Which Is Better: A Hand Truck Or A Dolly?

Using the right equipment for heavy and bulky loads is not only important to ensure employee safety, but also increases overall efficiency in the workplace. Hand trucks and dollies are both popular choices that make transporting loads easier. While they both serve similar purposes, understanding the key differences between these tools is vital in determining which option is best suited to meet your specific needs.

A hand truck, also known as a sack truck, is a material handling tool designed to transport heavy objects from one location to another. Hand trucks feature an L-shaped frame, a handle, two wheels, and a narrow bottom ledge. They are typically made of steel and aluminum to suit various needs and load capacities.

The load capacity of hand trucks can generally range anywhere from 100 to 1,000 lbs. The maximum load weight a hand truck can safely support varies based on the size, materials the hand truck is made of, and wheel type. Larger, heavier items will require a hand truck with heavy duty construction, as well as a bigger frame and wheels to distribute weight more evenly.

Hand trucks are designed to transport items through doors, hallways, and other narrow openings. This makes them ideal for areas with limited space. Although hand trucks can handle small curbs and uneven surfaces, they have the best mobility on smooth surfaces with minimal height differences.

The advantages of hand trucks include versatility, ergonomics, stability with tall loads, and more. Whether you’re using a hand truck in a warehouse or while moving to a new home, you'll appreciate how these tools make it effortless to transport large, heavy items.

1. 

   Multi-Purpose Drum Truck and Cradle, 10" Moldon Rubber Wheels for 55 Gallon Drums

   Part #: 26BDMR

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $598.82 ea.
   • 2 $552.77 ea.
2. 

   Economy Drum Truck, 10" Moldon Rubber Wheels (for Steel Drums)

   Part #: 26B4DT

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $336.91 ea.
3. 

   Aluminum Drum Truck, 10" Molden Rubber Wheels, w/Brake (for Steel, Plastic, Fiber Drums)

   Part #: 26B124

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $1,619.52 ea.
4. 

   Heavy Duty Drum Truck, 10" Polyolefin Wheels (for Poly Overpack Drums)

   Part #: 26B077

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $411.52 ea.
5. 

   Heavy Duty Drum Truck, 10" Molden Rubber Wheels (for Poly Overpack Drums)

   Part #: 26B082

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $437.57 ea.
6. 

   Heavy Duty Ergonomic Drum Truck, 10" Molden Rubber Wheels (for Steel Drums)

   Part #: 26B1BC

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $466.42 ea.
7. 

   Deluxe Drum Truck, 10" Polyolefin Wheels (for Steel Drums)

   Part #: 26B003

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $362.26 ea.
8. 

   Deluxe Drum Truck, 10" Molden Rubber Wheels (for Steel Drums)

   Part #: 26B001

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $411.79 ea.
9. 

   Standard Drum Truck, 10" Polyolefin Wheels (for Steel Drums)

   Part #: 26B014

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $437.39 ea.
10. 

    Standard Drum Truck, 10" Molden Rubber Wheels (for Steel Drums)

    Part #: 26B1BT

    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $463.56 ea.
11. 

    Drum Hand Truck, 10" Semi-Pneumatic Wheels

    Part #: 26B340

    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $270.30 ea.
12. 

    Drum Hand Truck, 8" Molden Rubber Wheels

    Part #: 26B349

    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $224.20 ea.
13. 

    Drum Hand Truck, 10" Pneumatic Wheels

    Part #: 26B266

    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $266.56 ea.
14. 

    304 Stainless Steel Drum Hand Truck, 8" Molden Polyurethane Wheels

    Part #: 26B352

    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $1,348.14 ea.
15. 

    Aluminum Drum Truck, 10" Molden Rubber Wheels, No Brake (for Steel, Plastic, Fiber Drums)

    Part #: 26B132

    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $1,102.24 ea.
16. 

    Aluminum Drum Truck, 12" Pneumatic Wheels, w/Brake (for Steel, Plastic, Fiber Drums)

    Part #: 26B123

    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $1,701.76 ea.
17. 

    Aluminum Drum Truck, 12" Pneumatic Wheels, No Brake (for Steel, Plastic, Fiber Drums)

    Part #: 26B134

    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $1,125.30 ea.
18. 

    Economy Drum Truck,10" Polyolefin Wheels (for Steel Drums)

    Part #: 26B3DT

    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $317.91 ea.
19. 

    Deluxe Drum Truck, 10" Moldon Rubber Wheels (for Poly Drums)

    Part #: 26B2DT

    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $464.77 ea.
20. 

    Deluxe Drum Truck, 10" Polyolefin Wheels (for Poly Drums)

    Part #: 26B7DT

    • Quantity Qty Price
    • 1 $410.42 ea.
    • 2 $392.80 ea.

A dolly, otherwise known as a moving dolly, is a material handling tool used to transport large, bulky items in various directions with ease. Dollies are typically made from wood and feature a large, flat platform supported by four wheels.

A dolly can generally handle heavy loads of up to 1,500 lbs. The weight capacity of a dolly varies depending on their material quality, wheel size, and intended use. Larger, heavier items will require dollies made of sturdier materials and bigger wheels to distribute weight more effectively.

Dollies are designed without handles, meaning they are moved by pushing the load resting on top of them. Moving dollies require more space to change direction and turn, making them suitable for areas with a large amount of open space such as warehouses. Their four wheel design offers excellent stability and makes maneuvering easy on smooth, level surfaces.

The benefits of dollies include having a platform for larger items, even weight distribution, storage and portability, and more. Dollies are available in a variety of materials and sizes. They provide an efficient solution to transporting large, bulkier items.

1. 

   HeviMovers™ Machine Roller, 8,000 lb. Capacity

   Part #: 26BZ69

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $280.51 ea.
2. 

   HeviMovers™ Machine Roller, 15,000 lb. Capacity

   Part #: 26BZ70

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $320.58 ea.
3. 

   HeviMovers™ Machine Roller, 2,000 lb. Capacity

   Part #: 26BZ68

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $151.31 ea.
4. 

   HeviMovers™ Machine Roller, 30,000 lb. Capacity

   Part #: 26BZ71

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $398.10 ea.
5. 

   Steel Deck Machine Dolly, 10,000lb Capacity

   Part #: 26BZ67

   • Quantity Qty Price
   • 1 $141.32 ea.

When deciding between whether to use a hand truck vs. a dolly, it’s important to consider the situation and task the equipment will be used for. 

Hand trucks are ideal for moving taller, heavier items such as appliances, large boxes, or stacked materials. Hand trucks include two wheels for effortless sliding of items onto the platform, along with a handle that makes pushing and transporting easy. Their vertical, L-shaped design allows for better leverage when navigating stairs or uneven surfaces.

Dollies are best suited for transporting heavy, bulky items such as furniture or large equipment. With four wheels for smooth movement, dollies require you to lift items onto their platform. They do not include handles and are moved by pushing the load. Their stable base and low profile make them perfect for loading and unloading from vehicles or moving across flat surfaces.

At The Cary Company, we prioritize providing you with comprehensive knowledge about your products. In addition to exploring the difference between a dolly vs. a hand truck, we create product descriptions that identify the intended applications of every product. Browse our versatile selection of material handling supplies or explore industry-specific categories!

Have any questions? Contact one of our product specialists available to answer any questions and recommend products for you. Give us a call at 630-629-6600 or email us at sales@thecarycompany.com.