Trundler, Dolly, Bag Barrow; there are endless names for the standard hand truck.
The main purpose of a hand truck is to transport cargo from one point to another, while a hand truck for stairs is the same thing except it has some mechanism to bring cargo up and down some stairs or even escalators.
Cargo refers to a wide variety of things, including laundry, or moving boxes, etc.
It also comes in handy if you are making a trip to the farmer’s market and would like to have your trolley with you.
This makes it ideal for transporting groceries and shopping trips as well.
Below we have reviewed some of the best hand trucks for stairs that are available in the market so you can browse and choose the one that you like best!
Top 15 Hand Trucks For Stairs Reviews
In this section, we have reviewed several hand trucks to make things easier for you. The reviews mainly include brief descriptions regarding the products.
In addition, there are some potential pros and cons that can help you make a decision based on your preferences.
1. UpCart Original Red Hand Cart
This UpCart model comes with a long extended handle for handling larger loads of cargo. Six wheels in total can slide easily over stairs.
The overall model is constructed from Aluminum, making it lightweight, durable, and resistant to rusting.
It can be folded to a fraction of its size, making for easy storage and portability.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Durable
- Sturdy construction
- Fully assembled model
Cons
- Low load capacity
- Only for light-duty usage
2. VEVOR Stair Climbing Cart
This VEVOR hand truck is a relatively smaller hand truck. It is highly suited to small scale usage at home.
There are a standard six wheels that are great for stair climbing, along with sturdy metal construction that ensures that the hand truck is durable and will not rust in the long term.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Compact
- Standard/durable design
- Easy to store
Cons
- Medium loading capacity
3. SHZOND Aluminum Hand Truck Stair
The SHZOND is another standard hand truck with three wheels on either side of the truck and two different handles that you can use depending on the amount and type of cargo.
It is easy to use over stairs and offers stable portability. The construction is Aluminum; therefore, it does not rust easily and is durable.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Good load capacity
- Two different handles
- The design suited for stair climbing
Cons
- Only for heavy-duty lifting
- Heavyweight
4. Nicely Neat Stair Multipurpose Cart
This is another hand truck that doubles as a trolley if you are going to be taking trips to the Laundromat, grocery shopping, or the farmer’s market.
There is a built-in bag that can carry and protect the cargo. The three-wheeled designed offers stability and allows the hand truck to be operated easily over stairs and other obstacles.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Tri wheel design
- Built-in bag
- Water-resistant compartments
- Durable construction
Cons
- Load capacity not specified; likely to below
5. Helping Hand Deluxe Stair Climber Cart
This ‘Helping Hand’ hand truck comes with a surrounding frame that accompanies the rest of the truck.
There are eight wheels in total, three on either side of one part of the frame and two on the rest of the edges.
It is extremely stable for carrying large amounts of cargo, and the great thing is that the frame protects the cargo and prevents slippage.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Multiple wheel design
- Stable
- Versatile purposes
Cons
- Mostly for light or medium weight cargo
- Low load capacity
6. Mecete Enhanced Stair Climbing Cart
The Mecete hand truck is a heavy-duty model with three wheels on either side of the truck for stability and maneuverability.
The total load capacity is an impressive 460 pounds, with a climbing rope included to secure the cargo.
The handle can be extended for handling larger loads; however, two people may be required to move the truck at maximum load.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Climbing robes for securing cargo included
- Sturdy and durable design
Cons
- Only for commercial/professional usage
- Requires two people to operate a maximum capacity
7. Dbest Products Stair Climber Dolly 2
The Best hand truck is useful for a wide variety of purposes at home. It has a built-in bag/compartment for storing laundry and groceries.
In the back, there is a stand that can be used to carry heavier cargo, i.e., large water bottles, etc.
The design is lightweight and foldable for ease of storage and also portability.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Foldable and compact
- Lightweight
- Versatile usage
- Ample room for cargo and storage
Cons
- Only suitable for use around the house/apartment
- Low to Medium load capacity
8. BLTPress Stair Climber Hand Truck Dolly
The BLTPress is a heavy-duty hand truck with a sleek design. There are a total of three wheels on either side for stability and for distributing the load weight equally.
