The Magliner Gemini Sr is a convertible hand truck with a 500 lb load capacity in 2-wheel mode, and 1000 lb capacity in 4-wheel mode.
It features a modular design where users can add different components or accessories to suit various needs, tasks, and loads.
Magliner describes the Gemini as having a strong and lightweight construction with bolted cross braces that are up to 10X more rigid and over 2X as strong as riveted braces.
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The Gemini Sr looks to be their standard model, and Magliner also makes a smaller Jr model, and a slightly wider and taller XL model.
The Magliner Gemini Sr comes standard with 10″ pneumatic tires and 5″ x 1-1/4″ swivel casters.
Assembly is required.
Price: $330 at the time of this posting
COO: Made in USA
Discussion
I ordered a Magliner Sr – standard configuration – earlier today and will report back once I put it together and start using it.
I need a rolling platform cart to move heavy freight deliveries up the driveway from the curb, and move boxes and equipment around in the workshop. An easier way to move bulkier boxes and equipment up and down stairs would be nice too.
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Dollies are too small. Flat-bed wagons seem imperfectly suited for what I’m looking for, and aren’t convenient to store.
What I like about the Gemini Sr is that it can be equipped with different wheels, such as microcellular foam wheels, if pneumatic are too much of a hassle over time.
The cost of the hand cart plus separate wheels is less than buying a microcellular wheel-equipped cart from the start, and so I’ll at least give the pneumatic wheels a try.
A stair climber kit – attachable rails with low-friction skid bars – is an inexpensive add-on (~$33 at this time) that would expand the cart’s usability.
I have been very hard on folding hand carts over the years, as well as small platform carts. When they break, parts are never available. I never replaced the last one that broke.
There are equipment carts for less money, but I couldn’t find any that matched the Magliner’s 500/1000 lb capacity in their 2- and 4-wheel configurations.
This one has higher capacity, as well as larger wheels, and the modular nature won me over. If I need replacement wheels 5 years from now, I’ll be able to find them easily. Looking over Magliner’s website reassured me on this – they have all kinds of replacement parts available.
It was not easy to justify the expense, but I figured that if I have to buy a folding or convertible cart, I might as well spend a little more on something that can handle heavier and long-term use.
I was also pleased to see that it’s made in the USA.
As a convertible hand cart, the Gemini Sr weighs more than non-convertible 2-wheel and 4-wheel hand trucks and carts. Its 45 lb weight should still be manageable, but that’s still roughly 20 more pounds to roll up or down stairs.
My main usage will be on flat ground or the inclined driveway, but the stair climber rail attachments are inexpensive enough that I’ll likely try them out if all goes well.
In addition to the stair climber kit, Magliner also has snap-on back panels and folding nose extensions.
I had also been looking at the Rock-N-Roller R12RT all-terrain multi-cart, which has a 500 lb load capacity. It’s the same price as the Magliner, and they also have smaller and less expensive models.
The Rock-N-Roller is more compact, but the Magliner seems more customizable if needed and has double the load capacity in 4-wheel mode.
There’s also the Gator Frameworks all-terrain model, priced at $320. Like the Rock-N-Roller, the Gator has a 500 lb load capacity and extendable bed.
I came across many other similarly-styled convertible carts on Amazon.
While I like the idea of larger swivel casters, the Magliner seemed like a better solution overall, at least for my needs. The other models discussed here have no-flat non-pneumatic tires by default.
For about the same money, the Magliner looks to be a better value.
Steve L
Have had that configuration for about 20 years. Doesn’t get used every day; but, when needed. It is invaluable.
D3t
Buy the deck for it. It saves a lot of hassle when dealing with smaller items.
https://www.magliner.com/gemini-sr-detachable-deck
Munklepunk
You have got to be kidding me. I used these for a decade and would have loved this. Advertising works people.
Evan
We used the Magliner carts for everything when I served with the U.S. Air Force. I would pile them sky high with all sorts of stuff, and they never gave us any trouble at all.
fred
Looks good. I have a somewhat ancient one that had a similar rating – but is all steel construction and needs to be de-constructed and reassembled for use as a cart. I would not buy it again.
For moving machinery in the shop – I have 4 skates (2 of 2 different styles) from Jung (a German company) . along with a pair of toe jacks – they help get the bigger pieces moved when I need do some cleaning or maintenance. I bought them about 20 years ago having gotten tired of using makeshift approaches like using pipe as rollers.
Jeff
That beast should come fully assembled. I’ve had mine for years and love it. The only thing I would recommend is to change out the tires for airless ones.
Stuart
Magliner says assembly is required with common tools. If you want it assembled, you have to order it direct and freight shipping fees will apply.
Frank D
I have a no name knock-off. Comes in handy when you need it.
