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Top 5 Best Stair Climbing Trucks & Load Comparisons

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Transporting a load up the stairs with a regular sack truck can be backbreaking work and potentially unsafe, especially if the load is sizeable. A stair climbing sack truck is required to prevent this unnecessary strain because they are designed to handle such work. Stair climbing sack trucks have a triangular wheel system that permits them to cover more surface area for easier and smoother manoeuvrability. 

If you are looking to replace your regular sack truck with the best stair climbing sack truck, then we have done the research for you. We have spent countless hours doing research, and I narrowed the best models to just five of the most reliable stair climbing sack trucks. Below is a detailed review to assist you in zeroing in on the specific model you need while the buying guide tells you what to look for. 

Before starting the review, take a peek at the top-performing models like the Navaris Folding Hand Trolley, our best pick. This lightweight model can transport loads with a maximum weight of 70kgs secured with a bungee cord, and it has a foldable design for easy portability. An excellent example of models that can support more weight but still feature a foldable design is the MAXCRAFT Stair Climbing Sack Truck, the runner-up model.

This is only the tip of the iceberg; read further to find more information on the stair climbing sack trucks below.

Best Pick

Navaris Folding Hand Trolley
The Navaris Folding Hand Trolley is a popular model, evidently from the positive reviews awarded by customers worldwide and we have to agree too. The aluminium model can only support a small amount of weight, making it suitable for light tasks which makes it great for personal use or just lighter courier delivered. Its foldable design and ergonomic handles make it easy to handle for people working in various fields, from construction to warehouses. The fairly compact 100cm tall model has durable rubber wheels and a robust frame, therefore, guaranteeing long-life use; the longer you use this affordable model, the more value for money you get. Overall we think it's probably the best choice for most people who don't need a more heavy-duty model for heavy loads.

Runner-Up

Maxcraft Stair Climbing Sack Truck
Taking second place is the Maxcraft Stair Climbing Sack Truck, suitable for heavy-duty work that our best pick would simply not be able to handle. This 200kg-capacity model is comfortable to work with thanks to its 115cm height. It comes with all the essential features like ergonomic handles, eyelets to secure the load, and a foldable design for easy storage. While it might not be a lightweight model, it is undoubtedly helpful for moving much heavier loads up and down stairs.

Stair Climbing Sack Truck Reviews

1. Navaris Folding Hand Trolley

Best Pick

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Navaris Folding Hand Trolley - Lightweight Aluminium Collapsible Dolly Truck with Wheels - Stair Climbing Cart Carrier for Goods with Bungee Cord

The Navaris Folding Hand Trolley is a great portable example of a stair climbing truck you can carry a maximum weight of 35kgs up several flights of stairs but it does have a heavier weight load limit of 70kgs on flat surfaces.

The aluminium bodied hand trolley is durable and rust-resistant and should provide many years of service even if used by professionals using daily with lighter loads. It offers ergonomic handles for easy manoeuvrability, and these handles are foldable for easy storage and transportation.

This model is light, weighing only 3.6kgs, and supported by rubber wheels to help steer it on different surfaces with ease. Furthermore, it comes with a bungee cord to secure the load from falling.

This stair climbing truck has a height of about 100cm which is pretty standard for these types of trucks but more importantly, it also means it is comfortable for people of different heights to use. Price-wise I think it’s very affordable, making it budget-friendly for light jobs for those who don’t need to lift really heavy loads.

Pros

  • Made from lightweight but durable aluminium weighing only 3.4kg.
  • Can support a maximum weight of 35kgs on stairs or 70kgs on flat surfaces.
  • Features foldable handles to save on storage space.
  • Equipped with durable rubber wheels for easy manoeuvrability.
  • Comes with a bungee cord for load securing.
  • Sold at an affordable price.

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavy jobs.
  • Wheels could be larger.

Our recommendation

The Navaris Folding Hand Trolley is lightweight; hence it is appropriate for light jobs but I think it’s the best choice for most people assuming you don’t plan on using it on heavier loads.

