dollies

Dollies are wheeled devices used to move heavy loads with less manual effort. They come in several forms, the most common being four-wheeled platform dollies, two-wheeled hand trucks, and specialized variants for equipment or film work. Platform dollies offer a flat base with four casters and are ideal for moving large furniture, appliances, crates, or boxes. Hand-truck dollies have an L-shaped frame with two wheels and an angled toe plate, designed to tip-load items and roll them on their edge. In film and television, a camera dolly is a movable carriage mounted on tracks or a stable wheeled platform to create smooth horizontal motion.

Materials and construction: dollies are made from steel, aluminum, or reinforced polymer. Load ratings vary from a hundred kilograms to several tonnes, depending on design. Wheels may be pneumatic, polyurethane, or rubber casters; locking or swivel casters are common. Some models include brakes, handles, non-slip surfaces, and ramps or docking adapters to connect with other moving equipment.

Applications and safety: platform dollies are used in warehouses, moving services, and stage settings; hand trucks are common in shipping and home use. When selecting a dolly, consider the weight and volume of the load, floor type, and surface irregularities. Weight should be distributed evenly and secured with straps when needed; use appropriate ramps and avoid rolling on stairs. Regular inspection of wheels, frames, and fasteners reduces the risk of failure.