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 electric 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, you can obtain electric pallet trucks in two basic versions in the online shop:
Electric hand pallet truck 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, semi-electric pallet trucks, semi-electric pallet trucks, semi-electric pallet trucks, electric pump trucks.
Electric hand pallet truck and electric low-lift pallet truck with fully electric operation: Here, both the lifting and travel, as well as the lowering function, are operated by electric motor. These functions are conveniently controlled via operating elements on the ergonomically shaped tiller. All-electric lift trucks are generally more compact, heavier, and more robust than semi-electric models. All-electric pallet trucks are also known as electric low-lift pallet truck, all-electric pallet truck.
In the same way as hand pallet trucks, the centre of gravity of electric pallet jacks and trucks 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. Electric pallet trucks are also comparatively narrow, which is particularly advantageous when there is little space available and there are 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 pallet trucks, the models are equipped with various safety features depending on the version.
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 electric pallet truck for your needs:
Where is the electric powered pallet truck to 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 electric pallet truck and do you therefore need a model with passenger operation?
Which tyres are suitable for the surfaces to be travelled on?
Are special functions such as a quick lift, crawl speed button, or a weighing function needed to work more efficiently?
At Jungheinrich PROFISHOP you will find electric pallet trucks that meet different requirements for the place of use:
Place of use/Purpose
Details
Suitable electric pallet trucks
Dry indoor and outdoor areas
Details
Indoor areas, e.g. in supermarkets, warehouses or sales areas
Dry, level outdoor areas, e.g. in outdoor warehouses or delivery zones
Suitable electric pallet trucks
All electric pallet truck models
Indoor areas with limited turning and manoeuvring possibilities
Details
Small warehouse environments, e.g. narrow storage rooms, overseas containers, narrow corridors
Suitable electric pallet trucks
Electric pallet trucks with extra short forks
Transport and simultaneous weighing of goods
Details
In shipping, warehousing or logistics, e.g. for determining the shipping weight
Suitable electric pallet trucks
Electric pallet truck with scales
Picking up pallets crossways
Details
In shipping, warehousing or logistics, e.g. where space is limited
Suitable electric pallet trucks
Electric pallet truck with special fork widths
Picking up non-standard pallets
Details
In sales areas, e.g. for picking up CHEP, display or quarter pallets
Suitable electric pallet trucks
Electric pallet truck with special fork width
Transport of sensitive or fragile goods
Details
In warehouses, e.g. for transferring glassware or electronic components
Suitable electric pallet trucks
Electric pallet trucks with lowering valve for particularly sensitive lowering
Please note: Electric pallet trucks generally cannot, or only used limitedly, in damp, corrosive, or hygienically demanding environments, on uneven floors, and for picking up long-load goods.
Drive
The electric pallet trucks we offer 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:
Motor Type
Advantages
Disadvantages
Motor Type
DC motor
Most commonly used in electric pallet trucks
Advantages
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
Disadvantages
DC motors with graphite brushes wear out faster and require continuous maintenance
Only half as efficient as three-phase motor
Motor Type
Three-phase motor
Drive energy is generated via three magnetic coils
Advantages
Absolutely maintenance-free, as there are no wearing parts
Long service life
Also suitable for demanding transport routes (depending on gradient)
Disadvantages
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.
The maximum load that an electric pallet truck can transport plays a decisive role in the purchase. The average weight of the loads to be transported regularly, as well as expected peak loads, should therefore be decisive to the selection of your electric pallet truck. 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 up to which maximum load the trucks may operated.
We offer electric pallet trucks with a load capacity or rated load of up to 2000 kg. For heavy-duty transport, we also offer models with a maximum rated load of 3500 kg on request. To prevent the electric pallet trucks from being overloaded, many of our models have an overload protection.
Unlike high-lift trucks where, depending on the lifting height, a distinction is made between nominal load capacity and actual load capacity, with electric pallet trucks this can be ignored as long as the load centre distance is taken into account and the load is evenly distributed. One exception to this is with electric pallet trucks with long forks.
Fork lengths and fork widths
Powered pallet trucks can be used to pick up and transport palletised goods, wire mesh boxes, and other loads (with suitable entry pockets for forks). Select an electric pallet truck with the appropriate fork lengths and fork carrying widths depending on the load to be moved in your company. You will find the following versions in our range:
Lo ad
Example
Dimensions of the forks
Standard
Example
Euro pallets
Transport boxes
Dimensions of the forks
Standard fork length of 1150 mm
Standard fork width of 520-540 mm
Special sizes - small
Example
General cargo such as cartons or boxes
Display pallets
Half pallets
Quarter pallets (CHEP pallets
Dimensions of the forks
Short forks between 800 and 1000 mm
Special sizes - large
Example
Pick-up of several pallets at the same time
Transverse pick-up of Euro pallets -
Dimensions of the forks
Extra-wide fork carrying width of 670-685 mm
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 100 mm.
