Platform trucks, also known as hand trucks, are a very utilitarian tool that boasts basic components and is commonly used in businesses.
The platform trucks design focuses on being pulled rather than pushed, although most people end up pushing their platform trucks, it is much safer to use a pulling method. The truck is designed to carry extreme amounts of weight so operating a platform truck can have safety issues arise. On some of the larger platform trucks you can find weight capacities of nearly 4,000 pounds with an 18″ platform, therefore, any business operating these tools should have a safety program in place.
Platform trucks are just that. a flat platform, usually metal, that has wheels on the bottom and a handle on one side of the platform which allows for its user to pull or push the truck.
Most commonly, platform trucks are made out of medal, including the platform, the framing and the handle. An option of anti-slip rubber matting can be used on the platform in some models to assist keeping your goods in place.
Platform trucks can have pneumatic wheels or casters. Pneumatic wheels are productive in uneven terrain, whereas casters are primarily to be used on a hard flat surface. If you are going to be using platform trucks with pneumatic wheels, be aware of its weight capacity as it boasts the ability to carry less weight than the caster wheel truck. Most often pneumatic wheel platform trucks have a weight capacity of approximately twenty five hundred pounds-depending on its platform construction.
Some platform trucks have raised mesh sides that help enclose the goods being transported – but does cut down on the size of goods you can transport. Alternatively, you can find platform trucks with dual handles for a tighter control via two person usage.
While most people may not have platform trucks in their home, it is likely that they have encountered one within their life. You may have witnessed wood, doors, bricks, paving slabs, bags of cement, plumbing supplies, washing machines, televisions, safes and more being transported by way of a platform truck.
Two level platform trucks are also known as shelf trucks and found in schools, hospitals, offices, hotels and libraries. Teachers often use them to move equipment, hospital personnel use them to distribute supplies, such as meals or testing equipment to patients, mail room clerks frequently use them to distribute postal documents and other correspondence and librarians use them for ease in transporting books and other text. Restaurants and caterers often use them for transporting food and other items from one location to another. Hotels often use a form of a platform truck to hang clothing and fabric items on allowing them to transport easily through the hotel
The platform truck is a very useful tool and every business and household should have one. Their cost varies greatly depending on the model of truck you are shopping for. Be sure to do your homework and shop around before buying your platform truck to ensure you get the perfect specs for your need.
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