How to Use Two-Wheel Hand Trucks
Carrying a heavy load is backbreaking work. You can take some of the strain off your body by using a two-wheeled hand truck. Often made of aluminum, die-cast magnesium or steel, two-wheeled hand trucks can be straight or curved back with looped handles that are horizontal, vertical or double. Some hand trucks are equipped with single or double grips. Using two-wheeled hand trucks on ramps, stairs or curbs can help transport packages and loads to nearly any location.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine what type of hand truck you will need to perform your desired task. There are two-wheeled hand trucks specifically designed for carrying bottled beverages, beer kegs or 5-gallon water jugs, and others for toting boxes and bulky, but uniform packages by the load.
-
2
Assess the weight of the items prior to loading them onto your two-wheeled hand truck. With your hand truck in an upright position, stack the load in compliance with the maximum allowable weight capacity. Exceeding the manufacturer's recommendations can result in damages to your load or injury to you.
-
-
3
Stack boxes one at a time, centering them on your two-wheeled hand truck. Place non-stackable items securely on to the base of your hand truck. Slide the items over the tongue or blade of the hand truck, pushing them back against the frame.
-
4
Verify that your load will not shift or topple. Depending on the size of the items, you can stack them side by side, as long as you do not overload the two-wheeled hand truck.
-
5
Distribute the weight of your load, beginning with heavier items at the bottom, middle weights in the center and lighter items on top. Doing so prevents the crushing of lighter items.
-
6
Secure your load by fastening the straps attached to the hand truck if your model came equipped when them. If not, move on to grasping the handle or grips, and slightly tilting the loaded hand truck towards you with the tongue angled towards the ceiling. Be careful not to angle it too much; you need only to position the hand truck enough to get momentum to proceed forward.
-
7
Walk your loaded two-wheeled hand truck to its destination. If you have several items to transport, retrace your steps to complete the task. By taking multiple trips to restock the load on your hand truck, you can avoid unnecessary hazards.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If your load requires taking multiple trips, stretch your back and take your time to avoid muscle tension or long lasting discomfort. If the tire pressure on your hand truck is insufficient or overly filled, it may adversely affect the performance of your hand truck, causing you to exert more force than intended.
Improper use of a hand truck can cause injuries to your person, others and the load you are attempting to transport.
