Electric pallet trucks
Buying Tips
- Ideal for loading and unloading lorries as well as for transport on vehicles
- Powerful thanks to maintenance-free three-phase AC motor
- ProTracLink system for outstanding stability
- Ideal for loading and unloading lorries as well as for transport on vehicles
- Powerful thanks to maintenance-free three-phase AC motor
- ProTracLink system for outstanding stability
Electric pallet trucks for transporting and moving goods
The transport of heavy loads is considerably simplified with electric pallet trucks. Industrial trucks not only save energy and relieve strain on the back and joints, but also offer high flexibility in small spaces. Find the right pallet truck for your needs with our buying guide.
1. What are the main features of an electric pallet truck?
With an electrically powered pallet truck, you can move heavy loads ergonomically and effortlessly in your business, pick them up and transfer them to low lifting heights. For this purpose, two basic versions of electric pallet trucks are available to buy in our online shop:
Electric hand pallet trucks with semi-electric operation: Here the driving of the pallet truck is done by a drive motor. The lifting and lowering of the loads are done manually. These pallet trucks are also known as semi-electric low-lift pallet trucks, electric pallet jacks or electric pump trucks.
Electric hand pallet trucks with fully electric operation: Here, both the lifting and travel, as well as the lowering function, are operated by an electric motor. These functions are conveniently controlled via operating elements on the ergonomically shaped tiller. Fully electric pallet lifting trucks are generally more compact, heavier, and more robust than semi-electric models.
In the same way that hand pallet trucks are designed, the centre of gravity of electric pallet jacks is in the middle of the wheelbase. For this reason, industrial trucks do not need a counterweight, as is the case with front forklift trucks. Pallet trucks are also comparatively narrow, which is particularly advantageous when there is little space available and only a few turning options.
Depending on the model, the electric pallet lift trucks at Jungheinrich PROFISHOP are available with a drive via a DC or three-phase motor and are powered either by powerful lead-acid, maintenance-free lead-gel batteries or innovative lithium-ion batteries. Many electric pallet truck models – such as our efficient lithium-ion pallet trucks – have an integrated charger for charging the battery. In companies where lifting and transport work is carried out regularly, it also makes sense to purchase an exchangeable battery for the electric pallet truck—one battery is in operation, the other is charging. With the appropriate device, the batteries can be easily exchanged.
To ensure that you work safely with our electric industrial trucks, many models are equipped with various safety features:
- long, low-set towbar ensures safe distance between operator and vehicle
- a steel cover on the drive wheel prevents foot injuries
- collision safety button
- emergency stop button
- crawl speed button for safe manoeuvring of the vehicle with the tiller raised
2. How to find the right electric pallet truck for your needs
Electric pallet trucks are extremely versatile and they can be used as floor trucks in warehouses and sales rooms and, depending on the model, for loading and unloading trucks as well as for delivering goods to the front door. A benefit and function analysis will help you find the right type of pallet truck for your needs:
- Where will the electrically powered pallet truck be used?
- Is a semi- or fully electric model required?
- What is the maximum load weight to be carried?
- What fork length and width are required?
- With what intensity should the electric pallet truck be used?
- Are long distances to be covered with the truck and do you therefore need a model with passenger operation?
- Which tyres are suitable for the surfaces that will be travelled on?
- Are special functions such as a quick lift, crawl speed button or a weighing function needed to work more efficiently?
Place of Use
At Jungheinrich PROFISHOP you will find electric pallet jacks that meet different requirements for the place of use:
- Indoor areas, e.g. in supermarkets, warehouses or sales areas
- Dry, level outdoor areas, e.g. in outdoor warehouses or delivery zones
- All electric pallet truck models
- Small warehouse environments, e.g. narrow storage rooms, overseas containers, narrow corridors
- Models with extra short forks
- In shipping, warehousing or logistics, e.g. for determining the shipping weight
- Models with scales
- In shipping, warehousing or logistics, e.g. where space is limited
- Models with special fork widths
- In sales areas, e.g. for picking up CHEP, display or quarter pallets
- Models with special fork widths
- In warehouses, e.g. for transferring glassware or electronic components
- Models with lowering valves for particularly sensitive lowering
Drive
The electric pump trucks in our store are available as semi- or fully electric models, where the lifting is done either via an electro-hydraulic (full electric models) or hand-hydraulic lift (semi-electric models):
- Semi-electric lift trucks use hydraulic cylinders to generate linear power, so you must implement several pump strokes with the tiller to lift heavy loads off the ground. However, the electric motor assists you again when the semi-electric hand pallet truck is moved from a standing position. E-lift trucks with this drive are optimal when longer transport distances must be covered in the warehouse.
