In short: for shopping, bags and light boxes an upright 60 kg aluminium trolley that folds in seconds is enough. For large boxes, crates of water, tools and house moves you need a platform rated 130 kg or more with 4 swivel wheels. If you want a single trolley for everything, choose a 2-in-1 that switches from upright to platform.
Upright hand truck or platform?
The upright trolley (hand truck) has two wheels and a toe plate: the load is stacked and moved by tilting the trolley; it is narrow and fits through anywhere. The platform trolley has four wheels and a low deck: the load sits on it and you push; it is more stable and carries more weight, but needs room to manoeuvre.
| Type | Typical loads | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upright | shopping, bags, 2 or 3 boxes | light, narrow, fits anywhere | stacked load to keep balanced |
| Platform | large boxes, crates, tools | stable, high load capacity, you push it | wider, needs room to turn |
| 2 in 1 | both | one trolley for everything | weighs a little more |
How much load capacity do you really need?
Weigh what you carry most often: six 1.5-litre bottles of water weigh 9 kg, a big shop 15–25 kg, a box of books 20–30 kg, a toolbox 30–40 kg. For home and office 60 kg is enough; for garages, shops and warehouses you need 130 kg or more. Load capacity applies on flat ground: on ramps and slopes the strength of the person pushing also counts.
HYTAMA models: FOLD SHOP 60 kg; FOLD MAX 70 kg upright and 137 kg as a platform; FOLD FLAT and FOLD PLATFORM 137 kg.
Wheels: how many and which
Two large wheels make an upright trolley: good on pavements and small steps, by tilting. Four 360° swivel wheels make a platform trolley that turns on the spot, perfect in corridors, lifts and between shelves. Brakes on at least two wheels are useful when loading on a slope or in the car boot. TPR rubber wheels are quiet and do not mark floors: FOLD PLATFORM has them in 7.7 cm diameter.
Folded size and weight
The advantage of a folding trolley is that it disappears when not needed. FOLD PLATFORM folded is 8.4 cm thick and weighs 6.5 kg: it fits in the boot, behind a door, under a counter. FOLD SHOP arrives 100% assembled. Also check the handle height: FOLD PLATFORM has a 92 cm telescopic handle, so you don't bend your back.
Materials: aluminium, steel, stainless steel
Aluminium: light and does not rust (FOLD SHOP). Steel: sturdier for the same price (FOLD MAX). Aluminium with stainless steel at the stress points: the best of both (FOLD FLAT, FOLD PLATFORM). In the joints that carry the load, reinforced nylon matters, not ordinary plastic.
Which FOLD trolley to choose
- FOLD SHOP: shopping, office, travel. Aluminium, 60 kg, pre-assembled, soft grip handle.
- FOLD MAX 2 in 1: one trolley for everything. 70 kg upright or 137 kg platform in seconds, steel structure.
- FOLD FLAT: patented platform with 4 swivel wheels with brakes, aluminium and stainless steel, 137 kg, slim profile.
- FOLD PLATFORM: the slimmest in the range, 8.4 cm folded, 6.5 kg, telescopic handle, side straps for the FOLD BOX basket.
The full range: HYTAMA folding trolleys.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the trolley on stairs?
Wheeled trolleys are for flat surfaces. Stairs call for stair-climbing models with star wheels; for two or three steps with an upright trolley it is better to unload or make two trips.
Does it need assembly?
FOLD SHOP arrives 100% assembled. FOLD MAX, FOLD FLAT and FOLD PLATFORM open and close in seconds, without tools.
Which trolley to keep in the car?
FOLD PLATFORM: 8.4 cm thick folded and 6.5 kg, it lies flat in the boot and carries 137 kg for big shops, crates of water and large boxes.
Can it be left outdoors?
Aluminium and stainless steel resist moisture, but wheels and joints last longer under cover. After use in the rain, dry it and fold it.