Battery size and type
Our electric pallet trucks, regardless of whether they have semi- or fully electric equipment, 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:
Performance parameters / battery type
Lithium-ion battery
Lead-acid battery
Lead-gel and lead-fleece battery
Intended use
Lithium-ion battery
Indoor
Power-intensive loading work
For repetitive lifting and lowering work
Lead-acid battery
Can be used in cold operating areas
No power-intensive loading work
Lead-gel and lead-fleece battery
Indoor and outdoor areas
No power-intensive loading work
Intensity of use
Lithium-ion battery
Suitable for multi-shift systems
Lead-acid battery
For 1-shift systems
Lead-gel and lead-fleece battery
For 1-shift systems
Life cycle
Lithium-ion battery
Long-lasting, as many charging cycles are possible
Lead-acid battery
Approx. 1,200 charging cycles
Lead-gel and lead-fleece battery
Low (approx. 900 charging cycles)
Weight
Lithium-ion battery
Low deadweight
Lead-acid battery
High deadweight
Lead-gel and lead-fleece battery
High deadweight
Temperature sensitivity
Lithium-ion battery
Sensitive to cold (from 5 °C)
Lead-acid battery
Limited insensitivity to cold
Lead-gel and lead-fleece battery
Insensitive to heat and cold
Energy efficiency
Lithium-ion battery
High efficiency
No memory effect
Lead-acid battery
Capacity loss at 80 % deep discharge
Slight memory effect
Lead-gel and lead-fleece battery
Capacity loss at 60 % deep discharge
Slight memory effect
Maintenance
Lithium-ion battery
Maintenance-free
Correct storage necessary (avoid fire hazard)
Lead-acid battery
Demineralised water must be refilled at least once a week
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 depending on the version. 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 bumps. 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 castors for electric pallet trucks made of the following materials:
Roller material
Properties
Use
Polyurethane
Properties
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
Use
For frequent use on hard and sensitive floors
Thermoplastic Polyurethane TPU
Properties
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)
Use
For rough and uneven floors
Nylon
Properties
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
Use
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)
Solid rubber
Properties
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
Use
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
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 trucks 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. Electric pallet trucks in pedestrian operation are available from us as part of the special design on request.
Optional pedestrian or rider operation: On these electric 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 powered pallet trucks have a foldable driver's platform. These models are also 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 trucks make factory, warehouse and production work easier
At Jungheinrich PROFISHOP you can buy electric pallet trucks in various designs. In addition to durable electric hand pallet trucks 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 modelsinpedestrian 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 electric pallet trucks are less powerful and robust. This results in the following advantages and disadvantages for the electric hand pallet trucks:
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
The 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.
Parameters / E-hand pallet truck models
Drive type
Lift type
Load capacity
Fork lengths and fork carriage widths
Special equipment and accessories
Application
E-lift truck with semi-electric drive
Drive type
Electric
Lift type
Hand-hydraulic
Load capacity
Up to 1,300 kg
Fork lengths and fork carriage widths
Extra short fork lengths (800-1,000 mm)
Standard fork lengths (1,150 mm)
Only standard fork width available
Special equipment and accessories
No accessories available
Application
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
E-lift truck with fully electric drive
Drive type
Electric
Lift type
Electro-hydraulic
Load capacity
Up to 1,500 kg
Fork lengths and fork carriage widths
Standard fork lengths (1,150 mm)
Extra wide special fork carrying width 685 mm
Special equipment and accessories
Side support rollers for optimum driving and cornering stability
Spare battery (can be replaced without tools)
Application
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
For most versions of our stainless-steel pallet trucks, only food-grade lubricants of class H1/H2 are used.
These powerful and robust electric pallet trucks 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 drawbar. 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. This results in these 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:
Parameters / E-low lift truck models
Drive type
Lift type
Rated load
Fork lengths and fork carriage widths
Special equipment and accessories (depending on model)
Application
Electric low lift truck Jungheinrich EJE-M-series
Drive type
Electric
Lift type
Electro-hydraulic
Rated load
1,300 to 1,500 kg
Fork lengths and fork carriage widths
Standard fork lengths (1,150 mm)
Extra wide fork widths available (670 mm)
Special equipment and accessories (depending on model)
The special electric pallet trucks for heavy loads are the heavyweights among the electric low-lift trucks, as they already weigh more than 400 kg. 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 3,500 kg
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
Advantages of heavy-duty electric low-lift truck
Particularly energy-efficient due to the 24-volt three-phase motor
Safe and dynamic approach possible
Disadvantages of heavy-duty electric low-lift truck
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-long and wide forks, it is even possible to 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
What safety checks must be carried out regularly on an electric pallet truck?
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.
Is a driving licence required to operate an electric pallet truck?
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 electric pallet truck is purely a passenger device, but as soon as the electric pallet truck has a fixed driver's seat or driver's cab, all operating employees require a forklift licence. In these design variants, the electric pallet truck is no longer considered a passenger model.
Is an electric pallet truck suitable for outdoor use?
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.
Are there also powered pallet trucks with a driver's stand or driver's seat?
Some pedestrian electric pallet 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
More advantageous in terms of work safety than pedestrian-controlled equipment, as the risk of accidents is lower (the operator stands or sits safely and securely)