Sack Trucks, Trolleys & Barrows

Sack trucks are essential tools for moving heavy, bulky items without straining your back. Designed with a sturdy frame, two wheels, and a handle, they work as first-class levers, tilting the load back and rolling it forward rather than lifting it entirely. That reduces the physical demands and injury risks of repetitive manual handling, making them invaluable for trade professionals and homeowners alike.

Common uses include transporting stacks of boxes and crates in warehousing and logistics, moving stock in retail and delivery environments, and shifting appliances, furniture, or garden supplies at home. Sack trucks, also known as hand trucks, are lightweight yet strong, and are widely adapted for different industries based on load type, capacity, and terrain.

The Workplace Depot stocks a range of sack trucks in steel and aluminium frames, fitted with puncture-proof or pneumatic wheels, with max capacities to suit light through to heavy-duty applications as part of our wider industrial supplies and warehouse equipment range.

How to Choose the Right Sack Truck

Heavy-Duty Capacity and Frame Materials

Sack trucks can handle weights ranging from 60 kg to over 150 kg, allowing one person to manage loads that would typically require multiple people, and can be complemented by other trucks and trolleys for different material handling tasks.

For heavy-duty industrial use, steel frames are the stronger choice, built to withstand extreme capacities and rigorous warehouse or logistics environments.

Aluminium models are lighter and easier to manoeuvre, making them better suited to regular, moderate-weight tasks where ease of handling matters.

Puncture-Proof Wheels and Pneumatic Tyres

The right wheel type depends on your working surface. Solid, puncture-proof wheels are suited to smooth indoor floors, offering durability and low maintenance across warehouse and retail environments.

Pneumatic tyres provide better stability and shock absorption on rough or uneven terrain, making them the better option for outdoor use or more demanding surfaces. Most models in our range are fitted with puncture-proof wheels for reliable, maintenance-free indoor operation.

Manual Handling Compliance and Reducing Injury Risk

Sack trucks reduce the risks associated with heavy lifting tasks and help businesses meet their obligations under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Sack trucks differ by frame material, capacity, and wheel type, so selecting a model suited to your loads and environment is key to protecting operators and ensuring compliance.

The Workplace Depot has been supplying handling equipment to UK businesses since 1991, with a strong focus on creating safer and more efficient workplaces. We're ISO 9001:2015 certified, with 20,000+ products from 120+ global manufacturers. All sack trucks include a one-year warranty and free next-day delivery to UK mainland. Order before 3pm for next-working-day delivery, or contact our customer support team if you need help choosing the right model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sack truck?

A sack truck is a manually operated handling device with a sturdy frame, two wheels, and a handle, designed to transport heavy or bulky items by tilting and rolling rather than lifting. They're used in warehouses, retail, and home environments for moving boxes, appliances, and other materials with ease and efficiency.

What is the difference between a sack truck and a platform truck?

A sack truck is designed for upright loads, with a toe plate that slides under the load for tilting and rolling. A platform truck has a flat horizontal deck for transporting larger, flat items or multiple boxes at once. Some convertible sack trucks can switch between both configurations.

Which wheels should I choose: puncture-proof or pneumatic?

Solid, puncture-proof wheels are the practical choice for smooth indoor surfaces and require minimal maintenance. Pneumatic tyres provide better shock absorption on rough or uneven terrain and suit outdoor or industrial use. For most warehouse and retail environments, puncture-proof wheels are the standard recommendation.

What UK regulations apply to sack trucks?

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) require employers to reduce manual handling risks where reasonably practicable — using a sack truck directly supports MHOR compliance by reducing the force required to move heavy loads.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) also applies, requiring that equipment is suitable for its intended use and properly maintained.