Review of UST FCART300 Stack and Roll 300 Pound Capacity Folding Hand Cart

If it was a foot taller it would good.These Chinese made products are always designed for the avg. Chinese person's height.

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Review of WESCO LEXCO Folding Hand Trucks

Handles the strain of 100lbs. of photo gear in off-road conditions pretty well. No complaints about capacity and ease of collapse/deploy. It is really light and surprisingly compact. I would suggest buying extra bungee cords if you are hauling a lot since the included one can only wrap so much. Also, at maximum extension, the handle is still kind of short - I have to walk in small steps to keep it from nicking my heels (I am over 6' tall).

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Product Description:
Includes elasticized cord to secure loads. WESCO LEXCO Folding Hand Trucks store out-of-the-way until you need them again. Fold down quickly and easily. Choose either lightweight aluminum/poly models or durable all-steel construction.

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Review of Magna Cart Ideal Hand Truck

The Magna Cart "Ideal" is apparently the next step in the evolution of the original Magna Cart. It seems new as of March 2009. In the meantime, the manufacturer Welcom came out with the "Magna Cart Elite 2". All 3, as of this writing, are available on Amazon, but I expect the Ideal is the replacement of the original Magna Cart, which I expect to become extinct soon.

Bolstering that notion is the fact I saw some original Magna Carts in my local Big Lots store (same price as Amazon, but Amazon had free shipping). So, I've now been able to handle both.

What I can say is the differences between the original and Ideal are incremental, and not as big as I had thought. Basically, the Ideal is an "Elite 2" model, scaled down to the size of the original Magna Cart. What a great idea. In photos, the Ideal and Elite 2 look significantly more sturdy than the original MC, however being able to handle the original, I was still quite impressed. Actually, the weight of the original and Ideal are about the same. The folding mechanism and wheels also. The floor tray is similar (both metal). Extended height: same (I did mark the distance to my belly button for memory). I think folded height is same too. Width seemed to be the same, but not sure. The biggest differences I could see was the structural system forming the back and handle.

The original can extend and collapse with just one hand. The Ideal requires two hands, using the yellow button on the big gray crossbar as you can see in the pics. However, I believe the Ideal's system is sturdier (just not as convenient). I admit, the original's system is pretty slick. And actually, the original has 2 height settings. Albeit, they are close to each other, but it does give more flexibility. My Ideal only has one setting: maximum extension. All it would take is a small hole in either side of the tubular frame to get another notch in there; I'm surprised they didn't do that.

So, while just from looking and studying what I could online, the Ideal seemed a clear winner to me beforehand, but now they seem much closer, almost a wash. Just goes to show you how with all the information you can extract off the web, you still don't necessarily know before feeling and seeing something in person. The pathetically small amount of photos and useful information e-tailers provide, doesn't help that situation.

If the original is still available and you're deciding between that and the Ideal, I would actually call it a personal decision more than a matter of quality. For lightweight things like airport use, the one-handed operation of the original MC could be more useful. If you're planning on using it harder, or to carry more weight, or (like me) as a compromise between the strength (and weight and price) tradeoff of the Elite vs the original Magna Cart, I'd recommend the Ideal over the original.

If you're deciding between the Elite 2 and its little sibling the Ideal, the choice is easier as they are more differentiated. Despite being twice the price, the Elite 2 is simply an amazingly strong, innovative, small, and low-cost solution. It is up to some pretty serious heavy lifting, up to what most people would normally throw at a hand truck. It's not a professional mover's hand truck, and it's not designed to be. But considering its portability, it's amazing. The larger wheels of the Elite 2 make it easier to go up steps, but there's no 'stair climber' feature which heavy duty trucks often have, so keep that in mind. The Ideal's and original's wheels are actually not as small as you'd think--they're nothing like the extremely small wheels of my Pack'N'Roll, which is another product you should consider, depending on your needs. Pack'N'Roll is great for loose stuff like grocery bags, but basically useless for carrying boxes and large shrinkwrapped items, which is what my purposes were. Actually, the wider stance of the Elite 2 will make maneuvering inside your house slightly more difficult, but at the same time lends confidence and stability when rolling things around outside. For people who need some extra heavier duty in a folding cart, which is not most people, the Elite 2 is a great choice. Most people should do just fine on an Ideal or even original, and most people will never tax the sturdiness of any of these. I can't say the same at all of a Pack'N'Roll (lol). My Pack'N'Roll is extremely flimsy feeling compared to the 'confident' and comparitively heavy Magna Cart Ideal, which is impressive not only in design, but in manufacture. I would say the Pack'N'Roll is only impressive in design! lol. Then again, the Pack'N'Roll is half the weight, and is a true featherweight, where the Ideal and original were actually heavier than expected after what I read and saw online.