I like that for its size; it can support a sizeable load without too many steering issues. The features presented by the Navaris Folding Hand Trolley are well worth the price considering that it is only suitable for small-scale jobs. If you’re looking for a stair climbing trolley for personal use or lighter loads, such as if your a delivery courier working for Amazon Flex, for example, this is a great choice as it’s compact and lightweight.

Read next: Best sack trucks for even and uneven surfaces and heavy loads


2. Maxcraft Stair Climbing Sack Truck 

Runner-up

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MAXCRAFT Sack Truck Heavy Duty up to 150 kg Hand Truck Stair climber Trolley foldable Barrow & Cart

Next is the Maxcraft Stair Climbing Sack Truck that supports a maximum weight of 200kgs up a flight of stairs, now that’s impressive. Understandably, this model is heavier than the best pick, weighing in at 13.5kgs, that’s around 10kg more and with a total height of 115cm is also slightly larger.

This stair climbing truck is robust, featuring a strong metal painted steel frame to prevent rusting and solid rubber wheels for easy manoeuvrability which work well on smooth surfaces.

This model does not have a non-slip loading surface, but it has eyelets for threading the Bungy cord to secure the load during transport. It also possesses firm grip plastic handles to prevent the truck from slipping, particularly when moving a load down a slope. When you are done using the sack truck, it is possible to collapse the handles and fold the loading plate to create a compact size for storage/transportation which we like.

Pros

  • A heavy-duty model that can support large loads of up to 200kgs.
  • Offers ergonomic plastic handles with a firm grip.
  • Foldable handles and loading plate for easier storage and transportation.
  • Made from robust metal with a protective coating.
  • Provides a comfortable height to work with.
  • Gives good value for money.
  • It has eyelets for a bungee cord.

Cons

  • A bit heavy but expected with a loading capacity of 200kg.
  • Maybe could do with larger wheels for more balance.

Our recommendation

If you are looking to move medium-sized and heavy loads, the Maxcraft Stair Climbing Sack Truck is the model for you. This small but robust sack truck can support an impressive maximum load of 200kgs, and it has eyelets for the bungee cord to secure the load. Albeit, it might benefit from larger wheels to balance the load downhill more comfortably, but the wheels fitted are more than adequat. The model has a comfortable working height, and it can be folded for storage, making this user-friendly.

Considered a flatbed truck? not much use for on stairs but perfect for large loads on level ground. Check our recommended models in this guide


3. Yaheetech Handy 200kg Heavy-Duty Stair Climbing Truck

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Yaheetech Handy 200kg Heavy Duty Stair Climbing Truck Sack Truck Trolley Transport Climbing Stair Climber Cart

Another model intended for heavy loads is the Yaheetech Handy Stair Climbing Truck that offers a maximum load capacity of 200kgs so is a good alternative to our previous pick. The sack truck boasts a robust build weighing an estimated 15kgs so it is a little heavier, and it features solid rubber tyres for traversing different terrains. 

This easy to assemble model is ideal for most situations from warehouses work, to farms, or general office and delivery use. It has a foldable design that allows the sack truck to consume less space in storage which again helps with courier drivers who need a compact but heavy duty model.

The sack truck also has ergonomic handles and a working height of 116cm for user comfort. Additionally, the sack truck has eyelets to rope through a cord to secure the load, therefore, lessening strain when moving heavy loads.

Pros

  • Ideal for moving heavy loads up and down stairs and flat services.
  • Made from rust-ristant steel to extend the life spam.
  • Supports a impressive maximum load of 200kgs.
  • Offers ergonomic foldable handles for easy storage and transportation.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Fitted with rubber wheels for easy manoeuvrability.

Our recommendations

The Yaheetech Handy Stair Climbing Truck is designed to handle heavy loads, and it does a decent job. This model is relatively stable to support loads as heavy as 200kg making it a good alturnative from our Runner-up by Maxcraft.

