With the availability of several models in the market, it becomes a bit challenging task to select the correct option that fulfills your needs. We suggest you consider the following key factors before investing in this folding hand truck to grab the best option.
Weight Capacity – Choose the weight capacity of a foldable hand truck depending on the weight of the things/items you want to move. The general weight capacity range of these trucks will be 100 – 1000 pounds. The larger the weight capacity, the easier you can move the items conveniently. Material – Steel, aluminum, and combination are the main construction material of the folding hand truck. Steel is durable, rust-resistant, and inexpensive, while aluminum is lighter yet less durable and expensive. The combination model comes with a steel frame and aluminum nose plate. You can choose the best option that suits your requirement. Wheels – The hand trucks come with wheels that offer smooth movement while trying to move heavy objects. But since you get a folding design, some of these come with 2 wheels, while others offer 4 wheels. However, the 4-wheel design will let you use both horizontal and vertical positions. Also, it is a must to check the type of wheels like pneumatic, plastic, rubber, or microcellular wheels.
We came up with a list of some best-selling Folding Hand Trucks along with a detailed “Buying Guide” to help you in selecting the correct option, which balances your budget and requirement.
Best Folding Hand Trucks
7 Best Folding Hand Trucks Reviews
1. Cosco Folding Hand Truck
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Cosco Shifter is a highly popular brand of folding hand trucks as it has a high user rating because of the different options and features it offers to the user. The Cosco Shifter 12222PBG1E folding hand truck is present in the 1st position in this article as it is the most durable and reliable option present in this article. You get a great build quality with this hand truck that makes it highly sturdy and strong. When combined with its 5-year long warranty, it is much more reliable than most other options out there. Moving over to its loading capacity, you get a maximum loading weight capacity of 300 pound in this folding hand truck. It is able to offer this while having 4 wheels so that you can use it any orientation of your choice. You also get a foldable design in it that can be used without needing any pins or tools. Best Features:
Weight capacity of 300 pounds Dimensions of 49.25 inch x 16.625 inch x 13.75 inch 5-year long warranty Foldable design without any pins or tools
Pros:
Most durable and reliable folding hand truck Decent weight capacity for most users Comes with 4 wheels for smooth movement
Cons:
Changing orientation can take a bit of time
2. Harper Folding Hand Truck
As you can tell by its name, Harper Trucks is a brand that primarily makes folding hand trucks and generally offers great options for heavy-duty usage and applications. Harper Trucks’ folding hand truck is present in the 2nd position in this article as it can be a great option as a heavy-duty hand truck. It offers a pretty high weight capacity limit of 400 pounds that is one of the highest when compared with other options. And it is able to offer this while having a total of 4 wheels so that you can use it in either horizontal or vertical orientation. You get a 1-year long warranty with this folding hand truck that is always great to have. Although, the build quality is just average as you can find much better options at the given price tag. Since you get 8-inch wheels and 3-inch casters in this folding hand truck, maneuvering it is quite easy. Best Features:
Weight capacity of 400 pounds Offers wheel size of 8 inches and caster size of 3 inches 1-year long warranty Works in both horizontal and vertical orientation with 4 wheels
Pros:
Great for heavy-duty usage Offers decent warranty for peace of mind 4 wheels for easy maneuverability
Cons:
Build quality is on the average side
3. Milwaukee Folding Hand Truck
Milwaukee is one of the famous brands that provide high-quality products at affordable price range. Their 30151 is capable of easily removing weight up to 300lbs. It is made up of heavy-duty steel which is light in weight to haul back for storage or travelling. As it comes with flow back handle, you can operate it using single or both hands. As this truck comes with puncture proof tires, they will never go flat. It is made up of high-quality steel and powder coated finish which ensures durability. Best Features:
300 pounds of weighing capacity 7-inch puncture proof tires High quality build construction
Pros:
Can be operated with single or both hands Easy to haul for storage Comes fully assembled Durable quality
Cons:
Only two wheels which can prevent horizontal orientation
4. Kedsum Folding Hand Truck
Even though Kedsum makes folding hand trucks for basic usage, its models generally have a high user rating because of the various features offered by it The Kedsum folding hand truck can be a great option for a lot of users out there in terms of ease of use. It is one of the only options out there that comes included with accessories, including a storage bag for ease of use. You get a total of 4 wheels in this folding hand truck that allows you to use it in an either horizontal or vertical orientation as per your wish. As for the weight carrying limit, you can use this folding hand truck for carrying up to 155 pounds. This is the same as other options in its class and should be more than enough for home-usage. You get a 1-year long warranty with this folding hand truck that is the same as other options. Unfortunately, its build quality is not the best and could have been better. Best Features:
