Choosing the right wheels for your sack truck makes the job easier and more efficient. Hauling items up a flight of stairs is another ball game altogether, and a set of standard wheels wouldn’t ideally cut it. When you are looking for a reliable sack truck for stairs, the go-to wheels are usually the climbing wheels.
Climbing wheels consist of a set of three rotating wheels mounted triangularly. This design is intended to offer greater manoeuvrability while minimising the effort required to navigate stairs with a standard set of wheels. More often, the wheels are made of solid rubber, but some are made of plastic which is not as durable and strong as the former.
To help make your purchasing decision much easier, here is a closer look at the best sack trucks for stairs and what makes them stand out from the other models available in the market.
- Heaviest Load Capacity - GOTOTOP Foldable Stair Trolley
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Right Sack Truck for Stairs
The right type of sack truck can be used to safely move loads up and down stairs. Here are some of the factors to be considered.
| Options | How Each Option Works | Suitability for Stairs |
|---|---|---|
| Metal frame – Aluminum vs. Steel (Carbon, Tubular etc.) | Steel frames are sturdier and can bear more load. Aluminium frames are significantly lighter and more manoeuvrable. | Unless you choose a sack truck with light load capacity, steel or carbon fibre strength is preferred. |
| Tyre Type – Solid vs. Pneumatic | Solid rubber tyres are good for even terrain and stairs. Pneumatic tyres are pumped up with air and create a smoother ride on uneven ground. | You may prefer pneumatic wheels, but many users prefer solid rubber tyres for use on stairs since they cannot get punctured. |
| Wheel Assembly | There are two types – basic wheels and “stair-climber wheels”, which are a set of three wheels (arranged in a triangle) that make it easier for stairs. | The stair-climber wheels are a must, the three wheelsets ensure that wheels are in touch with the surface at all times. |
| Type (Platform vs. Upright) | Platform sack trucks can carry a greater volume of load across relatively even terrain. Upright trucks are more manoeuvrable for smaller size loads. | You will typically want/need an upright truck if you are using stairs. Even if using a convertible sack truck, the upright position works on stairs. |
| Trolley or Toe Type (Fixed vs. Folding) | You would typically prefer a folding toe on your hand truck if using it on stairs, though this could vary based on the load-bearing capacity. | You would typically prefer a folding toe on your sack truck if using it on stairs. |
| Handle Type (P-, Standard and Dual Handle) | Standard handles can prove most manoeuvrable, whereas P-handles are helpful to draw loads in one hand while opening doors. The dual handle trucks offer extra grips. | This may be a matter of style, but P-handles may not be suitable for stairs – you are more likely to use two hands than one |
| Load Capacity (Light, Heavy) | Some upright carts are limited to light loads (80 kgs. or below) while others could carry loads up to 350 kgs. Platform carts could carry much bigger loads. | Simply check the weight of the items you require the sack truck for - don’t forget you might want to stack more than one item. |
5 of the Best Stair-Climber Sack Trucks Available in the UK Market
DURHAND Steel Climbing Stairs Trolley Hand Trucks
Overview
A 150 kg capacity sack truck designed for stairs.
Features
Weight Capacity – 150kg
Construction Material – Steel frame with two extended backplates and a textured skid chassis.
Trolley (Toe) Type – Regular
Handle Type – Easy-grip handles
Tyre Type – 13.97cm diameter solid rubber tyres
Wheel Assembly – Two pairs of 3-wheel assemblies
Storage – Folds down for easy storage and transportation
Our take
Besides the strong steel frame and the three-wheel assembly which makes the DURHAND hand truck suitable for stairs, the unit is designed to be extra tall, with extended backplates and a skid chassis that makes it easier to move loads up the stairs. This unit is great for use in homes for light to medium weight loads.
The only drawbacks we find are as follows:
- Not suitable for moving loads above 150 kgs.
- The small frame and tray size make large loads unwieldy, especially moving down the stairs.
TiRiSMART Aluminium Alloy Portable Stair Climbing Cart
Overview
A lighter capacity cart that is designed for easy home use.
Features
Weight Capacity – 80 kgs. as a hand cart, 50 kgs. as a sack truck
Construction Material – Aluminium alloy bracket, triangle bracket and bottom plate, with a steel pipe interior to increase strength and durability
Trolley (Toe) Type – Heavy bottom plate
Handle Type –Three adjustable heights for easy, ergonomic use
Tyre Type – Solid rubber tyres
Wheel Assembly – Tri-wheel design (2 sets) with 16 bearings for easy movement on stairs, plus 4 universal wheels under the bottom plate.
