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Collapsible Hand Truck Buying Guide

Wesco Folding Hand Truck Review

Wesco Folding Collapsible Hand Truck is durable, easy-to-store and functional equipment which comes in two different materials to choose from: aluminum/poly models and durable all-steel construction. With a loading capacity of up to 175 pounds, this lightweight mover is ideal for transporting objects around. Its 19” x 12” nose plate is well-designed to haul objects and with an elasticized cord included, the user will surely feel secure that the cargo will not fall off. The hand truck’s 7-inch wheel provides stability and ease of movement in different types of surfaces and even in climbing up and down the stairs.

List Price: $169.01
Amazon.com Price: $94.95 (at the time of publishing this post)
You Save: $74.06 (44%)

Product Specifications

Wesco Folding Hand Truck is our Collapsible Hand Truck of Choice

Material: Aluminum/poly models, durable all-steel construction
Weight: 8.4 lbs (aluminum); 10.9 (steel)
Length: 19 inches
Width: 19 inches
Height: 42 inches

Technical Details

• Superlite Fold-up Truck
• Store easily anywhere until needed
• Fold down effortlessly and immediately
• Includes elasticized cord to fasten load

Impressive Feedbacks

Not a single person who provided feedback about Wesco Folding Hand Trucks gave a score which is lower than four stars. In fact, those who scored it highest far outnumbered the four stars by almost four-to-one. This is how one of the buyers expressed his satisfaction: “60 seconds after I opened the box, I knew I made the right choice.” Imagine what type of product will get the approving nod of a buyer even before it went out of the box! As described by the user, “It’s engineered well, made strong, light weight, folds and unfolds easily, stores as shown in the picture.” Its durability has been tried and tested by one satisfied customer when he affirmed, “I purchased my first one back in 2001 and it still works like a champ.” One senior citizen’s only regret about this product was that he didn’t find it sooner in his life.

From the handle down to the wheels, this product is all praises.  Its push button handle provides easy maneuverability without the fear of caving in while in use. The wheels make for smooth sailing across different surfaces and handles well scaling up and down the stairs.

The Wesco folding hand truck is so versatile and convenient to use that a number of people with different conditions have found the product so fascinating. A petite woman who is into pottery had found the product perfect as she does not worry about his pots falling over and breaking; a pregnant woman found the hand truck “an essential part of my trips to the post office and grocery store.” One elderly gentleman says, “My wife picks it up with one hand ezee!” And she is no spring chicken, either!

Minor Hitch

One improvement that could be suggested for the Wesco Collapsible Hand Truck is not on the hand truck itself, but on the elastic cord that comes with it. Some suggested making it longer; others wanted to have an additional one. This is only because they trust the integrity of the product so much, they want to load more! For the hand truck itself, some customers suggest making the telescopic handle even longer. Well, those customers are actually more than six feet tall which is understandable. But there are customers who are of the same height range who are comfortable with the product as it is.

Highly Recommended

Slick, Ultra Thin Profile, Excellent Build Quality, Works as Advertised - Thats the Wesco Folding Hand Truck!

There isn’t much to say about the quality of WESCO Folding Hand Trucks. The jury has spoken. If those feedbacks do not impress you, then you are depriving yourself of a great buy!

Recent Customer Reviews

Review By Allen Moore:
I bought one of these for my wife to use in her pottery work, which involves the frequent transport of boxes of pottery and heavy clay. She’s a petite woman and needed something she could handle easily, and that wouldn’t take up a lot of room in her car (already filled with the aforementioned pottery and clay). This collapsible hand truck fits the bill perfectly. It’s amazingly light, well-built, has a large 19″ x 12″ nose plate, 175 lb. capacity, and folds/unfolds easily. Right after it arrived, we used it to transport her stuff back from a pottery show. It was easy to maneuver it fully loaded between the narrow exhibit aisles. Read More …