It has been constructed from Aluminum and has two different handles for moving it along.
The tires for the wheels are made from durable rubber that prevent slipping and provide smooth running.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Good for commercial use
- Suitable for heavy-duty cargo
- Good load capacity for ground level and stairs
- Ergonomic design
- Safe to use
Cons
- Only suitable for commercial/professional usage
9. Stair Climbing Multipurpose Utility Cart
This hand truck comes with a built-in bag for storing groceries, and laundry, etc.
It also comes with three wheels on either side that reduces pressure and make it easier to move the truck on stairs and outdoors in general.
It is a lightweight model and can be folded into a compact position that makes it significantly easier to store in your house.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact and foldable for storage
- Built-in bag for groceries and other things
- Water-resistant bag
Cons
- Only for light to medium-duty cargo
- Maximum load capacity not specified
10. Tyke Supply Stair Climber
The Tyke hand truck is a sturdy three-wheeled hand truck with two separate handles for moving it around. There is plenty of room to load a good amount of cargo.
The entire model is ridged, and it is better if it is operated by professionals as it is a more heavy-duty hand truck.
The tires of the wheels themselves are made of solid rubber so they can easily withhold the weight.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Good for heavy-duty cargo
- Two handles
- Durable design
- Solid rubber tires
Cons
- Weighs about 40 pounds
- Only for commercial/professional use
11. UpCart Deluxe All-Terrain Stair Climbing Cart
The UpCart Deluxe is another three-wheeled design, only with larger wheels.
It is really good for both indoor and outdoor use. That is, it can be maneuvered with ease on stairs and rough terrain.
It can be folded completely flat and therefore is easy to store. The handle can be easily adjusted as well, and the whole being comes fully assembled.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Larger wheels for reduced pressure
- Foldable and compact design
- Easy to store
- Adjustable handle
- Fully assembled
Cons
- Low load/weight capacity
- Plastic construction for some components
12. Goplus Hand Truck Stair Climber
The Goplus is another sleek three-wheeled design; it is more of a slimmer hand truck that stretches more in length than width.
It is great for loading up piles of boxes in the form of cargo. The wheels are good for maneuvering the hand truck over stairs and other curbs/obstacles.
The Aluminum construction speaks for the durability itself.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Durable
- Does not rust easily
- Multiple wheels reduce pressure
- Large load capacity
- Adjustable handle
Cons
- Have to self-assemble
- Only for more professionals users
13. Ceny Stair Climbing Cart Portable
This hand truck is very similar to the last one on this list, i.e., the ROVSUN.
There are three wheels on each side of the hand truck along with two backup wheels that are fitted on the bottom of the truck.
These backups come in handy if one of the main wheels needs to be replaced.
It comes with a handle that can be extended to your desired height for ease of use.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Foldable design
- Sturdy and durable
- Backup wheels included
- Aluminum and steel construction
- Good for heavy-duty usage
Cons
- Maximum load capacity not specified
14. Stair Climbing Multipurpose Utility Cart
This hand truck comes with a built-in bag and seat that makes storage significantly easier. It too has a tri-wheel structure that makes it easier to move on stairs, and curbs, etc.
The seat can also be used for sitting; it is stable enough to hold an average-sized person.
Also, the hand truck bag is water-resistant, you can rest assured that your cargo will be safe even if you get caught out in the rain.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Compact and foldable for storage
- Water-resistant bag
- Resting seat included
Cons
- Does not have much load capacity
- Not for heavy-duty cargo
15. ROVSUN 330LBs Stair Climbing Cart
The ROVSUN is a classic hand truck with a sleek and compact design.
It has three wheels on either side that enhance stability and have to undergo reduced pressure even for heavier cargo.
The wheels allow for easier maneuverability over stairs as well as other obstructions.
This makes it suitable for smooth operation on a wide variety of terrains.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Carbon steel construction
- Sturdy/thick tubing and frame
- Easy assembly and storage
- Heavy-duty use
- Foldable
- Smooth operation/no noise
Cons
- The capacity of only 220 lbs on stairs
- Weighs about 18 pounds; heavy
Buyer’s Guide
When buying a hand truck for stairs, you need to vary of a couple of important factors. These may include cost, durability, and frequency of use, etc.
