Platform Hand Truck Vs. Commercial Hand Truck: Pros And Cons Explained This article compares platform hand trucks and commercial (upright) hand trucks, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Platform hand trucks offer high load capacity and stability for bulky items but lack maneuverability and are unsuitable for stairs. Commercial hand trucks excel in tight spaces and stair navigation but have lower load limits and require more physical effort. The choice depends on load type, environment, and user needs.