Review By P. Hierstein “Travl’r”:
The cart is unbelievably rugged and well worth the money if you are a serious traveler. I’ve had the cheap Chinese, wire carts with the tiny wheels and they just can’t stand up to rough use. Small wheels equate to bumpy, unstable travel. They will constantly tip over. The Wesco is well engineered with very large wheels that give a very smooth ride and consequently greater stability. It’s actually hard to tip one of these over. I’ve pulled mine over dirt roads, cobble stone streets, over and down curbs and up and down stairs. It remains strong, rugged and dependable. Read More …

Review By  K. Hogue:
This cart is just what I needed to get all those packages from the car to the house without killing my back. It stores in a corner and is very easy to extend the handle when you use it.I attached a 20 gallon rubbermaid tub to it with bungee cords and it really holds alot of stuff. This cart is an excellent value and it is quality made. Read More …

Review By C. L.:
This cart has truly become an essential part of my trips to the post office and grocery store. I am pregnant and considered high risk, so most lifting/carrying over 15lbs. is out of the question for a while and this cart is simply a great tool. It easily folds and unfolds for use, fits in our VW Jetta trunk w/o taking up much space. The push button handle release makes it very easy to maneuver w/o concern that it will collapse–one we previously bought did so while in use. Since I use a crate to hold all my items, I have not had to use the securing cords. If your considering this cart for light to moderate use, it is a “good buy” in my opinion. Read More …

Have you researched or have any experience with this Wesco Folding Hand Truck? Please share your views by commeting below!

Wesco Folding Hand Truck Review is a post from: Collapsible Hand Truck

Magna Cart Elite 2 Hand Truck Review

Designed to withstand the pressure of a heavy load, Magna Cart Elite 2 Hand Truck is perfect for those who constantly travel with bags, boxes and supplies in tow. This 10 ½ pound truck is constructed out of heavy-duty metal hybrid to bear up to 200 pounds of weight. Its 7-inch rubber tires run efficiently on practically any surface. Its most unique feature is it is foldable to an extraordinary dimension that you need not worry about storage. The truck’s narrow profile makes it easy to fit in the overhead compartments of planes and trains and will fit easily in the trunk of a car. Since its lightweight, it can be hang on a peg in the garage or storeroom.

Magna Cart Elite 2 Hand Truck: Lightweight, Compact and Gets the Job Done!

List Price: $119.99

Amazon.com Price: $39.87 (at the time of publishing this post)

You Save: $80.12 (67%)

Product Specification:

•          Loading capacity: 200 pounds (90.72 kilos)

•          Weight: 10.5 pounds (4.76 kilos)

•          Height: 39 inches extended (99 cm)

•          Folded dimension: 28.5 inches (72 cm) by 2.5 inches thick (6 cm)

•          Aluminum base plate: 19.25 inches (49 cm) wide

•          Frame: 22 mm steel parallel tubes

•          Rubber wheels: 7 inches (17.8 cm)

Rave Reviews

“Wow, this one is a winner!” This is how one satisfied customer described the Magna Cart Elite 2 Hand Truck. The truck can do the work it is advertised to perform—and more! It is easy to use and can be easily maneuvered in any surface and even in tight spaces. Because of its load capacity, users have found it to be really valuable and have allowed them to do the job in less amount of time that is normally required. “A great timesaver,” says one reviewer. If you are hauling expensive equipment, you surely will feel safe using this hand truck. The robust built ensures that your load does not drop. One customer had been using it to move his pricey recording gears and found the dimensions enough to securely transport his tools-of-the-trade to different locations. The product is really reliable that one purchaser bought additional trucks because his staff “like it so much I’ve been asked to get three more!” They used it to move computer equipment! In most of the reviews, the fact that it is compact when folded has always been mentioned and appreciated. Overall, this product can be described as one customer puts it, “truly lightweight, compact, and works great for the job!”

Magna Cart Elite 2's Collapsible Feature Allows Convenient Storage

Room for Improvement

The length of the handle bar has been a major concern for tall people who have used the Magna Cart Elite 2 Hand Truck. As one buyer shares, “I wish the handle got a little higher, it is a bit awkward. I am 5’5″ and the handle is just almost the right height.” Taller users have found it inconvenient and uncomfortable especially when traversing long distances. There were also some complaints about the components which are made of plastic. An unsatisfied customer said, “I would not have bought this had I known the gears were plastic.” He used the truck to move refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines. Although the customer used it to carry more than its allowed capacity, it will be good to take note of the comment. Although the parts achieve their designed capacity, improved and stronger plastic components will surely make this wonderful product even better.

