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Pallet trucks – Versatile helpers in warehouses, logistics and sales

Our portfolio encompasses manual and electric pallet trucks as well as models for specialist applications. Use our buying guide to find the right truck for your operations.

1. Pallet truck overview

Our pallet truck range includes the following models:

Stacker trucks, which feature lifting masts that enable both horizontal transport and vertical goods handling, are also part of our range. These versatile machines can store goods efficiently in heavy-duty racks and shelving systems.

2. Pallet trucks: the most important information at a glance

What is a pallet truck?

A pallet truck, also known as a pallet jack or pump truck, is an essential piece of material handling equipment that allows pallets, mesh boxes and other goods to be quickly and easily lifted, transported and lowered at ground level. This puts pallet jacks among the most important working tools for horizontal load transport in businesses where loads must be moved regularly. They are easy to use and straightforward in function, operation and maintenance.

What kinds of pallet trucks are there?

There are two main types of pallet truck: manual and electric. The key differences are the drive systems, lifting mechanisms, and overall performance capabilities. Electric models are ideal if you frequently perform lifting tasks, since their powered functions reduce physical strain and support ergonomic working.

Our wide range of pallet jacks includes many variants to suit different application needs. These include scissor lift pallet trucks, stainless steel pallet trucks, mini pallet trucks, pallet trucks with weighing scales, and trucks with custom or non-standard fork lengths and widths. There are also specific models in the manual pallet truck family, such as mini manual pallet trucks, display pallet lifters, flat pallet trucks and others.

How does a pallet truck work?

Product image no. 7: Jungheinrich AM 20 hand pallet truck, load capacity 2,000 kg, fork length 1,150 mm, solid rubber / polyurethane

All pallet trucks work on the same basic principle. They have a fork with two fork tines to carry loads, plus a steering handle for steering, pulling, pushing and turning.

Pallet trucks lift loads using two different methods, depending on the model. Manual pallet trucks use a hydraulic system activated by pumping the handle repeatedly, which raises the fork. To lower the load, you operate a lever on the handle grip that releases the hydraulic pressure and lowers the fork back to floor level.

An electric pallet truck works differently. Lifting happens at the push of a button with an electric motor. Travel is also motorised, and lowering is typically also done electrically (though some models lower manually).

What should you consider when buying a pallet truck?

There are several important factors to consider when choosing your new pump truck. Conducting an initial functional analysis is a great way to define exactly which characteristics your truck must have to meet your needs. The following questions will help you create a precise requirements profile:

  • Where will you use your pallet truck?
  • Do you require manual or electric power for driving and lifting?
  • What is the maximum load weight that you will transport?
  • What fork length and width do you require?
  • How often will you use my pallet truck?
  • Do you want to cover long distances with the pallet truck, and do you therefore need a model with rider operation?
  • Which tyres are suitable for the terrain you are driving on?
  • Are special functions such as quick lift, a creep speed button, or a weighing function required for you to work more efficiently?

3. Our pallet truck models in detail

Here you will find a comprehensive overview of our pallet truck models and their key features. Customisations, such as additional accessories or functions, are available across our models on request. Just contact our competent technical consultants to discuss your specific requirements.

Hand pallet trucks

Product image no. 1: Ameise® PTM 2.0 hand pallet truck, load capacity 2,000 kg, fork length 800 mm, solid rubber / polyurethane, tandem rollers

Manual pallet trucks have been workplace staples since 1929, and for good reason. These hand-hydraulic machines transport pallets, boxes, wire mesh boxes and transport boxes with ease. They’re simple to operate and uncomplicated in function, operation, and maintenance, making them reliable in any environment.

Parameter Details
Drive type
  • Manual
Type of stroke
  • Hand-hydraulic
Load capacity
  • 2000 – 2500 kg
  • High-capacity models for heavy duty transport with 3000 –3500 kg available
Fork length
  • 1150 mm for standard models
  • Models with extra-long and extra short forks also available
Application area
  • Transport and relocation of medium-weight, under-ride goods, merchandise, and pallets
  • Mobile use
  • Indoor warehouse operations
  • Occasional oudoor use in dry areas

Electric pallet trucks

Jungheinrich EJE M15 electric lithium-ion pallet truck with scale

An electric pallet truck is equipped with a drive and lift motor. This allows loads to be transported, lifted and lowered faster and with less effort, depending on equipment. The compact design makes manoeuvring in tight spaces easy, while the creep speed button (available on some models) provides extra precision. Electric pallet trucks with their electric drive typically offer more efficient and ergonomic operation than manual models.

