Hand trucks are a great tool to help you move a package that you would never be able to move on your own
. The leverage they provide because of the way it is shaped-like an L is a simple yet effective invention. They allow you to move objects that you would never be able to move on your own. This will ensure that you don't hurt your back.
To get the object onto the hand truck gently lift the box and slip the nose underneath. Some noses have beveled edges to help with this process. Push the handles slightly forward and slant the nose under the box. This will ensure that the hand truck is taking the brunt of the stress and not your back. Now you will be able to move the load comfortably.
While lightweight aluminum hand trucks are ideal if you are in a commercial environment, if you are transporting heavier items that weigh more than 500 pounds be sure to get a steel hand truck because they have a much higher weight capacity. This holds true especially if you have to move your cargo over steps than be sure to get the stairclimber accessory.
The steel hand trucks that are designed with stairclimbers are meant to ensure a smooth descent down the steps as well as to make sure an easier time ascending the steps. They come in various types of designs. Some have a sort of 3 wheel triangle, while others have rubber around an oval shaped which jut out past the back side of the hand truck.
For other lumps and bumps along the moving path, simple ramps placed strategically make navigation a lot less challenging. It is not a good idea to mow over a curb or to try lifting the hand truck up it. When the hand truck is pushed up a curb, the angle of the tilt becomes steeper and the person doing the pushing takes on the full weight of the load. Going off the curb the tilt is pushed too far forward and the object may slide right off the base onto the ground. Either way the mover could lose the load and perhaps even get injured.
Though they are simple machines, convertible hand carts are available with more complicated features, such as hydraulic lifts and winches. When purchasing a hand truck, the carrying capacity is the most important feature. Loading a hand truck beyond its carrying capacity is just as dangerous as trying to hoist a cart over curbs without a ramp. It is better to be safe than sorry.