Shifting bulky items often leads to frustration, yet selecting the appropriate equipment significantly eases the process. You’re probably wondering whether to go with a dolly or hand truck for your next big move. We are here to solve the hand truck vs dolly dilemma for you. This piece dives into what these movers are, their pros and cons, and how they stack up against each other.
We’re also going to explore various models available, such as barrel dollies and adaptable hand trucks, ensuring you pinpoint the perfect fit for your requirements. Plus, we answer some burning questions about making moving easier with these tools. So, let’s get started on making your heavy lifting a breeze.
Table of contents
What is a Hand Truck?
Imagine effortlessly gliding your stack of boxes or that refrigerator across the room without sweating or hurting your back. This is what a hand truck does: make carrying tall, bulky items feel less like a Herculean task and more like taking a walk in the park. A hand truck is essentially your go-to guy for moving around heavy stuff without breaking your back. It looks somewhat like an L on wheels – simple but effective.
Uses of a Hand Truck
The versatility of hand trucks makes them indispensable in various scenarios. In the midst of shifting your workspace, replenishing inventory in stores, or smoothly introducing a bulky refrigerator into your culinary space to avoid turmoil, this apparatus proves invaluable. They are particularly handy for navigating tight spaces and maneuvering through crowded areas where larger equipment simply wouldn’t fit.
Pros and Cons of Using a Hand Truck
Some of the pros and cons of using a hand truck are as given below.
Pros:
- Its vertical, bi-wheeled structure enables individuals to securely move tall objects with ease.
- It significantly reduces bodily stress.
- It doesn’t need fuel or electric charge to carry on its operations.
Cons:
- Using one requires some muscle power, especially when tackling steep inclines, which might be challenging if the load is particularly hefty.
- It can only be used on ground surfaces, and using them in high places is not possible.
What is a Dolly?
A dolly might sound like your kid’s toy, but trust me, it’s not. With its flat platform sitting snugly on four wheels, it’s ready to take on anything from furniture to stacks of books or even appliances.
Dollies let you load up wide loads with ease and scoot along floors smoothly. But beware; their low-to-the-ground design means they’re not fans of uneven surfaces where tipping could become an unwanted adventure.
Uses of a Dolly
Dollies are not just about hauling boxes during a move. They come in handy for transporting large appliances, stacks of chairs, and even hefty planters in your garden. Their adaptability makes them invaluable assets across various environments. They are used in homes as well as in shops and other businesses.
Pros and Cons of Using a Dolly
Here, we have provided a few pros and cons of using a dolly.
Pros:
- Using a dolly means less back strain and quicker moving times.
- It’s like having an extra pair of very strong hands available whenever needed.
Cons:
- Navigating stairs can be tricky without special stair-climbing models, and tight corners demand some maneuvering skills.
- They often cause slip and trip hazards if not put away properly after use.
Different types of Hand Trucks and Dollies
Ever tried to move a heavy object and wished you had superpowers? Well, hand trucks and dollies are the next best thing. Below, we will discuss different types of both movers while also discussing the distinct characteristics of each type. We will also highlight a few standout options from VEVOR.
Two-Wheel Hand Trucks
A two-wheel hand truck is usually suitable to carry light or moderate loads. As the name signifies, this hand truck has two wheels. They are usually used to carry tall furniture items or a stack of boxes for a shorter distance.
You can find two-wheel hand trucks on VEVOR. It is a 2-in-1 hand truck that can be used straight up, or you can lay it flat.
Convertible Hand Trucks
This is the type of hand truck that can be converted in 2 different styles, vertical as well as horizontal. These hand trucks are used for transporting, hauling, and loading different items. You can convert it into a platform truck as well as use it like a hand truck, whatever fulfills your requirement.
VEVOR offers an aluminum-built 2-in-1 convertible hand truck that is lightweight to carry lighter loads but is also sturdy enough to carry heavy loads. Its flexible design helps make packing and storing it a breeze.
Platform Hand Truck
Also called a flatbed cart, a platform hand truck has 4 wheels on each side of its flat board. This type of hand truck is usually used to carry heavier objects or more items in one go.
At VEVOR, you can find a variety of platform hand trucks. It is 47 inches long and 24 inches wide, having a load-bearing capacity of 2000 lbs.
