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Vending operators have more tools available for moving machines than they did several years ago. Powered stair climbers, in addition to moving the machines up stairs, allow machines to be moved on and off trucks.

In addition, hydraulically-driven elevating beds now allow machines to be moved from a warehouse loading dock onto trucks without having to be manually lifted.

Many operators still rely on pallet jacks, dollies and ramps to move machines onto trailers. But powered hand trucks and hydraulic elevating trailers make the job faster, easier and safer.

Bruce Adams, owner of Rainbow Vending Inc. in Denver, Colo., is able to move machines by himself using a battery-powered Lectro Truck hand truck. The ease of use has enabled him to expand into the equipment transport business, handling moves for other vending operators.

With a 24-foot trailer and a battery-powered hand truck, Adams can handle eight deliveries by himself in one day.

He also has a smaller, 16-foot trailer that can hold four machines. The smaller trailer requires no steps for moving machines onto it. He simply climbs over the back of the trailer.

The Lectro Truck has a second set of wheels on it that fold out to form a tripod, giving Adams additional leverage. He can use his leg for even more leverage. "It gives me the balance that I need," he said. When the second set of wheels is not needed, it collapses back into the main unit.