When it comes to moving heavy objects, you have two main options: hand trucks and dollies.
Both can be used to move large and bulky items, but there are some key differences between the two.
Choosing between a hand truck and a dolly might seem like splitting hairs—after all, both are designed to save your back and make heavy lifting easier.
But here’s the catch: pick the wrong one, and you’ll end up wrestling with boxes, furniture, or appliances like it’s a strongman competition.
So, before you grab the first wheeled helper you see in the hardware aisle, let’s break down hand truck vs. dolly—and figure out which one is the real MVP for your job.
What is a Hand Truck?
Think of a hand truck as your extra set of muscles on wheels.
It’s designed to make the transportation of heavy or bulky items way easier—without you throwing out your back in the process.
You might also hear people call it a dolly, trolley, or even a platform truck.
Whatever the name, the classic hand truck has one thing in common: an L-shaped frame with two sturdy wheels.
This smart design lets you slide the base under whatever you’re moving and simply tip it back—no heavy lifting required.
Some models even take it up a notch with stair-climbing features, so hauling boxes or appliances up (or down) a flight of stairs feels a whole lot less like a gym workout.
Benefits of a Hand Truck
- Lets you move heavy, bulky items without straining your back.
- Stable and strong enough to carry impressive loads.
- Easy to maneuver—even in narrow hallways or tight corners.
- Certain models include stair climbers for effortless ups and downs.
Different Type of Hand Trucks
Hand trucks aren’t all created equal—there are several types, each designed to make specific jobs easier.
The standard hand truck is the classic L-shaped design with two wheels and a toe plate at the bottom. It’s perfect for moving stacked boxes, crates, or other everyday loads.
For added versatility, the convertible hand truck can switch between the upright style and a flat four-wheel cart. This flexibility makes it ideal for anyone who needs to move a mix of tall stacks and wide, heavy items.
When it comes to bulky home or office appliances, the appliance hand truck steps in.
These often include straps, padding, and sometimes stair-climbing wheels, giving you more stability and protection for refrigerators, washers, and similar items.
Speaking of stairs, stair-climbing hand trucks come with a special wheel design that makes hauling heavy loads up and down steps much less of a struggle.
For lighter, occasional use, the folding hand truck is a compact, portable option that collapses for easy storage. They’re great for offices, travel, or anyone who doesn’t want a big, heavy cart taking up space.
And finally, there are specialty hand trucks, designed for unique tasks like moving gas cylinders, drums, or other oddly shaped loads.
What is a Dolly – Benefits and Types
If a hand truck is the upright mover, a dolly is the laid-back powerhouse. Picture a flat platform with four wheels—that’s your dolly.
It doesn’t stand tall like a hand truck, but it makes up for it with serious strength, easily gliding bulky, heavy loads across the floor with minimal effort.
Dollies come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from wood, plastic, or metal.
Some even come with special features like stair-climbing abilities, so getting that oversized item up a few steps isn’t a nightmare.
Benefits of a Dolly
- Handles heavier loads than most hand trucks.
- Rolls smoothly and is surprisingly easy to maneuver.
- Works wonders in tight spaces where lifting isn’t an option.
- Certain models even tackle stairs, making tough jobs easier.
Different Types of Dollies
Remember that just like hand trucks dollies aren’t one-size-fits-all—they come in different types, each tailored for a specific kind of load.
Furniture dollies are the go-to choice for moving big items like couches, dressers, or bulky appliances. Many of them are padded, which helps protect your belongings from scratches and dents while still carrying serious weight.
For delicate yet heavy items like pianos, piano dollies are built like tanks.
With strong platforms and heavy-duty wheels, they’re designed to handle the massive weight of oversized instruments while giving them the VIP treatment during transport.
When it comes to household heavyweights such as refrigerators and washing machines, appliance dollies take center stage. These feature wide, sturdy platforms and rugged wheels that can manage the load without wobbling or giving way.
And finally, for cylindrical items like barrels or drums, drum dollies are the perfect fit.
With round, stable platforms and solid wheels, they make moving heavy, awkward shapes both safe and efficient.
Hand Truck vs. Dolly – Which is Right for Your Job?
