Hand-Drawn Trucks: Pulled Platform Trucks for Longer Internal Runs
A hand-drawn truck is a steered platform truck designed to be pulled by a drawbar rather than pushed from behind. For long internal runs that is usually the easier arrangement: the operator faces the direction of travel, can see the route and the load together, and steers from the front rather than trying to slew a loaded deck from the rear.
We stock the GPC Industries NT range, manufactured in the UK.
Sizes and Wheel Options
Three deck sizes, each available with three wheel specifications:
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1220 x 760 mm — NT480L (350 mm cushion) and NT480M (400 mm cushion).
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1500 x 760 mm — NT481L (350 mm cushion), NT481M (400 mm cushion), NT481B (400 mm pneumatic).
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2000 x 1000 mm — NT482L, NT482M and NT482B in the same three wheel options.
Each size is also available with plywood sides and ends fitted as standard — the NT490, NT491 and NT492 models. On the sided units the sides are removable and hinged with fixed ends, so the truck can be loaded over a dropped side and then closed up for the run.
Friction or Ball-Bearing Turntable?
All sizes are supplied with a friction turntable plate assembly as standard, and a ball-bearing turntable plate assembly is available on every model on request.
The difference is worth understanding before you order, because it is not simply "better" and "worse":
- A friction plate resists slew. The front axle stays where it is put, which keeps a pulled truck tracking straight behind the operator on a long run and stops it wandering when it is nudged.
- A ball-bearing plate turns with much less effort under load. Choose it where the truck is heavily loaded and has to make repeated tight turns in a confined area.
If most of your journey is straight-line corridor work, the standard friction plate is usually the right answer. Call us if you want the ball-bearing option quoted.
Mesh Superstructure Options
For trucks ordered without sides and ends, a 50 x 50 mm mesh superstructure, 910 mm high, is available. A tubular mesh superstructure in 500 mm and 1000 mm heights is also available. Both are specified at order — please call for details rather than assuming a truck can be retro-fitted.
Where the load needs to be fully enclosed and lockable rather than simply contained, look at wire mesh trucks or storage cages instead.
Ordering Notes
Product code ET709A is subject to an additional carriage charge when purchased as a standalone item — please call for details. As with most heavy welded steel handling equipment, confirm your unloading arrangements before delivery.
Related Ranges and Guides
If the truck will be pushed rather than pulled, see turntable trucks. If it will be towed behind a powered unit, see Ackerman trucks and trailers and electric tugs. For shelved multi-drop rounds see distribution trucks. Our guides to platform trucks and warehouse trolleys and manual handling equipment cover the wider decision, and the full range sits under trucks and trolleys.