Storage – Folds for easy storage and transportation.
Our take
This ultra-light, easy storage cart is extremely versatile for urban use. The three-layer design and the wheel design gives it a tremendous amount of stability along with a strong frame.
This cart can be utilized for anything from groceries to much heavier loads, topping out at 50 kgs. if being used on staircases. No installation is necessary, making the unit ready for use.
The only drawbacks we find are as follows:
- Unsuitable for heavy loads. Hauling loads above 50 kgs. up staircases can cause damage.
- There are concerns about sturdiness even for loads approaching 50 kgs. – the aluminium frame and screws are potential points of breakage with heavy loads.
Vevor Stair Climbing Cart
Overview
A 150 kg capacity sack truck with a 6-wheel portable folding trolley.
Features
Weight Capacity – 150 kg
Construction Material – Carbon Steel (Q235 steel frame)
Trolley (Toe) Type – Heavy bottom plate
Handle Type – Adjustable (73-114cm) for comfort and manoeuvrability
Tyre Type – 12.7cm diameter tyres made of rubber + PU
Wheel Assembly – 2 sets of three stair-climbing wheels
Storage – The unit folds down for easy storage
Accessories – Two wrenches, two protective mats and a binding rope
Our take
This cart lives up to its advertisement of “walking over stairs”. The strong frame, wheel assembly, portable folding trolley and adjustable handles make this a great sack truck for moving loads at home.
The only drawbacks we find are as follows:
- The light capacity (up to 150 kgs. load) makes it unsuitable for heavy industrial use.
- Assembly is required and instructions may be hard to follow for some users.
Deuba Stair Sack Truck Trolley
Overview
A 200 kg. capacity, foldable, sack truck good for domestic use.
Features
Weight Capacity – 200 kg
Construction Material – sturdy steel
Trolley (Toe) Type – Folding nose plate
Handle Type – Rubber with safety loop
Tyre Type – Large rubber wheels
Wheel Assembly – 2 sets of three stair-climbing wheels
Storage – Trolley folds up for easy, upright storage
Our take
This one is an absolute beast of a sack truck! It will manage heavy awkward loads perfect for moving house if you have to deal with stairs. In our testing, it even managed to get a washing machine down some really tricky stairs. At only 13kgs, it folds down to easy storage size making this one a great choice.
The drawback we find is as follows:
- Not durable enough for commercial use
GOTOTOP Foldable Stair Trolley
Overview
Able to carry loads up to 200 kg on rough terrain, and up stairs and cranks.
Features
Weight Capacity – 200 kg
Construction Material – Carbon steel
Trolley (Toe) Type – Combines a foldable toe with an off-road platform
Handle Type –Adjustable for easy height selection
Tyre Type – Rubber
Wheel Assembly – Two tri-wheel sets of wheels
Storage – Folds quickly for easy storage and transportation
Our take
This unit is one of the sturdiest and highest load-bearing capacity sack trucks on our list, capable of moving up and down stairs easily due to its stable design, strong carbon steel frame and tri-wheel assembly. Ideal for home use but can also be used for light industrial purposes. The product comes assembled and ready to use.
The only drawback we find is as follows:
- Some of the surfaces have plastic, which can occasionally produce an unpleasant smell if left in confined spaces.
Final Thoughts
Why are solid rubbers preferred to pneumatic tyres?
Solid rubber wheels last longer, cost less, and require minimal maintenance.
What are the dangers of loading the sack truck beyond the load capacity?
You risk damaging the axle or collapsing the entire truck altogether. Always carry lesser than the recommended load capacity to avoid accidents.
Do I choose plastic or rubber handles grips?
Rubber grips are ideal as they are more comfortable, and unlike plastic handles, they don’t crackle under extreme temperatures.
How do I correctly assemble my stair climbing sack truck?
Most manufacturers provide instructions manuals for easy assembly. Accurately follow the laid steps, and in case of difficulties, you can contact the customer support team or ask for expert help.
Final Thoughts
Stair climbing sack trucks are a special breed among the different types of hand trucks available on the market. As our selection above shows, you should identify common elements that ensure that they operate smoothly on the stairs without endangering your load or your health.
