A hand truck, a moving dolly, or a set of sturdy stainless steel casters is essential equipment when you're moving or transporting heavy items. When properly used, mobility solutions save an enormous amount of effort and lessen the chances of back strain and other injuries. Below are some of the most important dos and don'ts of operating a dolly like a professional.

Do:

Use a Strap

Whether you're using a hand truck to transport cartons or a set of stainless steel casters to move furniture, always use a strap to secure the load. Straps prevent awkward movements or slippage during the move and help you stay injury free.

Balance the Load

Triangles are the strongest shape, so build a pyramid-shaped load when stacking your items. Each layer should be larger than the next and placed with its weight centered over the wheels.

Don't:

Stack Items Higher Than the Vertical Backrest

Keep your stack at or below the level of the dolly. Even if the top item appears well-balanced, once you tip the hand truck back onto its wheels, the unsupported layer will slide off and hit you in the chest or chin.

Lean the Dolly Back Too Far

The trick to using a dolly effectively is to keep the load balanced over the wheels as much as possible. This isn't as crucial for lighter loads, but heavy items can easily overbalance and fall if you lean the cart too far back.

When your business needs a dependable supplier of high-quality hand trucks or stainless steel casters, contact Casters, Wheels and Industrial Handling in New York, NY. They've been serving customers in and around Manhattan's Garment District since 1959, and specialize in light- and heavy-duty casters and backstage equipment. Visit their website to submit a quote request or call (631) 650-0500 to discuss your mobility solution options.