- The fully electric version allows you to carry out the lifting work by pressing a button. The lift motor moves the forks up or down – without the use of muscle power. So, with these models, effort-saving and ergonomic moving, lifting and lowering is possible. E-lift trucks with fully electric drive are therefore ideal for longer distances and frequent lifting work (depending on the model).
The drive motors on semi- and fully electric pallet trucks are divided into two types:
DC motor
- Most commonly used in electric pallet trucks
- Extremely robust and less prone to failure
- Versions without carbon brushes are relatively low maintenance
- Converts battery energy evenly and thus works more economically
- High starting torque with strong start-up
- Only moderate motor heating
- DC motors with graphite brushes wear out faster and require continuous maintenance
- Only half as efficient as three-phase motor
Three-phase motor
- Drive energy is generated via three magnetic coils
- Absolutely maintenance-free, as there are no wearing parts
- Long service life
- Also suitable for demanding transport routes (depending on gradient)
- Higher purchase price than models with DC motors
Good to know: Jungheinrich's electric pallet trucks with three-phase motors recover energy via a regenerative brake. This sophisticated economic energy management also ensures a long battery life.
Load Capacity
The maximum load that an electric pallet truck can transport plays an important role in the purchase decision. The average weight of the loads to be transported regularly, as well as expected peak loads, should be considered when selecting a truck type. You can tell whether the model is suitable for the loads associated with your business by the load capacity or rated load (for electric low-lift pallet trucks) — these ratings indicate the maximum load a truck may be operated with.
We offer electric pallet trucks with a load capacity or rated load of up to 2000kg. To prevent truck from becoming overloaded, many of our models feature overload protection measures.
Fork lengths and widths
Electrically powered pallet trucks can be used to pick up and transport palletised goods, wire mesh boxes and other loads that contain suitable entry pockets for forks. Choose an industrial truck with the appropriate fork lengths and fork widths depending on the types of loads that require transporting. You will find the following versions in our range:
- Euro pallets
- Transport boxes
- Standard fork length of 1150mm
- Standard fork width of 520-540mm
- General cargo such as cartons or boxes
- Display pallets
- Half pallets
- Quarter pallets (CHEP pallets)
- Short forks between 800 and 1000mm
- Pick-up of several pallets at the same time
- Transverse pick-up of Euro pallets
- Extra-wide fork carrying width of 670-685mm
Good to know: Pallets are also referred to as two-way or four-way pallets. The number given first indicates the number of available under-run options for industrial trucks. The entry height is always 100mm.
Battery size and type
Regardless of whether they have semi- or fully electric equipment, our e-pallet trucks are powered by a rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery pack. The batteries and packs can be recharged at a 230 V socket via integrated electric pallet truck chargers. The following battery and pack types are available from us:
- Indoor
- Power-intensive loading work
- For repetitive lifting and lowering work
- Can be used in cold operating areas
- No power-intensive loading work
- Indoor and outdoor areas
- No power-intensive loading work
- Suitable for multi-shift systems
- For 1-shift systems
- For 1-shift systems
- Long-lasting, as many charging cycles are possible
- Approx. 1,200 charging cycles
- Low (approx. 900 charging cycles)
- Low deadweight
- High deadweight
- High deadweight
- Sensitive to cold (from 5°C)
- Limited insensitivity to cold
- Insensitive to heat and cold
- High efficiency
- No memory effect
- Capacity loss at 80% deep discharge
- Slight memory effect
- Capacity loss at 60% deep discharge
- Slight memory effect
- Maintenance-free
- Correct storage necessary (avoid fire hazard)
- Demineralised water must be refilled at least once a week
- Sufficient ventilation necessary during charging
- Maintenance-free
Around 2 to 5 hours
Around 12 hours
Around 12 hours
possible at any time without memory effect
intermediate charges minimise service life
intermediate charges minimise service life
battery change possible without tools
with appropriate tool
with appropriate tool
Intensity of Use
Depending on how often, how long and how intensively you want to use your electric pallet truck, it makes sense to purchase an industrial truck with a suitable performance range. Here, not only the installed battery type but also the maximum operating time is decisive for the purchase: This describes the time span over which a powered pallet truck can be used in one, two, or three-shift operation:
- One-shift operation: corresponds to a light intensity of use covering approx. 500 to 1,000 operating hours per year.
- Two-shift operation: corresponds to a medium operating intensity of approx. 1,000 to 1,700 operating hours per year.
- Three-shift operation: corresponds to an intensive intensity of use comprising more than 1,700 operating hours per year.
Tyres
Depending on the model, electric lift trucks have a 3-, 4- or 5-point chassis, which has a drive wheel, support wheels, and fork rollers. For particularly high 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 ground and when negotiating speed humps. This results in smooth running and stability when moving the load and also reduces wear on the individual castors. Smooth-running wheels and rollers, on the other hand, ensure effort-saving use; run-in rollers in the fork tip also make it easier to enter and exit the pallet.
