Moving is tough. Most people are shocked at how much physical effort it takes to transport large and bulky items, even if they are not heavy! Hand trucks or dollies are a useful tool for this situation, they can help ease the physical stains caused by moving these large items and provide leverage for 1 person to do the job themselves.
Some people might think that hand trucks are basically the same thing without much differentiation between them and in some cases that is true. However, we reviewed them for you to distinguish between the attributes between them and we wanted to highlight the differences that might just be the deciding factor for your purchase.
We put all that information together in this list for you, so you can make an informed decision on which of these are the best hand trucks for you and your moving situation.
Here’s Our Top Hand Truck & Dolly Recommendations
| Best Overall | Premium Option | Cheapest Option | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture of Hand Truck |  |
|
|
| Company | Harper Trucks | Magliner | Milwaukee |
| Rating | |||
| Where To Buy |
Pro Tip: Heavy Duty Dollies VS Lightweight Dollies
There are two different types of moving strap products available today.
- Lightweight Hand Trucks & Dollies – this category is for transporting bulky items but not necessarily heavy items by 1 person. The moving trucks we recommend in this category are made out of strong materials but usually are less heavy and might even fold up into a compact footprint for ease of storage. The types of items that are typically loaded onto them are the following:
- Portable air conditioners
- Microwave ovens
- Air Purifiers
- Televisions
- Small Vanities
- End Tables
- Coffee Tables
- Cardboard Moving Boxes
- Plastic Moving Boxes
- Luggage
- Heavy Duty Hand Trucks & Dollies – this category is for the majority of items that would require a dolly for ease of lifting and transport by 1 person. Products we recommend here are the best hand trucks you can buy and will last for many years. The heaviest of items can be loaded onto them such as the following:
- Clothes Washers
- Clothes Dryers
- Ovens
- Refrigerator
- Dishwashers
- Bureaus
- Bed Headboards/Footboards
- Couches
- Sleeper Sofas
Here Is All 10 of the BEST Hand Trucks & Dollies
- Harper Trucks Glass Filled Nylon Convertible Hand Truck and Dolly (Heavy Duty)
- Magliner Gemini Sr Convertible Hand Truck
- Milwaukee Flow Back Handle Hand Truck
- Cosco 4-in-1 Folding Series Hand Truck
- Cosco 3-in-1 Aluminum Hand Truck
- Harper Trucks Super-Steel Convertible Hand Truck
- Cosco Shifter Folding Hand Truck and Dolly
- Harper Trucks Magna Cart Folding Hand Truck
- Harper Trucks Glass Filled Nylon Convertible Hand Truck and Dolly (Lightweight)
- Mount-It! Folding Hand Truck and Dolly
Best Heavy Duty Hand Trucks
1. Harper Trucks Glass Filled Nylon Convertible Hand Truck and Dolly (Heavy Duty)
Why We Like This Hand Truck For Heavy Duty Use
We have identified this Glass Filled Nylon Convertible Hand Truck and Dolly by Harper Trucks as the best choice for our heavy duty hand trucks for a variety of reasons. Most notably because of the frame is glass-Filled nylon plastic that is chemical, corrosion and rust resistant which will lead to a longer life and a lower cost over time. This dolly is also made in the USA, which we find makes for a higher quality product.
This hand cart is designed to move the bulkiest items up to 600lbs as a dolly or 700lbs if you convert it to a cart, which is very easy to do in only seconds. There are no issues moving large appliances, furniture or a stack of moving boxes, the leverage and strength of this hand truck could handle just about anything within reason. The dolly wheels are large 10″ solid rubber so they will not lose air on you and the cart wheels are 5″ heavy duty swivel casters so you can maneuver around with little effort.
We feel confident recommending this product to you because it will make moving much easier and is reliable for repeated uses for many, many years.