Overall, most people will find the height of this model comfortable to work with because it is not too long to cause excessive muscle strain moving up the stairs. This stair climbing sack truck is a bit heavy as expected, lifting heavy loads takes a heavy duty truck. As always, a foldable design is appreciated because storage space is sometimes limited.


4. Stanley FT521 Steel Folding Hand Truck

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Stanley SXWTD-FT521 120 kg Steel Folding Hand Truck - Yellow

This is a good quality truck from Stanley, the FT521 Steel Folding Hand Truck is reliable as Stanley is a reputable brand. This specific model is made from steel with a protective coating to avoid rust and corrosion. The 10kg model is suitable for transporting loads with a maximum weight of 120kgs up several flights of stairs.

This model sits right between our Best Pick and our Runner-up in regards to its maximum capacity, not quite as compact as our best pick but not as heavy-duty as our Runner-up, somewhere in between.

What I do like is that this hand truck is equipped with foldable soft-grip handles with knuckle protection to provide adequate grip.

Apart from the foldable handles, the 113cm tall climbing truck’s loading plate can be folded to reduce the sack truck’s footprint for storage. The sack truck comes partially assembled; the only thing left is to fit the wheels, which should take a short time.

Pros

  • Ideal for moving medium-sized loads up and down stairs and across level surfaces.
  • Supports loads of up to 120kgs.
  • Fashioned from durable steel.
  • Offers a space-saving foldable design.
  • Provide soft-grip handles with knuckle protection.
  • Gives good value for money.

Cons

  • Lacks load securing eyelets.

Our recommendation

If you are looking for a medium-sized climbing truck to support loads smaller than 120kgs but more than the 7kg our Best Pick can handle, then the Stanley FT521 Steel Folding Hand Truck is a viable option and well worth considering. The climbing sack truck is suitable for transporting loads up a short flight of stairs but it lacks eyelets to secure the load which is a little disappointing as they can make securing loads easier giving you more options to achar to.

It also offers a foldable design for easy storage and soft-grip handles that provide a firm grip to protect your hands from slipping. I would recommend this model to those who need a portable model that can handle heavier loads than our best pick.


5. Silverline 736265 Stair Climbing Truck

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Silverline 736265 Stair Climbing Truck 120 kg

The Silverline 736265 Stair Climbing Truck has a simple design, and it can carry loads of up to 120kgs on flat surfaces and 50kgs up the stairs comfortably and is a good alternative to the Stanley model.

It features a durable steel frame with powder coating to protect the stair climbing truck from the elements. This model, like the rest, has a foldable design that permits easy storage. 

You can collapse the telescopic handle and loading plate to form a compact structure in a matter of seconds. The 107cm tall model features a textured loading plate rather than eyelets to prevent the load from tipping over. It possesses ergonomic handles with knuckle protection to avoid grazed skin while working tight corners. Its solid rubber wheels offer easy manoeuvrability up flights of stairs and flat ground, making it an easy to steer model.

Pros

  • Made from robust powder-coated steel.
  • Offers collapsible handles and loading plate to save on space.
  • Features ergonomic handles with knuckle protection.
  • Fitted with durable solid rubber wheels.
  • Offers good value for money.

Cons

  • Does not have eyelets to secure the load.
  • Wheels could be bigger to facilitate easy movements down the stairs.

Our recommendation

The Silverline 736265 Stair Climbing Truck is a reliable model for light jobs and is what I would recommend considering if the Standley model is out of stock. With its small loading plate and lack of eyelets, you can only move light loads up the stairs comfortably.

However, it supports more weight on flat ground, and the steering is not so bad because the wheels are of solid rubber. This climbing sack truck is easy to store, and its price is attainable; therefore, why not purchase it for small tasks?


Buyer’s Guide

Stair climbing sack trucks are simply regular sack trucks fitted with wheels arranged in a triangular manner. There isn’t much difference in features; thus, choosing one should be a straightforward process, it all really comes down to the maximum load capacity. To select the best stair climbing cart, consider the following points:

Construction materials

The best stair climbing sack truck is durable and stable even when carrying heavy loads. For the climbing sack truck to be durable, the materials used have to be strong. Many of the models in the market either feature an aluminium or steel frame, depending on the brand, aluminium is light but steel is usually heavier duty.

