If you need to safely and efficiently move light or medium loads across flat surfaces, then you will want to consider what a platform truck may be able to do for you.
A platform truck is a non-powered truck with a large low deck that has four wheels and no sides. The truck includes a handle on one end for easy steering and a variety of load surfaces and handle arrangements to choose from. These sturdy trucks come in many different materials for different applications such as steel, aluminum, wood and stainless steel.
Folding Handle Platform Trucks
One of the most useful options on a platform truck is the ability to fold the handle down for easier storage. By folding down the handle, the low profile cart can then be slipped under an existing shelf or other piece of furniture for storage until it is needed. Here are a few examples of these useful trucks:
- Stainless Steel Folding Handle Truck: This platform truck by Wesco is made of stainless steel and includes 4” thermoplastic rubber casters, two fixed casters at the front and two swivel casters at the back for maneuverability and easy rolling. The cart has a 19” by 29” flat platform surface for carrying loads with a folding handle that brings the height to 34.5”. Cart weight is 26 pounds and can carry a capacity of 440 pounds.
- Aluminum Folding handle Long Deck Truck: This Wesco platform truck has an exceptionally long load surface of 18 ½” by 58 ½”. The frame is made of aluminum and due to the extra length, has six casters and a folding handle at each end of the truck. The six casters include 5” TPR thermoplastic rubber non-marking casters wheels, and have four swivel casters on the truck ends and two rigid casters in the center. The deck is a lightweight aluminum, and the entire unit weighs only 44 pounds. Load capacity for the truck is 660 pounds, and wrap around corner bumpers are included.
Various Deck Materials
Depending what you need to move, there is a most certainly a deck material that is best suited for your load. For a non-slip surface you may choose a steel grid surface, while a smooth steel or hardwood surface might be easier for heavy boxes that need to slide on the truck while loading.
- Steel Bound Wood Platform Truck: Made by Wesco this platform truck has an all steel frame with a wood platform along with a removable handle. The units come with four casters, two fixed at the front and two swivel casters at the rear, but the choice of casters is to be determined by the requirements. One choice of casters includes Mold-on rubber casters that are 2” wide for sufficient rolling and turning. The capacity of the truck will vary depending on the type of caster chosen. Platform sizes include 24” by 48”, 27” by 54”, 30” by 60” and 36” by 72”.
- Economy Steel Platform Truck: This smooth surface steel deck platform truck from Wesco has a large 24” by 42” surface with heavy duty 12 gauge steel reinforced welded construction. A 41” high, two cross-brace handles can be removed and inserted at either end of the truck for ease of use. The unit includes four 5” rubber casters for good grip and maneuverability along with fixed casters at one end and swivel casters at the other. Truck weight is 62 pounds and the load capacity is 750 pounds.
- Grid Deck Platform Truck: This steel construction truck from Wesco has a steel bar grating deck to prevent slippage of the load. The sturdy open grate design provides high strength and prevents accumulation of small debris and water. The platform truck has six casters, two 8” rigid casters in the center and four 6” swivel end casters providing a tilt design that allows the truck to pivot on its own radius. A durable powder coat paint finish looks good and is extremely durable over time. The truck weighs 170 pounds and has a capacity of 1750 pounds.
Power Drive Platform Truck
While most platform trucks are manually operated, Wesco also includes a series of platform trucks that include a power drive mechanism to assist with moving heavier loads. Below is a model that has a load surface of 30” by 60” but other sizes are available including 24” by 36”, 24” by 48” and 30” by 48”:
- Power Drive Platform Truck: This all steel construction includes a fingertip variable speed controller with forward and reverse modes and a key lock, reverse direction beeper and emergency stop for safety. Front wheels are 10” pneumatic and fixed for good traction on uneven ground with rear swivel polyurethane casters for good maneuverability. A full rear panel bumper helps prevent wall damage. The unit has a maximum climbing incline of 8” and a turning radius of 47”. Truck weight is 309 pounds with a load capacity of 1100 pounds.
The Best Customer Service When Purchasing Platform Trucks
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