The Best Hand Truck

The 10 Best Hand Trucks



This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in April of 2015. Whether you're a professional delivery person, work in a warehouse, or are planning to move home in the near future, you can make your life easier by using one of these hand trucks that allow you to move heavy objects without straining your arms, legs or back. Our list includes convertible options that function as both 4-wheeled dollies and 2-wheeled, upright models for climbing stairs. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. Skip to the best hand truck on Amazon.



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This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in April of 2015. Whether you're a professional delivery person, work in a warehouse, or are planning to move home in the near future, you can make your life easier by using one of these hand trucks that allow you to move heavy objects without straining your arms, legs or back. Our list includes convertible options that function as both 4-wheeled dollies and 2-wheeled, upright models for climbing stairs. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. Skip to the best hand truck on Amazon.



10. Safco Tuff 4069



Arriving at your doorstep fully assembled, the Safco Tuff 4069 (about $55) is a basic, no-frills solution with a ruggedly-designed tubular steel frame, black powder-coated finish, and securely-welded joints for the strength needed to withstand the rigors of industrial job sites.



    Vinyl bumper protects furniture Price is very affordable Platform is a bit small


9. Rock-N-Roller Multi-Cart



Depending on your requirements, the Rock-N-Roller Multi-Cart (appx. $120) can quickly transform into one of eight shapes, while also being capable of folding down for compact storage. The textured, powder-coated frame minimizes slippage during transport.



    500-pound weight capacity Good for use on grass and gravel Can sag when extended


8. Wesco Maxi Mover



Crafted with an extra-large platform, the Wesco Maxi Mover (around $102) supports a maximum weight of 275 pounds. Additionally, the non-marking rubber wheels are particularly beneficial when moving heavy equipment over smooth hardwood floors.



    Built-in elastic straps secure loads Not ideal for use on uneven terrain Wheel locking function is finicky


7. Mount-It! Trolley



The Mount-It! Trolley (appx. $54) is made from sturdy aluminum alloy and is available in this sleek silver, black and yellow color combination. Its adjustable telescoping handle reaches a maximum length of 42 inches, while the foam rubber hand grip ensures user comfort.



    Bungee cord is included Folds flat for easy storage It's heavier than many


6. Magna Cart MCX



What the Magna Cart MCX (around $35) lacks in overall load capacity, it makes up for with a lightweight design and compact size when folded, making it a useful option when having to store it in the trunk of a car for travel to trade shows or recreational destinations.



    Fits in airline overhead compartment Completely rustproof Rather short at only 39 inches


5. Cosco 3-in-1



Ideal for both home and office use, the Cosco 3-in-1 (about $209) offers the benefit of heavy-duty, never-flat wheels that make it super easy to maneuver on almost any terrain. The handy wheel guards protect oversized and delicate cargo from damage.



    Convenient single-handed conversion Molded hand grips for comfort 10-year limited warranty


4. Harper Convertible Dolly



The fact that it is plastic should not dissuade you from considering the Harper Convertible Dolly (around $75). The frame is made of nylon that has been reinforced with glass-fiber filling, which gives it excellent impact resistance and rigidity at a very low weight.



    Tough wheel axle Three-position telescopic handle High tensile strength


3. Magline Gemini



Perfect for busy delivery services, the Magline Gemini (around $404) features a lightweight design that converts from two wheels to four in mere seconds, helping to reduce the number of required trips and minimizing user fatigue when transporting very heavy items.



    Swiveling casters Components are easy to replace Extremely durable construction


2. Milwaukee 40180



The Milwaukee 40180 (about $150) uses steel plates to widen the base, which makes for a very stable platform for large boxes. Its 10-inch tires provide cushioning and stability for heavy or bulky items, making it an ideal choice for moving equipment over uneven surfaces.



    Bright red powder-coated finish Arrives fully assembled Can also be used as a flatbed


1. Harper Super-Steel



The Harper Super-Steel (about $96) is equipped with 10-inch rubber tires and 5-inch swiveling casters for convenient mobility and maneuverability. Its slender vertical profile is ideal for carting boxes through narrow doorways in homes and offices.



    62-inch telescoping handle Heavy-duty platform Protective wheel fenders


Editor's Notes



February 27, 2020:



Removed the iBoost Dolly and the Milwaukee Convertible because of availability concerns. Added the Milwaukee 40180 and the Harper Convertible Dolly.



There is no shortage of excellent hand trucks and dollies on the market - they're very simple levers involving (usually) a metal frame with some bracing, a platform, and some wheels so their manufacture is difficult to botch. You can't really beat models like the Harper Super-Steel and the Milwaukee 40180 which both use thick tubular steel with full welds. Additionally, thanks to their included casters, they can be laid down and used as flatbeds.