Electric pallet trucks are powered by one of three battery types: high-performance lead-acid batteries, maintenance-free lead-gel batteries or innovative lithium-ion batteries. Recharging is simple – just plug into a standard battery charger.

We stock two types of electric pallet truck:

Model / Parameter Electric hand pallet truck Electric powered pallet truck
Product image no. 1: Ameise® PTE 1.5 electric pallet truck, load capacity 1,500 kg, fork length 1,000 mm Product image no. 2: Jungheinrich EJE M13 electric pallet truck, load capacity 1,300 kg, fork length 1,150 mm
Function
  • Electric lifting and driving
  • Electric lowering on almost all models
  • All lift, drive and lowering functions are all electric
  • Available for tiller-guided pedestrian operation or rider operation with side seat or operator platform
Drive type
  • Electric
  • Electric
Lift type
  • Electro-hydraulic
  • Electro-hydraulic
Load capacity
  • Up to approximately 1800 kg depending on the model
  • 1400 – 2000 kg
Fork lengths
  • 800, 1000, or 1150 mm depending on the model
  • 1000 or 1150 mm depending on the model
Application area
  • Ideal for pedestrian operation over short distances indoors
  • Perfect for light-duty applications
  • Cost-effective entry-level electric option
  • Suitable for heavy-duty transport and handling of under-ride goods with high load weight
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications (model-dependent)
  • Suitable for transport in lorries as a portable truck (depending on model)

Scissor lift pallet trucks

Ameise® PTM 1.0 scissor lift truck with quick lift

The scissor lift pallet truck combines the function of a pallet jack with that of a mobile worktable. Its scissor mechanism raises the load to approximately 800 mm in height. This makes it possible to work with goods or merchandise in a way that is easy on the back. Manual models lift through handle pumping (with an optional quick-lift feature) while electric versions lift electro-hydraulically.

Parameter Details
Drive type
  • Manual
Lifting type
  • Hand-hydraulic or electro-hydraulic, depending on the model
Load capacity
  • Up to 1500 kg
Lifting range
  • 85–800 mm, depending on the model
Application
  • Lifting pallets, palletised goods, piece goods, wares and transport boxes to an ergonomic working height
  • Functions as a mobile worktable, workbench or preparation table
  • Stainless steel models designed for hygienically sensitive areas and clean rooms

Stainless steel pallet trucks

Stainless steel hand pallet truck INOX

Stainless steel pallet trucks are particularly durable, and resistant to corrosion, moisture, acids and alkalis, and aggressive gases. We carry resistant pallet jacks made of steel with hot-dip galvanising and pure stainless steel models. Hot-dip galvanising protects against corrosion while enabling thorough cleaning with pressure washers for maximum hygiene.

Their smooth surface also prevents the accumulation of dirt and impurities. This means our stainless steel pallet trucks meet the highest hygiene standards and are ideal for businesses where hazardous substances are handled, or strict hygiene regulations must be observed. Stainless steel pallet trucks can even be used in ESD or ATEX protection zones (zones 1 and 2 as well as zones 21 and 22) with the appropriate additional equipment.

In addition to the classic hand pallet truck, you can find scissor pallet trucks and pallet trucks with weighing scales in stainless steel designs.

Parameter Details
Drive type
  • Manual
Lift type
  • Hand-hydraulic or electro-hydraulic depending on model
Application
  • Transport and relocation of pallets, unit loads, goods and transport boxes
  • Can be used in hygienically sensitive areas and clean rooms
  • With appropriate equipment, also usable in ATEX and ESD zones

Pallet trucks with scales

Product image no. 1: Jungheinrich AMW 22p pallet truck with scale and comfort display, load capacity 2,200 kg, solid rubber / polyurethane

Pallet trucks with scales combine weighing and transporting in one device. Depending on the model, these pallet jacks feature either basic scales with 1-5 kg display increments or precision scales with

multiple weighing cells that achieve 0.1-0.5% accuracy. These scales include practical functions such as tare input, zero correction, sequential adding, and other features depending on the model.

Pallet trucks with scales are available at Jungheinrich PROFISHOP as manual pallet trucks, scissor pallet trucks, and electric pallet trucks.

4. How to choose the right pallet truck

Use the following selection criteria to find the right pump truck for your needs.

