the item is in place, the hand truck can then be tilted backward to allow the item to rest up against the back of the truck.
Hand trucks are commonly used in various industries, including warehousing, logistics, retail, and delivery services. They are essential tools for reducing the
To use a hand truck, you would typically tilt it back, slide the frame under the item you want to move, and then tilt the hand truck back to an upright position. The weight of the item is supported by the wheels, allowing you to push or pull the hand truck to transport the load.
Some of the different hand trucks available include:
- Commercial hand truck
- Rough terrain hand truck
- Economy hand truck
- All-purpose hand truck
- Pail truck
- Baggage truck
- Warehouse truck
- Bag master hand truck
- Chair mover hand truck
- Two-in-one hand truck
- Liquor hand truck
- Beer pallet hand truck
- Bread tray hand truck
- Mini beer
- Delivery hand truck—10″ PN
- Delivery hand truck—8″ semi
Overview
Sack trucks were originally used in the 18th century to move large sacks of spices on docks by young boys, from the age of 11, who were unable to lift the large sacks by hand. By using this method they were able to work as well as grown men in moving items around.[3] Later, such trucks were amended for use in many different industries, such as brewing, where hops were moved in sacks and in relocation, where removal companies manage heavy loads with hand trucks.
Some hand trucks are equipped with stairclimber wheels, which, as the name implies, are designed to go up and down stairs. These stair climbing hand trucks have three wheels on each side that are always in contact with stairs for added stability. Stairclimber wheels can sometimes be problematic when trying to turn on flat ground as four wheels in a fixed position will be in contact with the ground.
Hand trucks are fabricated from many different types of materials, including steel tube, aluminum tube, aluminum extrusion and high impact plastics. Most commercial hand trucks used for beverage and food service deliveries are rugged and very light. They are usually constructed from two extruded aluminum channel side rails and cast aluminum or magnesium parts.
The Benefits of Hand Trucks
Compared to dollies, the hand truck’s vertical design allows you to easily lift and move tall and heavy items. Hand trucks are also the ideal option for moving smaller items, as they can easily be stacked and moved at the same time. In some cases, hand trucks may even come with an additional attachment for climbing stairs or extra wheels that can transform the hand truck into a dolly.
Example of hand truck stair climber wheels
Some of the options that may be considered are the types of wheels, stair climber, handle type and size of wheels.
Other things to be considered should be the load shape compared with the backrest shape, e.g., cylindrical loads should sit on curved backrests, and the environmental conditions in which the hand truck will operate. For example, on loose or uneven ground oversize wheels are a great advantage; solid or puncture-proof foam filled tires may be used where punctures could deflate pneumatic tires.
A rule of thumb is that the toe or nose of the truck should be at least one-third of the length of the load.
Hand trucks are sometimes used as baggage carts by porters in train stations and skycaps at airports.
A piano tilter is a type of hand truck for moving an upright piano without damaging it.[4] Unlike a traditional dolly, which pivots around a smaller wheel or point, the piano tilter has large curved sections to gently tilt an upright piano until it is lying flat on its back.
Using the right tool for the job is important. Here at California Caster we pride ourselves on making your job easier with our extensive inventory of specialty handtrucks. Dutro appliance handtrucks are specifically built to handle any appliance safely and efficiently. Constructed to carry large loads, these handtrucks feature the new one belt retract system and swing out options for ease of use, stability, and durability. The design and function of these handtrucks are unparalleled. Come down and check them out yourself — You won’t leave disappointed.