For the past forty years, Action Handling have supplied trucks and trolleys in a huge range of designs, sizes and capabilities to clients across the UK, so you could say we’re pretty familiar with them. We understand that, for the average user, your requirements may just be for “a standard sack truck”. However, when we further analyse the everyday use of the machine, it allows us to supply the most suitable equipment for your specific needs.
Our sack trucks are available with different footplates, capacities, wheels, frames and handles, so we’ve put together the following guide in order to explain the major differences between trucks. Our range of sack trucks is suitable for a large number of jobs, and selecting the most appropriate truck will make your life a lot simpler!
Steel vs Aluminium
Sack trucks are available in either steel or aluminium. The major advantage of steel is its strength and durability, making it ideal for the tubular frame of a sack truck. Aluminium is also strong but much more lightweight, so the same truck in aluminium version is much lighter than the steel version, making it highly manoeuvrable and easy to transport, ideal for delivery drivers. Aluminium is also rust-resistant so will last for a long time, offering excellent value for money. However, it’s not quite as strong as steel - the highest capacity trucks we sell are steel trucks, and, if well looked after, a steel truck will last for years!
Folding Toe vs Fixed Toe
The toe plate of a sack truck is the loading point, so is crucial for determining the load. A fixed toe plate is typically much smaller than a folding toe plate, so for large or bulky items a folding toe plate is much easier to use. A fixed toe plate is likely to be heavier duty and capable of holding a greater load and, as it does not need to be folded down, is ready for immediate use. Typically if your truck is to be used for a range of items it’s normally advisable to use a folding toe sack truck, as this is more versatile.
Solid wheels vs Pneumatic wheels
Sack trucks are fitted with either solid or pneumatic wheels. Pneumatic wheels are air-filled and can be pumped up like a bicycle or car tyre. This makes them suitable for use on all terrain, as they will absorb bumps and make using a sack truck on rough ground much easier. Solid rubber wheels are not air-filled, meaning they won’t puncture if they hit something sharp, nor will they go flat over time. A solid wheel is ideal for use in a warehouse or when the surface is smooth and hard, but would not suit use on uneven ground.
Stair Climber wheels
We have a variety of sack trucks suited to use on stairs. These are fitted with stair climber wheels, which comprise three wheels combined together in a roughly triangular shape. This format means that there is always a wheel in contact with the stairs, so the truck will literally climb up the step. The wheels are designed to work on a wide range of step sizes, making the stair climber sack truck indispensible when you need to move loads up or down stairs, steps or curbs.
P-Handle vs Dual Handle vs Standard Handles
Sack trucks are available with several different types of handles. The standard two-handled design has handles on either side, meaning you can easily support your load. The P Handle sack truck has the handle built into the top of the frame, and a p-shaped loop at the back allows you to hold the truck with one hand. The main advantage of the P Handle design is that you can use the truck with one hand, leaving the other free to open doors or steady your load. Finally, we also stock dual handled sack trucks; these feature both the standard two-handles and the top loop of the frame as a handle.
Platform trucks vs upright sack trucks
Platform trucks are flat bed trolleys that feature a large deck and swiveling castor wheels, perfect for moving large or bulky items. We have a number of two-in-one and three-in-one sack trucks that work as both an upright sack truck and a platform truck. If you are looking for a sack truck to perform a number of jobs, opting for a universal sack truck suitable for moving a range of items is definitely a good choice.
For more information about our product range or bespoke steel fabrication service, give us a call - our friendly sales team are here to help.
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