Where you will use your pallet truck

Your working environment is the decisive factor for selecting material handling equipment:

Working environment Specification Suitable pallet truck type
Dry indoor and outdoor areas
  • Indoor areas, e.g., in supermarkets, warehouses or sales rooms
  • Dry, level outdoor areas, e.g., in external warehouses or delivery zones
  • Hand pallet truck
  • Semi-electric pallet trucks
  • Fully-electric pallet trucks
Indoor and outdoor areas with condensation
  • Humid environments, e.g., cold stores or greenhouses, fruit stores
  • Stainless steel pallet trucks
  • Pallet truck with hot-dip galvanising
Indoor areas with specific security requirements
  • Areas with strict hygiene regulations, e.g., slaughterhouses, food factories or medical laboratories
  • Clean rooms
  • Explosive environments, e.g., in electrical engineering
  • Environments where corrosive chemicals are handled, e.g., in the manufacture of cleaning materials or building materials
  • Stainless steel pallet truck
  • Pallet truck with antistatic steering wheel
  • Pallet truck with additional equipment for explosive zones
Interiors with limited turning and manoeuvring options
  • Small storage areas, e.g., narrow storage rooms, shipping containers, narrow corridors
  • Mini pallet trucks
  • Narrow pallet trucks
  • Hand pallet trucks and electric pallet trucks with particularly short forks
Multipurpose use
  • Use as a worktable, e.g., on production lines or in the workshop
  • Scissor pallet trucks

Special tasks for pallet trucks

In addition to classic pallet jacks that cover most tasks, we also stock trucks that specialise in less conventional tasks:

Pallet truck tasks Suitable truck type
Transporting and weighing goods
  • Electric pallet truck with scales
  • Hand pallet truck with scales
  • Scissor lift truck with scales
  • Stainless steel pallet trucks with scales
Transverse pickup of Euro pallets
  • Pallet trucks with special fork widths
Handling non-standard pallets
  • Flat pallet truck for goods close to the ground
  • Extra slim hand pallet truck for narrow special pallets
  • Display pallet handler for CHEP, display or quarter pallets
  • Manual and electric pallet trucks with special fork widths
Picking up long goods
  • Four-way pallet truck
  • Manual pallet trucks with extra-long forks
Transport of sensitive or fragile goods
  • Manual or electric pallet trucks with a special lowering valve for particularly sensitive lowering

Drive and lift type

When selecting the right drive or lift type for you, a good rule of thumb is the larger the loads, the longer the distances to be covered, and the more frequently the loads must be lifted, the more likely it is that you need a pallet jack with electric drive and lift.

However, don't base your decision solely on operational efficiency. Ergonomic considerations are equally important for your selection.

All-electric pallet trucks keep physical strain to a minimum, allowing you and your employees to work ergonomically and efficiently. However, even if you choose a manual pallet jack, you won't sacrifice ergonomic comfort. Advanced features like an optimised hydraulic system reduce the force required for pumping, while chromed custom axles, sliding bushings on the wheels, or smooth-running wheel bearings make it easier to start up, brake and manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Drive Features Application
Manual drive
  • Pallet truck operates manually via the handle for both travel and lifting
  • Powerful hydraulics support the lift
  • Ideal for short transport distances
Fully electric drive
  • Both lift and travel motors operate electrically from the vehicle battery
  • Easy and low-effort movement, lifting and lowering
  • Suitable for longer distances and frequent lifting work (depending on model)

Load capacity

Jungheinrich AM 22 hand pallet truck, fork length 1,150 mm

The maximum load that a pallet truck can transport will play a big role in your purchase decision. The average weight of the loads you’ll regularly transport and your expected peak loads are important factors to consider. Use the load capacities of the different models to determine the maximum weight capacity and the best truck for you. To ensure that the pallet trucks are not overloaded, many of our models include an overload protection device.

Pallet trucks are simpler than pallet stackers when it comes to load capacity. While pallet stackers require you to consider how lifting height affects capacity, pump trucks can typically handle their full rated load. Just ensure the load is evenly distributed and within the correct load centre distance. Pallet trucks with extra-long forks are the exception and may have reduced capacity.