To ensure that the wheels for your electric pallet truck match the planned transport tasks and surfaces in your company, you can select the castors and wheels for pallet trucks individually from us. In our range you will find suitable fork and swivel castors as well as replacement wheels for electric pallet trucks made of the following materials:
- 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
- For frequent use on hard and sensitive floors
- Leaves no contact discolouration
- Very smooth running
- Shock absorbing
- Low wear
- Highly resilient
- Long service life
- Low rolling resistance
- Temperature resistant from -20°C to +80°C
- Oil and grease resistant
- Resistant to many aggressive chemicals (alkalis and acids)
- For rough and uneven floors
- Non chalking
- Resistant to acids and alkalis
- Low wear
- Hard and abrasion resistant
- Temperature resistant from -40°C to +90°C
- High running noise
- More susceptible to impact
- High surface pressure
- Low rolling resistance
- For use 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)
- Good grip even on rough, uneven, damp and smooth floors
- Particularly hard-wearing
- Very smooth running
- High elasticity
- Not susceptible to impact
- Good load distribution
- Temperature resistant from -5°C to +80°C
- Higher running resistance
- Slightly chalking
- For environments where smooth running is required, e.g. when loading goods at night
- For applications where special traction is required, e.g. on uneven floors, for outdoor use in damp conditions or for use on ramps
Passenger or ride-on model
Our electric pallet trucks are available as pedestrian or rider models as well as with optional pedestrian/rider operation. Depending on the average distance you need to cover in your warehouse or production areas, select a suitable model:
- Pedestrian operation: These electric pallet jacks are operated with a tiller, which means that the operator walks behind or next to the unit. These electric pallet trucks are equipped with a long, low-set tiller, which ensures that there is sufficient safety distance between the vehicle frame and the operator. Swivelling the tiller moves the drive wheel in the desired direction of travel. Pedestrian models are particularly ideal for use on shorter transport routes.
- Ride-on operation: In contrast, ride-on models allow you to ride on a permanently integrated driver's stand or driver's seat. This allows you to handle goods transport on long transport routes without fatigue. These models are equipped with a short tiller.
- Optional pedestrian or rider operation: On these pallet trucks with a short tiller, all steering and operating functions are performed either alongside or riding along, depending on the setting. For this purpose, the electrically powered pallet trucks have a foldable driver's platform. These models are only available from us on request.
Please note: As soon as electric lift trucks reach a speed of more than 6 km/h in ride-on mode or the ride-on platform is permanently installed, an industrial truck licence (forklift licence) is required.
3. Electric pallet lifting trucks make factory, warehouse and production work easier
At Jungheinrich PROFISHOP you can buy electric pallet trucks in various designs. In addition to durable models with semi- or fully electric equipment, you can also buy powerful premium devices for intensive continuous use from us.
Electric hand pallet truck
These lift truck models with semi- or fully electric equipment are solid entry-level models in pedestrian operation, which are only suitable for light-duty use over short distances indoors or, depending on the model, indoors and outdoors (if dry). In contrast to our all-electric premium units, these types of pallet lifters are less powerful and robust. This results in the following advantages and disadvantages this equipment type:
Advantages:
- Can be used without a forklift licence
- High handling speeds without operator fatigue
- Low maintenance
- Emission free
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for multi-shift operation or continuous use
- Not designed for stacking operation
These manoeuvrable electric hand pallet truck models are on a par with the lighter manual pallet trucks. However, due to the electric drive, you hardly have to exert any muscle power to manoeuvre the loaded industrial truck — you simply set the electric pallet truck in motion via the control electronics in the tiller and also brake in this way. Some models offered at Jungheinrich PROFISHOP even have an LC display. This means you can see all the important information such as travel speed and battery charge status at a glance.
Electric
Hand-hydraulic
Up to 1,300kg
- Extra short fork lengths (800-1,000mm)
- Standard fork lengths (1,150mm)
- Only standard fork width available
- No accessories available
- Indoor operation
- Recommended for short and medium transport distances
- Particularly manoeuvrable and light
- Overcomes thresholds, smaller obstacles, and slight inclines (less than 5%)
- Load can be picked up from ground level, with some models also from a ramp
Electric
Electro-hydraulic
Up to 1,500kg
- Standard fork lengths (1,150mm)
- Extra wide special fork carrying width 685 mm
- Side support rollers for optimum driving and cornering stability
- Spare battery (can be replaced without tools)
- Indoor operation, some models also suitable for dry outdoor areas
- Also suitable for longer transport distances
- Overcomes thresholds, smaller obstacles, and slight inclines (less than 5%)
- Can lift loads from ground level, some models can also be lifted from a ramp
Electric low-lift pallet truck
These powerful and robust electric pallet jacks with all-electric operation are available both as a variant for tiller-guided pedestrian operation and for pedestrian operation with side seat or driver's stand-on platform (on request). Depending on the model, these premium trucks are suitable for light indoor applications as well as for demanding indoor and outdoor applications and for mobile use when loaded within trucks.
