Moving large and heavy items has never been easier when we are armed with knowledge of and have access to the correct tools. For a home mover who has packed their items into many boxes, or for someone who has just replaced one of their large kitchen appliances, there are several useful dollies to pick from to accomplish the job.
The type of dolly that’s used will be dictated by the kind of load you’re trying to move. As the saying goes, we need to use the best tool for the job.
Furniture dollies as their name suggests are used primarily for moving furniture, typically large furniture that would otherwise be impractical to carry.
Utility dollies are tools used mainly for moving home electrical appliances, typically large in size, that would otherwise be difficult to do so without tremendous amounts of physical effort.
But what are the main differences between these two home moving tools? Let’s compare the main difference between a furniture dolly and utility dolly so you make an informed choice of the best tool to use for your job.
Difference Between a Furniture Dolly and Utility Dolly Table
| Furniture Dolly | Utility Dolly | |
|---|---|---|
| Loading Method | Requires manually lifting loads onto platform | Dolly picks loads directly from the ground |
| Maximum Loading Capacity (on average) | 1000lbs | 500lbs |
| Climb/descend Stairs? | No | Yes |
| Pneumatic Wheels | No | Yes |
| Transport Method | Flat Platform no handles | Tilt and balance load over wheels |
| Retaining Method | None | Optional bungee cords |
| Number of wheels | 3-4 | 2 |
Furniture Dolly
The trusty furniture dolly is a simple tool that allows you to transport loads up to 1000lbs. Simply load the item in a central position on the dolly in a stable position, then freely move the item around. The ideal use case is when the loads are heavy but not extremely large, or if the load is an odd shape, then a furniture dolly is best. They are simple and as they use a flat platform supported by 4 wheels; also fairly stable.
For moving in an area with no ramps, obstacles, or stairs the furniture dolly can easily transport the majority of items around the home. As their wheels are generally smaller and made from hard plastic, they are not as suitable for moving items over surfaces that are not carpeted or hard floor. An example of this would be over grass. In addition they also are not ideal for moving items over any kind of significant, incline, decline or on stairs. The simple nature of the furniture dolly means that the items are not secured on the dolly if the dolly is not kept flat at all times, in such cases where dolly is leant over with items loaded there is a chance your items could tip over and fall from the dolly if unsupported.
Multiple dollies can be used for the largest items. An example would be a large closet, where you can use 4 furniture dollies near the 4 corners of the large item. Then you’ll be able to freely wheel the item into the position you need.
Main Benefits:
Can carry up to 1000lbs loads, more than enough for most home furniture items
Complete directional control with 360 degree wheels
Feature raised or carpeted ends to increase the friction with the load
Wheel stop brakes help keep loads in place when needed
Main Features:
- Brake stops on wheels keep the dolly firmly in place preventing furniture from rolling away unintentionally
- Flat loading surface with raised or carpeted edges prevent items from slipping off
- Typically manufactured from hardwood or alloy steel, with an integrated handle that allows you to carry it around
- Weights in on average around 6 – 10lbs
Main Use Cases:
- Couches
- Garage tote stacks
- Packing Boxes
- Dressers
- Tables
- Washer Appliances
- House plants
- Cabinets
- Closets
- Tool boxes
Utility Dolly
The utility dolly is a more specialized tool you can use when there’s a need to transport our items. Utilities dollies are capable of carrying slightly heavy loads, typically between 330 – 500lbs, in the safest manner possible. It achieves this using an L shaped frame with a mounting plate than can slip right underneath loads. From there picks them up straight from the ground. It typically uses large pneumatic wheels to reduce rolling resistance across all manner of surfaces and increase the comfort and smoothness of the dolly while it’s fully loaded and on the move. Retaining bungee cords are sometimes used to secure big and heavy loads directly secured to the main dolly’s frame to ensure the the load cannot slip off.
Lastly, the stair crawler tripod wheels can be specified if you need a dolly that allows you to climb and descend steps or stairs far more easily. These tripod style wheels track the top of the next step and provide leverage at this point allowing the dolly to be pulled up the next step.
Main Benefits:
Load is fully secured against the dolly by leaning on the back rails while being balanced over the wheels
500lbs average weight capacity is enough for the majority of household needs
Comfortable handles and multiple hand positions ensures user is always comfortable and in full control of the load
Can be used on ramps, steep inclines, declines and stairs
Main Features:
- Bungee cords can be used to ensure load is fully secured to the frame
- Pneumatic wheels allow for cushioning on rough surfaces and smooth rolling over all surfaces
- Tripod style wheels allow leverage using the top edge of the next step on a set of stairs for low effort climbing
- The loads can be lifted directly from the ground onto the appliance dolly, without the need to lift
Main Use Cases:
- Large fridges
- Washers
- Dryers
- Ovens
- Dressers
- Large safes
- Desk units
- Garden Plants
Conclusion – Difference Between a Furniture Dolly and Utility Dolly
Furniture dollies are useful for heavy loads that are on the smaller side, where there is no need to climb or descend stairs, or transport across significant inclines or declines. Furniture dollies have smaller wheels and less ground clearance so are less suitable over surfaces that are not smooth or riddled with obstacles.
Both tools are great for the budget minded buyers as they are cheap to purchase and maintain. If there is no necessity to carry items up stairs or move significant large appliances such as refrigerators or washer/dryers. A utility dolly may then not be required.
However if you need to move appliances or boxes from the entirety of your home, a utility dolly can be used across all applications. With the exception of large and awkwardly shaped items that would have otherwise have difficulty being secured to the ground plate of the dolly.
An additional advantage of the utility dolly is the loads can be lifted directly from the ground. The ground plate slips underneath the loads without the need to lift them. This is both safer and far more efficient as lifting heavier items onto the furniture dollies can be both extremely difficult or even dangerous depending on the weight.
The difference between a furniture dolly and utility dolly are mainly in the way they are used. Furniture dollies are able to accommodate a wider range of loads as multiple can be used to support transportation of larger items over flat surfaces.
Utility dollies are however more versatile, capable of transporting items un inclines and declines and also up and down stairs.
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