Drum Dolly
Moving barrels or drums without a drum dolly can feel like trying to push a boulder uphill. A drum dolly circles around this problem by cradling cylindrical containers perfectly. Its design focuses on stability and ease, making the movement of heavy drums manageable.
If you’re in need of moving hefty drums effortlessly, VEVOR’s Drum Dolly offers robust support with its durable construction, ensuring your drums move smoothly across any terrain.
Adjustable Trailer Dolly
This handy tool adjusts its tongue to fit the height of various trailers, making hitching up as easy as pie. It’s perfect for those who regularly deal with different trailer types or sizes.
The Adjustable Trailer Dolly from VEVOR, with its solid build and flexibility, ensures that aligning your trailer feels less like rocket science and more like an everyday task anyone can handle.
Furniture Dolly
A furniture dolly makes navigating corners and tight spaces easier when moving bulky furniture items such as sofas or cabinets.
With its flat platform set atop four swivel wheels, it provides unmatched maneuverability indoors. If you are looking for one, you can check this furniture dolly out from VEVOR. This little guy can take the load off your back, so you don’t have to bear all that weight.
Hand Truck vs Dolly – A Comparison
When you’re staring down a heavy box, deciding between a hand truck and a dolly can feel like choosing between lifting weights and running marathons. Both will get the job done but in very different ways. Below, we will take a closer look and make a comparative analysis of a hand truck vs a dolly.
Main Features
When it comes to the main features of a hand truck, we know they are the best for moving tall items vertically. If you need to relocate your refrigerator or a cupboard, a hand truck is your best friend. A dolly, however, is ideal for moving multiple things around warehouses or homes. They are perfect for horizontal transport, like skateboards for furniture. They sit low to the ground and usually come with four wheels ready to glide across flat surfaces with ease; no tilting is required here.
Size and Load Capacity
Hand trucks are capable of bearing loads between 100 to 1000 lbs. Some of them can even carry around 1500 lbs. of load. The standard size dimensions of a hand truck are 52” high and 20” wide. At the same time, dollies are known to have a load-bearing capacity of 600 to 800 lbs.
Price Range
Prices of hand trucks and dollies depend upon their load-bearing capacities as well as their size. When it comes to the price range of a hand truck, you can find a variety of them with a price of around $40 to $190. Dollies, on the other hand, can be purchased at around $20 to $140.
Below is a table showing a side-by-side comparison of hand truck vs dolly.
| Feature | Hand Truck | Dolly |
| Main functions | Move tall items, like fridge or cupboard, vertically. | Move multiple items, such as boxes or cartons, horizontally. |
| Type of Movement | Tilting & rolling | Gliding Flat on Ground |
| Load Bearing Capacity | 100 – 1000 lbs. | 600 – 800 lbs. |
| Price range | $40 – $190 | $20 – $140 |
To sum up, these movers’ helpers: If your challenge looks more like Everest (vertical), go with the hand truck route. But if you’re plotting courses through tight corners on flat terrain? The dolly’s smooth sailing could be exactly what you need. So before making any decisions, weigh out not only what you’re moving but also where it’s going. After all, picking the right one means less backache tomorrow.
FAQs About Hand Truck and Dolly
What are the things to keep in mind before buying moving equipment?
Finding the right moving equipment can be tough, but with proper guidance, you can decide well. First, consider what you’re moving. Is it bulky furniture or boxes of books? This determines whether you need a dolly or a hand truck. Second, think about storage. If space is tight, look for something foldable. Also, check the weight capacity to avoid any mid-move mishaps.
Do Hand Trucks and Dollies Make Moving Heavy Things Easy?
Absolutely. Hand trucks and dollies make the impossible task of carrying heavy objects doable by giving you leverage and wheels.
Can You Pull Hand Trucks or Dollies Behind You?
You might feel like leading a parade when pulling these tools behind you, but proceed with caution; they’re designed mainly for pushing ahead with control over direction, which is easier this way.
Conclusion
Choosing between a hand truck vs. a dolly can make or break your moving experience. Picking the right one comes down to understanding your needs. Remember, hand trucks are great for stacked items, while dollies shine with bulky furniture.
Cost-wise, think about what you’re willing to spend because there’s something for every budget. And always consider size and capacity; it matters more than you might think.
To wrap up, this journey into choosing between a hand truck and a dolly should leave you better equipped for that next big move. Here’s to less backache and smoother moves ahead!
