Hand trucks simplify the process of moving boxes, materials, furniture and other heavy objects. Also known as hand trolleys, they feature a vertical frame with a flat lip and wheels on the bottom. You can stack objects on the lip, after which you can roll the hand truck.
While some hand trucks are made of steel, however, others are made of aluminum. If you’re struggling to choose between steel or aluminum, you should familiarize yourself with the differences between them.
Overview of Steel Hand Trucks
Steel hand trucks are characterized by a steel-based construction. Steel, of course, is an alloy of iron and carbon. It consists mostly of iron with about 0.02% to 2% carbon content, depending on the grade. Some types of steel, such as stainless steel, also contain chromium for added protection against rust and corrosion. Regardless, steel hand trucks are made of steel.
Overview of Aluminum Hand Trucks
Aluminum hand trucks are made of the silvery-white metal from which they are named. Featuring the Atomic number 13, aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust. Aluminum hand trucks have a similar chrome-like appearance as steel hand trucks, but they are made of entirely different materials. Steel hand trucks are made of an iron-and-carbon alloy (steel), whereas aluminum hand trucks are made of a pure metal (aluminum).
Choosing Between Steel and Aluminum Hand Trucks
Both steel and aluminum hand trucks have their unique advantages. Aluminum hand trucks, for instance, typically weigh less than their steel counterparts. Aluminum weighs about one-third that of steel. This means hand trucks made of aluminum are naturally lighter and easier to lift and push than those made of steel.
You don’t have to worry about aluminum hand trucks rusting. Rust is an oxide that forms when iron is exposed to oxygen. As an iron-and-carbon alloy, steel can rust — assuming it doesn’t have a protective finish or coating. Aluminum, on the other hand, doesn’t have any iron, so it can’t rust. It can still corrode, but aluminum can’t rust.
Steel hand trucks offer a superior level of durability. They are designed to take a beating without succumbing to dents or other forms of damage. Aluminum is a weaker material that deforms more easily under pressure.
Steel hand trucks also tend to have a higher load capacity than aluminum hand trucks. They are heavier and more durable, which allows them to handle heavier loads. If you’re planning to transport heavy loads, there’s no better choice than steel.