Stair climbing sack trucks made from aluminium are lighter, and they are typically used for light work. However, heavy-duty aluminium models exist that support the substantial weight without being weighed down by a heavy frame that might hinder manoeuvrability. Furthermore, aluminium does not rust which is a big plus for couriers working in all weathers, so it is easily maintainable and suitable for outdoor use.

Stair climbing trolley design and carry weight limit test

Steel stair climbing trucks are durable and a little heavier, but they are more capable of moving heavy-weight items. These durable models are normally powder-coated or painted to prevent them from rusting or corroding. In summary, consider your budget and the load you want to transport, then select a suitable model.

Loading capacity

Every sack truck has a maximum loading capacity specified by the manufacturer for safety reasons. The loading capacity varies depending on the size of the sack truck and its construction materials. Lightweight sack trucks can move loads less than 100kgs comfortably. In comparison, larger models can handle up to 300kgs. It is crucial for sack trucks moving loads of above 200kgs to have a fixed ledge for stability.

Type of tyres

Stair climbing sack trucks either possess solid or pneumatic rubber/plastic tyres. Each of these tyres offers a specific advantage depending on the terrain. Models with pneumatic tyres can manoeuvre in rough terrain easily because the flexible material absorbs shock quite well but there are not many models with these types of tires as they generally don’t make good stair climbing trucks.

Solid tyres are great because they cannot get punctured and hence require little maintenance. However, they make it hard to steer the sack trucks in areas with rough or uneven surfaces. Climbing sack trucks with solid tyres are more suitable for flat smooth surfaces because the steering is less demanding.

Ergonomic handles

For stair climbing sack trucks, the most common handle type is the dual handle that features two separate handles connected to the frame with a loop in the middle. These types of handles usually offer knuckle protection to prevent wounding the user while lifting the sack truck up the stairs. The loop in the middle is helpful as it gives the user an option to lift light loads using one hand.

Stair climbing trolley comparison

You will also find models with p-handles or the standard handles if that is what you prefer. Do not limit yourself, considering that it is your comfortability at stake.

Securing the load

Moving an unstable load can be dangerous as you risk dropping the load and causing damage. That is why the best stair climbing cart will possess eyelets accompanied by a quality bungee cord to secure the load. Alternatively, models without eyelets will have a textured or anti-slip loading plate to prevent the load from moving unnecessarily.

Portability and storage

It is convenient to have a climbing sack truck that folds for storage because it takes up less space. Models with a foldable design can be transported anywhere, making them perfect for remote work. You will find many climbing sack trucks with a collapsible loading plate and folding handles in the market; all you have to do is choose one.


Our Final Conclusion

Moving loads up and down the staircase will never be the same once you have products like our Best Pick, the Navaris Folding Hand Trolley, which is robust, lightweight, and affordable for those who want to move small light weight loads.

The Maxcraft Stair Climbing Sack Truck, the Runner-up, is apt for moving larger loads due to its maximum load capacity of 200kgs. Both these models have foldable designs so that you can transport or store them easily. 

There are hundreds of stair climbing sack trucks in the market, but only a few can take the title of the best stair climbing sack truck, and after providing you with the information you need, the choice is up to you.


Sources:

equip4work.co.uk

advice.manomano.co.uk

douglasequipment.com


Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Welcome to my site, my name is John and I have been lucky enough to work in horticultural nurseries for over 15 years in the UK. As the founder and editor as well as researcher, I have a City & Guilds Horticultural Qualifications which I proudly display on our About us page. I now work full time on this website where I review the very best gardening products and tools and write reliable gardening guides. Behind this site is an actual real person who has worked and has experience with the types of products we review as well as years of knowledge on the topics we cover from actual experience. You can reach out to me at john@pyracantha.co.uk

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