A drum hand truck is a smart investment for any business owner or worker who regularly moves industrial drums. Like all hand trucks, it features a vertical frame with a handle and wheeled base. Drum hand trucks, however, are designed specifically for use with industrial drums. Here’s how to choose the right drum hand truck for your workspace.
Check the Load Capacity
You should check the load capacity when choosing a drum hand truck. Fully loaded industrial drums can be heavy. A typical 55-gallon drum may weigh anywhere from 400 to 1,000 pounds. You can safely transport loaded drums using a drum hand truck, but it needs to have an appropriate load capacity. Determine the weight of the drums that you’ll be transporting, and choose a drum hand truck with a higher load capacity.
Steel vs Aluminum
Most drum hand trucks are made of either steel or aluminum. Steel drum hand trucks offer superior strength and rigidity. They can handle repeated heavy loads without bending, making them ideal for busy workspaces like factories. Aluminum hand trucks, on the other hand, are lighter and offer improved maneuverability. They are easier to roll and turn.
Go for an Ergonomic Handle
An ergonomic handle is an important feature of a drum handle truck. All hand trucks have a handle; it’s a set of rod-like extensions — there are typically two of them — that you grab and hold. Some handles, though, are more ergonomic than others. Look for a drum hand with a soft, non-grip handle at an appropriate height. Ergonomic handles such as this will allow you to move fully loaded drums more easily while simultaneously minimizing the risk of bodily injuries.
Match Wheel Type to Environment
You should match the wheel type to the environment in which you plan to use the drum hand truck. Not all drum hand trucks have the same type of wheels. Some of them have two wheels, whereas others have four wheels. These wheels can also be pneumatic, solid or a combination thereof. Four-wheeled drum hand trucks are typically easier to roll and may offer a higher load capacity. Two-wheeled drum hand trucks, on the other hand, are simpler and easier to maintain.
In Conclusion
In the end, choosing the right drum hand truck comes down to how well it fits your daily work. You should consider the load capacity, material and wheel design. A drum hand truck that feels stable, moves smoothly and supports the operator will make a noticeable difference over time.