Are you considering investing in or renting an electric hand truck for stairs? If so, it is important to keep in mind that not all electric stair climbers, also known as stair climbing robots, are not created equally.

In this article, we’ll explain the differences between various electric stair climbers, the advantages of ultra-compact remote-controlled stair crawlers with caterpillar tracks, and key criteria you should consider when purchasing a hand truck for stairs.

Transporting heavy loads up and down stairs has always presented considerable challenges in industrial, commercial, and even residential applications, where the materials being moved are often large and heavy.

Conventional techniques, such as using buggies, hand trucks with wheels, or relying on laborers with straps, often fall short regarding efficiency and safety.

Moreover, these methods require more manpower, which ramps up costs. They increase the risk of injury, leading to increased costs associated with compensation claims, insurance expenses, bogged-down productivity, and training for replacements.

Whether a material handling team uses hand trucks for stairs with wheels or buggies, they can be cumbersome, especially in confined spaces or places where using elevators is not a feasible option. Hand trucks are not designed for rugged, all-terrain environments, limiting their functionality.

Many businesses resort to building ramps to transport heavy loads up and down stairs. However, this approach is time-consuming and poses significant risks, as it involves maneuvering heavy items on steep inclines, endangering the workers involved. Furthermore, moving large and long pieces of equipment often requires a team of 4 to 8 people, which can be particularly challenging in tight areas, further complicating the task and increasing the risk of worker injury.

Some companies use huge cranes or helicopters to transport heavy materials to high-rise buildings or remote locations, for example. While these methods can effectively move large loads, they have major disadvantages.

The cost of renting or purchasing cranes or helicopters is extraordinarily high, often making it an impractical solution for many businesses. What’s more, cranes require a lot space to operate and may not be able to reach the required heights in dense urban settings, complicating logistics further. In these cases, the cranes have to be extended, which can extend timelines. Also, a glaring shortage of crane operators means companies are at the mercy of when their crane supplier can actually do the job.

The limitations of these legacy approaches create a need for more advanced solutions that can handle the rigorous demands of moving heavy items.

Movex Innovation’s wide range and versatile portfolio of heavy-duty electric stair climbers is changing the game when it comes to handling loads on stairs. They can handle the most demanding, complex industrial jobs across many sectors.

These ultra-compact hand trucks for stairs are designed to handle a wide range of material sizes and weights, ranging from very lightweight loads to items that range from 1100 to 1800 lbs, depending on the angle of the staircase.

There are four main products:

• TT-270: The only telescopic crane in the world that can travel on stairs
• Twin-Track 66: For extremely high load capacity
• Twin-Track 47: When you can’t compromise on heavy duty or agility
• Mini-Dumper: Combines a stair climbing robot with a dumper

Unlike electrical stair climber equipment with wheels, Movex stair climbers feature caterpillar tracks that provide superior grip and stability on stairs. The treads distribute weight more evenly and securely than wheels. For example, the caterpillar tracks cover at least three steps at a time; wheels only cover one step at any given moment.

Movex Innovation’s electric stair climbers are operated via remote control, which means workers can stay at a safe distance while the stair crawler goes up and down the stairs. It eliminates the need for operators to bear the weight of the load, significantly ensuring safety and reducing physical strain. An added benefit: Movex’s stair crawlers can be used only by one worker, whereas alternatives often require two or even three people.

Our electric powered stair climbers are ultra-compact, measuring only 30 inches wide, making them ideal for navigating stairs, doorways, other tight spaces, and difficult-to-reach spots. Because of their size, they can be transported with a standard pick-up truck.

The ability to operate our stair climbing robots at different speeds means workers can speed up transportation on flat surfaces and then slow down when the heavy loads are on stairs. This can greatly accelerate the time spent at a job. What distinguishes Movex Innovations’ stair climbers is that they can move loads up to 2200 lbs on flat surfaces, which gives added flexibility in the good workers need to move around.

These next-generation stair crawlers are customizable. Depending on their needs, Movex Innovation’s hand trucks for stairs can include add-on accessories, such as:

• Additional battery set
• Three-sided box
• Crane
• Scissor lift table
• Cabinet loading device
• Hydraulic waste container (Mini-Dumper)

Movex Innovation has an engineering team for any custom development clients may need on our electric stair climbers.

Movex Innovation also distributes Zonzini electric stair dollies that cater to commercial and residential material handling and delivery of items that weigh up to 880 lbs.

Zonzini has five main electric stair dollies:

• Buddy Plasmoid Hand Truck for stairs: For home deliveries, it effortlessly handles weights up to 440 lbs
• Buddy Lift Plasmoid Hand Truck for stairs: This powered stair climber comes with an electric load lifting system up to 24 inches
• Domino Plasmoid Stair Climbing Robot: This electric stair dolly is equipped with adaptive tracks and an automatic load tilt mechanism
• Domino Plasmoid Stabilized Stair Climbing Robot: Similar to Zonzini’s other Domino Plasmoid stair crawler, but with extra stabilization for easier handling
• Skipper Plasmoid Stair Climbing Robot: Can handle up to 880 lbs and is well suited for narrow staircases and small landings

Whether you purchase or rent Movex Innovation’s ultra-compact, remote-controlled hand trucks for stairs, you will generate a quick return on investment. Imagine being able to eliminate expensive equipment fees, long setup times and multiple workers.

You’ll reduce workplace health and safety issues. You’ll also achieve greater operational efficiency and boost your service capacity. Contact us today—and let’s show you a whole new level of material handling performance.

What is an electric stair climber?

An electric stair climber is a specialized piece of equipment designed to transport heavy loads up and down stairs. It typically features motorized tracks or wheels and is often remote-controlled to enhance safety and ease of use. These stair climbing robots are commonly used in industrial, commercial, and residential settings to move items that are too heavy or difficult for manual lifting.

Can you use a hand truck on stairs?

Yes, you can use a hand truck on stairs, but traditional hand trucks with wheels can be cumbersome and increase safety risks. They require significant physical effort and often need multiple operators to manage heavy loads safely. In contrast, remote-controlled electric stair climbers are specifically designed for one worker to use on all types of staircases.

Which electric dolly is best for stairs?

The best electric dolly for stairs depends on the specific needs of the task. For heavy-duty industrial applications, Movex Innovation offers heavy-duty powered stair climbers like the TT-270, Twin-Track 66, and Mini-Dumper, which can handle large weights and provide superior stability with their caterpillar tracks.

For commercial and residential use, Zonzini’s Buddy Plasmoid and Domino Plasmoid models are excellent choices, offering features such as adaptive tracks and electric load lifting systems to handle a variety of weights and stair types efficiently.

What are the main benefits of using electric stair climbers?

Stair climbing robots are an affordable solution that provide improved safety, reduced physical strain on workers, and increased efficiency in transporting heavy loads up and down stairs. They also reduce the need for manpower and can move around confined spaces more effectively than conventional setups and equipment.

How do electric stair climbers enhance worker health and safety?

Electric stair climbers reduce the physical strain on workers by eliminating the need for manual lifting and carrying heavy loads up and down stairs. This minimizes the risk of injuries, like muscle strains, back injuries and falls, contributing to a safer work environment.

Can Movex Innovation’s electric stair climbers be used for any type of loads?

Yes. Whether you need to move lightweight materials with our electric dollies as well as heavy loads up to 1800 lbs. Users are impressed with our electric stair climbers’ versatility when it comes to material weights and sizes.