Tool Box Caster

BobVila.com and its affiliates may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Whether you’re moving into a new home, moving work equipment from a truck to a garage, or moving cardboard boxes from a ground floor to an upstairs office, a cart is an invaluable tool. First, it makes the job of moving things faster and easier. Secondly, there is much less chance of dropping heavy or awkward loads. Thirdly, it greatly reduces the chance of back injury or muscle strain.
There are hundreds of carts and trolleys to choose from, so there are plenty of options for a wide variety of situations. However, the sheer variety can make it difficult to choose the right model. Read on for a few important features to consider and learn about some of our picks for the best cart options for a variety of uses.
If it’s a one-time job—for example, hauling heavy loads from the car to the house—a wheelbarrow or garden cart can handle the task. Trolleys are more efficient and are generally a smart investment for those who move items around on a regular basis. However, while the basic concept is simple, there are many varieties of carts. Here are some of the key features that buyers look for.
There are several basic types of carts that are commonly used. The standard upright L-shaped cart used by delivery drivers around the world is still a useful tool, but can be heavy and awkward to store at home.
Folding carts are more compact and come in a variety of shapes. For heavier loads, there are convertible trolleys that can be used both vertically and horizontally. There are also stair-climbing models that easily solve what could otherwise be a major problem.
In addition to this, there are special carts designed to carry equipment or everything from car tires to kitchen utensils. If it can be moved by hand, then there is probably a trolley in there.
Of course, the amount of weight a person can lift varies greatly, but the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has determined that the average person should not attempt to lift more than 51 pounds.
Even lightweight carts have load capacities that easily exceed this figure, with most limits starting at around 150 pounds. On the other hand, some heavy carts can carry up to 1,000 pounds.
While load capacity is important, few users need a heavy duty model. For example, most washing machines weigh between 180 and 230 pounds. Many mid-range carts have this capacity while being convenient and affordable.
The physical size of a dolly is another key characteristic that is often closely related to load capacity. Lightweight models can often be folded for storage or easily placed in the trunk of a car. Heavy duty carts and trolleys are usually larger in order to carry more weight.
Given that these tools are called carts, it’s surprising how little attention has been paid to the design of the handles. Plain steel rings are common, and some have rubber grips. Others have hard plastic moldings that are actually quite uncomfortable even with gloves on.
Remember that the handle is not only for control. In the beginning, a lot of force can be applied to move the load, and this force is always transmitted through the handle.
The height of the handle also plays a role. If it is too short or too high, it can be difficult to apply leverage. Experts recommend a handlebar height close to the elbow. Telescopic handles are common, but they usually just open or close.
Wheels and tires are sometimes overlooked, but their design can have a big impact on agility and suitability for various surfaces. In general, the combination of wheel and tire allows the rubber tire to take most of the impact.
The wheels of the cheapest carts are usually just all-plastic. They can be good on a smooth surface, but they can be crunchy. Pneumatic tires are generally the best option, able to carry extreme weights and absorb heavy impacts.
If the cart is intended to be used on a quality floor, it is also worth checking that there are no marks on the tires. Some carts leave black streaks.
The nose board, also called the toe board, is a platform at the bottom of an “L” shape that supports items being moved. Nasal plates can be large, but are not always required. For example, on models designed to lift equipment, the nose plate can be very narrow because it only needs to support one edge of the refrigerator.
The size and shape of the nose plate can vary widely. On an inexpensive cart, this might be a regular plastic pallet. On quality folding models, the hinges are usually made of aluminum or steel. For some heavier models, the nose plate can be fitted with an extension to accommodate bulky items.
The following choices are practical examples that illustrate the functionality discussed in the previous section. Each trolley has certain advantages and is recommended by us as one of the best trolleys in its category.
Combining user-friendly features, high performance and versatility, the Cosco Shifter has a broad appeal. It is very popular and for the most part it is the right cart for most people.
The Cosco Shifter can be used in an upright position or as a four wheel drive. The original central lever mechanism provides switching between them with one hand. It’s easy to use, but the instructions could be better and you need to be careful not to pinch your fingers.
Although the mechanism is plastic, it proved to be durable. The rest of the chassis is steel and has a load capacity of 300 pounds. That’s impressive for a cart that only weighs 15 pounds.
The Cosco Shifter is fully foldable for easy storage and fits easily in the trunk of most vehicles. The handle has a plastic overlay for greater comfort. The only thing that bothers us is the small rear wheel, which feels a bit flimsy. However, we found no reports of breakage and they are easy to replace.
Weighing only 4 pounds, the Tomser cart is so light it can be easily handled by just about anyone. It folds for easy storage or transport. It also comes with comfortable elastic cords to help keep the load in place. The nose plate is made of plastic and the base is a steel tube for a competitive 155 lb. load capacity.
While the Tomser cart is the best value for money among our best folding carts, it does have its limitations. It’s a bit narrow and tends to roll over on uneven ground or when cornering with heavy loads. The rear wheels are small and the nose plate bends them a little, so it’s not the best cart for stairs. Although the front panel has auxiliary wheels at the front, these auxiliary wheels are only used to support the stationary cart.
Those who regularly haul heavy loads will benefit from purchasing a more durable dolly.
It’s not the same Milwaukee company that makes high quality power tools, but it does have a good reputation for durable and reliable products. The Milwaukee Folding Cart is the entry level model. It is an all-metal construction, yet relatively light.
