Hand Trucks

Moving Hand Trucks

Hand trucks can make moving nearly anything easier and safer. With an ergonomic construction involving two wheels and a small ledge that can be effortlessly inserted under objects sitting flat on the floor, it redistributes the weight of heavy loads. Whether it's an appliance like a refrigerator or stove, a piece of furniture, or simply moving boxes, having a little help from a set of wheels can go a long way towards lightening the load.

What is a Hand Truck Dolly?

The term hand truck dolly refers to a category of moving equipment that includes both hand trucks and moving dollies. These products streamline the moving process, especially for bigger items.

Because this encompasses so many items, we'll restrict our definition to hand trucks specifically: a hand truck or hand cart is an upright, handled dolly. Sometimes called a 2 wheel dolly, it's designed to be loaded then tipped back and rolled. They offer leverage to reduce the load's weight and make moving more efficient, with less strain on back muscles.

Choosing a Hand Truck

Like most equipment, there's a wide range of styles available, each suited for different applications and uses.

Although it may be tempting to consider the cheapest options, be sure to buy the one that's sized right for your job. Consider the kind of items you'll be hauling, as well as the terrain (stairs, ramps, etc.). 

Aluminum Hand Trucks

Aluminum hand trucks tend to cover both the basic and mid-range options. They are lighter for easy maneuverability, but with a load capacity of 550 lbs., they are still incredibly versatile.

There are multiple handles and nose plates to choose from so you can find the one that will work best for you. We even offer a model that features stair climbers and an extension nose plate.

Appliance Hand Trucks

If you plan on hauling weightier items like appliances, a heavy-duty version is your best choice. They are generally made of heavy duty steel and have built-in straps with tightening devices to secure the load.

Heavy-duty hand trucks are often designed with extras, like a wider platform, a built-in appliance dolly strap, felt backing to protect cargo, or a locking auto-recoil mechanism.

Hand Trucks vs Moving Dollies

Hand trucks and moving dollies are best suited to different applications, so it's important to know the benefits of each to make your move as safe and effective as possible.

While hand carts work well in most situations, if you're looking for an increased load limit and a wider platform for hauling items, try a 4-wheel style moving dolly instead. Although loading an item on dollies requires it be fully picked up as opposed to just sliding it onto a nose plate, dollies are more balanced and can better handle heavier, bulkier items.

Dollies come equipped with padded, rubber, or carpeted ends to keep items safe from scratches and dings.

For the best of both options, our convertible hand truck is an excellent solution. In an upright 2-wheel position it can handle a range of cargo up to 550 lbs. For larger jobs requiring more weight capacity or a larger surface area, simply move the easy release mechanism to create a 4-wheel dolly that can hold up to 770 lbs.

Assembling an Aluminum Hand Truck

The tools you'll need include two 13mm wrenches, two 10mm wrenches, one #6 Allen wrench, and one set of pliers. The washers, bolts, and nuts you'll need are provided.

Learn more by watching this video or checking out our handy PDF.

Hand Truck Dolly Tires & Replacement Parts

We offer replacement tires, nose plates, and handles to make it easy to repair or upgrade your current model.

Hand Truck Covers

Some two-wheel appliance dollies have built-in padding, but if you choose an option that doesn't, include a padded appliance truck cover in your purchase. They're great for protection when hauling something valuable and can be removed when not needed.

The covers are designed to go over the metal body and then strap on to stay in place. Different styles are available, depending on whether you have a curved round top or a square top.

Large rubber bands are also handy to secure cargo, and we carry carpet protectors as well.

Questions?

Hand truck dollies will vary in size, quality, and cost. You can trust US Cargo to carry the style you need at the price you want, along with the accessories and customer service you've come to expect.

If you have questions about any of our moving supplies, contact our sales team. One of our trained moving professionals will be happy to help you.