Which pallet truck to choose? Types of pallet trucks and their advantages.

Pallet trucks are an indispensable and very popular auxiliary tool in warehouses and commercial premises where goods are stored and moved on various pallets. They are designed to ensure efficient and safe handling of goods while improving working conditions for employees. In this article, we will look at different types of pallet trucks and their uses, as well as highlight their main advantages.

Manual Pallet Trucks and Their Types

Standard Manual Pallet Trucks, Also Known as Pallet Jacks or Jacks

These pallet trucks are simple yet very effective tools for moving goods. They are easy to use and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for many businesses. These pallet trucks are most often equipped with polyurethane (PU) wheels, which are durable, soft, and quiet. The load capacity of standard pallet jacks typically ranges from 2000 to 3000 kg.

Galvanized Pallet Trucks

Galvanized pallet trucks are resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for use in wet and aggressive environments, such as the food industry, moving goods in cold rooms, or places where frequent washing with water occurs. Galvanized pallet trucks are equipped with nylon wheels; they are hard and durable, making it very easy to move loads. These pallet trucks have the same load capacity as standard pallet trucks, most often 2500 kg.

Short Pallet Trucks

These pallet trucks are designed for moving goods in narrow spaces or places with limited maneuverability. Their short length allows easy movement of loads without worrying about space constraints, and compared to standard pallet trucks, the turning radius is much smaller. The fork length of short pallet trucks is usually around 800 mm.

Long Pallet Trucks

Long pallet trucks are suitable for moving large and long loads. They are ideal for warehouses and logistics centers where goods need to be efficiently moved over long distances, simultaneously transporting two pallets. The fork length of these pallet trucks is 2000 mm, and their load capacity is typically 2000 kg.

Scissor Pallet Trucks or High-Lifting Pallet Trucks

These trucks are equipped with a mechanism that allows pallets to be lifted higher than regular manual pallet trucks. They are ideal in situations where frequent placement of goods on shelves or other elevated places is required, providing additional ergonomics, safety, and maximum ease of load on the employee's spine. Such trucks can also be used as a work table.

Pallet Trucks with Weighing Function

These pallet trucks are equipped with built-in scales that allow employees to weigh loads immediately, saving time and reducing the need for separate scales. Such scales are often used in manufacturing, agriculture, and wholesale, where quick weighing of goods is required. Pallet trucks with scales are also available with a printer function for quick and easy recording of the item's weight. The load capacity of such pallet trucks with scales is typically 2500 kg.

Low Profile Pallet Trucks

Low profile pallet trucks are designed for use with special pallets whose height is lower than standard wooden pallets. Their low construction allows easy access to such pallets, making them ideal for specific operations. The fork height of low profile pallet trucks usually ranges from 35 to 51 mm, and their load capacity is from 1000 to 2000 kg.

Electric Pallet Trucks and Their Types

Standard Electric Pallet Trucks

Electric pallet trucks are another important type of pallet truck, providing additional convenience and efficiency for frequent movement of heavy loads. Electric pallet jacks are an ideal solution for continuous use in logistics centers and other places where goods are moved by women as well. Moving goods with electric pallet trucks is convenient and very easy, making daily work much more efficient and improving the work environment. Electric pallet trucks are equipped with one quick-change or several lithium-ion batteries, allowing them to be used continuously.

Long Electric Pallet Trucks

These electric pallet trucks are ideal for moving heavy loads over long distances thanks to their long forks and powerful electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. They are an excellent choice for large warehouses and logistics centers where goods often need to be moved in large quantities daily, simultaneously loading two pallets. The load capacity of such electric trucks is 1500 kg.

Short Electric Pallet Trucks

Short electric pallet trucks are suitable for narrow spaces and places where there is limited freedom of movement. Their compact design and electric drive allow for easy and quick movement even in difficult conditions. The fork length of short pallet trucks is 800 mm, making it convenient to move small wooden pallets.

Semi-Electric Scissor Pallet Trucks or Semi-Electric High-Lifting Pallet Trucks

These semi-electric pallet trucks are equipped with an electric motor for easier lifting of the load and a developed mechanism that allows the pallet to be lifted to a height of 800 mm. They allow lifting and moving loads with maximum reduction of physical strain on the employee's spine. Semi-electric scissor pallet trucks can also be used as a work table for placing heavy items, such as in car services.

Main Advantages and Benefits of Pallet Trucks

Thanks to the wide range of lifting equipment, companies can easily choose the appropriate pallet trucks, significantly improving work processes and employee safety:

• Efficiency and Productivity: Pallet trucks make it easy and quick to move loads, reducing the physical strain on employees and increasing work productivity.
• Safety: With the right pallet trucks, the risk of accidents that can occur during the movement of heavy loads is reduced.
• Ergonomics: Pallet trucks are designed so that employees can work comfortably and safely, reducing fatigue and strain.
• Variety and Adaptability: The various models of pallet trucks allow you to choose the most suitable solutions for any work task or situation, ensuring maximum efficiency and productivity.

Pallet trucks, or pallet jacks, are an essential tool in every warehouse or business where palletized cargo handling is required. Choosing the right pallet trucks can significantly improve work processes and employee well-being, making work safer, faster, and more efficient.