How to find the right Ameise® pallet truck for industry, trade and logistics
Ameise® pallet trucks make every day work easier when it comes to moving heavy loads on pallets. With repeated towbar strokes or via an electro-hydraulic system, the pallet truck can be lifted and lowered with the load close to the ground. The Ameise® pallet trucks available from Jungheinrich PROFISHOP are suitable for short distances and ideal for moving goods internally or for the easy loading/unloading of trucks, vans and trailers.
1. What do you need to consider before buying an Ameise® pallet truck?
To ensure that you buy the right pallet truck for use in industry, warehouses or logistics, it makes sense to carry out a benefit and function analysis before you make a purchase. With this you define exactly which features the Ameise® pallet truck must fulfil. The following questions will help you to create a requirements profile for the device:
Where is it to be used?
Which driving mechanism is required for travel and lifting functions?
What is the maximum load weight to be carried?
What fork length and width is required?
How intense is the work the Ameise® pallet truck being used for?
Which tyres are suitable for the surfaces to be travelled on?
Are special functions such as a quick lift or a weighing function required to work more efficiently?
Select the right truck for your workplace
The future working environment of the pallet truck is the most important selection criterion. The decisive factor here should always be the area of application where it will be used most often:
Location
Specification
Suitable Ameise® pallet truck
Dry indoor and outdoor areas
Specification
Indoor areas, e.g., in supermarkets, warehouses or sales rooms
Dry, level outdoor areas, e.g., in outdoor warehouses or delivery zones
When choosing the right type of drive or lift, the following generally applies: the larger the loads, the longer the distances to be covered and the more frequently the loads have to be lifted, the more likely you it is that you should choose a model with an electric drive and/or lift.
Fully electric pallet trucks from Ameise® reduce the physical strain on the operator to a minimum so that you and your employees can work ergonomically and efficiently. But even with a purely manual industrial Ameise®, you don't have to do without ergonomic comfort: technical developments such as an optimised hydraulic system can reduce the amount of force required for pumping, while smooth-running wheel bearings facilitate starting, braking and manoeuvring in confined spaces.
Drive system
Features
Application
Manual drive
Features
The industrial truck is operated manually via the tiller both for travel and for lifting
Powerful hydraulics support the lift
Application
Ideal for short transport distances
Semi-electric drive
Features
Driving carried out via an electric motor system
Lifting takes place via manually operated towbar strokes
Lowering via manually operated lowering valve
Application
Suitable for longer transport routes
Fully electric drive
Features
Both lifting and drive functions are operated electrically via the vehicle battery
Application
Easy and effort-saving moving as well as lifting and lowering possible
Suitable for longer distances and frequent lifting work (depending on model)
Buy a pallet truck with sufficient carrying capacity
You can tell whether a pallet truck is suitable for the loads that occur in your business by the load capacity of the device: this indicates up to which maximum load the vehicle may be loaded. Depending on the model, our Ameise® pallet trucks have a load capacity between 1000 and 2500kg. The heavy-duty variants even transport loads of up to 3500kg.
Which industrial Ameise® is the right choice always depends on which goods are to be moved with it. For this, it is best to start with the average weight of the loads to be handled, but it is also essential to take possible peak loads into account. To ensure that the pallet trucks are not overloaded, many of our models feature overload protection.
Unlike Ameise® stacker trucks, where a distinction is made between rated capacity and actual capacity depending on the lift height, this can be disregarded with Ameise® pallet trucks as long as the load centre distance is considered and the load is evenly distributed. An exception to this can be models with extra-long forks.
Fork lengths and fork carrying widths
The pallet trucks from Ameise® are available at Jungheinrich PROFISHOP with different fork lengths and fork widths. You determine the right fork variant for your needs based on the load that is transported as standard in your operation:
Load
Examples
Corresponding dimensions of the forks
Standard
Examples
Euro pallets
Corresponding dimensions of the forks
Standard fork length from 1150mm
Standard fork carrying width from 520 to 540mm
Special sizes small
Examples
General cargo such as cartons or boxes
Display pallets
Half pallets
Quarter pallets (CHEP pallets)
Corresponding dimensions of the forks
Short forks between 800 and 1000mm
Extra narrow fork carrying width from 380 to 450mm
Special sizes large
Examples
Pallets with excess width or length
Pick-up of several pallets at the same time
Transverse pick-up of Euro pallets
Corresponding dimensions of the forks
Extra-long forks from 1207 to 2100mm
Extra wide fork carrying width of 685mm
Advantages of short fork lengths:
High manoeuvrability, small turning radius
Ideal for use in narrow aisles
Suitable for taking along in lorries or vans
Advantages of extra-long fork lengths:
Simultaneous pick-up of several pallets speeds up pallet handling
Pallets can also be picked up transversely
Please note: For models with extra-long forks, the load capacity may decrease with increasing fork length.
Depending on how often, how long and how intensively you want to use the equipment, it makes sense to purchase an industrial pallet truck with a suitable scope of performance.
