Dollies

Dollies are load platforms with wheels used to transport materials. They’re available in a variety of sizes and materials, which makes them ideal for transporting many different types of loads.

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Capacity

Performance

The maximum weight a dolly can support.

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Casters

Style

There are a variety of different casters available on the market. Learn more here.

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Connectable Ends

Performance

Enables dollies to connect together to form a larger platform.

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Deck Material

Performance

There are 5 materials most commonly used to construct dollies:

  • Aluminum – lighter and better corrosion-resistance than steel dollies.
  • Fiberwood – lighter than wood; quieter and less likely to damage or mark up a load than aluminum or steel.
  • Plastic – lighter, better dent-resistance, and easier to clean than aluminum, steel, or wood.
  • Steel – better crack- and scratch-resistance than aluminum, plastic, or wood.
  • Wood – quieter and less likely to damage or mark up a load than aluminum or steel.

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Deck Style

Style

There are three common deck styles:

  • Open – opening in the middle of a deck to prevent debris from collecting.
  • Perforated – small openings on a deck to prevent debris from collecting while also being able to support smaller or irregularly shaped items.
  • Solid – solid deck (no openings) to prevent items from falling through. Unlike open or perforated decks, debris can collect.

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Deck Surface

Style

There are four common deck surface styles:

  • Carpeted – provide scuff and scratch protection for walls and doorways. 
  • Rubber Padded – secure your load while providing extra protection.
  • Smooth – standard surface type. Worse protection and skid proofing in comparison to other surface types.
  • Textured – helps with skid proofing.

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End Style

Style

There are two common end styles:

  • Flush – flat ends without lip to prevent small items from falling off.
  • Raised – raised ends to secure items and keep small items from falling off.

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Frame Material

Performance

Aluminum, Plastic, Steel, Wood (see “Deck Material” for details on performance)

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Height

Dimension

There are two heights:

  • Overall Height - the overall height of a dolly from edge to edge.
  • Deck Height - the deck width of a dolly from edge to edge.

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Length

Dimension

There are three lengths:

  • Overall Length - the overall length of a dolly from edge to edge.
  • Deck Length (i.e., the frame on top of a dolly’s wheels) - the deck length of a dolly from edge to edge.
  • Center Opening Length (i.e., the large open space in the middle of a dolly’s deck) - the center opening length of a dolly from edge to edge.

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Lip Type

Style

There are two common lip types:

  • Flush - flat edges without lip to prevent small items from falling off.
  • Lipped - raised edges to secure items and keep small items from falling off.

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Reinforcing Cross Brace

Performance

An X-shaped deck used to secure drums to a dolly while letting liquids pass through the deck. Typically found on Drum Dollies.

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Securing Mechanism

Performance

An optional feature that can be added to a dolly to help secure a load. Typically straps.

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Tow Eye

Performance

An optional metal loop (i.e., “eye”) that can be added to a dolly for towing.

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Width

Dimension

There are three widths:

  • Overall Width - the overall width of a dolly from edge to edge.
  • Deck Width - the deck width of a dolly from edge to edge.
  • Center Opening Width - the center opening width of a dolly from edge to edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

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We’re always working to improve the quality of our knowledge base. If there’s anything you think we’re missing or needs changing on this page, let us know.

Why are dollies called dollies? 

Unfortunately, there isn’t one dominant theory as to why. Some say the word is derived from the word “trolley” while others think it comes from the word “doll” since handtrucks (a relative of the dolly) supposedly resemble dolls. 


What is the difference between a hand truck and a dolly?

Hand trucks slide under an item on the ground, while dollies can’t. Instead, items need to be lifted on top of the dolly before transporting them. Dollies also have four wheels for added balance and maneuverability compared to hand trucks.


How much can a dolly hold? 

The amount of weight a dolly can hold is dependent on its capacity (see above).


How much weight can a 4 wheel dolly hold? 

The amount of weight a dolly can hold is dependent on its capacity (see above).


Is a hand truck called a dolly?

Nope! They’re two different things, but are often confused with one another.


What are the different types of dollies?

Dollies come in tons of different varieties and shapes. Check out the specs above for a full exploration.


What size Dolly do I need? 

The answer depends on the dimensions and weight of your load, budget, floor type where you’ll be moving the dolly, and more. See specs above for a full exploration.


How much does a moving dolly cost?

With prices constantly changing and 100s of vendors out there, the easiest way to find out is with Response.

Compare prices on Response.

Response is the single store for your top vendors. Book a demo to see it in action and get early access to our beta.

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Questions? Talk to us.
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