Powered hand truck reducing injuries

Creativity and innovation have come together in the Powered Hand Truck, designed and manufactured by Makinex Construction Products, which is helping to reduce shoulder and back injuries in the workplace.

The nifty machine is designed as a universal materials handling solution which can replace the need for a forklift or tailgate loader for small loads. It enables one person to safely lift and move small equipment or bulky goods weighing up to 140 kg in a variety of applications, such as workshops, warehouses, factories, depots, distribution companies and hire and rental yards.

According to Makinex, Australian company Kennards Hire has seen a significant decrease in shoulder and back injuries since using the Powered Hand Truck, becoming an indispensable piece of equipment across its Australian and New Zealand locations.  

“We use the Makinex Powered Hand Truck at our Kennards Hire & Rental branch to lift and load equipment. It is a fantastic product; we use it all day, every day. This piece of equipment is saving us costs and preventing injuries,” said Darren Curmi, Kennard’s Hire, Alexandria, Sydney.

With powered lift via a 12 V, 25 A linear actuator, the hand truck is simple to operate. The lifting arm reach is controlled by the user, who can lift or lower the handles, while arm height is controlled by a thumb switch. The company said it eliminates awkward and dangerous one- or two-person lifts.

“Makinex is about making inefficiencies extinct,” said CEO Rory Kennard, who plays an instrumental part in the design and development of many of Makinex’s products.  

“Makinex strives towards continuous improvement by looking close at its business to find unique, innovative and practical product solutions that provide the construction and rental industries with a better way to do their jobs to save time, physical effort and money.”

The product also recently won the inaugural Safe Work Australia Award for Good Design, selected from finalists across all categories in the 2016 Good Design Awards.

The Australian-owned company has designed, developed and distributed innovative products to the construction, landscaping, equipment hire, infrastructure and related industries since 2004. Makinex said it has plans to expand its existing product range, grow in local and global markets with offices in Los Angeles and continue its commitment to ongoing research and development.

“We believe that ‘good enough’ is never enough for our customers,” said Kennard.