Platform trolleys and hand trucks for practical material movement

Industrial Shed’s Platform Trolleys & Hand Trucks collection is for moving cartons, tools, appliances, equipment and workshop supplies around a site without treating a lifting task as an improvised carry. The current range brings together active EHI hand trucks and platform trolleys, plus a Beaver hydraulic platform trolley lifter. It includes folding, aluminium and steel platform formats, P-handle and heavy-duty hand trucks, and a stair-climbing refrigerator hand truck.

Select the trolley by the load and travel route

Hand trucks for upright loads

P-handle, heavy-duty and aluminium hand trucks suit loads that can be secured upright and moved on two wheels. Consider the load’s centre of gravity, the overall height, wheel condition, doorways, ramps and the operator’s control throughout the route. The EHI range includes 150 kg, 225 kg and 270 kg hand-truck options alongside a refrigerator stair climber for specialised movement.

Platform trolleys for stable, broad loads

Steel and aluminium platform trolleys are a better fit for cartons, parts bins and wide equipment that must remain supported on a deck. The live EHI selection includes compact and larger platforms with stated capacities from 250 kg through to 900 kg. Capacity is only one part of the decision: confirm deck dimensions, turning space, surface condition and whether the load must be restrained.

Folding and hydraulic options

Folding hand trucks and folding-handle platform trolleys are useful where a compact storage footprint matters. The Beaver hydraulic scissor platform trolley lifter is for applications needing a raised working height as well as movement; it is not a replacement for a purpose-selected hoist, jack or access platform.

Build a safer material-handling workflow

Plan the path before loading. Remove trip hazards, check ramps and thresholds, keep hands clear of pinch points, and do not exceed the manufacturer’s stated working capacity. Use a suitable restraint where the load could shift, and stop if the load blocks the operator’s view or becomes unstable. For equipment intended to lift, support or position a load, explore lifting and jacking equipment. For workshop storage that helps keep frequently used items organised between jobs, see tool storage and organisation.

Key checks before ordering

• Capacity: use the stated rating as one part of a complete handling assessment; do not overload or use damaged equipment.
• Deck or toe-plate size: match the support area to the real load, including packaging.
• Route: measure doors, ramps, lifts and tight turns before choosing a large trolley.
• Wheel type and floor: account for smooth concrete, expansion joints, outdoor surfaces and debris.
• Load security: determine whether straps or another approved restraint are required for the application.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose a hand truck or a platform trolley?

Choose a hand truck for suitable upright loads that can be controlled on a toe plate, and a platform trolley for broad or awkward items that need full deck support. The travel route, load stability and operator control matter as much as the stated capacity.

Can I use a platform trolley as a lifting device?

A standard platform trolley is for moving a supported load, not for lifting it. If the job requires raising, supporting or working beneath a load, select purpose-built equipment and follow its instructions and your workplace procedures.

How do I avoid choosing an undersized trolley?

Measure the largest normal load and the route it will travel, then choose a trolley with an appropriate stated capacity and support area. Allow for packaging, uneven loads, ramps and the need to keep the load stable—not only its weight on paper.