A hand truck for lifting and moving heavy objects on a floor surface, the truck having a frame with spaced apart handles at the upper end, a toe plate affixed to the lower end of the frame extending generally normal to the frame, the rear lower edge of the toe plate forming a pivot junction with the frame, an axle arm affixed to the lower end of the frame on the side opposite the toe plate supporting an axle having spaced apart wheels, the axle arm allowing the axle to pivot relative to the frame, support brackets affixed to the frame rearward surface, the support brackets extending to engage the axle when the frame is rearwardly pivoted and arranged such that rearward movement of the upper end of the frame first pivots the toe plate from engagement with the floor about the pivot junction and then lifts the toe plate, and any load supported thereon, off the floor, while nevertheless allowing the wheels to at all times remain in contact with the floor, and a catch arm pivotally attached to the frame and having a hook portion to releasably engage the axle to retain the frame in the upright position.