I'm considering drilling 2 holes in the bar of the ideal to give myself to height options. I think this is the only thing actually lacking, and I'm pretty nit-picky in reviews. Contrary to the original reviewer, who seemed to associate 'quality' with Chinese goods, I think most people out there would beg to differ. This guy is made in China, and I would characterize the quality as an exception to the rule. Something this quality shouldn't really be available at a price this low. Low-priced, quality but imported goods are nice on one end, but long-term destructive to our country; it's like eating your seed corn. The 'little guy' has no control over this, the decisions have already been made, and as long as we are essentially forced to buy Chinese-made products, this is a good one.

The founder of Welcom wrote an actually interesting and insightful review of his own product, in the original Magna Cart review; it's worth a read if you can find it. He is an American and a very innovative guy. Even with slave labor and dictatorship/totalitarianism, I don't know how he gets us such great products at such low prices. The innovation obviously continues on this product, as he combines the strengths and learned lessons of the Elite 2, into a product the size of the original Magna Cart. Well done.


Original Magna Cart:
http://www.amazon.com/Magna-Cart-Personal-Hand-Truck/dp/B000HVVSDU/ref=pd_sbs_hi_2

Magna Cart Elite 2:
http://www.amazon.com/Magna-Cart-Elite-Hand-Truck/dp/B0010XS5PS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1237861905&sr=8-3

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Product Description:
Rugged like a hand truck yet designed to fold more compactly than most luggage carts, the Magna Cart is a favorite of anyone who regularly hauls gear around. The MC1 opens instantly with the touch of a button, and go wherever you need it.

The MC1 Magna Cart folds to just over 2 inches thick for easy storage. You can use it at home to carry in groceries, at the office to move heavy reams of paper, at the marina to haul your boat provisions, or on an overseas trip to help with multiple pieces of luggage. And when you're done using the MC1, the cart folds to just over 2 inches thick thanks to the retractable wheels. The Magna Cart is so compact that you can easily fit it in a car trunk or a closet.
Specifications:

• Extends to 39 inches tall
• Folds to 28 inches tall and 2.5 inches thick
• 15-inch wide steel base plate
• Rugged 19mm steel frame with parallel tubes
• 150-pound capacity
• Weighs under 9 pounds

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Review of Harper Trucks JDTP2223A 400-Pound Capacity Steel Convertible Hand Truck

I purchased these for work.They are durable, sturdy and easy to use.They also came at a very good price.A good investment!

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Review of Safco 4050 Hide-Away Convertible Hand Truck

The handtruck folds into a nice compact package. There weren't any instructions but it wasn't too hard to figure out how to get it into the different positions. In the upright handtruck position it's a little over four feet high so if you're tall it might seem like a toy. In the four wheel dolly setup it's very stable. I'd buy it again :)

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Product Description:
Folding capability allows you to keep these trucks close at hand for immediate use. 4050 Convertible Hand Truck is a collapsible hand truck and platform truck all in one. Steel handles extend for use and retract for storage. The aluminum platform can extend over 50% for use and retract for storage. 14" x 9" toe plate. Two 6" solid rubber wheels and two 3" solid rubber casters. 250 lbs. capacity as two-wheel hand truck, 400 lb. capacity as platform truck.

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Review of Olympia Tool 85-121 200-Pound Foldable Aluminum Hand Truck

I ordered 4 of these, with the 4-for-3 promotion. They had only 1 in stock, which they sent. I was unimpressed with it enough to cancel the remaining 3.
There is a lot of play, flex, or whatever you wish to call it in the extendable upper part, the foldout platform is just stamped steel, and overall it is simply mediocre.

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Review of KR Tools 1502 Convertible Hand Truck/Dolly

I loved that the hand truck can be used as a dolly with swiveling wheels. It makes moving heavy stuff a lot easier.Last week I had to move cases of computer paper (very heavy).I just threw them on the dolly and wheeled them across the parking lot.The mesh screen is nice too as it prevents stuff from falling through.Last year I rented a dolly twice, but then saw this and thought at the price it beats renting.

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Review of Harper Trucks PGDYK1635PO Nylon Convertible Hand Truck

Just to let you know, this "may" be an ok product.What I received was far from it.When received from FEDEX I looked at it and said "Damn, I can put this together in about 5 minutes". Not so, very poor quality control on the product that they shipped out.It was suppose to have 6 space washers, it came with 4 (the parts list initially said four and was crossed out and updated to six).The wheels were suppose to simply slide on the axel (one did, one didn't).The cotter pins seem to come in two different sizes, three long, one short.Seeing that one of the wheels slides fine on either end of the axel, I can only assume that the bearing race on one wheel, was either the incorrect one or out of round. So, I thought maybe it was just a metalic burr, which could be easily corrected with a rubber mallet (used gently of course).Nope, seems I had to place it in a vice and use a drift pin to knock out the axel, which also knocked out the inner bearing race.This created another problem, "reinstalling the race with the bearing intact".Way to much crap to go through for no particular reason.Sigh . . .

This happened on a Saturaday night so there was no one to call, although I did have use for this product at this time, I guess I just place everying thing on hold or buy a mule. So . . . now it's sitting in my garage anxiously waiting for Monday to come about.Seeing that I have a few options, other than calling the company and expecting them to "overnight" the correct parts (which I doubt), I will probably be returning the product to Amazon "if" what I get is "static" from Harper.I will, however, edit this fine review if the company handles this in a expedient manner and update the rating, if not . . .well I did rate it one, didn't I?So . . .I guess time will tell.