Munklepunk
We used these and weight ratings are just wishful thinking. I am not taking two trips when one will suffice. I must have had 30 brake rotors on them multiple times.
KMR
Costco sells this 3-in-1 convertible handtruck for $140. The “Cosco” unit has similar specs to the Magliner Gemini Sr, 1000 capacity in 4 wheel layout, but edges the Magliner with 800lbs in 2 wheel hand truck layout.
https://www.costco.com/cosco-3-in-1-folding-series-hand-truck-cart–platform-cart-with-flat-free-wheels.product.100477134.html
Stuart
Amazon also has the 4-in-1 for $171. https://www.amazon.com/Cosco-12323ASB1E-Handtruck-Steel/dp/B07R1DDCTP/?tag=toolguyd-20
They’re different sizes though – the Magliner Gemini Sr is bit larger. The Coscos are similar in size to Magliner’s Jr model.
Justin
If you need one for more than just a few times a year do not waste your money on the costco or other similar looking hand trucks. They are welded together and fall apart, break, and just do not last.
If you have a problem with the magliner you can replace any and all the parts on it.
I used one daily for 10 years. coworkers that would get the cheap versions in 6 months they would be breaking and in less than a year they would be in the trash.
Billy Mills
A testament to this companies longevity. I was one half of the “light” delivery crew, meaning individual items less then 60 lbs., for on campus delivery at a local university for a year beginning in late 1978. I used one of the two wheel Magliners every day. I walked about 8 miles a day pushing or pulling, up and down steps, in and out of buildings, jumping curbs, tossing in the van, sliding it out of van and dropping it on its nose, basically giving it the kind of beating only a 22yr old could. Not a single malfunction or flat. Magliner has been my gold standard ever since.
Colin
Looks like the Milwaukee model sold st home depot. Also made in the USA, slightly cheaper, and can be bought at the store fully assembled.
Saulac
I am toying with the idea of in place of the wheels are lockable casters. So it can be used as normal hand-truck, but can also turn and locked side-way to move sheet good.
Robert Walker
I’ve had mine for 20 years. The best.
Greg
Used to work at a now defunct electronics store in college and was always amazed at the punishment even the most base model Magliners can take. I’ve unloaded many trucks with these and wheeled around huge french door refrigerators with dexterity and confidence. Many of them are aluminum construction too so they’re extremely lightweight to boot. I don’t know why, but I bought a Little Giant hand truck instead of one of these. Maybe it was the higher weight rating but this article had me dreaming a bit to rectify my mistake on Zoro, haha.
garrett
We used these at several warehouses when I was a kid. They are great for small and light-medium loads, but they had a short lifespan as everyone always overloaded them (my 17-yr old self included). I cant tell you how many of these Ive seen in the wild with welded/patched decks. Now, with some modicum of wisdom, I’d love to get one for my shop…
MtnRanch
I wish someone would make one of these with 12″ to 16″ tires for rough surfaces.
Jon
We use these in the film/video world converted with shelves and they’re fantastic. I use a Rock N Roller too and, while it’s really handy and nice if you need to save space, they aren’t in the same league. I’d only recommend the rock and roller if you need to bring one in a small car or carry it around collapsed a lot (in which cases they’re great.)
If you wanna checkout some specialized accessories for expensive carts: https://www.filmtools.com/carts-and-dollies.html
Stuart
Even though a little pricey, the customized Magliner costs look to be a much more affordable solution than Innovativ and similar brands’ highly specialized carts.
Their wheels with brakes look perfectly suited for a project I have in mind, but they’re extremely price-prohibitive at $1299 for a set of (4) 8″ or 10″.
Robbie Stanford
I ran a delivery route for Coca-cola for about 10 years and we used mag liner geminis exclusively, they are built solid with replaceable parts, I probably moved millions of pounds of drinks. 100 12 packs of aluminum cans was the standard load going across a gas station parking lot.
They were too tall and cumbersome for upright use so we also had a standard magliner upright with the stair sliders, the handles were about 18 inches lower.
Jesse
We’ve used these for decades in the film and television industry. Modified and customized extensively to carry specific equipment. Google “backstage magliner” – it’s an entire universe. I have 2 JRs with extra wide lipped bottom decks and secondary top shelves.
Dave O'Heare
I’d avoid the Rock-N-Roller if possible. They’re convenient, but prone to bending if overloaded, in my experience, and don’t straighten out worth a darn.
The Magliner (and so far, its Cosco clone) might get little dent or two, but its castering pins stay straight.
Franco
I have the Cosco 3 in 1, and has worked great for me. I use it a lot to haul my wife’s stuff around to shows and exhibits she does, very pleased for what I paid.
But the Cosco is all Aluminum, the Magliner seems much stronger. I think for serious hauling of heavy items, the Magliner would be a better choice, but at a price.