Weight capacity of 155 pounds Includes accessories in the box including a storage bag 1-year long warranty Uses 4 wheels for maneuvering the folding hand truck
Pros:
Decent weight capacity for simple and home usage Offers 4 wheels for ease of use Standard 1-year long warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
Average build quality compared with other options
5. Fch Folding Hand Truck
FCH is one of the smaller brands of folding hand trucks out there but manages to offer a highly unique option for those who are looking for such folding designs. FCH’s folding hand truck is the best option in this article if you want a small and compact option. It offers one of the most efficient folding designs to the user in terms of its size after design. Despite having a compact design, you get a total of 4 wheels in this folding hand truck that offers easy movement to the user. Talking about its weight carrying limit of 165 pounds that is ideal for home-usage. It can offer this due to its great build quality that is pretty good for the price. Unfortunately, you only get a 30-day long warranty with it that can be an issue for a lot of users. Best Features:
Weight capacity of 165 pounds Offers an efficient folding design for a compact size 30-day long warranty 2-inch thickness after folding up
Pros:
One of the smallest folding hand trucks Decent weight carrying limit Decent build quality for peace of mind
Cons:
Backed by just a 30-day long warranty
6. Magna Cart Folding Hand Truck
Magna Car is yet another highly popular brand of folding hand truck that has a high user rating with its products because of the various features that you get. This Magna Cart S-SB folding hand truck can be a great option if you are on a budget since it is one of the cheapest options available out there. Despite the lower price tag, you can use this folding hand truck for carrying up to 160 pounds of weight quite easily. You can carry and move this weight quite easily using its 40-inch height handle that also offers proper grip. Speaking of moving weight, you only get 2 wheels in this folding hand truck that can be an issue for its movement if you want to use it in a horizontal orientation. Apart from that, you get a great build quality for the given price that is always great for reliability. In fact, it even offers a 1-year long warranty to its users. Best Features:
Weight capacity of 160 pounds Offers a 40-inch height grab handle for proper grip 1-year long warranty Uses a 2 wheel design for movement
Pros:
Great option for users on a budget Decent weight carrying capacity Rugged steel frame for a great build quality
Cons:
Only 2 wheels restrict horizontal usage
7. Mount-It Folding Hand Truck
Mount-It has grown into a reliable brand by developing products with visual appeal and functionality to meet the needs of consumers. The brand is committed towards providing solutions for creating a better office and home environment. Mount-It’s folding hand truck is designed to carry lightweight to medium-heavy loads with a decent weight capacity of 264 lbs. It is equipped with a bungee cord to secure the load and prevent it from falling off while in motion. There is a telescoping handle that can extend up to 42 inches for convenient handling of the load. Plus, the hand grip is covered with rubber foam to provide comfort and prevent hand strains. This is an industrial grade hand truck made from aluminum alloy that not only makes it durable but also lightweight. The large rubber wheels provide smooth motion without generating any noise. The hand truck can be folded down to 32 x 19 x 2.6 inches for compact storage. You can easily place this in vehicles, in a closet, under a bed, storage rooms, and garages. There is no assembly required for this foldable hand truck. Best Features
Weight capacity of 264 pounds Extendable telescopic handle up to 42 inches Folded dimensions of 32 x 19 x 2.6 inches Made from aluminum alloy
Pros
Suitable for carrying lightweight to medium-heavy loads Lightweight and sturdy Rubber foam covered hand grip and large wheels for easy maneuverability
Cons
Can’t handle heavy loads Only two wheels – Restricts horizontal usage
Best Folding Hand Trucks (Multi-Position) Buying Guide
There are certain things you have to take into account like load transportation distance, weight-bearing capacity, your load capacity, location (inside or outside or both), and frequency of use are essential to consider to make the correct buying decision. Take a look at what factors to consider while shopping for this folding hand truck.
1. Size:
The size of the hand truck you choose should depend mostly on the items/objects you have to lift and carry on it. If you want to purchase a hand truck for personal or household use (to move suitcases or lighter items around the house), then go with a compact hand truck with a 15-inch by 11-in platform to hold lighter loads of up to 150 pounds. While choosing a hand truck that comes with a 23-inch by 17-inch footplate to lift and carry heavy loads of up to 750 pounds. Some manufacturers offer plate extensions on their models that let you move big or larger items, instead of buying another one to move these items.
