handcart

The term “handcart” is probably used by most of us to refer to cheerful men who transport their drinks in it on Father’s Day. But actually the handcart, this special handcart, is an ideal vehicle for many occasions.

The small handcart with the pneumatic wheels is still a popular means of transport in many areas, just think of the islands where car traffic is forbidden. Children love to be pulled around in the vehicle and it is still popular as a freight carrier, especially in rural areas. Reason enough to take a closer look at the handcart.

What is that – a handcart?

The handcart is a handcart – but in a not too big version and with pneumatic tires, i.e. rather comfortable wheels, than it is the case with an ordinary wooden handcart. It is closed all around, is usually made of wood and can be pulled and steered via a drawbar, with two wheels each connected to an axle, and can therefore only be moved in the same direction.

On straight surfaces such as asphalt, such a handcart can be pulled extremely easily, which also makes it possible to transport heavier loads. But also in the terrain it can convince by its pneumatic tires. Similar to a pram, small children are often driven in it on excursions, which they find particularly enjoyable. In the meantime, the handcart is available in real “excursion variants”, even with a roof.

The

Handcart variants

The classic among the hand carts is, as described, made of wood. But in the meantime there are modifications:

The handcart for the garden

For example, as a garden cart consisting of a frame to which a kind of garden bag is attached. This makes the vehicle lighter and ideal for transporting green waste etc. inside. The bag can be removed for easier cleaning than a fixed trolley. Some models of these garden hand wagons are even permitted as trailers on small tractors or lawn tractors. Thus they are an ideal combination of manual operation and vehicle trailer.

Handcart for heavy loads

The hand carts for particularly heavy loads have stable iron tube grids, which are provided with a batten. The individual side walls can be folded down to facilitate loading and unloading. In order to be particularly well equipped for heavy loads, these hand carts have solid rubber tyres.

Folding handcart

A very special construction are the hand carts, which can be folded and unfolded, similar to some buggies. The iron braces can be bent via joints, while the inner lining is made of soft but robust material and can therefore be folded.

The advantage: it can be taken very well in the car and is assembled with a few handles when it is needed. It is therefore ideal for excursions in which you are first on the road with the vehicle or he can in this way even go on holiday, in order to transport the most important things there on excursions.

Handcart with canopy or roof

The right weather is not always announced for the excursion. Then the handcart with roof is ideal, especially when children are to be driven, or also, so that the luggage does not get wet. In addition, a roof like this not only protects against precipitation, but also against too much sun. The roofs or tops that are available on some models are usually removable so that they can be used as needed, similar to a hood.

Wagon under test

When you buy a handcart, you need to be able to make the right decisions. The decisive factor is the purpose which the vehicle is primarily intended to fulfil.

Delivery and assembly of a handcart

While the classic handcart is bought “whole” in DIY stores or in gardening supplies, many offers are now available that are delivered as “handicraft kits”. Here a little manual skill is required to build a handcart from the individual parts lying in the box. Mainly handcarts in dismantled condition are bought online today.

But don’t worry, the test shows that by means of the assembly instructions every model could still be assembled by laymen. This is mostly very understandable and with some even the tool is supplied. Some hand carts still function according to the tried and tested plug-in principle of a hand cart, in which the side parts are placed on the floor in the correct order and connected to each other.

Price-performance ratio of the hand wagons

Of course, there are also price differences and different qualities for these cars. The simplest models only cost around 50 euros. You should pay attention to the material and the Because the car should have a stable iron tube and preferably real wood, so that the stability is guaranteed. Services such as roofs, roofs or benches and cushions will of course increase the price, but may be worthwhile if you need them anyway and do not have to buy them later. However, they are also available as accessories and so a car can still be retrofitted after some time.

Safety and ease of use of the hand wagon

When deciding which model it should be, it naturally plays an important role what will mainly be transported with it. For children, hand carts with pneumatic tires are better because they spring better than solid rubber. However, they also break more easily if you drive over something pointed or sharp. So the air pump should be in the luggage of these cars.

The user comfort is also a question of consideration. If you want or need to transport the handcart by car more often, models that can be collapsed are of course the first choice. On the other hand, they are less stable and sustainable.

