A hand truck is an essential tool for many work environments, but with the right hand truck accessories, it can let you get jobs done even more efficiently. Check out this hand truck accessory guide to determine which features you can add to your hand truck to make it more effective and convenient.
Hand Truck Stair Climbers
These attach to the lower portion of the hand truck, just behind the nose plate. Hand truck stair climbers assist the operator in transporting loads up and down stairs by gliding the hand truck up and down each step. Hand truck stair climbers also cut down on the jostling that can dislodge cargo.
Hand Truck Curb Ramps
This hand truck accessory assists the operator with going up and over curbs, raised doorways, and up single steps. Hand truck curb ramps are portable, lightweight, and vary in load capacity. A hand truck curb ramp is especially useful for movers or for deliveries that require several trips.
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Hand Truck Dock Plate
A hand truck dock plate helps the operator traverse the threshold between a delivery truck and a dock or platform with a hand truck safely. It bridges the gap to prevent fall through and unwanted jolts. Hand truck dock plates are also good for going over small areas of rough or uneven terrain.
Binder Belt Strap
Binder belt straps tighten around the load to fasten it securely to the hand truck. Load binder belt straps are an essential safety accessory for hauling larger items and more expensive items, though they are always a prudent precaution.
Accessory Bag
This is useful for workers who must carry paperwork or other essentials during transport. An accessory bag keeps the operator's hands free to operate the hand truck.
Hand Truck Folding Nose Extension
This accessory attaches to the nose plate of a hand truck to give the operator the ability to transport wider or bulkier loads when necessary. It conveniently fold up against the hand truck frame for easy, out of the way storage.
Kick Bar
A kick bar attaches to the hand truck behind the nose plate. It assists the operator in breaking the load (tilting the hand truck back), which is particularly helpful when hauling heavy or bulky loads. Operator pushes on the kick bar for leverage while breaking the load.
Fourth Wheel Attachment
This accessory takes the load bearing responsibility off the operator and puts it on the hand truck. This accessory is attached higher up on the frame and when tipped back far enough, these extra wheels support the load instead of making the driver support it. The fourth wheel attachment is a must for the frequent transport of heavy loads.
Frame Top Extension
This accessory enables the operator to stack more items onto a hand truck or to carry items that are much taller than the standard size hand truck. Great for loads that have taller, lighter items at the top.
Frame Wings
These add width to a hand truck to carry wider loads. Frame wings allow the driver to keep both hands on the truck instead of using one hand to support a wide load.
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Hand Truck Wheel Guards
Wheels are some of the defining aspects of a hand truck. Hand truck wheel guards prevent cargo from rubbing against the hand truck wheels during transport, which causes unnecessary wear and tear. Hand truck wheel guards also protect products that can tear easily, such as bags of fertilizer or seed.
Hand Brakes
Hand brakes are a vital safety accessory for drivers who transport heavy loads down ramps or steep slopes. Hand brakes allow the operator to control the rate of descent. Some hand trucks come with a wheel brake that prevents a hand truck from moving when it is unattended. A wheel brake does not perform the same function as a hand brake.
Consider the environments and loads that hand trucks will be exposed to. This should provide the guidance you need to decide on the right hand truck accessories. Safety accessories in particular are valuable options regardless of work conditions. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and choose the accessories that will lighten your workload and keep you and your workers safe.
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