Handtrucks are essential to any warehouse or logistics operations. They are widely used in a number of other industries as well. As long as the work requires carrying or transporting large, heavy, and numerous pieces of inventory, there will always be a need for these tools.
Aluminum handtrucks are potentially the best option for businesses. Since it is one of the most common metals on earth, the material is one of the most cost-effective and cost-efficient around. Moreover, aluminum is lightweight, incredibly durable, and can withstand heavy loads.
Below are seven important factors to consider when buying an aluminum handtruck.
Load Capacity
One of the most important considerations when buying aluminum handtrucks is the total weight it can carry. Some can take on a higher weight or load capacity, despite being of similar size and appearance.
Make sure to consider the items or inventory you will be moving using the handtruck. This will help in choosing a handtruck with the correct load capacity to prevent unwanted accidents and work injuries.
Height
Handtrucks also come in varying sizes or heights. This refers to the distance from the bottom lip where the load displaced all the way to the nose or top where the handles are.
The height can not only affect its carrying capacity but also the size and number of items it can carry. More importantly, handtruck height can affect the overall ease of use. Aluminum handtrucks that are too short or too high for the person using them will cause difficulties in pushing or pulling.
Always consider the average height of your employees who will operate the equipment before buying an aluminum handtruck. Even better, get ones in different heights to ensure convenience and ease of use regardless of who needs to use it.
Wheel Type
Handtrucks can have different types of caster wheels installed. The type of caster wheels affect not only how easy it is to roll the handtruck but also its durability, load capacity, and safety.
For instance, pneumatic wheels or ones filled with air offer better shock absorption. This makes for a smoother roll, even on rough surfaces such as gravel. However, these wheels require regular maintenance to ensure proper air pressure.
Meanwhile, balloon cushion wheels generally have high puncture resistance and are non-marking, which also helps protect warehouse floors.
Rubber caster wheels are also highly recommended. Although these don’t have shock absorption or cushioning, they require little to no maintenance and do not go flat.
Foldable vs. Non-foldable Lip
Aluminum handtrucks can have either a foldable or non-foldable lip. In the grand scheme of things, the difference between folding and non-folding handtrucks is minimal. Both types can carry heavy loads and are helpful for load transportation.
Warehouses that have limited spaces, are best suited to buying an aluminum handtruck that can be folded for ease of storage. Businesses that deal with logistics, particularly the delivery of large and heavy items, would also benefit from folding handtrucks as these can be easily stored inside a truck.
Regular vs. Convertible
Regular handtrucks are already highly useful, and convertible handtrucks only offer even greater versatility and overall use.
Convertible handtrucks can transform from a regular handtruck to a platform truck, which have a wider base and can more easily support larger, heavier loads. One example of this type of handtruck is the LINCO Aluminium Convertible Hand Truck 2 in 1.
If your business deals with all sizes of packages, from small and medium ones to incredibly large ones, then a convertible aluminum handtruck may be more cost-efficient.
Stair Climbing
Warehouses that have multiple levels would benefit greatly from stair-climbing handtrucks. As the name suggests, these handtrucks are designed with either extra wheels or extruded brackets that make it easier to climb stairs, despite the load they carry.
If your business requires your workers to transport heavy loads using a handtruck from one level to another, then getting a stair climber handtruck is the best option. This feature will not only make the work go faster but also reduce the risks of accidents and injuries.
Aluminum Grade
Aluminum offers plenty of benefits. However, not all aluminum handtrucks are made equal. There are different aluminum grades which affect its overall strength, rust resistance, heat resistance, and load bearing capacity.
When buying an aluminum handtruck, make sure to check the quality of aluminum alloy used and consider where or how your business will use it. Aluminum alloy 7075 offers one of the highest strength to weight ratios. Meanwhile, alloy 5052 has great resistance to salt water corrosion.
Get the Best Aluminum Handtrucks from LINCO
LINCO fully understands the different uses of businesses for handtrucks — especially those in the logistics and warehouse industries. That is why we offer a variety of aluminum handtrucks — ranging from regular ones to convertibles and stair climbers.
For any orders or inquiries regarding our products, visit the LINCO contact page or call us at (866) 306-9566. Our team will gladly assist you in facilitating bulk orders or finding the right handtrucks for your needs.