Electric stair climbers:

Electric stair climbers are revolutionizing the way businesses handle heavy loads. Unlike conventional heavy load lifting equipment, they provide a safer, more efficient way to move goods up and down stairs.

With their ability to handle heavier loads and improve overall safety, electric stair climbers are quickly becoming the go-to solution for material handling crews.

If you’re in charge of moving heavy loads up and down stairs, you’re probably all too familiar with the old methods—whether it’s the shoulder dolly, the two-wheel hand truck, or the stair climbing dolly. While they get the job done, it’s often a slow and backbreaking process.

Shoulder dolly (moving straps)

You’ve probably used moving straps, also known as shoulder dollies. They’re simple: two people lift heavy items by distributing the weight between their shoulders and legs. They work for a lot of things—furniture, appliances, mattresses—but they’re not without problems.
First, you need two people, and the technique has to be just right. The taller person should be at the bottom of the stairs, with arms locked straight to keep the load from tilting. Items should be raised to about 8 inches above each step before climbing, and care should be taken to avoid hitting the ceiling. This may mean flipping the item between floors.
If one person messes up the technique, it can overexert workers’ bodies. Even if they are doing it right, there’s still a learning curve. You can’t just throw them on and go—employees have got to adjust and practice.
And then there’s the fact that moving straps don’t exactly make the job safer. If the load shifts or the technique is off, incidents and injuries can occur. Plus, they don’t provide much control, and there’s always a chance of damaging walls, floors and the material being carried. You can carry some lighter loads with a shoulder dolly, but once you hit a heavier load, it’s time to think about more effective equipment

Two-wheel dolly

Now, the two-wheel dolly is a classic. It’s compact, easy to store, and does the job for boxes and lighter loads. On flat ground, it’s a great piece of heavy load lifting equipment—easy to move and maneuver. But when used in stairs, things get complicated.
Sure, you can get the dolly up a few stairs, but it’s slow, tiring work. When you need to move a heavy item up multiple flights, the effort becomes a lot more than just moving it across the floor.
As heavy load lifting equipment, the hand truck also has its limitations. If you’ve ever tried to tilt a 500-pound load and get it up a steep set of stairs, you know it’s a workout you probably don’t want to do again. Plus, it’s tough to maneuver awkwardly shaped items or handle them on tight staircases. And without a stair ramp, you’re left relying on sheer muscle, increasing the risk of injury.
A manual two-wheel dolly has limited stability, so balancing heavy, awkward or cumbersome loads can be tricky; workers have less control going up and down inclines and often have to tilt the dolly in order to move it.

Stair climbing dollies with wheels

Electric stair climbers with tracks are a game-changer for any material handling team. With their motorized system, they take the pressure off your team and enable them to easily move loads in any type of residential, commercial and industrial environment.
Gone are the days of slow, physically demanding methods; these machines allow you to move items up and down stairs quickly and safely, cutting down on time and reducing the risk of injuries.
Let’s explore the many benefits of electric stair climbers with tracks.

Stair climber wheels or tracks?

When moving heavy goods or materials with a wheeled stair climber, there are three main safety concerns:

1. The operator handling the load.
2. The potential for damaging the goods if they fall during transport
3. Damage to the stairs if the goods slip off

Tracked stair climbers, however, eliminate many of these headaches. They’re the perfect heavy load lifting equipment for moving heavy materials on stairs because the weight of the load is evenly spread across the entire surface of the tracks, offering greater stability and reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Effortless operation

Electric stair climbers, also known as electric hand trucks for stairs and electric stair dollies, feature a motorized and remote-controlled system that takes the heavy lifting off your team’s shoulders.
With just one operator, an electric stair climber can swiftly move all types of loads up and down stairs by using a simple joy stick and a few buttons. This effortlessness increases overall team efficiency, reduces fatigue for your team, and protects the material being handled from any damage.

Improved safety

Safety is always a top priority, and electric stair climbers provide a level of control and stability that manual methods can’t match.
The smooth, steady movement of the machine keeps the load secure, reducing the hazards for your team and preventing damage to both the equipment and your workplace.

Handle heavy loads

Electric stair climbers can handle far heavier loads than manual stair climbers or dollies. This makes them ideal for moving large, bulky items like industrial equipment or heavy appliances.
The ability to move these loads safely and efficiently is a major plus for businesses that deal with heavy lifting on a regular basis. An electric stair dolly can minimize the time spent on each move, allowing your team to focus on other tasks and get more done throughout the day.

Work on different types of stairs

Electric stair dollies with tracks are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re dealing with straight, spiral, or narrow staircases, these machines can tackle it all. The flexibility to work in different environments ensures you’re never limited by the type of stairs you’re working with.

Reduced labor costs

With the power of the electric stair climber, one person can do the work of multiple people. The need for fewer workers on each job reduces labor costs and increases the overall efficiency of your team, making the equipment a smart investment for businesses of all sizes.

Minimal maintenance

Electric stair climbers run on batteries, which require minimal upkeep. Simply keep the battery charged, and the climber will be ready to go. This low-maintenance design ensures that the equipment is always up and running when you need it.

What to look for in an electric stair climber?

When you’re choosing an electric stair climber, it’s important to consider several key features to ensure you’re getting the best for your needs. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

• Load stability: Check how the climber handles tilting the load when moving up or down stairs. You want a smooth, controlled ride that keeps the load secure.
• Build quality: Inquire with different vendors to see how their design and manufacturing processes ensure a robust construction for long-term durability.
• Manoeuvrability: The ability to change direction easily and rotate on landings is crucial for tight spaces and smoother navigation on staircases.
• Adjustable speed: Look for an electric stair climber that allows you to control the speed, offering flexibility based on the load size and environment.
• Track quality: The quality of the tracks plays a huge role in stability and durability. You want tracks that can handle various surfaces and weather conditions without wearing out quickly.
• Load capacity: Ensure the climber can handle the weight of your typical loads. A higher load capacity ensures better performance for heavier materials.
• Motor and battery life: A powerful motor and long-lasting battery are essential for uninterrupted work. Be sure the electric stair climber you choose has enough battery life to get through the job without constant recharging.
• Customization capabilities: Ask vendors if you can benefit from customization options and other accessories for your unique material handling application.
• Size: The size of the electric stair climber is important for storage and transportation. Make sure it is ultra-compact and can be easily maneuvered through doorways or narrow areas.