Update:March 10,2010I eventually had to return the first one for a same product replacement.And I was impressed with the expedient manner Amazon handled the return and sent me another one (that worked).Long story made short, all the parts fit this time, however there were still two space washers missing as in the first order.That ok, I figured this could possibly happen and I saved two spacers on the hand truck I returned.I would have probably given this product a five star rating if part one of this review never happened.

As far as the assembled product is concerned.It only took a few minutes to put together.Removing the handle to convert it to a four wheel truck is easily done with just two pins that lock into place.I'm sure this will work just fine and appears to be made well.

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Review of Magna Cart Elite 2 Hand Truck

I'm moving across the country in a few weeks so I decided to purchase a relatively small and light hand truck to do the heavy lifting for me. I really like the fold-up convenience of the Magna Cart Elite 2 because it stores easily in a closet or other out-of-the-way location yet seems to have the capability of easily handling heavy boxes.

Expanding the hand truck is as easy as pressing the yellow button, sliding the handle all the way up, and then pushing the foot out and down. To collapse the hand truck, just follow these same directions in reverse.

This particular hand truck does not come with large pneumatic tires so it may not be particularly well suited for handling stairs. Even so, the tires are large enough that it will make do if you have a small step or two to cross. If you need to cross stairs at an entry way, I recommend using a ramp to make the job a bit easier.

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Product Description:
Ideal for travelers, trade show exhibitors, and anyone else who frequently hauls boxes and other gear from place to place, the Magna Cart Elite 2 personal hand truck is engineered with toughness in mind. The Magna Cart Elite 2 will support up to 200 pounds and folds to a compact size for easy storage. The 10-1/2-pound hand truck features durable metal hybrid construction and will support up to 200 pounds. The 7-inch rubber wheels, meanwhile, roll smoothly on virtually any surface, from pavement to trim carpet to linoleum. Best of all, the truck folds up compactly for storage or carrying, with a footprint of only 28.5 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide. The hand truck's narrow profile makes it ideal for carrying on planes (it fits easily in overhead compartments), trains, and cars, and when you're not using it, simply hang it on a peg in the garage or stow it next to the fridge.
Specifications:

• 200-pound capacity
• Weighs 10.5 pounds
• Extends to 39 inches tall (99 cm)
• Folds to 28.5 inches (72 cm) and 2.5 inches thick (6 cm)
• Extra wide 19.25-inch (49 cm) aluminum base plate
• Rugged 22mm steel (parallel tubes) frame
• 7-inch rubber wheels (17.8 cm)

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Review of Harper Trucks PJDY2223AO Nylon Convertible Hand Truck

I'm in the middle of moving, and don't have anyone to assist, so I bought the handtruck to move my cabinets.I chose this one specifically to help me get up and down stairs, and it does a great job.I also like that I can switch between 2-wheel and 4-wheel.The only way they could have made this better is if you could switch from 2-wheel to 4-wheel without having to pull the handle out and re-insert it.It would be nice if you just pulled the 2 pins and had some way for it to swing out on a hinge.But, hey, can't complain, it's lightweight, stores out of the way, and really does the job.

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Review of Magna Cart Personal Hand Truck

I actually bought this on Ebay, but am about to buy a second one here because it's cheaper on Amazon!

This is a fabulous little dolly. It's not really just a luggage cart..everyone has wheeled luggage these days anyway.

We use it in our warehouse to haul 70 pound boxes around and it fits into the car easily so that when it's time to drop off a mountain of boxes at the PO or haul home the things I order on Amazon (grin), it's right there.

Getting a second one so that we can keep one at home, too.

We tried other folding carts and they couldn't handle the weights we were putting on them. This one is great and the price can't be beat.

Don't try this at home, kids, but I was able to lift my 175 pound hubby off the floor and wheel him around on it..it's one tough little dolly.

Update 3 years later: These carts have seen almost daily usage for nearly 3 years now and are still in perfect condition. I have never had a 'personal' dolly last like these. It's truly a superb product.

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Product Description:
Ideal for travelers, trade show exhibitors, and anyone else who frequently schleps boxes and other gear from place to place, the Magna Cart personal hand truck is engineered with toughness in mind. The 7-pound hand truck is made of sturdy rustproof aluminum, with a telescoping handle that extends to 39 inches tall. As a result, both tall and short users can comfortably haul up to 150 pounds at once. The 5-inch rubber wheels, meanwhile, roll smoothly on virtually any surface, from pavement to trim carpet to linoleum. Best of all, the truck folds up compactly for storage or carrying, with a footprint of only 25 inches tall and 2 inches wide. The hand truck's narrow profile makes it ideal for carrying on planes (it fits easily in overhead compartments), trains, and cars, and when you're not using it, simply hang it on a peg in the garage or stow it next to the fridge.

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