Whether you’re moving a propane gas tank or a large kitchen appliance, using the appropriate tool makes the job far easier. Heavy items are best moved when wheeled around on a platform. Even better is when the platform is purpose built for the load it needs to carry.
This is precisely the case with the gas tank cart. Purpose built for carrying gas tanks across the ground with minimal efforts. Both low cost and light, it provides the utility needed to safely move gas tanks from A to B in one piece. How do they compare to traditional L shaped large nose hand trucks that are used for movement of more traditional loads?
Gas Tank Cart
Gas tanks carts or propane carrier carts are the smart choice for transporting heavy gas tanks effortlessly. They use large pneumatic tires to provide low rolling resistance transportation and use retention straps and a cup shaped loading platform to keep the cylinder safely in place. To transport the tank you tilt the the L shaped cart using the handle to lift the load directly over the two wheels. You can then freely wheel the gas tank to wherever you need it.
Gas tanks are objects that are heavy. Typically weighing between 20 – 40lbs. In addition, they’re awkwardly shaped making them difficult to grip properly when transporting them for any extended period of time. This is especially true of tanks with poor or no handles in the collar. The result is that dropping the gas tank cylinder becomes increasing likely if the correct method of transportation is not used. This can lead to:
- Damage to the steel body of the gas tank cylinder
- Causing injury to feet
- Damage to other camp or surrounding equipment
The gas tank cart also allows you to store the tank conveniently when not in use, away from any other items. They’re not as useful as hand trucks when moving items that do not fit into a cylindrical profile. This is due to the smaller loading platform and lower maximum weight capacity, although they are typically lighter in weight.
Main Features:
- Balanced frame design that prevents tip overs
- Wide base is ideal for travelling
- The rounded frame shape cups the cylinder to keep it well held in place
Main Benefits:
The main benefits of using a gas tank cart includes:
Takes most of the labour effort out of transporting heavy gas tanks
Retaining straps and large pneumatic wheels allow load to be carried up and down steps
Ergonomic handle shape with rubber is much comfier than the gas tank collar handle
Low cost gas tank transport solution that doesn’t break the bank
Hand Trucks
The hand truck is a more universal tool, that is designed to carry loads that have a flatter and more squared off shape. This includes but is not limited to some of the following items:
- Refrigerators
- Safes
- Moving boxes
- TV boxes
- Washer appliances
They share the same design features as the gas tank cart and have the same purpose, allowing you to carry items with less physical effort and in a safer manner. Hand trucks use a L shaped design that allows the long nose plate to slip underneath the loads while they are still on the ground. This mitigates the need to lift the load onto the nose plate of the hand truck, unlike gas tank carts which require lifting of the tank into the loading cup.
They use a pneumatic wheel design that allows it to traverse over rough surfaces while remaining fairly stable. Hand trucks with large wheel diameters or tripod style wheels are excellent at climbing and descending stairs. Lastly they fit all users well as they often feature extendable handles so users of all heights can get into a comfortable position to transport.
Hand trucks can struggle to retain gas tanks and other cylinder shaped objects properly. This is due to the construction that favours carrying cubed shaped items with flat surfaces, as it is able to stabilize them properly. Designed to be far more suitable for carrying heavy boxes and other cubed shaped loads.
Main Features:
- Folds down completely flat with folding wheels and nose plates for more storage options
- Very lightweight frame design, constructed from aluminum typically weighing under 12lbs
- Carries up to 1000lbs loads
Main Benefits:
Allows transportation of numerous heavy loads with minimal efforts
Capable of climbing and descending stairs if using type with specialized wheel designs
Comfortable handles and multiple hand positions ensures user is always comfortable and in full control of the load
Low nose plate can lift heavy items up directly from the floor without lifting
Main Difference Between Hand Truck and Gas Tank Cart
| Gas Tank Cart | Hand Truck | |
|---|---|---|
| Loading Method | Requires manually lifting loads onto platform | Picks loads directly from the ground |
| Maximum Loading Capacity (on average) | 50-100lbs | 330lbs |
| Climb/descend Stairs? | Yes | Yes |
| Pneumatic Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Transport Method | Tilt and balance load over wheels | Tilt and balance load over wheels |
| Retaining Method | Retaining straps with clips | None |
| Number of wheels | 2 | 2 |
Conclusion – Difference Between Hand Truck and Gas Tank Cart
You can make use of specialized tools to move loads such as gas tanks. Known as gas tank carts or dollies they are constructed and shaped especially for carry gas tanks. The main difference between hand trucks and tank carts are their shaping. The shaping of the gas tank cart and the cup shaped holding platform makes it ideal for carrying the cylinder shapes. The classic hand truck is ideal for holding cubed shaped items such as boxes, safes, or even refrigerators. That is where the differences end. Similar in more ways using pneumatic wheels for smooth rolling and cushioning. In addition to comfortable ergonomic handles and a high maximum loading capacity.
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