Especially for electric pallet trucks, the maximum operating time is decisive when making the purchase. In our range we have models that are designed for single-shift operation. This corresponds to a light usage intensity of approximately 500 to 1,000 operating hours per year.
The possible intensity of use is determined by the hydraulics or the installed AC/ACY hydraulic pump. Depending on the design and construction materials, the pump reaches a certain maximum number of lifting cycles before it shows wear. Depending on the model, between 6,000 and 7,000 lifting cycles are possible.
Matching the tyres to the ground surface
The most suitable roller material for the Ameise® pallet trucks depends on the operating and environmental conditions of the working environment. Factors to consider include:
Load-bearing capacity of the floor
Floor condition (paved/unpaved, degree of contamination, floor covering)
Floor slope
Noise level
Climatic conditions
Starting and rolling resistance
Impact load
Environmental influences such as moisture, chemicals or oils
Ambient temperature
Electrical conductivity requirements
Select the castors and wheels that correspond to the respective maximum load and the area of application. We offer the following material versions for this purpose:
Roller material
Features
Application
Polyurethane
Features
Particularly flexible and resistant
Quiet, low-noise running
Shock-absorbing
Low wear
Highly resilient
Long service life
Low rolling resistance
Non-marking
Temperature resistant from -20°C to +80°C
Oil and grease resistant
Application
For frequent use
On hard and sensitive floors
Nylon
Features
High surface pressure
High running noise
More susceptible to impact
Low wear
Hard and abrasion resistant
Low rolling resistance
Non chalking
Temperature resistant from -40°C to +90°C
Resistant to acids and alkalis
Application
In the food and chemical industry
On smooth and even floors
Only suitable to a limited extent on soft or pressure-sensitive floors (e.g., tiles).
Solid rubber
Features
Good traction even on uneven, damp and slippery floors
Good load distribution
High elasticity
Very smooth running
Not susceptible to impact
Particularly hard-wearing
Higher running resistance
Slightly chalking
Temperature resistant from -5°C to +80°C
Application
For environments where smooth running is required, e.g., when loading goods at night.
For applications that require special traction, e.g., on uneven floors, for outdoor use in damp conditions or for use on ramps.
Our hand pallet trucks are usually equipped with two swivel wheels and at least two fork rollers. The electric models, on the other hand, have a 3-, 4- or 5-point chassis with a drive wheel, support wheels and fork rollers, depending on the model series.
For particularly heavy loads, the fork rollers are also offered in a tandem version. These double castors distribute the weight better, which is why they are particularly suitable for use on uneven floors, when negotiating speed bumps and the like. This results in smooth, stable movements when transporting a load and also reduces wear on the individual castors. Smooth-running wheels and rollers, on the other hand, ensure effort-saving use and facilitate entry and exit into a pallet.
Below will find further information on Ameise® pallet trucks available at Jungheinrich and their range of functions. Accessories or additional functions for the various models are available on request. If required, please do not hesitate to contact our competent technical advisors.
Ameise® hand pallet truck
Ameise® pallet trucks with manually operated hydraulic lift function are still classics among industrial trucks. No wonder: they are easy to operate and uncomplicated in function, operation and maintenance.
The basic operating function of the hand pallet truck has always remained unchanged: the truck features two forks that pick up the load and a steering tiller with which the industrial truck is manually steered and moved over short distances. Pumping several times with the tiller activates the hydraulic pump and causes the fork to be lifted until the ground clearance necessary for transporting the load is reached. To lower the load again, a lever on the handle is operated, which releases the hydraulic pump and lowers the fork back to ground level. Hand pallet trucks from Ameise® can be pulled or pushed as well as turned on the spot.
Models with 3000-3500kg also available for heavy-duty transports
Fork length
Details
1150mm for standard models
Models with extra-long and extra-short forks also available
Optional equipment and accessories (depending on model series)
Details
Lift truck dock
Parking brake
Quick lift
Application
Details
Transport and relocation of medium-heavy goods and wares
Mobile use
Can be used in indoor areas
Can also be used sporadically in dry outdoor areas
Advantages
Details
Low maintenance
Inexpensive to purchase and maintain
No need for annual PUWER inspection
Can be used without forklift licence
Independent of power sources and batteries
Disadvantages
Details
High effort required for travel and lifting movements
Low handling speed: limited scope of performance
Ameise® electric pallet trucks
The electric hand pallet trucks from Ameise® are equipped with one or two electric motors, depending on the model. They enable loads to be transported, lifted and lowered quickly and with less effort. Control is via the multifunction tiller head. Thanks to a particularly compact design, manoeuvring is also possible in the smallest of spaces. The electric drive makes it easy to transport loads more precisely and sensitively than manual pallet trucks. The solid entry-level models with pedestrian operation are suitable for light use over short distances indoors or, depending on the model, also outdoors (if dry).
You can buy electrically operated Ameise® pallet trucks from us in two variants:
Semi-electric: In this case, driving is done by a traction motor. The lifting and lowering of the loads is done manually.
Fully electric: In this case, an electromotive operation of lifting and driving as well as the lowering function is used.
