Warehouses, manufacturing plants, and store stockrooms use dollies and hand trucks to move heavy objects quickly and safely. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are some important distinctions between the two that might make one a better choice for your application. Learn about the differences between hand trucks and dollies below.

What Is a Hand Truck?

Hand trucks have two large wheels and an L-shaped structure that stands upright. The platform at the bottom rests on the ground, which allows workers to slide it underneath the load. Tilting the truck backward gives users the ability to transport even heavy boxes, furniture, and appliances without having to pick them up.

Because hand trucks have relatively small platforms, they’re often used for moving stackable items like boxes or bulky, heavy items. Their vertical design also makes them ideal for transporting refrigerators, wardrobes, and other tall objects that would otherwise be difficult to move.

What Is a Dolly?

Dollies, also known as handcarts, have a single large platform, four wheels, and a large handle at one end. Because everything they carry has to be lifted onto the cart, dollies are often used to move many small boxes or items at once.

The four-wheel design makes dollies easier to navigate over rough terrain, which is especially useful if your team is working outside. You also don’t have to worry about the load getting unbalanced or tipping over, which may happen with a two-wheeled hand truck. However, they may not be ideal for moving large pieces of furniture or heavy equipment that may be difficult or dangerous to lift onto the platform.

Since 1959, businesses throughout the New York City metropolitan area have relied on Casters, Wheels and Industrial Handling to keep their operations running. Their inventory features thousands of hard-to-find parts, components, and hand trucks from industry-leading manufacturers. Visit their website to learn more about their selection of hand trucks, call (631) 650-0500 to place an order, or visit their showrooms in New York, Farmingdale, or Halethorpe, MD.