Trolleys: how to choose the right type?

Does everything in your warehouse or shop already roll on wheels? An undisputed classic among rolling materials are the push trolleys. They are an ideal solution for moving a stack of boxes, for example. Did you know that the type of wheels, frame and handles determine the work you do? We collected the main points of interest in this article so you can always be sure of your purchase. At the end, we also tell you which hand carts are the most popular here at RAJA right now….

1. What are pushcarts used for?

A hand cart or trolley is mainly used to move homogenous loads. What exactly does that mean? Homogenous means that the load has a flat underside and consists of a single piece (without protrusions). A cardboard box actually fits that definition perfectly. Stack a few of these together and you can move them safely with your hand truck.

Thanks to their unique shape, trolleys reduce the physical strain on your warehouse workers’ muscles and joints. They have to lift, pull and carry less frequently. As a matter of fact, with such a trolley you can move up to 350 kg at once – all with significantly less strain on your body.

How much does a pushcart cost? See all models here

2. Buying a hand truck? These are the points of interest

A trolley has a lot of parts that can vary enormously from one model to another. From wheels to handles and stab plates, you will find them in different shapes, types and sizes. Depending on your job, it is then important to choose the right variant. We list the main points of interest for you below.

2.1 Stake plate

A pitch trolley would obviously not be a sight without its pitch plate. There are two types to choose from here. On the one hand, you have the collapsible models. You simply fold the insert plate vertically, making your trolley very compact. Ideal for those who have little space in their warehouse or want to take the trolley with them. On the other hand, there are models with a fixed insert plate: this is welded directly to the frame and cannot be folded. The big advantage of these is that they can support a much greater weight, up to 350 kg!

2.2 Wheels

To move your goods smoothly, you obviously need wheels. Again, you have a choice of two types.

• Solid rubber tyres: these are ideal for slippery floors. The big advantage is that they can never go flat (e.g. due to a stray nail). So they last much longer.
• Pneumatic tyres: these are ideal for outdoors or on uneven surfaces. The extra-wide tyres are hollow inside so they absorb shocks much better. Your load remains optimally stable with these wheels.

2.3 Handles

You may not have noticed immediately, but some models are equipped with ‘safety handles’. These handles often have a plastic covering that allows you to keep a better grip on the pushcart. Last but not least, these handles offer protection to your knuckles (should you bump into something in a narrow space, for example).

2.4 Material

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Typically, you have the choice of trolleys made of steel or aluminium. Steel is considered the strongest variant and is therefore better suited for moving your heaviest goods (up to 350 kg depending on the model). Aluminium is much lighter than steel and is therefore easier to lift and store in your trolley. Ideal when you need to make frequent customer visits, for example. Another advantage of aluminium: it is more resistant to rust and therefore ideal for outdoor use. However, the load capacity is lower with aluminium, up to a maximum of 200 kg (depending on the model).

2.5 Payload

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We end with perhaps the most important choice factor: the carrying load of your pushcart. The cheaper lightweight models are good for a load of up to about 80 kg. These are usually collapsible versions, made of aluminium. If you look at robust models made of steel, with a fixed bedplate, you will be able to carry a load of around 350 kg. So it all depends on what exactly you want to move.

3. Some unique hand trucks in the spotlight

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Here, we look at 4 very specific sack barrows that are just that little bit different from the average versions due to their shape and design. They have been developed for very specific applications. You can read exactly what these applications are below.

3.1 Aluminium hand truck

We start with this pushcart that is made entirely of aluminium. Aluminium is very light and has the property of not rusting in a humid environment (unlike steel). So that makes it suitable for outdoor use. The high ‘back’ also makes it easier to work with a higher stack of goods.

Also note the safety handles and fixed stitch plate (allowing you to move a greater weight). An unexpected extra are the rear stair glides: ideal for lifting this trolley over stairs or thresholds. The above benefits guarantee that you have to put less effort into moving heavy goods, significantly reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSA) such as back pain or tendonitis.

3.2 Hand truck for stairs

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What catches the eye almost immediately with this stairway truck are the wheels. Their triangular arrangement makes it easier to pull the hand truck up stairs or thresholds. No doubt handy when you need to move house again. The aluminium frame ensures that the hand truck remains light and can be lifted more easily. This can reduce the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSA). Moreover, the wide handles ensure that you can maintain a firm grip on your load from different positions. You can use it to lift a weight of up to around 150 kg.

3.3 Hand truck for barrels

So far, we have mainly talked about moving homogeneous objects such as boxes. What makes this next hand truck so unique is that it can also be used to move round barrels. You can equip it with special supports and a belt. This keeps your drum securely in place.

3.4 Combined hand truck – platform truck

Last in line is this ‘all-rounder’. It is both a trolley and a platform truck. A two-in-one. If you hold it vertically, you can use it as a trolley. Flip it horizontally and you have a platform trolley. The choice is yours! As a trolley, it is ideal for moving homogenous goods (boxes, for example). As a platform trolley, it is a great help for all non-homogeneous products that are more difficult to stack.

The trolley is made of aluminium, an extremely light material that reduces the effort required to move your goods. This, in turn, can reduce the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSA). Finally, it has easily rotatable wheels so you can roll it smoothly in any direction.

Take your pick from our full range of hand trucks here ]

Ready to make your choice? Meet RAJA’s best-selling pushcarts here:

* Stair glides: provide extra support on stairs or thresholds.
** Tension elastic bands: ideal for securing your load more firmly.