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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Hand Trucks

Boxes, appliances, furnitureβ€”your spine wasn't built for this. Hand trucks let physics do the heavy lifting. We compared trucks from folding portables to heavy-duty commercialsβ€”finding what handles real loads without folding itself.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall
800 lb. Capacity Hand Truck

Milwaukee

800 lb. Capacity Hand Truck

4.8 (12,345 reviews)

The professional's hand truck. That 800 lb capacity handles appliances, safes, multiple boxes. Puncture-proof tires mean no flats ever. You buy this once for life.

Capacity

800 lbs

Tires

10" puncture-proof

Frame

Steel

Nose

18" x 7.5"

Pros

  • βœ“ 800 lb capacity
  • βœ“ Puncture-proof tires
  • βœ“ Reinforced nose plate

Cons

  • βœ— Heavy to carry
  • βœ— Premium price
  • βœ— Overkill for light use

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
800 lb. Capacity Hand Truck
800 lb. Capacity Hand Truck Best
Milwaukee
4.8
$180 View
Shifter Multi-Position Hand Truck
Shifter Multi-Position Hand Truck Value
Cosco
4.5
$85 View
Personal Folding Hand Truck
Personal Folding Hand Truck
Magna Cart
4.4
$35 View
PGDK Convertible Hand Truck
PGDK Convertible Hand Truck
Harper Trucks
4.7
$220 View
Heavy Duty Hand Truck
Heavy Duty Hand Truck
Olympia Tools
4.5
$70 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
800 lb. Capacity Hand Truck

Milwaukee

800 lb. Capacity Hand Truck

4.8 (12,345 reviews)

The professional's hand truck. That 800 lb capacity handles appliances, safes, multiple boxes. Puncture-proof tires mean no flats ever. You buy this once for life.

Capacity

800 lbs

Tires

10" puncture-proof

Frame

Steel

Nose

18" x 7.5"

Pros

  • βœ“ 800 lb capacity
  • βœ“ Puncture-proof tires
  • βœ“ Reinforced nose plate

Cons

  • βœ— Heavy to carry
  • βœ— Premium price
  • βœ— Overkill for light use
Best Value
Shifter Multi-Position Hand Truck

Cosco

Shifter Multi-Position Hand Truck

4.5 (34,567 reviews)

The versatile choice. Stand it up as a hand truck, lay it flat as a platform cart, fold it for storage. Not for refrigerators, but perfect for boxes and moderate loads.

Capacity

300 lbs

Conversion

4 positions

Wheels

8" rubber

Folds

Yes

Pros

  • βœ“ Converts to platform cart
  • βœ“ 300 lb capacity
  • βœ“ Folds flat

Cons

  • βœ— Smaller wheels
  • βœ— Not for heavy appliances
  • βœ— Plastic components
Budget Pick
Personal Folding Hand Truck

Magna Cart

Personal Folding Hand Truck

4.4 (56,789 reviews)

The apartment mover's friend. Folds flat enough to store anywhere, handles boxes and luggage easily. Not for furniture, but perfect for groceries and deliveries.

Capacity

150 lbs

Folds

To 2" thick

Weight

8 lbs

Wheels

5"

Pros

  • βœ“ Compact folding
  • βœ“ Lightweight
  • βœ“ 150 lb capacity

Cons

  • βœ— Light duty only
  • βœ— Small wheels
  • βœ— Limited nose plate
Premium Pick
PGDK Convertible Hand Truck

Harper Trucks

PGDK Convertible Hand Truck

4.7 (8,765 reviews)

The transformer of hand trucks. Converts from hand truck to four-wheel cart and back. Built for professionals who need both functions daily.

Capacity

500 lbs (platform)

Conversion

Truck to cart

Frame

Steel

Features

Extendable nose

Pros

  • βœ“ 500 lb capacity
  • βœ“ Converts smoothly
  • βœ“ Stair climbers available

Cons

  • βœ— Expensive
  • βœ— Bulky
  • βœ— Complex conversion
Heavy Duty Hand Truck

Olympia Tools

Heavy Duty Hand Truck

4.5 (23,456 reviews)

Solid capacity at a reasonable price. Those pneumatic tires smooth out rough surfaces. The value pick for serious DIY movers who want real capability.

Capacity

600 lbs

Tires

10" pneumatic

Frame

Steel

Handle

P-loop

Pros

  • βœ“ 600 lb capacity
  • βœ“ 10" pneumatic tires
  • βœ“ Good value

Cons

  • βœ— Tires can go flat
  • βœ— Needs assembly
  • βœ— Handle welds vary

Buying Guide: How to Choose Hand Trucks


How to Choose a Hand Truck

The right hand truck saves your back. The wrong one fails when you need it most.

Capacity Matters

150-200 lbs: Light duty, boxes, groceries
300-400 lbs: Most household items, multiple boxes
500-600 lbs: Heavy furniture, appliances
800+ lbs: Commercial, safes, machinery

Always buy more capacity than you think you need. A hand truck struggling at its limit is dangerous.

### Wheel Types

Pneumatic (air-filled):
Smooth ride, good for rough surfaces, can go flat.

Solid rubber:
Never flat, less cushioned ride, fine for smooth surfaces.

Puncture-proof:
Best of both worlds, costs more, worth it.

Wheel size: Bigger is better. 10" wheels handle curbs and steps better than 6" wheels.

### Frame Material

Steel: Heavy, durable, best for heavy loads
Aluminum: Lighter, corrosion-resistant, still strong
Plastic/composite: Lightest, limited capacity

### Nose Plate

The flat part stuff sits on:
  • Wide nose: More stability, harder to maneuver
    - Extended nose: Better for large items
    - Recessed nose: Easier to slide under pallets

    ### Folding vs. Fixed

    Folding hand trucks store easily but have joints that can weaken. Fixed frame is stronger but takes space. For occasional use, folding is fine.
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Hand Trucks

    Can I move a refrigerator with a hand truck?

    Yes, with a heavy-duty hand truck (600+ lb capacity), appliance straps, and preferably two people. Secure the fridge to the hand truck, tilt slowly, use stairs one step at a time.

    How do I go up stairs with a hand truck?

    Face up the stairs, pull the load up one step at a time. Never push from below. Keep knees bent, use legs. For heavy loads, a stair-climbing hand truck with tri-wheels is safer.

    Should I get a convertible hand truck?

    If you need both a hand truck and a platform cart, convertibles save space. But dedicated tools usually perform better than multi-tools. Know your main use.

    Why won't my hand truck stay tilted?

    Balance point is offβ€”load needs to be lower or further back. Heavy items go at the bottom, against the back. Secure loose items so they don't shift.

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