16 Sep 2025
SACK TRUCKS GUIDE: WHAT THEY ARE & HOW TO USE THEM
If you’re wondering, ‘what is a sack truck?’, it is a simple yet highly effective manual handling tool designed to make moving any heavy or other awkward loads safer and easier. Typically built with a strong frame, two wheels and a platform (or toe plate) at the base, a sack truck allows items to be tilted back and wheeled from one location to another with minimal physical effort.
Sack trucks are also known by alternative names such as sack trolleys, sack barrows, dollies or hand trucks, and they come in different designs to suit various tasks. One of the benefits of sack trucks is that, whether they are used for transporting boxes, appliances, kegs or gas cylinders, their purpose remains consistent: to improve efficiency and safety during manual handling.
WHAT IS A SACK TRUCK?
In practical terms, what are sack trucks used for? They make the process of moving awkward items much easier by supporting the shape, size and weight of the load, reducing strain on the person operating the truck.
The benefits of sack trucks are even more positive when you learn just how simple they are to use. They can be used in a variety of locations, for multiple types of material loads and with little training.
WHAT ARE SACK TRUCKS USED FOR?
Sack trucks are used for a wide range of material-handling tasks where items need to be moved quickly, safely and with a reduction in physical effort. They are commonly used for the delivery of boxes, parcels and large appliances, making them essential tools for couriers and logistics teams.
In warehouse situations, sack trucks help with moving goods efficiently between storage areas, reducing manual handling. They are also ideal for transporting heavy items safely around a work site, particularly loads that are bulky or awkward to handle. In home or DIY environments, sack trucks assist with moving washing machines, fridges and furniture.
Here at the Lifting Equipment Store®️, we have a range of sack trucks and other, lifting equipment and material handling equipment to support various tasks across multiple industries.
HOW TO USE A SACK TRUCK SAFELY
One of the first things you’ll learn when asking, ‘What is a sack truck?’, is that they are fairly simple pieces of equipment, but you should still receive brief training in how to use a sack truck safely. As you should do with any piece of equipment, machinery or tool, it is essential to complete a quick safety inspection of your sack truck prior to use, to ensure the equipment is in good working condition. If the model you’re using is fitted with brakes, check that they function correctly and make sure the wheels move freely without obstruction. Inspect the frame, handles and toe plate for signs of damage or excessive wear.
Always verify the weight capacity of the specific truck before loading and consider whether additional securing methods are required. Strapping or fastening the load is also a very useful way of preventing items from shifting or falling during transit. This is even more important when handling tall or uneven objects/loads.
It is also advisable to assess the area you’ll be moving across before starting. Identify any obstacles, slopes or uneven ground, and understand how your sack truck’s wheels will perform on different surfaces. Taking a moment to evaluate the route in advance can significantly improve safety and efficiency when transporting goods.
BENEFITS OF USING SACK TRUCKS
There are several benefits of sack trucks, which is why they have remained a popular and cost-effective piece of manual handling equipment. Most models are robust and built to last, allowing you to move heavy loads with confidence, and many designs are also foldable for easy storage. This makes them smart choices for vans, workshops or small spaces. For environments over multiple levels, there are even stair-climbing sack trucks that provide the same solution up and down stairs.
Sack trucks tend to be made from aluminium or steel, with each material offering its own advantages. Aluminium models are generally lighter and easier to manoeuvre, while steel options can offer higher durability to impacts and a higher load-bearing strength. Regardless of the version you choose, sack trucks have earned their reputation as solid pieces of lifting equipment.
Using a sack truck can significantly improve productivity, as it speeds up the movement of goods and reduces the need for repeated individual lifting. Their simple, ergonomic ‘L-shaped’ design, which is so recognisable as what a sack truck is, also makes them instantly intuitive to operate, even for new users. To use one, position the load onto the base plate, secure it if needed with straps or bungee cords and tilt the truck back to around 45° so the load weight is balanced on the frame. You can then safely push or pull it to the desired location.
Overall, the benefits of sack trucks all make material handling safer, quicker and more efficient, regardless of industry or environment.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SACK TRUCK FOR YOUR NEEDS
After learning the answers to ‘What is a sack truck?’, it is now time to choose the best one for you. When choosing a sack truck, the most important consideration is weight capacity. Any model you select should be able to comfortably handle the maximum load you expect to move on a regular basis. Wheel type also plays a major role in selecting the right model, with solid or puncture-proof wheels working best on smooth, indoor surfaces and stair-climbing wheels performing better on uneven ground, across multiple levels or even on outdoor terrain. Then there are space issues where a foldable sack truck may be better for you.
If you are unsure which option is suitable, contact the team of experts here at the Lifting Equipment Store®️, where we can discuss your needs, explain the benefits of sack trucks and point you in the right direction for the perfect sack truck. Or, explore these links for our best-selling sack trucks, the 150 kg Sealey sack truck, the Apollo three-way sack truck and the large toe sack truck from Centaur.
FAQS
DO SACK TRUCKS WORK ON STAIRS?
It all depends on which sack truck you decide to purchase. The standard options are not rated to work on stairs, but there are specialised ‘stair-climber’ models with extra wheels and restraints that can expand the benefits of sack trucks to multiple levels on a site with ease.
WHAT WEIGHT CAN A SACK TRUCK HOLD?
The weight a sack truck can hold varies depending on its design, materials and overall intended use. Light-duty models, on average, may support around 80–120kg, while heavy-duty versions can handle 150kg or more. You should still make sure that whatever sack truck you purchase can handle more than the maximum weight you expect to experience.
CAN YOU USE A SACK TRUCK ON UNEVEN GROUND?
A sack truck can be used on uneven ground if it is designed with suitable wheels. Pneumatic, large or stair-climbing wheels provide better stability and shock absorption. This makes it easier and safer to move loads across outdoor surfaces or rough terrain.
IF YOU ARE USING A SACK TROLLEY TO MOVE A HEAVY LOAD, IS THIS MANUAL HANDLING?
Even after learning the uses and processes of what a sack truck is, you may be wondering if the easier process it provides still counts as manual handling. Yes, it is still classed as manual handling because the operator must push, pull and control the load. Although it reduces immediate lifting strain, awareness of weight limits still needs to be considered at all times.