It’s only 3″ wide when folded, and the 15.25″ x 11″ front provides a good loading area and more stability than many competitors. Quick release handle extends 39 inches. Wheels with a diameter of 5 inches are suitable for steps and stairs. They have non-marking synthetic rubber tires.
Despite a modest 150-pound weight limit, the Milwaukee Foldable Cart offers great convenience at a very competitive price. The only caveat is that the wheels don’t lock up, so care must be taken to make sure they fold properly before rolling.
This Milwaukee 4-in-1 cart is a real heavy duty unit with four possible configurations for more flexibility: upright, upright, with toe extensions for larger items, using cart wheels at 45 degrees for extra support, or as a four-wheel cart.
Rigid steel and aluminum frames have a load capacity of 500 to 1000 pounds, depending on location. The 800-pound load capacity in the standard upright position is the highest we’ve seen in a cart of this type, making it arguably our pick for the best electric cart. Despite its heavy duty capabilities, it only weighs 42 pounds. The 10-inch wheels have thick, puncture-resistant tires for good traction and agility. However, the cart wheels are best described as adequate.
Milwaukee 4-in-1 carts offer impressive features at a competitive price. Some users have noticed that the plastic handles that cover the handles tend to crack easily. It’s frustrating, but it shouldn’t affect performance much.
The biggest problem that many people have with a cart is getting up and down curbs, steps, and stairs. Stair climbing carts make this easier, but many are fixed steel frame models. They are great for delivery drivers and other business users, but are not the best carts for home or office stairs.
The Fullwatt Stair Lift is an affordable alternative. The aluminum construction provides good rigidity and a 155 lb. load capacity while weighing only 10 lb. It is only 6″ wide and 27″ high when folded, so it is easy to store or carry from one place to another. The telescoping handle can be used at 33.5″ for normal use or extended to 42″ for heavy use.
Six stair-climbing wheels have non-marking rubber tires for reliable traction on most surfaces. The nose plate also has four roller wheels, although they only touch the ground when the cart is upright, so they don’t make much sense.
The Magliner Gemini is another heavy-duty trolley with excellent payload capacity and a quick and easy shift mechanism. As a standard trolley it can carry up to 500 lbs, and as a platform trolley it can hold up to 1000 lbs.
The main wheels are 10″ in diameter and 3.5″ wide with pneumatic tires for excellent traction. The smaller bogie wheels are still relatively large, 5 inches in diameter, and have roller bearings to help with movement. This is the best combination we have found for lateral use.
Modular design means no breakable welds but requires some assembly upon arrival. While only basic tools are required for assembly, they are not included. Considering the price, this is a little disappointing. The good news is that all parts are interchangeable.
The Olympia Tools Heavy Duty Platform Truck is not your typical dolly, but it deserves to be included in this article as it is a convenient and very affordable solution for a variety of users. It is typically used for loading and unloading vehicles, but is equally useful for moving items around warehouses, factories, or office buildings, and can also be used as a cleaning or maintenance vehicle.
It is a simple steel structure with a foldable handle and a flat loading platform covered in textured vinyl to keep the load from slipping. It is surrounded by rubber bumpers to reduce potential impact damage. At the bottom, four powerful wheels rotate 360 ​​degrees, allowing the trolley to quickly change direction. However, vertical handles are not suitable for pushing or pulling, so if the cart is loaded up to 600 pounds, it can be difficult for one person to move.
The Cosco Shifter Cart is versatile, durable, easy to use and easy to store. These features put this cart at the top of the list. The only thing is not cheap. The Tomser cart is built to a different standard, but is a more affordable and comfortable tool for occasional use and moderate workloads.
Many of us have used a cart before, for example when moving to a new home, helping a friend move, or transporting work supplies. However, while personal experiences are certainly valuable, they rarely provide a complete picture of what is available on the market. Bob Veal’s team researched the leading manufacturers and their products, studying materials technology and taking into account feedback from numerous customers.
In order to make our best options useful to as many people as possible, we determined which categories are the most popular, and then conducted a group search for the best solutions. This includes consideration of load capacity, ease of use, durability and value for money. These are not necessarily direct comparisons. Folding carts cannot be expected to have the same load capacity as heavy carts. However, each of them must have the desired power, suitable for a particular use. The results represent some of the best carts for the widest range of needs.
The information above gives a detailed overview of the different types of trolleys and suggests specific models to suit different needs. While this information will answer many questions that arise, we have answered some common questions below.
The function of a cart is to allow a person to easily move items that would normally be impossible (or difficult to carry) when attempting to move manually.
Classic carts have a sturdy metal frame with a pair of handles at the top, a loading area at the bottom, and usually a pair of rubber wheels. However, modern designs range widely from compact folding models to models that convert into flat bed carts.
There are many things you can consider when choosing a cart. The “Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Cart” section above explains the benefits of each type; this will help you narrow down your choices until you find the best cart for the load you need to move.
The cost of a trolley depends on many of the factors discussed above. Some can cost as little as $40, while more complex or heavy models can cost hundreds of dollars.
The easiest way to go down stairs on a trolley is to use a stair climber such as the Fullwatt stair climber mentioned above. If you are using a standard cart, tilt it back with your hands down and load as close to level as possible. (Bending your knees will help.) This keeps your center of gravity low, so each step has less impact on your descent and less chance of tipping over.