Key Features
- Purpose: 2 wheel dolly and 4 wheel cart
- Capacity: 700 pounds
- Wheels: 10″ Flat-Free Solid Rubber Wheels
- Construction: Exclusive I-Beam Glass Filled Nylon Plastic
- Weight: 27.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 50 inches
- Adjustable Height: Yes
- Color: Black/Yellow
- Warranty: No
2. Magliner Gemini Sr Convertible Hand Truck
Why We Like This Hand Truck For Heavy Duty Use
Next on our list of the best hand trucks that we reviewed is our premium option by Magliner. This is for professional mover, delivery person or even a homeowner who requires the highest quality product where price is not an overall concern. If that sounds like you, keep reading.
This hand truck is convertible from a 2 wheel hand truck to a 2 wheel cart and has a very high capacity for loads, which will increase your productivity when moving items. Once loaded the design makes moving the items around almost effortless which will reduce your fatigue levels, this is important if you are moving items all day, everyday, like most delivery and moving professionals.
Because this hand truck was designed with the professional in mind, wear and tear will not be an issue. The aluminum frame will not have any weld points that will break because of the modular design and all parts can be replaced for a longer product life.
If all of these attributes fit your requirements then this is the hand truck for you.
Key Features
- Purpose: 2 in 1 truck converts from 2 to 4 wheels
- Capacity: 500 pounds
- Wheels: Pneumatic Wheels
- Construction: Aluminum Frame
- Weight: 48.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 10 x 21 x 61 inches
- Adjustable Height: No
- Color: Silver
- Warranty: No
3. Milwaukee Flow Back Handle Hand Truck
Why We Like This Hand Truck For Heavy Duty Use
The Milwaukee 47109 Flow Back Handle Hand Truck is our recommendation for the cheapest hand truck. Don’t get us wrong, you can find even cheaper ones available BUT they are not quality products. This hand truck is the perfect blend of high quality basic features and low cost, which makes for the best valued dolly you can buy for moving appliances such as stoves or even refrigerators or furniture (up to 600lbs) that would normally require two or more people.
We don’t want to mislead you, this is a no frills model without all the extra features that higher priced hand trucks will cost you. BUT, they really get the basic features right to get the job done. The one feature that we really enjoyed is the flow back handle which allows for ease of use and better ergonomics when lifting your load up for transport.
If you want a cheap moving truck that will not leave you disappointed then be sure to check out this model by Milwaukee.
Key Features
- Purpose: 2 wheel dolly
- Capacity: 600 pounds
- Wheels: 8-Inch Ace Tuf Wheels
- Construction: Tubular steel frame
- Weight: 23.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 47 x 18 x 19 inches
- Adjustable Height: No
- Color: Red
- Warranty: No
4. Cosco 4-in-1 Folding Series Hand Truck
Why We Like This Hand Truck For Heavy Duty Use
Next up is a brand that is a powerhouse in the hand truck industry, the Cosco 4-in-1 is a very good heavy duty dolly. This hand truck coverts in 4 different uses (2-wheel upright, 4-wheel cart, 4-wheel platform cart or assisted 4-wheel hand truck), which is 1 more than their 3-in-1 model. The main difference being the folding floor plate which allows for longer and larger loads when and increased storage when in cart mode.
There really isn’t much that you can’t move with this model with the manufacturer boasting 800lbs of capacity as a 2 wheeled cart and 1000lbs of capacity as a 4 wheeled cart. However, we found that you shouldn’t plan on that much weight with this model. Regardless that much weight in tow, it’s a good design that the wheels are flat free so you don’t have to worry about them popping on you.
In terms of maneuverability, the Cosco 4-in-1 features a flow back looped handle that allows for increased control and better ergonomics.
If you are looking for a quality hand truck that can convert into 4 different modes of operation (2-wheel upright, 4-wheel cart, 4-wheel platform cart or assisted 4-wheel hand truck) check out this model by Cosco.