2. Frame Material:
Steel, aluminum or its combination (steel & aluminum) are three main materials used in the construction of these folding hand trucks. A tough and durable frame will offer definite support to lifting heavy items. Here is a detailed explanation that help you in selecting the best material for your requirement. Steel – It is a common frame material that is durable, affordable, and rust-resistant (if powder-coated). Yet the main drawback is that they are a bit heavier. Aluminum – Aluminum framed hand trucks are lighter and rust-resistance, yet pricier and less durable compared to steel-framed hand trucks. Combination – Most hand trucks come with a combination of steel and aluminum, in which they have a steel frame and aluminum nose plate. Since it comprises of these two best things, these are preferred by most people.
3. Weight Capacity:
In general, the weight capacity of these folding hand trucks will range from 100 – 1000 pounds (or more). We suggest you choose the weight capacity based on the weight of the items/things you are planning to move (purpose) on this hand truck.
Do you want to use a hand truck to lift and move heavier items (such as appliances) while shifting into the new house? (Household purpose). If you have a small business, where you receive boxes regularly that has to move with a hand truck (business purpose).
Some folding hand truck models are designed to convert from 2-wheels to 4-wheels that let you easily carry heavier items (or more items at once). Hence, find the best option that suits your requirement and perform your work effectively.
4. Load Platform or Nose Plate:
A load platform is a place where the load is stacked on. If the nose is too short or shallow, then the platform doesn’t offer the required support for the items you plan to move. Then you can use straps for supporting the load. In case, if the nose plate is not at all deep enough, then it won’t offer proper balance and thereby it might topple forward. Few tricky shapes or heavy loads (reels or barrels) are moved with a special attachment or platform. The nose plate folds up when we don’t use the truck. Hence, it won’t be short, and check the nose plate and select the model based on your need/things to carry on it.
5. Load Rating:
Whenever you plan to purchase a folding hand truck for lifting heavy weights or loads to do a specific task, then you can easily seek out models holding the weight of up to 300 pounds at an affordable price range. But if you want a model with a higher load capacity (above 500 pounds), then you have to spend much more money on the product to purchase and use.
6. Ease of Use:
It is another essential key factor to consider, especially for those who are new or household users. There are a few aspects you have to check to grab the best model.
Locking – Some models allow you to lock them easily with only one step. All you need is to lock the handle and secure the wheels quickly and perfectly. Folding – Some folding hand truck models let you fold them conveniently within a few steps without much hassle. Lifting – Some hand trucks are designed to be lighter and easy to lift. In case, if you choose a model that is not at all easy to lift, then it gets even bulkier with those added weights of the load. Handle – You need to select the model offering the correct handle height. For this, stretch arms at your sides and bent elbows at 90-degrees to have a comfortable height to push the truck. If your model makes you bend below this, then you will get a backache. Storage – Choose a compact foldable hand truck to store it easily either in the garage, trunk, or car. Also, it is easy to move around with you.
7. Orientation:
The control over pushing or pulling the folding hand truck is quite different. Pushing will take less effort, as body weight support exertion, whereas pulling might include the risk of running the cart into the ankles, calves, or shins. However, it is harder to push this truck over curbs and other obstacles. Then go with portable curb ramps to avoid lifting and pulling. In case, if it is a must to pull the truck over curb, then follow the correct procedure to lift the truck based on your posture.
8. Handles:
The height of the folding hand truck is essential to consider before making its purchase. If it is short then you have to bend down to push, which results in causing back pain. Yet taller trucks offer leverage to lift items off the ground and make you comfortable to move them. After setting the right height of the truck, you have to check its handles. There are several types of handles available for this folding hand truck. Select the model that won’t leave any blisters on your hands, doesn’t slip away, and help you to close or open the doors easily without any hassle. Take a look at its types to know how to select the best one as per your work requirement.
P-Handles or Vertical Loops – The loops stick out the back and offer extra space for hands whenever you pack the load to the top. Also, these are centered and let you lift the truck easily with your hands. Horizontal Loops – Provides a much larger space to place your hands for its easy movement. Dual Handles – They offer a firm grip to have easy steering and control over its movement. Pistol Grips (or Single Grips) – An ideal option that suits for balance, stairs, and navigating corners.
Note: Ensure to use vinyl grip covers on the handle whenever working in cold weather to protect them from frozen temperatures.
9. Wheels:
There is a variety of wheels (pneumatic, plastic, or rubber) available for these folding hand trucks. However, the type of wheels on your hand truck won’t matter for rare users, yet it is vital to consider when using it regularly. Generally, larger wheels will let you easily push the truck around.
