Operating a motorized hand truck compared to a standard hand dolly is a bit like driving a sports car instead of your daily driver: You’ll probably be elated by the smooth maneuvering and horsepower—but a little nervous if you’re unprepared.
Powered Hand Truck
While a classic 2 wheel dolly can be an efficient and effective tool for moving materials up to 500 pounds, some tasks require a little more machine power. This makes a powered dolly a great asset for heavy material management. If you’ve recently invested in a motorized dolly, check out these four tips to get ready to cruise.
Familiarize Yourself with the Safety Features
Like buckling your seat belt or wearing PPE, safety always comes first—especially when operating machinery. To get the most out of your motorized heavy material management tool, familiarize yourself with the safety features beforehand.
A high-quality powered hand truck should have these key safety features:
● High- and low-speed settings
● A parking brake that automatically engages to lock the machine in place when the throttle is at zero
● Open differential transaxle that provides a tight turn radius
● Propulsion system that automatically returns to zero when the throttle is disengaged.
Utilize the Rear Stabilizer Arm
Ideally, your motorized hand truck should have a rear stabilizing arm with an additional wheel for security and maneuverability. This feature is excellent for adding leverage when on a ramp or incline—but it can also add unnecessary bulk to your equipment when it isn’t needed.
In order to use this feature effectively, remember to deploy the stabilizer arm as needed and keep it stowed otherwise. Adjusting the arm's position should be as simple as removing a detent pin and replacing it once the stabilizing arm is in the desired position.
Follow Manufacturing Charging Instructions
Maintaining the lifespan of your equipment’s batteries is one of the best ways to get the most out of your motorized hand truck.
While the charging instructions and battery maintenance may vary depending on your model, a typical rule of thumb is to regularly charge batteries to avoid self-discharge and maximize their energy capacity.
Use the Proper Attachments
Depending on what you are transporting, it may be necessary to switch out the attachments on your motorized equipment, such as replacing the nose of your dolly with a shorter or longer option. You might even add a trailer hitch attachment so you can move a trailer weighing up to 3,500 pounds. The right attachment can make it easy to move a variety of items with your powered hand truck. Switching out attachments doesn’t need to be a hassle, either!
Choose a model with a modular design and a patented quick-attach feature so you can easily change out attachments without tools, bolts, or pins, saving time and energy.
About Magline
Safety and efficiency are the highest priorities when overseeing shipments of heavy materials. Trust Magliner material handling tools to keep your team, cargo, and business efficient, on schedule, and safe. For more than 75 years, Magliner hand trucks have offered innovative solutions to modern shipment needs. Meeting these challenges has made Magline a trusted name in the material management industry. From a reliable appliance hand truck to a heavy duty dolly with powered stair climbing technology, your business can find a Magliner to help your employees tackle material handling challenges. Whether you’re a final-mile delivery service or a professional moving company, there’s a Magliner perfectly suited for your team’s needs, and if you want something extra special, you can even Design Your Own Magliner.
Learn more about Magliner motorized hand trucks at https://www.magliner.com/
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