Key Features
- Purpose: 2-wheel upright, 4-wheel cart, 4-wheel platform cart or assisted 4-wheel hand truck
- Capacity: 1000 pounds as 4 wheel cart, 800 pounds as 2 wheel hand truck
- Wheels: Flat free wheels
- Construction: Aluminum Frame
- Weight: 29.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 45.8 x 20 x 36.2 inches
- Adjustable Height: No
- Color: Silver
- Warranty: 10 Year Limited
5. Cosco 3-in-1 Aluminum Hand Truck
Why We Like This Hand Truck For Heavy Duty Use
The Cosco 3-in-1 Aluminum Hand Truck is the alternative version of their 4-in-1 product. The biggest difference being the floor plate does not fold down. This might be important for you if you will not have abnormally long loads that you need to transport in cart mode. The floor plate that folds down is a moveable component and not having that functionality can make the hand truck more durable for some uses.
The price point of this dolly is also a little bit less expensive than the 4-in-1 but only by a negligible amount. You should consider this hand truck for heavy duty assisted lifting and moving of appliances such as diswashers, washers and dryers, stoves and refrigerators or moving boxes. The same capacities apply as the 4-in-1 but like we said before, we don’t recommend you putting 800lbs as a 2 wheeled cart or 1000lbs of as a 4 wheeled cart. That might be too much load for this hand truck.
Key Features
- Purpose: 2-wheel upright, 4-wheel cart, or assisted 4-wheel hand truck
- Capacity: 1000 pounds as 4 wheel cart, 800 pounds as 2 wheel hand truck
- Wheels: Flat free wheels
- Construction: Aluminum Frame
- Weight: 27.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 46.9 x 19.8 x 33.2 inches
- Adjustable Height: No
- Color: Silver
- Warranty: 10 Year Limited
6. Harper Trucks Super-Steel Convertible Hand Truck
Why We Like This Hand Truck For Heavy Duty Use
The Harper Trucks Super-Steel Convertible Hand Truck is what we call the “Mean Green” dolly because of it’s green color and it’s strength. This is similar to our cheapest recommendation the Milwaukee Flow Back Handle Hand Truck because it is a some what no frills product. However, this one has some really nice features that the Milwaukee does not have but those features come at a higher price point.
First, this hand truck is a dual purpose 2 wheel dolly and 4 wheel cart that comes with 10″ flat-free solid rubber wheels and 5 inches durable swivel casters. In the horizontal cart mode it can hold up to 700 lbs and in the vertical dolly mode up to 600 lbs of capacity. The 10″ wheels have fenders in front of them to protect the items you are transporting against damage from rubbing against the wheels, this is actually a really nice feature.
So this is no doubt a work horse that will move just about all your bulky items including appliances and furniture.
Key Features
- Purpose: 2 Wheel Dolly and 4 Wheel Cart
- Capacity: 700-Pound horizontal capacity, 600-Pound vertical capacity
- Wheels: 10-inch Flat-Free Solid Rubber Wheels and 5-inch swiveling casters
- Construction: Steel frame
- Weight: 33.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 18″ x 20.5″ x 50″
- Adjustable Height: Two position telescoping handle adjusts up to 62-Inch in height
- Color: Green
- Warranty: No
Best Lightweight Hand Trucks
1. Cosco Shifter Folding Hand Truck and Dolly
Why We Like This Hand Truck For Lightweight Use
The top recommendation on our list of best hand trucks for moving in the lightweight category is the Cosco Shifter Folding Hand Truck and Dolly. As we said previously, Cosco is a reputable company in the dolly business and this model is a major part of why they have such a good reputation. In fact, this model has a 5 year warranty from the manufacturer so you know they stand behind this product.
Keep in mind, dollies in this category are not cut out to transport very heavy items such as many appliances refrigerators or stoves or heavy furniture such as bureaus or sleeper sofas. However, for small appliances such as TVs, portable air conditioners, moving boxes and other bulky items they are a very efficient way to move things around or loading up a moving truck.
This particular hand truck is a very affordable multi position or dual use dolly. It can be used as an upright hand truck or horizontal cart and folds up to a very slim and flat rectangle shape that can be easily stored virtually anywhere. Transformation between the two configurations (truck or cart) is nearly effortless and does not require any special tools.
