Devils: how to choose the right type?

Hand trucks are an undisputed classic in rolling stock, and are an ideal solution for moving a stack of crates, for example. Did you know that the type of wheels, frame and handles are crucial to the job you’re doing? In this article, we’ve put together the most important features so you can always be sure of your purchase, and we’ll also tell you which hand trucks are the most popular here at RAJA.

1. Why use hand trucks?

Un diable ou un chariot est principalement utilisé pour déplacer des charges homogènes. Qu’est-ce que cela signifie exactement ? Homogène signifie que la charge possède un fond plat et est constituée d’une seule pièce (sans saillies). Une caisse en carton répond parfaitement à cette définition. Empilez-en quelques-unes et vous pourrez les déplacer en toute sécurité avec votre diable.

Grâce à leur forme unique, les diables réduisent la pression physique sur les muscles et les articulations de vos employés. Ils doivent donc faire beaucoup moins d’effort pour soulever, tirer et porter. D’ailleurs, avec un diable, vous pouvez déplacer jusqu’à 350 kg à la fois – et tout ça sans effort, ou presque.

Combien coûte un diable

2. Buying a hand truck? Here are the points of attention

All hand trucks are different, whether it’s the wheels, handles or mud flaps, they all come in different shapes, types and sizes. Depending on your job it’s important to choose the right model, we’ve put together the most important points for you below.

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2.1 Flap

A hand truck would not be complete without its flap.You can choose between 2 types.On the one hand you have foldable models.You simply fold the flap vertically,making your hand truck very compact.Ideal for those who have little space in their warehouse or for those who want to take the hand truck in their car.On the other hand you have models with fixed flap:this is welded directly to the frame and cannot be folded.The great advantage of the latter is that they can carry a much greater weight,up to 350kg!

2.2 Wheels

To move your goods easily, you need wheels. You can choose between 2 types

• Puncture-proof rubber wheels: ideal for smooth floors. The advantage is, of course, that these carts are puncture-proof and therefore last much longer (sharp objects on your warehouse floor can happen so quickly).
• Inflatable wheels: ideal for outdoor use or on uneven surfaces. The extra wide tyres are hollow on the inside, which means they absorb shocks much better. Your load remains perfectly stable on these wheels.

2.3 Handles

You may not have noticed it yet, but some models are equipped with “safety handles”. These handles often have a plastic coating that gives you a better grip. Last but not least, these handles protect your joints in case you bump into something in a tight space, for example.

2.4 Materials

In general, you have a choice between steel and aluminium hand trucks. Steel

is

considered the strongest and therefore best suited for transporting your heaviest goods (up to 350 kg, depending on the model).Aluminium is much lighter than steel and can therefore be lifted more easily and stored in your car. Ideal when you often have to visit customers, for example. However, the payload of aluminium is lower, up to

a

maximum of 200 kg (depending on the model).

Let’s finish with what is perhaps the most important selection factor: the payload of your hand truck. The cheapest lightweight models can carry up to around 80kg, and these are usually folding versions made from aluminium. If you opt for robust steel models with a fixed flap, you’ll be able to lift loads of up to 350kg, so it all depends on what exactly you want to move.

3. Some specific trolleys

Here we look at 4 very specific devils that are different in shape and design and have been developed for very specific applications. Continue reading below to find out more.

3.1 Aluminium trolley

We’ll start with this all-aluminium hand truck.Aluminium is very light and has the property of not rusting in a damp environment (unlike steel).It can therefore be used outdoors.Pay particular attention to the safety handles and the fixed flap (which allows you to move more weight).The skids at the back are ideal for lifting this hand truck over stairs or thresholds.Finally, the high backrest makes it easier to work with a larger stack of goods.

The ergonomic advantages mentioned above also ensure that you need to exert less effort when moving heavy goods, which greatly reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain or tendonitis.

3.2 Special stair trolley

The wheels on this hand truck

are

almost immediately noticeable.Thanks to their star-shaped arrangement, the hand truck can be pulled up stairs or thresholds more easily.Very practical when you need to move house.The aluminium frame keeps the hand truck light and makes it easier to lift.This can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).Thanks to the strong tubular steel frame and the fixed flap, you can lift up to 300kg

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3.3 Barrel truck

So far

we have mainly talked about moving homogeneous objects such as crates. What makes this hand truck so unique is that you can also use it to move barrels. To do this, you can equip the hand truck with supports and a strap. This way, your barrel stays firmly in place

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3.4 Multifunctional hand truck

Ce diable adaptable est le dernier de la gamme. Il s’agit à la fois d’un diable et d’un chariot. En d’autres termes, c’est un 2 en 1. Si vous le tenez verticalement, vous pouvez l’utiliser comme un diable. Si vous l’inclinez horizontalement, vous disposez d’un chariot. Le choix vous appartient ! En tant que diable, il est idéal pour le déplacement de marchandises homogènes (cartons, par exemple). En tant que chariot, il est d’une grande aide pour tous les produits non homogènes qui seraient plus difficiles à empiler.

Le diable multifonction est fabriqué en aluminium, un matériau extrêmement léger, ce qui signifie que vous devez fournir moins d’efforts pour déplacer vos marchandises. Cela peut à son tour réduire les risques de troubles musculosquelettiques (TMS). Enfin, il est doté de roues facilement pivotantes, ce qui vous permet de le faire rouler dans toutes les directions.

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Load < 350 kg	Load < 250 kg	Load < 125 kg	Load < 90 kg
Steel	Steel	Aluminium	Aluminium
Fixed flap	Fixed mud flap	Foldable mud flap	Foldable mud flap
Puncture-proof wheels	Inflatable wheels
Safety handles	Safety handles + skids* (see below)	Elastic tensioners included**	Elastic tensioners included**

[* Skids: offer extra support on stairs or thresholds ** Elastic straps: ideal for securing your load more firmly