For an excellent lightweight option, you can look to the Harper Convertible Dolly which is made of a high-quality nylon thermoplastic matrix with glass-fiber reinforcing (the choice to use a thermoplastic over a thermoset plastic is a complicated one but presumably, the cons of using a thermoplastic like nylon are outweighed by its high-impact resistance and chemical resistance. Thermoplastic's heat susceptibility relative to thermoset polymers doesn't really become a concern within the parameters of use associated with hand trucks so it's an acceptable trade-off). This composite has strength comparable to steel and aluminum models but at a much lighter weight, which is appreciated when you have to haul something up a flight of stairs. The drawback is that since it is plastic, it does require additional bracing and this makes it quite a bit bulkier than steel and aluminum hand trucks.



Choosing The Right Hand Truck



For example, they can help the production specialist move speakers, cameras, and other media gear around a stage or set.



A hand truck is an affordable and versatile tool that benefits a variety of homes, offices, and schools. Such a device can save you time and prevent injuries caused by lifting heavy loads.



Most hand trucks feature a long U-shaped handle, a relatively narrow Toe plate, and two to four wheels. The basic hand truck is a necessity for relocating stacks of boxes and it can significantly simplify the process of moving residences, cleaning out/re-stocking offices, or managing a business's busy warehouse and shipping center. Four-wheeled hand trucks can be used as flatbeds and they offer the ability to move heavy loads from place to place, making them useful for facilities with elevators. While this type of hand truck can be harder to manage on a slope when in its four-wheeled configuration, it is otherwise a fine choice for many applications. If you think you might benefit from both the traditional two-wheeled lever style arrangement and from a four-wheeled flatbed, then this is the type of unit to choose.



If you have physical limitations due to age or infirmity, loading your baggage onto a compact, collapsible hand truck is a great way to reduce the burden of carrying heavy suitcases. There are several folding hand trucks that can fit into the overhead luggage compartment of most aircraft, so you can safely stow the device once aboard your flight.



Hand trucks are also invaluable tools for use in certain professions. For example, they can help the production specialist move speakers, cameras, and other media gear around a stage or set. A researcher can use one to transport equipment to a field location. Even the restaurateur can leverage its benefits for bringing foods and beverages to a catering station at a wedding or other event. That said, one must be sure to choose an option with large wheels to withstand the movement on varied types of terrain.



Hand Truck Use And Safety Tips



When considering a hand truck's rated weight capacity and your own physical abilities, it is important never to overload the device. Even though you might think you're able to control a certain amount of weight given the circumstances (e. g. moving boxes of files down to an archive room), it's important to never exceed a weight limit that you could not otherwise safely manage when traversing an incline. A load that feels manageable on a flat surface might suddenly run away from you as you encounter a slope.



A bit of steady pressure should be all that's needed to encourage them to go with the toe plate rather than fall away from it.



When preparing to use your hand truck, make sure to apply Downward pressure to the top of a stack of boxes, boards, tile, or whatever else you have loaded onto the unit. During the moment at which you apply pressure, it's common for the items you want to lift to be pushed away from the hand truck, potentially toppling over. A bit of steady pressure should be all that's needed to encourage them to go with the toe plate rather than fall away from it.



Never pile items higher than the handle of your hand truck. Only an item that can rest against the back of the unit while the hand truck is tilted can be safely managed. The exception involves single boxes or items large enough to rest on the toe plate and still reach higher than the handle, such as with a Fridge or piece of furniture. The use of bungee cords or ropes to secure your load is also a good idea whenever possible.



The Hand Truck As A Simple Machine



There are several basic simple machines: the lever, the wheel and axle, the inclined plane, the screw, and the pulley. The hand truck is one common device that regularly makes use of no fewer than three of these more rudimentary tools. While the hand truck may appear simple in design as it goes about its duties, it's still an item that has garnered true appreciation from anyone who's experienced the trials and tribulations of moving homes, rearranging an office, or lugging goods around a warehouse.



The hand truck is one common device that regularly makes use of no fewer than three of these more rudimentary tools.



First, let's discuss the hand truck's use of the Lever. Its long handle serves as the Generator of force, while its wheels and axle act as the fulcrum. Any heavy objects stacked atop the hand truck's toe plate will be lifted and then balanced with great ease, thanks to the unit's innate leverage.



That same set of wheels that serves as fulcrum to the hand truck's lever also acts as a Wheel and axle. The pair of wheels used in a hand truck's standard position allow for easy movement of heavy loads, provided the operator keeps the hand truck properly balanced and at the appropriate angle.



When a hand truck encounters an inclined plane in the form of a Ramp connected to a truck, or laid out over a stair case, the combined action of the inclined plane, the lever, and the wheel and axle allows a single person to move hundreds of pounds up or down, depending on their needs.

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