Very few people have anything negative to say about this hand truck as long as they understand it is not for the most extreme loads. Definitely consider purchasing this moving dolly for your lightweight moving jobs.
Key Features
- Purpose: 2-Wheel, Upright Hand Truck or into a 4-wheel Cart
- Capacity: 300 pounds
- Wheels: Small plastic wheels
- Construction: Durable Steel Frame
- Weight: 14.92 pounds
- Dimensions: 49.25″ x 16.625″ x 13.75″
- Adjustable Height: No
- Color: Green/Black
- Warranty: 5 Year
2. Harper Trucks Magna Cart Folding Hand Truck
Why We Like This Hand Truck For Lightweight Use
The Magna Cart Ideal Folding Hand Truck is another very popular dolly in the lightweight category because of 4 main features. The telescoping handle that extends to 40″, an included bungee cord to help secure large loads, the TPR comfort grip and the rugged steel frame with a large 11in. x 15in. baseplate.
This model will also fold up to a small and slim footprint for easy storage and transport between jobs. Keep in mind the steel frame and solid rubber wheels are very durable up to a 160 pound load capacity. As long as you don’t expect to go over that threshold this is a great option for you.
Key Features
- Purpose: Foldable hand truck for moving lightweight boxes, luggage, etc.
- Capacity: 160 pounds
- Wheels: Solid rubber wheels
- Construction: 19mm steel frame
- Weight: 9.65 pounds
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 16 x 39 inches
- Adjustable Height: No
- Color: Silver
- Warranty: 12 months parts / 12 months labor
3. Harper Trucks Glass Filled Nylon Convertible Hand Truck and Dolly (Lightweight)
Why We Like This Hand Truck For Lightweight Use
Another high quality dolly from Harper Trucks is their Glass Filled Nylon Convertible Hand Truck and Dolly. This one doesn’t fold up into a slim footprint like others in this category but is affordable and a dual purpose truck and cart that will not leave you disappointed.
It is very sturdy but is not heavy to pick up because it is made out of the exclusive I-Beam Glass Filled Nylon Plastic Frame that is 30% lighter than steel and designed for maximum strength. If you are looking for a hand truck to move up to 400 pounds and is easy to pickup because if it’s low weight of just over 19 pounds, you should take a look at this dolly.
Key Features
- Purpose: 2 wheel dolly to 4 wheel cart
- Capacity: 300 lb dolly and 400 lb cart capacity
- Wheels: 8″ wheels with solid rubber tread
- Construction: I-Beam Glass Filled Nylon Plastic Frame
- Weight: 19.18 pounds
- Dimensions: 15 x 17 x 44 inches
- Adjustable Height: No
- Color: Black/Yellow
- Warranty: No
4. Mount-It! Folding Hand Truck and Dolly
Why We Like This Hand Truck For Lightweight Use
Last on our list (but certainly not least) is this folding hand truck and dolly by Mount-It!. Keep in mind this is #10 our our list but there are 100’s of hand trucks that you can buy so don’t skip over this one because it could have the attributes you are looking for.
This particular dolly is a solid option for loads up to 264 pounds and the unit itself only weighs less than 13 pounds. The bungee cord that is included is 6.7 feet long and is a nice feature to secure your load onto the hand truck so it doesn’t fall off during transport. A lot of people purchase this dolly for transporting luggage around but it also can be used for boxes or small appliances too.
This will fold up to a very slim size for easy storage and for the price the build quality will last for lots of movement of your items.
Key Features
- Purpose: 2 wheel dolly
- Capacity: 264 pounds
- Wheels: Rubber wheels
- Construction: Aluminum alloy
- Weight: 12.56 pounds
- Dimensions: 32 x 19 x 3.2 inches
- Adjustable Height: Yes
- Color: Silver/Black
- Warranty: No
Further Reading: Looking For More Moving Supplies & Resources? Check These Articles Out!
