If you need help moving this summer, it’s time to consider using a hand truck. This versatile tool could be used in just about any job setting, including the moving and construction industries. No matter if you are a professional mover or work in a warehouse, a hand truck can make your job 10 times easier. In this blog, we will explore the different hand trucks on the market and how they can improve your moving experience.
What Is A Hand Truck?
There are perks to having a hand truck at your disposal. Though, you’re probably wondering just what is a dolly. They are two or four-wheeled carts that feature a flat platform and vertical frame with handles. You can tilt back the dolly carrier and move it to any location you’d like. It can transport just about anything, including your sofa chair, a moving box, barrels, crates, or even your construction material. Whatever the case, a hand truck is just what you need to efficiently move your cargo or household items.
The Different Types Of Hand Trucks
1. Upright Hand Truck
For one, an Upright Hand Truck style can help you move your crates, small pieces of furniture, and appliances. However, make sure they fall somewhere between 80 lbs to 1,500 lbs. Most often than not, these utility dollies are found at catering and delivery companies, and even inside a warehouse. It comes with a sturdy metal frame and a rounded handle. Unfortunately, it is not foldable and can only travel short distances.
2. An Appliance Hand Truck
Another popular style is the Appliance Hand Truck which is great for moving large objects such as washing machines, refrigerators, freezers, and boxes. This heavy-duty appliance hand truck can support your materials that weigh anywhere between 250 lbs to 1,200 lbs. These dollies come equipped with durable straps and side rails that keep your appliance locked in place when transporting them. An appliance hand truck is most commonly used inside distribution centers and at moving companies.
3. Convertible Hand Trucks
This next utility dolly is probably one of the most versatile styles you’ll find on the market. These Convertible Hand Trucks can either offer two or four-wheel support. You can convert this dolly into a two-wheel hand truck for transporting longitudinal equipment. On the other hand, you can lay it flat on the ground, on all four wheels to help move your larger materials. These convertible hand trucks can handle any load capacity ranging from 100 lbs to 1,250 lbs and transport your crates and raw materials. Similarly, they’re used at warehouses, catering companies, and even for delivery services.
4. Machinery Movers
As the name suggests, this warehouse dolly allows you to easily transport your industrial and construction materials from point A to point B. You can pretty much guess that these dollies can handle a loading capacity ranging from 1,300 lbs to 10,000 lbs. A Machinery Mover uses a powerful lifting system that allows you to safely lift and lower your load onto a forklift. They come in both manual and hydraulic styles, but the latter of the two will save you from breaking your back.
5. Motorized Hand Trucks
A Motorized Hand Truck also helps protect your back and prevents you from experiencing a hurtful strain. You’ll also be able to move your heavy moving boxes, large barrels, and drums without breaking a sweat. The tracks and automatic braking system help you to transport your larger loads up a flight of stairs. You won’t have to do a thing. The best part is that motorized Hand Trucks can support your load ranging from 600 lbs to 3,500 lbs. You’ll most often see these guys being used at catering companies and even outdoor events.
6. Drum Truck
You could also check out Drum Hand Trucks, which are used to help transport barrels of oil, chemicals, and even food products. They typically support loads that weigh anywhere from 250 lbs to 1,200 lbs. These four-wheel dollies feature a drum cradle, sturdy wheels, and an equally durable frame and hook that makes it easier for you to load and transport your pails. Additionally, they come with a drain stand to allow you to easily drain it. Most often not, you’ll see these Drum Trucks inside bars and restaurants.
7. Winch Lift Truck
Another hand truck that you could use are Winch Lift Trucks that can help you lift your crates, bins, and moving boxes. Unfortunately, these hand trucks are only good for light-weight applications. Nonetheless, they help you easily lift your materials. It features a manual winch crank, cables and a platform to help you safely and efficiently transport your loads around your manufacturing facility.