How much charge is allowed depends on the model. The usual ones usually carry 70 to 100 kilograms, especially for the garden there are special models that can carry up to 150 kg. Exceptions even more.

The advantages of a handcart

One of the indisputable advantages is that the traditional vehicle is easy to use and versatile. It also has a relatively large loading volume. The wheels are quite wide, which ensures that the car does not sink in even in rough terrain. The advantage of the foldable models is that they are easy to carry; the fixed models are more stable and therefore have a higher load capacity.

The disadvantages

of a handcart

But the handcart also has disadvantages. So one must count on the fact that they are badly processed particularly with inexpensive models. The wheels made of solid rubber are partly relatively loud and of course the fixed models are also quite bulky, so you need space for it. The hand carts need a “parking space” in the garage or in the shed. The foldable models do not have this disadvantage, but they are less stable and can’t “carry” that much.

Handcart tradition vs. superwagon

The “old” models of the wooden bollard cars still have their justification. However, there are chic parts, real super wagons, which almost look like a small carriage for the children. What are their advantages and disadvantages?

The advantages of the foldable models are obvious: the car can be taken anywhere, on a trip, on holiday or to the beach. The painted steel frames are stable, the surfaces are made of polyester, so they can be folded and are light. Some models are of high quality and equipped with different upholstery, as these trolleys are mainly used to transport children or pets.

Accessories include rear pockets, sunroofs and similar items. Many models have parking brakes, so that you can park the car calmly. There are leading manufacturers who outdo each other in terms of equipment.

The wooden models are still available in their simple design, but also in high quality and comfortable. They are made of wood and steel – the latter usually painted in colour, leaving the wood untreated. This can of course be painted to create a unique specimen, which is especially enjoyable with children together.

The technical refinements are mostly minor – many have no brakes, and even upholstery or roofs looks for most of them in vain. However, there are also true luxury cars here, where you have to expect prices around 200 euros.

What should I look out for when buying a handcart?

If a handcart is to be bought, it is worth considering a few things beforehand. For example the size and the weight to be carried. But also whether it should be foldable or “as a whole”. If you want a model made of wood, only the latter is possible.

Of course, it also plays a role to what extent you pay attention to quality. If you mainly want to put the children in during the excursion, more attention is paid to the quality and workmanship than the handcart is mainly used to transport beer bottles or garden waste.

Another look at the price. This should at least be related to quality. A not so well processed car should be found in the lower price segment.

It is also advisable to inspect the car in assembled condition. Then you notice how easy it is to turn the drawbar, whether the wheels are rickety on the axles and whether it is easy to steer.

Short portrait of some hand carts

We would like to introduce a few models and highlight their advantages and disadvantages.

• Fuxtec handcart with sunroof
• Beachtrekker Life Handcart
• Mendler Oliveira handcart and finally
• D & S distribution handcart.

Let’s start with the Fuxtec with sunroof. This is a foldable model made of a painted steel tube. The model scores with length adjustability, the flexible outer skin and the ball-bearing pneumatic tyres. This car also has upholstery. He’s only 12. Kilogram heavy, but can also “only” be loaded with 70 kilograms. In addition, the manufacturer offers a carrying bag and a hood (both included with the purchase and also available as accessories). The price is in midfield: you have to spend around 150 euros for it.

Next we take a closer look at the Beachtrekker Life handcart. The users regularly give it good marks, especially with regard to durability and workmanship. It consists of wood and metal and has the advantage of being able to move 100 kilograms. However, it itself weighs 16 kilograms, is foldable but then still quite heavy. Since the frame is powder-coated and not varnished, one can assume a longer durability. The car has padding and is equipped with pneumatic tyres. If the children are driven with it, this car is quite comfortable. The large interior is positive here. Also a good driving feeling is praised. However, the prize is also proud with almost 300 euros.

The classic, a Mendler Oliveira handcart made of wood, is much cheaper. He can even move 150 kilograms from the spot. His own weight is even higher than that of the former – he weighs a whole 17 kilograms. However, since it is only driven and not balanced through the area, this shortcoming is negligible. The tubular steel frame is painted twice and as a special feature the manufacturer mentions an environmentally friendly production of the tires. The car makes an overall stable impression, which is also confirmed when used. In addition, it is very inexpensive with just over 50 euros and easy to assemble when purchased disassembled.