Positive Consensus

Among those who reviewed the Magna Cart Elite 2 Hand Truck, 82% gave the product either a four- or five-star rating. Most common in the feedback provided is its durability, ease of use, great maneuverability and overall performance. Even those who gave the product lower ratings still admit to the product’s effectiveness. Even with the discomfort experienced by some users, the hand truck still live up to expectation when it comes to its usability and trouble-free storage and transportability. Use the product as designed and you surely will get the value for your money. Well, with its very affordable price, the Magna Cart Elite 2 Hand Truck is in fact a bargain and highly recommended!

Magna Cart Elite 2 Hand Truck is a Tough Little Hand Truck!

Recent Customer Reviews:

Review By Vernal E. Richardson:
I have used this cart to haul recording gear and gardening supplies, and it works very well. It is handy to fold up and store or haul in the car between uses. The large wheels negotiate stairways well, and the proportions of the cart in use are just right to securely haul expensive equipment.
Review By E. Dale Parker:
This critter is super. Wife and I are in our seventies and need a bit of help moving things around. It works well and the fold-down feature is a large plus for us. Amazon’s delivery was prompt, a good trick considering that we live on an island off the coast of Alaska. Read More …

Magna Cart Elite 2 Hand Truck Review is a post from: Collapsible Hand Truck

Safco Medium-Size StowAway Collapsible Hand Truck Review

The Safco Medium-Size StowAway Collapsible Hand Truck is ideal for people on the go. Salespersons who are always travelling and people with small offices but in need of constantly moving supplies will find this hand truck very reliable. It is made from lightweight aluminum framework, but is packed with a loading capacity of up to 275 lbs—a hand truck designed to bear serious load. Its 7-inch solid rubber tires are especially designed to support this load.  The telescoping handle moves up and down very easily, the wheels are retractable and the toe plate folds up great. Because it is collapsible, storage will not be a problem. With a collapsed dimension of 19 ½” W x 28 ½ H x 2 ¼ D, you can practically store it in any space available. And because it is made of aluminum, you need not worry about it getting rusty even after being unattended for a long time.

Safco Medium-Size StowAway Collapsible Hand Truck

List Price: $172.00

Amazon.com Price: $98.15

You Save: $73.85 (43%)

Product Specifications and Details

• Color: Black, Gray
• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 11 lbs
• Dimension (H x W x D): 28.50” x 19.50” x 2.25” (Collapsed)
• Base plate dimension: 19” x 11”

• Folds cleverly for easy storage
• Carrying load of up to 275 lbs
• Handle is telescopic and moves easily up and down
• 7” solid rubber tires allows weight-bearing of 275 lbs

Useful Appraisals

“This is light weight. Purchased to carry boxes for an office of women.” Now, that’s a real endorsement of how the weight of the product is an added benefit to its many features. Not that women are inadequate, but their physical attributes are different from their male counterpart. A product which will allow them to function best in their natural capacity is surely worth taking note of. Does it function the way it is designed to be? Definitely! As one customer says, “This product works very well for what its intended for. It’s extremely lightweight and seems to be durable.” Another customer used the hand truck to move 80- to 100-pound boxes with ease that they carry two boxes in one loading. As for storage, it works really well that one customer “keep mine behind my toolbox in the back of my truck.”

Warning Signs

In spite of the good endorsement of the Safco Collapsible Hand Truck, there are also few comments worth paying attention to before you buy the product. One customer has this to say, “My only complaint is the support plate is a little shallow. I’m thinking about welding a aluminum extension to it.” This raises the question of the product being fit to your needs. Its base plate dimension is not exactly 19” x 11” because the corners are cut to an angle. This may be unreliable when you are carrying a huge box. Another comment from another user is that when boxes are stacked up to the handle, “there isn’t any way to hold onto it without having your hand stuck between the handle and the boxes. Sort of annoying.” What may prove to be the most serious of all comments is “when you lean over to place something on it, the entire hand truck snaps forward.” As observed by the user, “The front lip of the toe plate is about 1/2″ off the floor” causing the hand truck to tilt forward and may possibly cause injury. Imagine yourself bending down in front of the hand truck to put the heavy box down, and then “Whack!”

