Hand trucks offer an effective way to transport objects. Also known box carts, they feature a wheeled base. You can place objects on a hand truck, followed by rolling the hand truck to the desired location. Even if you’re familiar with how they work, however, you might be surprised to learn the following facts about hand trucks.
#1) Originated in the 18th Century
The origins of the modern-day hand truck can be traced back to the 18th century. Back then, wheeled carts known as sack trucks were used to unload spices from ships. After docking, workers would board the ships with sack trucks to retrieve heavy bags of spice. Sack trucks reduced the risk of physical injury while simultaneously boosting the workers’ productivity.
#2) Not Just for Boxes
While many people use them to move boxes, hand trucks can be used for other applications. Hand trucks are commonly used to move heavy appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines. They are also commonly used to move building materials, such as bricks and tiles.
There are even specialized hand trucks that are designed for specific types of objects. Pallet hand trucks, for instance, are designed for wooden pallets, whereas piano tilter hand trucks are designed for pianos. Specialized hand trucks feature a wheeled base — just like all hand trucks — but they have additional features that make them ideal for specific types of objects.
#3) High Weight Capacity
Hand trucks have a high weight capacity. Some of them can handle up to 500 pounds. The base consists of a heavy nose plate. You can stack boxes or other objects on this nose plate. As long as you stay within the hand truck’s weight limit, it will support the objects.
Platform hand trucks have an even higher weight capacity than standard hand trucks. While standard hand trucks can typically handle up to 500 pounds. platform hand trucks may support up to 1,000 pounds, making them ideal when moving particularly heavy objects.
#4) Stair-Climbing Hand Trucks
Not all hand trucks have two wheels. Some of them have extra wheels on the bottom back, which allows them to easily move up and down stairs. Known as stair-climbing hand trucks, they feature additional wheels that are always in contact with the stairs.
Stair-climbing hand trucks still feature two main wheels on the bottom. Behind these wheels, however, are two sets of smaller wheels. These are the stair-climbing wheels. As you roll a stair-climbing hand truck up and down stairs, these wheels will provide stability.