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.
Hand trucks are often mistakenly called dollies by many, but they are actually quite different.
For one, hand trucks feature two large wheels, while dollies have four smaller ones. This design allows hand trucks to be more stable when carrying heavier loads.
Another difference is that hand trucks are upright, while dollies are flat. This means that you can slide a hand truck under the item you need to move without having to lift it by hand.
What is a Hand Truck?
A hand truck is a piece of equipment that helps in the easy transportation of heavy and bulky items from one place to another.
They are sometimes also known as dollies, trolleys, or platform trucks. Hand trucks come in different shapes and sizes, but they all have two large wheels and an L-shaped frame.
This design makes it easy to slide the hand truck under the item you need to move without having to lift it by hand.
Some hand trucks also have an L-shaped design and a built-in stair climber, which allows you to easily move items up and down stairs.
Benefits
There are many benefits of using a hand truck, such as:
- They make it easy to move heavy and bulky items without having to lift them by hand.
- They are stable and can easily carry heavy loads.
- They are easy to maneuver and can be used in tight spaces.
- Some hand trucks have a built-in stair climber, which makes it easy to move items up and down stairs.
Applications
There are many different places where you can use a hand truck, such as:
- In factories and warehouses for transporting goods
- In offices for moving heavy equipment and furniture
- In stores for delivering large items to customers
- In homes for moving heavy pieces of furniture or appliances
What is a Dolly – Benefits and Types
Unlike a hand truck, a dolly is a flat platform with four small wheels that are used to move large and bulky items from one place to another.
Dollies come in different sizes and can be made from different materials, such as wood, plastic, or metal.
Some dollies also have a built-in stair climber, which allows you to move items up and down stairs easily.
Benefits
There are many benefits of using a dolly, such as:
- They can carry more weight than a hand truck.
- They are easier to maneuver and can be used in tight spaces.
- Some dollies have a built-in stair climber, making it easier to move items up and down stairs.
Different Types of Dollies
There are many different types of dollies, such as:
1- Furniture Dollies
These are specifically designed for moving heavy furniture and appliances. They usually have a padded surface to prevent damage to your belongings.
2- Piano Dollies
These are specifically designed for moving pianos and other large musical instruments. They have a large platform and heavy-duty wheels to support the weight of the piano.
3- Appliance Dollies
These are specifically designed for moving large appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines. They have a large platform and heavy-duty wheels to handle the equipment’s weight.
4- Drum Dollies
These are specifically designed for moving drums and other large cylindrical objects. They have a big platform and heavy-duty wheels to bear the weight of the drum.
Application and Usage
There are many different places where you can use a dolly, such as
- In factories and warehouses for transporting goods
- In offices for moving heavy equipment and furniture
- In stores for delivering large items to customers
- In homes for moving heavy pieces of furniture or appliances
Tips for Using Dollies and Hand Trucks
While using a dolly or hand truck is fairly straightforward, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the process easier and prevent injuries.
Here are some tips for you to take care of:
1- Make sure that the wheels of the dolly or hand truck are in good condition and are properly inflated.
2- Be careful when moving items up or down stairs. Make sure to use the handrail and go slowly to avoid accidents.
3- Use caution when moving items around corners or in tight spaces. Make sure to go slowly and be aware of your surroundings.
4- Be careful when loading and unloading items onto the dolly or hand truck. Make sure that the item is properly secured and will not fall off during transport.
Where Can I Buy Hand Trucks and Dollies at a Good Price?
There are many places where you can buy hand trucks and dollies at a good price. Here are some of the best places to check out:
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Walmart
- Target
- Amazon.com
- Grainger
All of them have a wide variety of hand trucks and dollies to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs.
When deciding between a hand truck and a dolly, it’s important to consider the type of item you need to move and the environment you’ll be using. Also, before picking either one, make sure to read the reviews to get an idea of which one is best for you.
What Materials or Objects Should You not Load on a Dolly and Hand Truck?
There are some materials or objects that you should not load on a dolly and hand truck, such as:
1- Glass items: Glass items are fragile and can easily break when transported on a dolly or hand truck.
2- Large appliances: Large appliances, such as large double-door refrigerators, 325-inch monster screens, and others, can be too heavy for a dolly or hand truck.
3- Heavy furniture: Heavy furniture, such as couches and dressers, can be too heavy for a dolly or hand truck.
It’s best not to put muck, clay, or other wet materials like metal or gravel on a dolly top. Oils and solvents, as well as chemicals and greases, should also be avoided. This is due to the fact that these are likely to cause damage to your hand truck, whatever surface it is being dragged over.
When deciding whether or not to load an item onto a dolly or hand truck, always err on the side of caution. If you’re not sure if an item is too heavy or fragile, it’s best to ask someone for help or find another way to transport it.
So, what’s the difference between a hand truck and a dolly, and what to choose?
The primary difference between both is that a hand truck has two large wheels and an L-shaped frame, whereas a dolly has four small wheels. Which one you should use really depends on the item you need to move and the space you have.
If you need to move something heavy and there’s not much space, then a hand truck would be your best option. But if you need to move something large and bulky, then a dolly would be better since it can carry more weight and is easier to maneuver.