Fateful Verdict

The Safco Medium-Size StowAway Collapsible Hand Truck functions the way it is designed to. It is lightweight which allows ease of use. Its aluminum frame and sturdy wheels allow it to carry a load of up to 275 lbs. Its collapsible design makes it easy to store when not needed, and the material it is made of doesn’t rust. However, it is the same design which is the downfall of this product. The base plate could have been rectangular in shape and not tapered off. This will assure more stability in transporting heavy and bulky loads. Its handle, although retractable, does not provide room for your hand not to be squeezed by your load. Finally, the snapping action when placing your load is the real dampener. The function of a hand truck starts when you put the cargo on to the base plate. If this action can injure the user, then no matter how good the features are, this hand truck will not serve its purpose. You’ll be better off looking for other brands and models of hand trucks like the Harper Nylon  Convertible Collapsible Hand Truck and Wesco. These hand trucks do not only perform the function they are advertised to carry out; they are also designed to promote safety in use!

Recent Customer Reviews:

Review By G. Davis:
I really like how compact and sturdy this product is. The only reason I didn’t rate it as a 5 star is that when you have boxes stacked up to the top handle, there isn’t any way to hold onto it without having your hand stuck between the handle and the boxes. Sort of annoying. Read More …

Review By San Jose Reader:
Hazardous design – swats you in the face when you load it.

When the hand truck is opened up, it rests on the wheels and the back of the toe plate. The front lip of the toe plate is about 1/2″ off the floor.

When you lean over to place something on it, the entire hand truck snaps forward. The handle (only part of which is padded) strikes you in the face. If the item is heavy, this happens with a lot of force. I can tell you that it really hurts. The injury could be quite serious if one is wearing glasses. Read More …

Safco Medium-Size StowAway Collapsible Hand Truck Review is a post from: Collapsible Hand Truck

Run Your Errands Efficiently with a Collapsible Hand Truck

Imagine yourself owning a business wherein you need to keep your stocks in constants motion. You receive goods at one time and you deliver the same at the other. Surely, the strain of carrying things around will take its toll in your spine. Before you knew it, you are already far behind in your schedules as you work less and less every day. To make matters worse, you only do not have enough space to keep everything you need. Much as you would like to get an equipment to aid you in your day-to-day task, you can’t get one because there is just no place to store it.

Never ever allow yourself to be in such a predicament. If you are planning to establish a business with such requirement, make sure that you include a collapsible hand truck as one of your must-have gadgets even before you start. It is versatile, easy to use and compact enough to be stored away in a small space when not in use.

You can always look for a make and a model which will suit your need. One available type of collapsible hand truck available in the market is the Wesco model. It is ideal in hauling light but bulky loads. For heavier payloads, there are also a number to choose from.

With a collapsible hand truck, you will notice that you can accomplish more tasks in a little less time. You also do away with the backbreaking task of manhandling your inventory. With more time to spare, you also have more opportunity to do extra work and attend to the other needs of your business. As you become more efficient in handling your firm, more breaks can come along your way. In no time, you will see your business prosper to heights you never imagined.

And what’s the reason for this? Simply working smarter, not harder, through the use of collapsible hand truck!

Run Your Errands Efficiently with a Collapsible Hand Truck is a post from: Collapsible Hand Truck

Harper Nylon Convertible Collapsible Hand Truck Review

Harper Nylon Convertible Collapsible Hand Truck

The Harper Nylon Convertible Hand Truck is constructed out of glass-filled nylon, a first of its kind in the market. The material is lightweight, but has the comparable strength of steel or high-grade aluminum. Another advantage of this material is that it is corrosion-free, so no need to worry about getting your truck rusty.  This collapsible hand truck is designed for easy assembly without the use of tools. The continuous handle has a wide grip to allow better load handling. The base plate is cast from steel, durable enough to carry the load it is designed for. Its 8-inch solid rubber wheels guarantee smooth ride on flat surfaces, while the two swivel casters when converted to a 4-wheel dolly allows better control and movement even in cramped spaces. Added feature of this Harper truck is its built-in stair glides which make scaling stairs a breeze. Also available for purchase are substitute semi-pneumatic tires which is also 8 inches in diameter with 5/8 axle bore.