8. Tilt Truck
Tilt Trucks can also make it easier for you to move your heavier materials such as waste, recycling, and agricultural materials. They can handle anything with loading capacities ranging from 300 lbs to 2,300 lbs. These hand trucks feature two larger load wheels and smaller casters in the front to make for great maneuverability. You’ll be able to move your hand truck anywhere around the warehouse. A Tilt Truck is also very simple to clean, given its durable plastic design. All you have to do is hose it down and store it away.
9. Pallet Hand Truck
Perhaps you need help transporting your materials a little bit faster. If you need to speed up your loading and unloading process onto a pallet, try using a pallet hand truck. They can be used to help you transport your boxes, crates, and bins around the manufacturing plant. A Pallet Hand Truck is designed for lighter loads and to fit between tight-knit spaces.
How To Use A Hand Truck
Using a hand truck or dolly is about as simple as counting to ten backward. Using these simple steps to operate your two or four-wheel hand truck can help you transport, load, or efficiently unload your materials.
Make sure to move your 4-in-1 hand truck right under your load and tilt it backward. For larger items, you may need to tilt the hand truck earlier to slide it underneath your crates or boxes. For extra protection, some dollies feature straps or bungee cords that can be secured around your cargo. Afterward, push or pull the handle of your hand truck to help maneuver it. Tilt the hand truck backward and lift the front wheels off the ground to help avoid curbs or dents. Sometimes you can even move over them slowly to prevent your cargo from falling off your hand truck completely.
1. Load Up Your Hand Truck
To load your hand truck properly, make sure you follow these simple rules as well. Ensure that the hand truck remains stable on a flat surface, slide the platform under your cargo, and secure it. If your materials are fastened nicely onto your hand truck, you won’t have to worry about it falling off.
2. Strapping Down Your Load
To make sure your crates, household appliances, and machinery are strapped to your hand truck, use a combination of straps and bungee cords. These durable devices will prevent your cargo from shifting or falling off your hand truck.
3. Lift With Your Legs
It’s also a good idea to know how to properly lift your load onto a truck. Make sure you tilt back the hand truck and lift the load off the ground. Your back must remain straight while your legs help lift your cargo. That way, you won’t have to worry about your back going out.
4. Transporting The Load
Make sure your cargo remains locked in place over your hand truck at all times. Typically you would push your dolly forward. However, when it comes to heavy loads, you want to make sure to pull the hand truck rather than push it. Ensure that you maneuver carefully around rocks and dips in the ground.
5. Up The Stairs, We Go!
If you need to take your materials up a flight of stairs, you can feel free to use a motorized hand truck. You can position the tracks against the stairs, tilt the hand truck back, and pull it upward by the handle. Move up one step at a time. You can employ another person to help lift your cargo as well.
Stay Safe
Whether you’re moving your household appliances or transporting your industrial materials from one side of the warehouse to the other, you have to practice safety. Here are some tips to remember:
- Making sure you use your legs and not your back to lift your materials
- Clear the way for your transport to prevent any problems from happening
- Make sure your cargo is locked in place over your hand truck. Use bungee cords or straps to prevent them from shifting.
- Refrain from going beyond your hand truck’s loading capacity.
- Stack your items from heaviest to the lightest
- Don’t overstack your hand truck. You need to see where you’re going!
There’s a variety of different hand trucks on the market for you to choose from. You’ll be able to transport your materials more efficiently and safely. These hand trucks even offer your versatility as well. Some styles can be converted into 2 or 4 wheels, depending on what you’re moving. Others feature tracks to help you transport your moving boxes up a flight of stairs.
By understanding how to use a hand truck for your appliances and using our safety tips, you’ll save time moving and your back from going out. At the end of the day, this dolly makes your life easier.
At Mytee Products, we offer a wide range of hand trucks and additional moving products as well. We have a variety of hand trucks to choose from to help you better transport your materials or make your move better. Visit our website today and explore all of the moving supplies we have in stock.
