There’s no easier or more convenient way to move heavy loads in the workplace than by using a hand truck. Also known as a box cart, it consists of an L-shaped frame with a flat and wheeled base. You can place boxes and other heavy objects on the base, after which you can roll the hand truck. While all hand trucks feature a similar design, not all of them are the same. Below are five things to consider when choosing a hand truck.
Nose Size
You should consider the size of the nose when choosing a hand truck. The nose is the base of a hand truck. When transporting boxes or objects, you’ll need to stack them on the nose. As a result, the size of the nose will determine the size of the objects supported by the hand truck. A small nose means you’ll be limited to transporting small objects in a similar size.
Frame Height
Along with the nose size, you should consider the frame height when choosing a hand truck. You can use a hand truck to transport multiple objects by stacking them on the nose. Many workers, as well as consumers, use hand trucks to transport stacked boxes, for instance. With that said, you shouldn’t stack boxes or other objects higher than the frame. When stacked above the frame, they may fall over. Therefore, you should consider the frame height when choosing a hand truck.
Load Capacity
Don’t forget to consider the load capacity when choosing a hand truck. The load capacity is exactly what it sounds like: It’s the maximum amount of weight that a hand truck can safely support. Some hand trucks have a load capacity of 500 pounds. Others have a load capacity of 1,000 pounds. You should choose a hand truck that’s capable of supporting the total weight of the objects. As a result, you’ll need to refer to the load capacity when choosing one.
Standard vs Stair-Climbing
Hand trucks are available in standard and stair-climbing models. Standard hand trucks feature a traditional design consisting of a frame, nose and a set of wheels on the bottom. Stair-climbing hand trucks feature a similar design but with one or more added sets of wheels. The extra wheels allow stair-climbing hand trucks to roll up and down stairs.
Material
Different hand trucks are made of different materials. Most of them feature a metal frame and a metal nose. Nonetheless, the type of metal used in their construction may vary. You can find hand trucks made of aluminum, stainless steel and carbon steel. Aluminum hand trucks are the lightest in terms of weight, but stainless steel and carbon steel hand trucks are typically stronger and have a higher load capacity.