Amazon.com Price: $86.60

Product Specifications and Details

Part Number: HR004

Color: Black with yellow handle

Item Package Quantity: 1

- Horizontal capacity of 400 lbs; vertical capacity – 300 lbs

- Convertible from 2-wheel hand truck to 4-wheel dolly

- Built-in stair glides

- Made in USA

- Requires assembly

Major Advantages

This Harper Collapsible Hand Truck Converts into a 4 Wheel Dolly in a Snap

The Harper Nylon Convertible Hand Truck is adept to the work it is advertised to perform. As one happy customer puts it, “This hand truck is very capable and a great value for the money.” It may be more expensive compared to the same products from other manufacturers, but as one review puts it, “This hand truck is $25 more and without a doubt worth every penny. I am very pleased with this item.” Other characteristics endearing to those who have bought one are:

- Ease of use whether around the house or moving up and down the stairs;

- Lightweight yet tough;

- Elongated handle provides additional control when required;

- Stair glides provide more functionality;

- Easy conversion from a 2 wheel hand truck to a 4 wheel dolly makes this device more flexible to carry variance in load.

Minor Drawbacks

Most common setback mentioned among reviews made for the product is in the pre-use stage: packaging and assembly. One customer wrote, “Poorly packaged, basically a bunch of parts stuffed in the box without any padding.” There were difficulties encountered when putting the parts together; some experience missing a few parts like washers. Other not-so-good comments on the assembly:

- Locking pins of the handle gets in the way;

- Wheels may disengage if not properly secured; advice is to have the locking pin bent;

- The instruction manual is written poorly; it says 6 washers, but parts come only with two. Upon query to the manufacturer, it was found out that only two were really needed.

- Plastic parts are a bit sharp on the edges and may cause a few scratches during configuration.

Valued Proposition

Harper Nylon Convertible Collapsible Hand Truck is Easy to Stow

Most of the customers who purchased the Harper Nylon Convertible Hand Truck are very satisfied with their acquisition. Although some minor inconveniences are experienced during the assembly stage, its overall performance more than compensates for the initial hiccups. “This dolly was a bit difficult to put together; but once that was done, it was perfect,” says one pleased customer. The versatility of this product provides the buyer with an option which is just within his grip. One buyer even uses it to move around really heavy objects like air-conditioners. This lightweight product can do some serious lifting, and when not needed, it can easily be stored away. You can consider this collapsible hand truck a great buy!

Recent Customer Reviews

Review By C. Jameson:
I’m in the middle of moving, and don’t have anyone to assist, so I bought the handtruck to move my cabinets. I chose this one specifically to help me get up and down stairs, and it does a great job. I also like that I can switch between 2-wheel and 4-wheel. The only way they could have made this better is if you could switch from 2-wheel to 4-wheel without having to pull the handle out and re-insert it. It would be nice if you just pulled the 2 pins and had some way for it to swing out on a hinge. But, hey, can’t complain, it’s lightweight, stores out of the way, and really does the job.

Review By LTrain “LTrain”:
I first purchased the KR Tools 1502 Convertible Hand Truck/Dolly and was very disappointed by the cheap parts – wheels got marred very easily and the metal base that holds the weight bent. This hand truck is $25 more and without a doubt worth every penny. The parts of very high quality and sturdy. I am very pleased with this item!!!! You can tell from looking at the base that it really can support 300 pounds. I do not believe that the KR Tools handtruck is able to support the 250 pounds that it says it can. If you get this Harper Handtruck, you will be pleased!!! Read More …

Have you used or researched the Harper Nylon Convertible Hand Truck? Anything to add to my review? Please share your experience by commenting below.