Electric low-lift trucks always have a 5-point chassis to ensure the greatest possible driving and cornering stability. The drive wheel is located centrally under the towbar. The support rollers at the side of the drive wheel prevent the truck from rocking on uneven ground.
Compared to our electric hand pallet trucks, the all-electric low-lift trucks are more robust and generally more powerful. They also offer the following advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Can be used without a forklift licence (for passenger models from 6 km/h and with a permanently installed driving platform, a forklift licence is mandatory)
- High handling speeds without operator fatigue
- Depending on the model, they can also be loaded into trucks
- Low maintenance
- Emission-free
Disadvantages:
- Not designed for stacking operation
- Models with lead-acid battery require a charging station and regular refilling of the battery with demineralised water (wet cell battery)
The performance parameters of our electric low-lift trucks at a glance:
Electric
Electro-hydraulic
1,300 to 1,500kg
- Standard fork lengths (1,150mm)
- Extra wide fork widths available (670mm)
- With scales available on our pallet trucks with scales
- Transport and transfer of under-ride pallets, unit loads, goods and transport boxes with high load weight
- Use on medium to long transport routes
Electric
Electro-hydraulic
1,400 to 2,000kg
- Standard fork lengths (1,150mm)
- Ramp lift for loading and unloading trucks
- Crawl speed button for safe manoeuvring at low speed in confined spaces
- Lift pulse control for speed regulation
- Curve control for stable cornering
- Refrigerated/frozen warehouse equipment available on request
- Transport and transfer of pallets, unit loads, goods and transport boxes with high load weights that can be moved underneath the truck
- Use on medium to long transport routes
- Suitable for use in lorries
- Can also be used in cold stores and freezers with additional equipment
We can also provide you with two special versions of the electric low-lift truck on request via our customer service:
Heavy duty electric low-lift pallet truck
These special electric pallet trucks for heavy loads are the heavyweights among the electric low-lift trucks, as they already weigh more than 400kg. With these models you can easily transport loads of up to 3.5 tonnes. The powerful drive technology, combined with an efficient lithium-ion battery, enables high dynamics even over longer distances, and even fully loaded, you can manoeuvre these electric low-lift trucks smoothly.
- For lifting loads from 3,000 to 3,500kg
- Interior operation
- Recommended for short and medium transport distances
- Overcomes thresholds, smaller obstacles, and slight inclines (less than 5%)
- Heavy loads can be picked up from ground level, with some models also from a ramp
- Particularly energy-efficient due to the 24-volt three-phase motor
- Safe and dynamic approach possible
- High deadweight: vehicles not suitable for use on storage platforms or in trucks
Electric low-lift trucks in special sizes
With electric low-lift trucks in special sizes, loads with excess length, or load carriers that exceed the standard pallet dimensions of Euro pallets can be transported. With the extra-wide and long forks, these electric pallet trucks can even pick up loads crossways.
- Offer fork lengths and widths in special sizes
- Indoor operation
- Recommended for short and medium transport distances
- Overcomes thresholds, smaller obstacles, and slight inclines (less than 5%)
- Wide or long loads can be picked up from ground level, with some models also from a ramp
4. FAQ for electric pallet trucks
Any electric pallet trucks that lift goods to a height of 300mm or more are subject to annual inspections. This is a legal requirement directed by the Health & Safety Executive. A short operational test must also be carried out every day. This includes:
- A visual inspection for externally visible damage or leaks
- Start-up and braking test
- Checking the lift truck hydraulics and oil level
- Observation of the driving behaviour, especially during cornering and turning manoeuvres.
A driving licence for an electric pallet truck is only necessary if it can reach a speed of more than 6 km/h by means of the drive motor. Additionally, training is not necessary if the truck is purely a passenger device, but as soon as the equipment has a fixed driver's seat or driver's cab, all operating employees require a forklift licence. In these design variants, the unit is no longer considered a passenger model.
Some models of electric pallet trucks can be used temporarily outdoors. In order to use your industrial truck over a period of several years with little wear, you should nevertheless not use the device permanently in outdoor areas. Due to the demanding requirements, for example due to uneven ground or various weather conditions, forklifts are more suitable for work outside protected areas as they have special tyres, are weather-resistant and have different drive mechanisms.
Some pedestrian electric pump trucks can be extended with a platform that you can simply fold out or extend. For longer transport distances, it offers the employee a place to stand. Other models are equipped with a permanently integrated driver's stand or driver's seat. However, this requires the operator to have a forklift licence.
This type of electric pallet truck has various advantages:
- Driving speed over 6 km/h possible
- Reduced effort for the operator
- Ideal for longer driving distances