Plastic Wheels – Although they offer good assistance to the hand truck while carrying weight on it, its quality gets degraded with the changes in the sunlight and surrounding temperature. Pneumatic Wheels – As we know, pneumatic means air-filled, and these tires will offer to cushion that lets you maneuver the load on the truck over curves and upstairs easily and conveniently. Thus, it is an ideal option to use on any uneven surfaces. Yet has to fill the tires with air and keep them at the proper pressure. Mold-On Rubber Wheels – These are durable, and lightweight yet preferred mostly to use on the pavements (flat surfaces) but not on uneven surfaces. Balloon Cushion Tires – The tires are lightweight and offer shock absorption. Microcellular Wheels – Since it won’t have any air inside the wheel, it doesn’t get flat. Thus, it let you use them continuously.
Note: Some models are convertible that offer two wheels on the handle, which let you move the cart in both vertical and horizontal positions, as per your requirement.
10. Extra Features:
A model with some additional features will help to ease its usage, and it is better to look for these extra features while buying a folding hand truck. Here are some of the features…. Expandable Nose Plates – Some models offer expandable platforms or nose plates that offer extra space to move larger items easily and conveniently. Collapsible Hand Truck – It is a useful feature when you want to take the truck outside. Just simply collapse and fold it into small till it fits perfectly in the car (or) whenever you have less storage space in the garage. Yet they won’t provide high weight capacity. Stair Climbing Kits – There are some kits available that let you attach to a hand truck for an easy turning into a truck moving upstairs.
11. Maintenance:
A folding hand truck with low maintenance will be accepted. There are some folding trucks available on the market that are easy to use, look great, and are capable of carrying a good amount of weight. But these are all high maintenance trucks which will cost you a lot of money just to keep them operating at the optimum level.
12. Price:
The price has to be budget-friendly, in which most users prefer to choose the best product will all the required qualities/features at their affordable price range. The general price range of these folding hand trucks will be from $25 – $400. So, check for models that are valued for money.
A model priced at $25 is a portable option that is lighter weight and offers less load capacity. A model with a price range of $75 – $100 will be a durable, strongly made truck that easily lifts and holds a weight of around 250 pounds. A model with a price of $400 is a premium one that offers heavy-duty carts to carry a load of about 300 pounds (or more).
13. Warranty:
It is essential to check the warranty offered on the product before buying them. Most of these models offer a 1-year warranty, while some premium models offer a 5-year long warranty. But we suggest you check the online reviews and ratings along with the customer support system before making the purchase. The longer the warranty, the better you have peace of mind.
Tips to Use the Folding Hand Truck:
A foldable hand truck is your best savior from carrying a load and thus saves a lot of your time, money, and effort. Yet, you should be careful while choosing and using this truck, because improper use will strain your back. Here are some tips that help you to use this truck properly and effectively.
Always bend on your knees to load and unload the things. Ensure that your back is straight while using this hand truck. Keep the load capacity of the truck in your mind before loading, and don’t exceed the level. We suggest you have two or more safe trips rather than a single much harder trip. A secure lock of hand truck is a must to ensure that your things/items are set properly in a fixed position without causing the load to fall off or trap your fingers or hands in the load. Secure the load with bungees or straps to the hand truck. Keep in mind that grabbing a falling box will result in muscle strain. Wear hand gloves to protect your hands from any sharp corners or edges and also to have extra grip on the truck. Wearing proper footwear and a back brace will protect you from any injuries or damages. Visibility is a must while carrying loads in this foldable hand truck. Never place the items too high, which makes you unable to see your way clearly. Select the correct type of foldable hand truck (based on your purpose or specific requirement). For instance, pick a specific stair climbing folding hand truck model when you need to carry a load by climbing stairs.
Conclusion
If you want a highly versatile folding hand truck for moving large objects from place to another, then a folding hand truck can be a great pick. These allow you to use them in an either vertical or horizontal orientation as per your wish while being able to fold down into a small form factor for easy storage. Therefore, we have mentioned some of the best folding hand trucks in this article. You can even find their major features and options to easily differentiate between them. But, if you want to save time, you can simply buy one of the following recommendations:
For those of you who are looking for a highly durable and reliable option, the Cosco Folding Hand Truck is the best in this article. It offers an excellent build quality to the user along with the 5-year long warranty for its 300-pound weight capacity. Speaking of weight capacity, the Milwaukee Folding Hand Truck offers the highest weight limit at 600 pounds that makes it a great pick for heavy-duty usage. You also get a great build quality and a 5-year long warranty with it. Although, if you are on a budget, then you can go with the Mount-It Folding Hand Truck Even though it is the cheapest option in this article, it offers a 1-year long warranty for its 15-pound weight limit that uses a 2 wheel design.
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