Different Hand Truck Types

When it comes to selecting a hand truck, customers certainly are not starved for choice. Hand trucks come in many different makes, models, styles and even colors. Though the styles may vary from one brand name to the next, there are four basic hand truck types: steel, aluminum, aluminum with stair climber, convertible aluminum and drum or barrel.

A plain Jane steel truck is a thriftier option that is good for warehouse operations and deliveries as well as simple jobs around the home. A steel truck is capable of handling daily abuse, collisions or falls and general rough and tumble use. If you plan on using a steel hand truck in rough situations, be sure to buy one that is not painted. You can purchase plain steel versions as well as painted hand trucks in all different colors. There are steel trucks available for outdoor use as well. The tires are designed to be rupture proof and shock absorbent for traveling over grass and gravel.

Next there is a standard aluminum hand truck. Aluminum is a lighter metal than steel; therefore less force is exerted by the driver to push the load. A lighter truck is also easier to maneuver in tight spots because you can lift it easily without hurting yourself. Many options are available to choose from because aluminum hand trucks do not simply vary in their carrying capacity. There are handle styles, wheel options, and color, of course.

Why are there so many options? Well, the handle design, for insistence, depends on how you will be moving the load. Two handles with grips on the ends are strictly meant for moving a load using both hands at all times, which means that the driver cannot open a door and push the load through at the same time. A loop handle allows the driver to choose hand positions and to drive one-handed.

The next two models are both aluminum, but one is a stair climber while the other is a convertible truck. Stair climbers can have simple rails bolted to the truck handles or they can be more full-on, with four wheels for load-balancing.

A hand truck with stair climbers is more difficult to use in twists and turns, so you may want to consider an option that converts back to a two-wheeler for more mobility. Convertible trucks also switch from a regular two-wheel truck to a platform truck. Platform trucks have a larger carrying capacity because of their longer base.

Drum hand trucks are the final model and they are exactly what their name suggests. If you find that your business requires you move product in drums, the safest way to do so is with a drum truck. A regular hand truck is capable of doing the job as well, but only if you find yourself rarely needing to move drums. The process involves strapping the drums to secure them properly and is just not as time efficient when you have many drums to move. A drum truck has the perfect round shape to cradle the drum and comes with an extra set of wheels in order to tilt the load, without the need for straps.

A hand truck is simple enough but there are so many options out there that it can become frustrating. Keep in mind the job that you are doing. The more simple options are less expensive, while the convertible options will set you back several hundred dollars. Choose wisely or you could end up spending a lot more money than necessary.

You can have a look at all the different options here.