Scissor lift pallet truckscombine the function of a lift truck with that of a mobile worktable. The scissor mechanism allows the load to be lifted to a height of approximately 800mm. This makes it possible to work with goods or merchandise in a way that is easy on the back. The units also make it easier to transfer goods from the raised forks to a workbench or production line. The lifting function is activated by pumping the towbar (optionally with quick lift) in manual models and electro-hydraulically in electric models. We also offer these Ameise® pallet trucks with different fork lengths.
Parameter
Details
Operation
Details
Manual
Lifting type
Details
Hand- or electro-hydraulic, depending on model
Load capacity
Details
Up to 1500kg
Lifting range
Details
85-800mm depending on model
Optional equipment and accessories (depending on model)
Details
Position control
Remote control
Overload valve
Application
Details
Transfer of pallets, palletised goods, unit loads, goods and transport boxes at ergonomic working height (also from shelves)
Can be used as a mobile worktable or production table
Advantages
Details
Can be used without a forklift licence
Can be used as a transport vehicle and mobile worktable at the same time
Enables ergonomic work individually for each employee
Disadvantages
Details
Manual models require high effort for transport and lifting
Low handling speed
Ameise® pallet trucks with weigh scales
Pallet trucks with weighing scales from Ameise® combine the functions of weighing and transporting in one device. The integrated scale is also suitable for checking and establishing shipping weights. Depending on the model, these Ameise® pallet trucks have scales with 1-5kg display increments or precision scales with multiple weighing cells that can determine weights with an accuracy of 0.1-0.5% deviation. The scales are equipped with practical functions such as tare input, zero correction, adding with sequence number and other functions depending on the model.
With the Ameise® display pallet lifter, pallets can be lifted, lowered and moved manually on level and paved surfaces. The devices are mainly used for the efficient lifting and relocation of CHEP, display or quarter pallets: The load carriers are conveniently lifted and gently lowered via a pedal. Two swivel castors with locking brake ensure optimum grip when lifting and moving goods. You can buy this Ameise® product from us with the following features:
Two rubber buffers for gentle disposition
Lifting height 90-390mm
Load capacity up to 250kg
Made of powder coated steel
Ameise® mini hand pallet truck
These lightweight Ameise® mini hand pallet trucks feature a short turning radius and have a short fork length of 800mm and a fork width of 380mm. In total, they weigh only 35kg. This makes them ideal to take along in trucks or vans and perfect transport aids in confined spaces such as winding sales rooms, narrow corridors or hard-to-reach storage rooms. With mini pallet jacks, you can transport half pallets, display pallets and other special pallets up to a maximum weight of approximately 500kg.
To facilitate the picking up and transport of particularly narrow pallets safely and comfortably, extra-narrow hand pallet trucks from Ameise® are available in our online shop. These practical industrial trucks offer the same load capacities and fork lengths as our standard hand pallet truck models, but are particularly narrow with a fork width of only 450mm. Other features include:
Grease nipple for simplified maintenance
Infeed rollers for easy entry and exit into the pallet
If you want to pick up special or custom pallets, non-standard Euro pallets or one-way pallets close to the floor in your warehouse or salesrooms, low-floor or flat pallet trucks are the best choice. Ameise® flat pallet trucks have a particularly low entry height of only approximately 51mm and a low fork height, which allow loads to be lifted and moved almost at floor level.
Please note: Due to the low entry height, these Ameise® pallet trucks also only have a very low ground clearance. The subfloors in your operating rooms should therefore be level. These models cannot be used on ramps.
Ameise® four-way pallet truck
As soon as you have to transport and transfer long goods or extra-wide loads in very narrow warehouse aisles, most standard pallet truck models reach their limits. For ergonomic and more effective work, it is therefore advisable to buy a four-way pallet truck from Ameise®: With these, loads can be moved not only forwards and backwards, but also sideways. This is ensured by the special design technology of the industrial truck.
Please note: When the unit is moved transversely, the load capacity is reduced from approximately 2500kg to a maximum of 1500kg.
4. FAQ for Ameise® pallet trucks
What does Ameise® mean in logistics?
Ameise® is the name given to manual and electric pallet trucks that can lift, transport and lower loads close to the ground. The term is often used synonymously with hand pallet trucks and is a registered brand name. This goes back to the first model "Ameise® 55" from Jungheinrich.
How are pallet trucks operated?
The operation of a pallet truck depends on the drive type of the device. On manual models, repeated pumping of the towbar activates the hydraulic pump, which causes the fork to be lifted until the ground clearance required for load transport is reached. To lower, a lever on the handle is activated, which releases the hydraulic pump and lowers the fork back to ground level.
On electric hand pallet trucks from Ameise®, control is via the multifunction tiller head, which operates the drive motor of lifting/lowering function.
Who may operate an electric pallet truck?
An Ameise® industrial truck with semi- or fully electric drive may be operated by any person who has sufficient qualifications and training according to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. This includes, among other things, knowledge of how to operate the device and important safety rules. Appropriate instruction and training on the device should be provided by employers. No forklift licence is required to operate an Ameise® pallet truck in pedestrian mode.