So what’s the best tool to use for moving appliances, furniture, and heavy items? Hand trucks or furniture dollies? Furniture dollies are capable of carrying larger items thanks to their open unobstructed shape.
They’re both best suited for personal use in the home or office space. In a similar way to the differences between appliance dollies and furniture dollies, hand trucks are suited for climbing inclines, obstacles and steps, and furniture dollies are useful for moving items small distances throughout the home.
Hand trucks on average cost between $80 – $150. While furniture dollies usually cost $20 – $80.
Let’s break down their features and figure out which is best suited for any given situation.
Main Features of a Hand Truck
Main Features of a Furniture Dolly
- Lightweight and stiff aluminum or steel alloy frame
- Folds down to a small size
- Telescoping handle height adjustment
- 5″ solid rubber wheels
- Wide and aluminum nose plate
- Capable of climbing small obstacles and steps
- Typically up to 400 lbs max. loading capacity
- No frame or side railings, unobstructed loading platform
- Not designed for climbing
- Stable flat loading platform
- Adjustable to the dimensions of furniture/appliances
- Smooth rolling small wheels
- Typically up to 1000 lbs max. carrying capacity
Advantages of Hand Trucks
- Quick maneuvering with lightweight frame and dual wheeled upright design
- Capable of being stored away in narrow, small areas after being folded down flat
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable use when carrying or pulling loads
- Long straight frame supports flat edged objects
Advantages of Furniture Dollies
- Takes next to no space in storage thanks to small overall dimensions
- Ultra lightweight and portable
- Can be placed under furniture of any size due to multiple separate pieces
- Flat loading platform eliminates the need to actively balance loads
Disadvantages of Hand Trucks
- Low maximum weight carrying capacity limits the type of items hand trucks are capable of lifting
- Load size is limited to the maximum size the nose plate is capable of supporting
- Loads can feel unstable without use of strong bungee cords
Disadvantages of Furniture Dollies
- Design without handles makes it difficult to move items up steep inclines or down steep descents
- Lower maximum weight carrying capacity compare to purpose built appliance dollies limits the type of items that can be loaded
- Sometimes limited to liner movement. Change of direction has to be done manually
Typical Applications for Hand Truck Use
- Moving boxes
- Small safes
- Drawers
- Boxed furniture
- Small appliances
Typical Applications for Furniture Dolly Use
- Washers
- Dryers
- Sofas
- Heavy tool boxes
- Sand bags
- Plant Pots
Summary – Hand Truck Vs Furniture Dolly – Where Each is Best
Hand trucks and furniture dollies are moving tools used to support movement of furniture, appliances, heavy boxes, and various other types of loads.
Hand trucks are great for general usage, capable of climbing up stairs and maneuvering through tight spaces. Additionally being highly portable, fitting into small vehicles and tight storage spaces.
Furniture dollies are suited for large heavy appliances and furniture, not capable of being carried on hand trucks due to their large size and awkward shape.
You can load a wide range of items on furniture dollies due to their unobstructed loading platform.
The best hand truck or dolly for your needs depends largely on the amount of space you have to keep them when not in use. In addition the type of loads being carried determine what type of tool is best.