Folding Hand Trucks: a Compact Solution to Moving Loads

Hand trucks are a fundamental part of every warehouse, large retail store, garden centres and storage facilities. They come available in different versions to accommodate certain conditions. For example a cage protected hand truck is used to transport material that is easy to break. They have the side of the platform surrounded by small metal poles positioned vertically and horizontally. Upright hand trucks are used to move loads up to 90 kg heavy, they have two wheels and handles that go above your waist line. Fold-up hand trucks are the ones that provide excellent compactness whilst having a lot of the characteristics of a standard upright hand truck.

Advantages of Foldable Hand Trucks

If you don't have plenty of storage space, incorporating a foldable trolley will get rid of the issue. Since the handle of folding hand trucks leans forward to meet with the loading surface you can just slide it in a tight space such as behind a door. These trolleys usually come with an anti-grip surface and are also available with multiple levels. The fact that it can fold makes it convenient to move it from one warehouse to another (if needed) by transporting it in your car. A fold up trolley will usually have a bright coloured loading surface so it's easier to spot it and it can also come with shock-proof and ergonomic handles.

What to Look For

Weight Capacity

Although the above mentioned features are something to look for, one of the more important features is the trolley's weight capacity. In order for a folding hand truck to be effective it needs to match the amount of weight you move around your warehouse on a daily basis. This may not always be the same but you should make a rough estimate as to how much it is and have the capacity above that weight..

Construction

Since you are going to be carrying loads the material foldable hand trucks are made of needs to be durable, strong and corrosion resistant. For this the best material is going to be powder-coated steel which goes best with vinyl decks. This combination makes for a very durable fold up trolley, especially if you have bumpers on the outer perimeter of the trolley.

Wheels

The wheels also need to be made of a durable material as they are a part that gets worn out first. They also determine how smooth the trolley will roll. For a smooth roll go with rubber non-infallible wheels and for the most durable ones go with polyurethane wheels. The wheels should also be non-marking in order to keep the floor clean and safe. The bigger the wheels the better, as larger wheels can withstand heavier loads and absorb a lot of shocks and impacts.

Ease of Use

Folding hand trucks are made to make moving heavy items less strainful. They should be easy to fold without having to learn a special type of mechanism. They should also have the above mentioned features such as the anti slip surface and ergonomic handles too. All these details contribute to a convenient and easy to use fold up trolley.

Safety Tips

As with all trolleys you'll need to folow some preventative measures and tips in order to stay safe when using them. Make sure you always inspect the trolley before using it in case it's cracked or broken in certain places, so you can get it repaired or get a new one depending on the state of it. Always place the heaviest item first to increase stability and make sure you place it so it rests on the axles. This helps the weight of the load to get carried by the truck and not the handles.

You'll also need to maintain a solid stance when loading and unloading the trolley. Your legs should be shoulder width apart and you should keep your back straight when lifting. Make sure the load is not going to slip, shift or fall – in some cases you'll need to secure the load to ensure that it stays on the truck. When you have placed all the items you need to move, make sure your view is not blocked otherwise remove some of them.

When going through tight spaces make sure you don't get your hands pinched between the handles or a close by object. Put on gloves when using a foldable hand truck to protect your hands. To ensure that a foldable trolley doesn't fail when moving loads make sure you maintain the wheels too. Taking care of wheels will also help make a trolley more efficient since uneven wheels will make you use more force to push the trolley.

How to Inflate Wheels

In order to keep tires with even pressure you'll have to use an air pump just like you do with your bike. Before you start, make sure the wheels are clean and that there's no debris in the rim seal. Tie the zipper tie surrounding the tire and inflate the tire with the air pump. Then just set the seal properly and you're done.