The “covered wagon” of the D&S distribution is particularly beautiful in appearance. Here, however, you have to cut back on processing and durability. This handcart consists of wood and can be loaded with 150 kilograms. The pneumatic tires make it comfortable, the tubular steel frame provides stability and the tarpaulin is removable.

These manufacturers are known for their hand carts

The following companies are known for the production of hand wagons and we would like to take a closer look at them:

• Fuxtec
• Puky
• mendler
• Deuba
• Pinolino

Fuxtec is regarded as a manufacturer with high quality. The hand carts are flexible, foldable and well made. The prices are slightly higher, but this can be explained by longevity and quality and therefore in order.

Puky focuses above all on special design. Mobility is a top priority here, with the cars being designed primarily for the city. Different sizes and materials are produced, wooden bollard cars as well as plastic ones. Also the price is completely in order here.

Mendler stands for hand carts, which are ideal for children. For this reason, there are variants in which a seat is integrated. The roof is available as an accessory and can be attached if necessary. The trolleys themselves are available in wood or plastic. Size and price vary with this manufacturer, whereby the buyer has the agony of choice.

Deuba hand carts are considered robust and weatherproof. Many of the manufacturer’s models are foldable. Also roofs are available as accessories and some of the vehicles are more resilient than the competition. It is essential to pay attention to the permissible load weight before choosing and buying a handcart.

The Pinolino hand carts are considered particularly solid. Some models are specially designed for transporting children. The workmanship is of high quality, but the cars are still not in the move the uppermost price segment. However, the prices are quite three-digit.

Of course, there are also other manufacturers of hand carts that make good and flexible vehicles. For example Rosilino Turino and Hudora. Who wants to have the car especially for hiking and trekking tours, can certainly use a model of Mountain Boy well. The Walking Wagone cars, on the other hand, are very suitable for the beach. Whatever you choose, you should pay attention to a good price-performance ratio.

The history of handcarts

People used hand carts of various shapes immediately after the invention of the wheel. But the handcart, the relatively small and low handcart with mostly pneumatic wheels, has always been a speciality among handcars. The term was not actually protected, although one can assume that the name comes from the fact that the wagons made a bollerndes sound on the pavement and paths usual at that time. Siegfried Thurmann only filed a patent application in 2007, whereby the main focus here is on a tilt proof grip, which is particularly important when children are driven with it.

From the beginning, the handcart consisted of a metal frame, which was covered with wood. Such models are considered classics and are still available today. In some areas, especially on land or on islands with a traffic ban, they still have their importance for the transport of loads today. But above all during hikes, Father’s Day activities and the like, it is always a popular means of transport.

The handcart is a real piece of cultural history. In order to carry heavy loads, the wagons have been welcome helpers since their invention or further development, the I would not like to miss any more. This type of transport also played an important role in and after World War II in connection with flight and expulsion. Because almost every family owned such a car, they were often seen as the only way to transport small children and the few remaining belongings.

What else there is to say about handcarts

Anyone who attaches particular importance to environmental aspects should ask about the processing and the material. Some manufacturers advertise with particularly environmentally friendly products. If you reach for a handcart that is made of wood on the sides, you have to check whether it is treated or raw. In the raw state the treatment with varnish or glaze should still be carried out. With already lacquered woods it is nevertheless possible to give the car an individual touch by painting it – perhaps even together with the children – in colour or by painting it. The wood should in any case be protected from environmental influences. Therefore, the cut edges of the wood are particularly important and should be sealed.

A real tuning scene has developed around the Bollerwagen. It bears the name “Pimp my Bollerwagen” and is run by young people who style their companions to have a casual carriage for their drinks.

Whatever for – the hand carts are as popular as ever, even if today there are many better and simpler methods to transport loads. All in all, they are popular and are therefore produced by various companies that vie for the favour of their customers. There are many different models available online but also in specialist shops, which have different advantages.

bottom line

A handcart makes Fun, is practical and for extremely many purposes applicable. The quality consists of a high-quality material and an easy-to-operate drawbar.

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