Fork lengths and fork carrying widths

Pallet trucks are available with different fork lengths and widths. We offer an extensive selection of fork lengths, especially for manual pallet trucks. For special applications, pallet jacks with non-standard fork carrying widths are also available in our online shop. Determine the right fork variant for your needs based on your typical loads:

Load Example Corresponding dimensions of the forks
Standard
  • Euro Pallets
  • Standard fork length of 1150 mm
  • Standard fork carrying width of 520-540 mm
Non-standard sizes (small)
  • General cargo like cartons or boxes
  • Display pallets
  • Half pallets
  • Quarter pallets (CHEP pallets)
  • Short forks between 800 and 1000 mm
  • Extra narrow fork carrying width of 380-450 mm
Non-standard sizes (large)
  • Pallets with excess width or length
  • Multi-pallet pickup
  • Transverse pickup of Euro pallets
  • Extra-long forks from 1207 - 2100 mm
  • Extra-wide forks carrying widths of 670 - 685 mm

Advantages of short fork lengths:

  • High manoeuvrability, small turning radius
  • Ideal for narrow aisles

Advantages of extra-long fork lengths:

  • Multi-pallet pickup can accelerate handling
  • Picking up pallets crosswise is also possible

Please note: For models with extra-long forks, load capacity may decrease as fork length increases.

Wheel configuration

Vollgummi-Lenkrad für Hubwagen Ameise®/BASIC/Economic

Manual pallet trucks typically have two swivel wheels and at least two fork rollers. Electric pallet trucks on the other hand, have a 3, 4, or 5-point chassis, depending on the model, with a drive wheel, support wheels and fork rollers.

The fork rollers are also available in a tandem version for particularly high loads. These double castors distribute weight better, making them particularly suitable for use on uneven ground or when negotiating floor thresholds or speed bumps. This results in smooth running and stability when moving loads and reduces wear on the individual rollers. Smooth-running wheels and rollers increase usage efficiency – entry rollers in the fork tip also make it easier to enter and exit the pallet.

Selecting the right wheel material for your material handling equipment depends on application and environmental conditions. Key factors include:

  • Load capacity of the floor
  • Floor condition (paved/unpaved, degree of contamination, floor covering)
  • Floor inclination
  • Noise level
  • Hygiene requirements
  • Climatic conditions
  • Starting and rolling resistance
  • Impact load
  • Environmental influences such as moisture, chemicals, or oils
  • Ambient temperature
  • Electrical conductivity requirements

At the Jungheinrich PROFISHOP, you can customise your pallet truck with castors and wheels suited to your specific requirements. We offer wheels and castors in the following materials:

Roller material Application Available for
Polyurethane
  • For frequent use on hard and sensitive floors
  • Manual pallet trucks
  • Electric pallet trucks
  • Scissor lift pallet trucks
  • Stainless steel pallet trucks
  • Pallet trucks with scales
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
  • For rough and uneven floors
  • Electric flat pallet trucks
Nylon
  • Suitable for use in the food and chemical industry applications
  • On smooth and level floors
  • On soft or pressure-sensitive floors (e.g., tiles) only suitable to a limited extent
  • Manual pallet trucks
  • Scissor lift pallet trucks
  • Stainless steel pallet trucks
  • Pallet trucks with scales
Solid Rubber
  • For environments where quiet operation is necessary, e.g. when loading goods at night
  • For applications requiring special traction, e.g. on uneven floors, for outdoor use in damp conditions or for use on ramps
  • Manual pallet trucks
  • Scissor lift pallet trucks
  • Pallet trucks with scales

Replacement wheels and castors can be ordered online anytime. The same applies if you want to optimise performance with different wheels or fork rollers.

5. FAQ for pallet trucks

The Ameise® pallet trucks series is generally seen as the robust, industry-standard option, valued for its proven durability in continuous, everyday use. In contrast, the broader Jungheinrich pallet trucks line encompasses a more extensive variety of models, which often includes more specialized features and advanced technologies.

The most suitable hydraulic oil for pallet trucks is usually HLP32 or HLP46 hydraulic oils. Both feature high-performance, good viscosity/temperature behaviour, reliable corrosion protection, and a long service life. Ideally, you should use the type of oil recommended for the equipment according to the operating instructions. Regular oil changes are necessary to prevent impurities that can cause oil pressure to drop and your truck to respond slowly or inaccurately.

Pallet trucks require annual inspections, or in accordance with an examination scheme. This is a legal requirement under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). This applies to both electric and manual pallet trucks. A short operational test must also be carried out every day. This includes:

  • Visual inspection for damage or leaks
  • Start-up and braking test
  • Hydraulic system and oil level checks
  • Driving behaviour assessment, especially during cornering and turning manoeuvres

Do you have any questions?