Curbs and other raised flooring or ground surfaces can prove problematic for hand trucks. When you encounter them, you may have to physically lift the hand truck. If the hand truck is fully loaded, lifting it may be difficult if not impossible. There are ramps, however, designed specifically for hand trucks. Below are six important things to consider when choosing a hand truck ramp.
#1) Weight Limit
You should consider the weight limit when choosing a hand truck ramp. Also known as the load capacity, this number represents the maximum weight a hand truck ramp can safely support. Some hand truck ramps have a weight limit of 300 to 400 pounds, whereas others can accommodate up to 600 pounds.
#2) Material
What material is the hand truck ramp made of? Common materials used in the construction of hand truck ramps include steel, aluminum and molded plastic. Steel is typically the strongest and offers the highest weight limit. Molded plastic, on the other hand, is inexpensive and weather-resistant. Aluminum hand truck ramps are a popular choice because of their durable and lightweight design.
#3) Corrosion Resistance
Whether you plan on using it indoors or outdoors, you may want to choose a corrosion-resistant hand truck ramp. Exposure to moisture — even small amounts of moisture vapor in the air — can cause certain materials to corrode and rust. Fortunately, some hand truck ramps are designed with corrosion resistance in mind. Aluminum, stainless steel and molded plastic hand truck ramps, for example, are all highly resistant to corrosion.
#4) Length
You can’t choose the right hand truck ramp without considering the length. Some hand truck ramps are longer than others. Depending on when and where you intend to use it, you may need to choose a long hand truck ramp, or a shorter ramp may suffice.
#5) Slope
Something else to consider when choosing a hand truck ramp is the slope. The slope represents the ramp angle. The lower the slope, the easier it will be to push or pull a hand truck up the ramp. If the slope is low, though, the ramp may not fit over the curb or raised surface. Therefore, you should consider both the length and slope when choosing a hand truck ramp.
#6) Traction
Finally, consider traction when choosing a hand truck ramp. High-quality ramps should provide ample traction so that you don’t slip and fall while walking on them. The bottom of the ramp shouldn’t be smooth. Instead, it should be textured for traction. Proper traction will lower the risk of slip-and-fall injuries while allowing you to safely use the hand truck ramp.