Abstract: A hand truck for powered raising and lower of an extremely heavy load comprises first and second frame members constructed of aluminum and mounted for relative longitudinal reciprocating movement. One of the members has a lip attached thereto for positioning the load thereon. The frame members are coupled by means for actuating the relative longitudinal movement. The actuation means is powered by a selectively engageable electric motor. Overload release clutch means is interposed between the motor and the actuation means to decouple the motor and actuation means whenever the load exceeds a predetermined amount.