Both hand trucks and dollies are designed to make moving heavy stuff easier, but they shine in different situations.
Choosing the right one comes down to what you’re moving, where you’re moving it, and how often you’ll use it.
A hand truck is your best friend when you need to move stacked boxes, tall items, or appliances.
Its upright L-shape and two-wheel design let you slide the toe plate under the load, tilt it back, and roll with ease.
Hand trucks are also more versatile—especially convertible or stair-climbing models—making them ideal for deliveries, warehouses, and even household moves where stairs are involved.
On the other hand, a dolly is the powerhouse for bulky, oversized, or super-heavy loads.
With a flat platform and four wheels, it distributes weight evenly and handles furniture, pianos, appliances, or barrels like a pro. If you’re working on level ground and need maximum stability, a dolly usually wins the day.
In short: You should go with a hand truck for maneuverability and stacked loads; choose a floor dolly for sheer strength and stability.
Get the right tool for the job, and your back will thank you later.
| Feature / Use Case | Hand Truck | Dolly |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Upright L-shape with 2 wheels | Flat platform with 4 wheels |
| Best For | Stacked boxes, crates, smaller appliances | Bulky furniture, pianos, large appliances, drums |
| Maneuverability | Easy to tilt, good for tight spaces & stairs | Stable but less maneuverable in narrow areas |
| Load Capacity | Moderate (depends on model) | Higher – can carry heavier, bulkier loads |
| When to Use | Moving boxes during deliveries, office moves, or up/down stairs | Shifting heavy furniture, appliances, or oversized items on flat surfaces |
| Flexibility | Some models convert to flat carts or have stair-climbers | Mostly single-purpose but very sturdy |
Smart Tips for Buying and Using Dollies and Hand Trucks
If you want to shop for a hand truck or floor dolly at a good price, some of the best places to check are Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Grainger.
Each offers a wide range—from budget-friendly options to heavy-duty, professional-grade models—so you’ll have no trouble finding one that fits your needs and budget.
Before buying, always read customer reviews to get a sense of durability and ease of use, so you can pick the one that truly works best for you.
Using a dolly or hand truck wisely (and for the specific job) can save you time and effort, but only if you use it safely and correctly.
A few simple precautions can protect both you and your belongings from accidents. Keep these tips in mind:
- Check the wheels first – Make sure they’re in good condition and properly inflated before loading anything.
- Take stairs slowly – Always use the handrail, move carefully, and don’t rush. Safety comes first.
- Watch tight spaces – Corners and narrow areas can be tricky. Go slowly and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Load with care – Secure items properly so nothing shifts or falls during transport.
A little extra caution goes a long way in making your move smoother and safer.
What Materials or Objects Should You Not Load On a Dolly and Hand Truck?
Remember that not everything is safe to move with a floor dolly or hand truck. So, here are a few materials or objects that you should not load on them:
- Fragile items – Avoid moving glass or similar breakable objects that can easily shatter.
- Oversized appliances – Large double-door refrigerators, huge TVs, or similar bulky items may be too heavy or unstable.
- Heavy furniture – Couches, dressers, and other big pieces can exceed the weight capacity.
- Wet or messy materials – Muck, clay, gravel, or metal scraps can damage the dolly and make transport unsafe.
- Chemicals and oils – Oils, greases, and solvents can harm both the equipment and the surface you’re rolling on.
- General rule – If an item feels too heavy, unstable, or fragile, get help or use a different moving method.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a hand truck and a dolly really comes down to what you need to move and how you’ll be using it.
If you’re dealing with stacked boxes, smaller appliances, or upright loads, a hand truck is usually the better option—it gives you stability and control while keeping everything in place.
On the other hand, if you’re moving large furniture, bulky items, or heavier objects that need to stay flat, a dolly will make the job much easier and safer.
It’s also worth paying attention to the environment where you’ll be using it—tight spaces, stairs, and uneven surfaces may influence which tool works best.
And before you make a purchase, always check the reviews and weight capacities. They can save you from headaches later by giving you real-world feedback on durability, ease of maneuvering, and overall performance.
With the right choice, you’ll move your items more efficiently while protecting both yourself and your belongings.