Hand Trucks
Move cases, kegs, sacks, and equipment safely with commercial hand trucks and dollies for restaurants, bars, warehouses, and delivery routes. Shop aluminum and steel hand trucks in a range of load capacities, plus ramps for loading docks and curbs.
Commercial Hand Trucks and Dollies
commercial hand truck, also called a dolly, makes it easy to move heavy and bulky loads like cases of beverages, sacks of flour and rice, boxes of supplies, kegs, and small equipment. Instead of carrying heavy loads by hand, staff can tilt the hand truck back and roll the load where it needs to go.
Hand trucks are used every day in restaurants, bars, grocery stores, warehouses, and delivery operations. They help staff unload deliveries, stock storerooms and walk-in coolers, and move supplies between areas faster and with less strain.
Why Use a Commercial Hand Truck?
Lifting and carrying heavy loads is one of the most common causes of workplace strain and injury. A commercial hand truck reduces lifting, lets one person move more in a single trip, and helps protect both your staff and your products.
How a Hand Truck Works
A hand truck has a vertical frame with handles at the top, two wheels at the base, and a flat nose plate that slides under the load. Once the load is on the nose plate, the user tilts the hand truck back to balance the weight over the wheels and rolls it to its destination.
How to Choose a Commercial Hand Truck
Load Capacity
Every hand truck has a maximum load rating. Choose one rated for the heaviest loads you move regularly, with some extra capacity to spare.
Frame Material
Aluminum hand trucks are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and resist corrosion, which makes them a good fit for walk-in coolers and wet areas. Steel hand trucks are heavier but extremely strong and durable for heavy-duty use. Some hand trucks also use high-impact plastic components to reduce weight.
Wheels
Pneumatic wheels give a smooth ride over rough surfaces, curbs, and outdoor areas. Solid rubber and flat-free wheels never go flat and need less maintenance. Hard wheels roll easily on smooth indoor floors. Choose wheels based on where the hand truck will be used most.
Nose Plate Size
The nose plate is the flat ledge at the bottom of the hand truck. A wider or deeper nose plate supports larger boxes and bulkier loads, while a narrow nose plate fits through tight spaces.
Handle Style
Hand trucks come with different handle styles, such as dual handles, single loop handles, and P-handles. Choose a style that feels comfortable and gives good control for your staff.
Stair Climbing
Some hand trucks are designed with special wheels or skids to help move loads up and down stairs. Stair-climbing hand trucks can be harder to maneuver on flat floors, so choose one if stairs are part of your daily routine.
Ramps
Curb ramps and loading ramps help hand trucks roll smoothly over curbs, steps, and dock edges, making deliveries easier and safer.
Tips for Using a Hand Truck Safely
Stack Loads Correctly
Place the heaviest items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Keep the load centered on the nose plate and stacked low enough that you can see over it.
Secure the Load
Use straps or keep boxes stacked tightly so the load doesn't shift or fall while moving.
Tilt and Balance
Tilt the hand truck back until the weight is balanced over the wheels. Let the hand truck carry the load instead of lifting with your arms.
Push, Don't Pull
On flat surfaces, pushing gives better control and visibility. Move at a steady pace and take corners slowly.
Use Ramps Carefully
When going down a ramp or slope, go slowly and keep the load in front of or behind you as recommended by the manufacturer. Never let the hand truck roll freely.
Don't Overload
Never exceed the hand truck's rated load capacity, and check the wheels and frame regularly for wear or damage.
Hand Truck FAQs
What is the difference between a hand truck and a dolly?
The terms are often used interchangeably. A hand truck usually refers to an upright, two-wheeled cart with a nose plate, while a dolly can also mean a flat, four-wheeled platform cart.
Are aluminum or steel hand trucks better?
Aluminum hand trucks are lighter, easier to handle, and resist corrosion. Steel hand trucks are heavier but very strong, which makes them a good fit for heavy-duty loads.
What type of wheels should I choose?
Pneumatic wheels are best for rough surfaces and outdoor use. Solid or flat-free wheels need less maintenance and won't go flat. Hard wheels roll easily on smooth indoor floors.
Can hand trucks go up and down stairs?
Some hand trucks are designed for stairs, with special wheels or skids. Standard hand trucks can be used on stairs with care, but a stair-climbing model is safer if stairs are part of your daily route.
How much weight can a hand truck carry?
It depends on the model. Check the load capacity in the product details, and choose a hand truck rated above the heaviest loads you move regularly.