Harper Nylon Convertible Collapsible Hand Truck Review is a post from: Collapsible Hand Truck

Why You Need a Collapsible Hand Truck

A collapsible hand truck is the best equipment you can use to move things around. It is easy to use, store and maintain. A reliable trolley comes in handy when you have boxes to move, furniture even. So why do you need to get yourself a collapsible hand truck?

If you have a small business where you need transfer goods and supplies occasionally and you maintain a small working place, then a collapsible hand truck will be practical for you. Now if you are a travelling businessman who needs to drag his paraphernalia around, it will be wonderful if you have an equipment like a collapsible hand truck. It can easily be stowed in the compartment of your car or in overhead bins of vehicles. With its easy setup, you can jump from one convention or sales meeting to another without the worry of dragging along your heavy stuff.

The best way to determine whether you need a collapsible hand truck or a non-collapsible model is the weight of the load. Collapsible hand variety comes in light-weight versions with capacity of carrying up to 220 pounds, while the heavy-duty models can transport up to 440 pounds. Anything heavier than this, the standard non collapsible model will be your best option.

Whether you are going to use a fixed or collapsible hand truck model, it is best to take into account the following:

• Ensure that the weight of the load is evenly distributed in the platform. This will allow easier movement and will prevent slipping or tilting especially when turning around corners.

• Push rather than pull. Although it is easier to drag something, working with a hand truck will be a lot more practicable when you have a vantage point of where you are going and you exactly know where to move the equipment around without bumping into stationary objects.

• Never ever carry more than the predetermined capacity of your hand truck. This is why it is important to know how heavy your regular workload will be. Carrying more than its allowed limit will cause unseen damage to the integrity of your machine which will eventually lead to damage of the equipment. When that happens, the service life of your hand truck becomes shorter and you certainly will ruin a good investment.

Why You Need a Collapsible Hand Truck is a post from: Collapsible Hand Truck

Using Your Collapsible Hand Truck Safely

Collapsible hand trucks are dependable equipment in carrying loads from one point to another. However, in its ease of use, we sometimes tend to take for granted our well-being. Safety starts in choosing the right product for the right job.

When planning to buy a collapsible hand truck, consider the mass and weight of the objects you are going to use it for. The material of the equipment should have the physical capacity to bear the weight and prevent malfunction. You don’t want anyone being injured from objects dropped from your carrier. You can also opt to buy a 2-in-1 convertible truck which you can use as either a hand truck or a platform truck.

Determine how often you are going to use your collapsible hand truck. Remember, this equipment is not built for whole day, heavy loading duty. It will easily cause early wear-and-tear, rendering your equipment useless in a very short time. The unfortunate thing about this is that you might not see warning signs and accidents may happen anytime.

A proper storage area for your collapsible hand truck will also add to the security of everyone. Tripping over the equipment can be avoided when it is appropriately stored. As collapsible hand trucks are collapsible, finding a suitable hiding place will not be a problem for you.

You also need to look into the place where you are going to use your collapsible hand truck. Make sure that you have ample moving space to prevent the truck from bumping into objects and for easy maneuverability. The pathway should be free of debris or any obstruction to allow safe passage.

Do not overload the collapsible hand truck; work within its capacity. It will not only save the gear from unnecessary breakdown, it will also keep your back safe from injury due to the heavy load. Always keep the truck in front of you, instead of dragging it. This way, you can easily move the truck without colliding into objects and smashing things around.

Do not stack objects to the point where you are inhibited from seeing ahead of you. It’s better to take several trips than to get into a mishap because you want to get things done quickly. Always strap the objects securely to prevent them from falling over.

Moving objects up and down the stairs may prove to be tricky. To prevent injury and accident, pile the objects so that the weight is evenly distributed. Make full use of the plastic glide strips which will allow you to traverse the stairs without hassle by having them touch the edge of the steps. Lean the collapsible hand truck comfortably towards your body and take the stairs one flight at a time. When climbing up, you will have better control of the equipment with you facing the load rather than dragging it behind you.

Being safe is a must anywhere—be it at home or in the workplace. With an easy-to-use equipment like a collapsible hand truck and a secure environment, you surely have a worry-free day, every day!

Using Your Collapsible Hand Truck Safely is a post from: Collapsible Hand Truck