Keep these factors in mind will guide you and help put things into perspective, and you will be able to make a better and informed decision.
Purpose of the Hand Truck
Hand truck uses vary from lightweight loads to climbing staircases, heavy loads or luggage, delicate and non-delicate loads as well as rare or occasional use.
Specialty hand trucks are designed to perform specific functions, for example, climbing stairs.
Availability of Space
The hand truck needs sufficient space for storage in warehouses, garages, and storage rooms. However, an essential point to consider when buying a hand truck is how well it fits in your car trunk.
Type of Surface
Hand trucks are used on various types of surfaces. Wheels made from some materials do not perform well on specific surfaces. Rubber wheels are ideal for all kinds of surfaces, whether rough or smooth.
In other cases, the type of surface and consequently, type of wheels should be kept in mind when buying hand trucks.
Type of Material
Hand trucks are commonly made of three types of materials. Aluminum trucks are the most popular as AAluminum is lightweight and tough. It is rust-free which guarantees durability.
Steel trucks are widely used because it is the strongest and most reliable material. These are slightly heavier than aluminum trucks and are usually used for commercial purposes.
Huge impact plastic is light yet tough and is ideal for fragile load, especially when there is an impact.
Ability to Extend Handles
This factor is usually overlooked while buying hand trucks.
A hand truck with telescoping handles should be preferred because it is ideal not only for people with different heights but also for different tasks and purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a hand truck in stairs?
Make sure that your load is balanced throughout the surface of the truck and is not concentrated on one specific spot.
Secure the load with straps to prevent the load from falling off. Avoid looking down at your load to prevent neck strain.
Keep your legs apart to maintain balance.
What is a moving dolly?
A moving dolly is basically a platform on wheels which is used to move heavy loads from one place to another.
All you have to do is balance the load on the platform and steer it to wherever you wish to carry it.
Different types of moving dollies are available to serve different purposes.
Can you use a dolly on the stairs?
Like hand trucks, moving dollies can be used to move stuff up and downstairs.
For use on the staircase, the moving dolly should have wheels that are sufficiently inflated, as these work best on curbs, stairs and for other obstacles.
Remember to strap up your load to prevent it from falling off the dolly!
How do you move something heavy going downstairs?
When moving something heavy down the stairs, make sure to walk forwards. Strap the load to the hand truck and make sure it’s stabilized.
To balance the weight, slightly tilt the hand truck. Place your body weight on the legs rather than the back, to prevent severe back problems.
What’s the difference between a hand truck and a dolly?
Hand trucks are often miscalled dollies, but they have big wheels and stand upright, while dollies are flat platforms balanced on four wheels and two axles.
Hand trucks are L shaped is the load is placed on the vertical side while the horizontal platform is smaller.
In a dolly, the load is balanced on the large horizontal platform.
What is a two-wheel dolly?
A two-wheel dolly has two small wheels at the top and two large ones at the bottom, with a small platform that balances the base of a stack of loads placed vertically on the dolly.
A two-wheel dolly is very similar to a hand truck. The hand truck is another name for a two-wheel dolly.
Can you use an appliance dolly for boxes?
Appliance dollies are made from sturdier materials to carry heavy loads and can withstand loads with a minimum weight of several hundred pounds.
Therefore, they are more suitable for bulky good like refrigerators and washing machines, rather than boxes.
Boxes are more ideally transported using utility dollies and hand trucks.
What is another name for hand trucks?
A hand truck, because of its L shaped structure, has various names.
It is also known as two-wheeler, stack truck, trundle, box cart, sack barrow, cart, dolly, and sack truck and bag barrow.
Although dolly is slightly different from hand trucks, two-wheeled dollies resemble hand trucks; therefore, hand trucks are commonly called dollies.
Conclusion
Now that you have familiarized yourself with complete buyer’s guide and the list of product reviews, you can choose a hand truck that is most suited to your needs.
With this knowledge, you will end up not only with a durable product but also an affordable one.
