Pallet trucks – Versatile helpers in warehouses, logistics and sales
Pallet trucks are used to lift, transport, and lower pallets and other goods that can be accessed quickly and easily underneath and close to the ground. This is why pallet and pump trucks and pallet jacks are among the most important tools in companies where loads are moved on a regular basis. Our portfolio includes manual and electric lift trucks as well as models for special applications, and our buying guide will help you find the right model for your needs. Read on to learn more.
Complementing our range of listed pallet trucks are stacker trucks. Thanks to their lifting mast, these are not only suitable for horizontal, but also for vertical transport of goods: With their help, goods can also be stored in heavy-duty racks and shelving systems, for example.
There are several important factors to consider when choosing your new pump truck. Support for this is provided by an initial functional analysis. Using this, you will define exactly which characteristics your pallet truck must meet. The following questions will help you to create a precise requirement profile:
Where should the pallet truck be used?
Which drive is required for driving and lifting functions?
What is the maximum load weight that should be transported?
What fork length and width are required?
How often will the pallet truck be used?
Do you want to cover long distances with the pallet truck, and do you therefore need a model with rider operation?
Which tires are suitable for the terrain you are driving on?
Are special functions such as a quick lift, crawl speed button, or a weighing function required to work more efficiently?
Working environment for pallet trucks
The decisive criterion for selecting a pallet jacks and trucks is the working environment in which the industrial truck is primarily to be used.
Working Environment
Specification
Suitable Truck Type
Dry indoor and outdoor areas
Specification
Indoor areas, e.g., in supermarkets, warehouses or sales rooms
Dry, level outdoor areas, e.g., in external warehouses or delivery zones
Suitable Truck Type
Hand pallet truck
Semi-electric pallet trucks
Fully electric pallet trucks
Indoor and outdoor areas with condensation
Specification
Humid environments, e.g., cold stores or greenhouses, fruit stores
Suitable Truck Type
Stainless steel pallet trucks
Pallet truck with hot-dip galvanizing and galvanizing
Indoor areas with specific security requirements
Specification
Areas with strict hygiene regulations, e.g., slaughterhouses, food factories or medical laboratories
Cleanrooms
Explosive environments, e.g., in electrical engineering
Environments where corrosive chemicals are handled, e.g., in the manufacture of cleaning materials or building materials
Suitable Truck Type
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
When selecting the appropriate drive or lift type, the following generally applies: The larger the loads, the longer the distances to be covered, and the more frequently the loads must be lifted, the more likely your choice should be a pallet lifter with electric travel and/or lift drive.
However, the decision in favour of a purely manual or semi- or fully electric lift truck should not only be made about the most effective work processes possible since ergonomic factors should also be taken into account when making the choice.
All-electric lift trucks reduce the physical strain on the operator to a minimum, allowing you and your employees to work ergonomically and efficiently. But even with purely manual lift trucks, you don't have to sacrifice ergonomic comfort. Technical developments such as an optimized hydraulic system can reduce the amount of force required for pumping, while chrome-plated 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
Features
Lift truck is operated manually via the tiller for both travel and lifting
Powerful hydraulics support the lift
Application
Ideally suited for short transport distances
Semi-electric drive
Features
Travel movement is electrically driven
Lifting is done by manually operated drawbar strokes
Lowering is done via manually operated lowering valve
Application
Suitable for longer transport distances
Full electric drive
Features
Both lift and travel motors operate electrically from 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)
Load capacity
The maximum load that a pallet truck can transport plays a decisive role in the purchase. The average weight of the loads to be transported on a regular basis as well as expected peak loads should therefore be decisive for the selection of the lift truck. You can tell whether the lift truck model is suitable for the loads that occur in your business by looking at the load capacityof the device—this indicates the maximum load up to which the trucks may be loaded. To ensure that the pallet trucks are not overloaded, many of our models include an overload protection device.
Unlike high lift trucks where, depending on the lifting height, a distinction is made between rated capacity and actual load capacity, this can be ignored for low lift trucks—provided the load centre distance is considered and the load is evenly distributed. An exception to this can be pallet trucks with extra-long forks.
Fork Lengths and fork carrying widths
Pallet trucks are available with different fork lengths and fork carrying widths. Thanks to our range of models, we offer a large selection of different fork lengths, especially for hand pallet trucks. For special applications, lift trucks with special fork carrying widths are also available in our online store. You determine the right fork variant for your needs based on the loads transported in your company:
Simultaneous pick-up of several pallets accelerates pallet handling
Also possible to pick up pallets crosswise
Please note: For models with extra-long forks, the load capacity may decrease as the fork length increases.
Intensity of use
Depending on how often, how long, and how intensively you want to use your new lift truck, it makes sense to purchase an industrial truck with a suitable scope of performance.
Especially forelectric pallet trucks, the maximum usage duration is decisive for the purchase. This describes the period over which an electric pallet truck can be used in one-, two-, or three-shift operation:
One-shift operation: corresponds to a light intensity of use, covering approximately 500 to 1,000 hours of operation per year.
Two-shift operation: corresponds to a medium intensity of use, covering approx. 1,000 to 1,700 operating hours per year.
Three-shift operation: corresponds to an intensive operating intensity of more than 1,700 operating hours per year.
In the case of hand pallet trucks, the possible operating intensity is determined by the hydraulics or the hydraulic pump installed. Depending on the design and materials of construction, this pump reaches a certain maximum number of lifting cycles before it shows signs of wear. Depending on the model, between 3,500 and 10,000 stroke cycles are possible. In addition, the intensity of use is also determined by the robustness and workmanship of the materials and components used.
Tires
Hand pallet trucks are usually equipped with 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 series, 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 rollers distribute the weight better, which is why they are particularly suitable for use on uneven ground or when negotiating speed bumps. This results in smooth running and stability when moving the load and also reduces wear on the individual rollers. Smooth-running wheels and rollers, on the other hand, increase usage efficiency—infeed rollers in the fork tip also make it easier to enter and exit the pallet.
Which material used within the wheels on pallet trucks for warehouses depends heavily on the application and environmental conditions. Factors to consider 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 wetness, chemicals, or oils
Ambient temperature
Electrical conductivity requirements
You can select pallet lifters at Jungheinrich PROFISHOP individually with the castors and wheels that correspond to the respective maximum load and application. Wheels and castors for lift trucks are available from us in the following materials:
Roller Material
Features
Usage
Lift Truck
Polyurethane
Features
Particularly flexible and resistant
Quiet, low-noise operation
Shock-absorbing
Low wear
High load capacity
Long service life
Low rolling resistance
Non-marking
Temperature resistant from -20 °c to +80 °c
Oil and grease resistant
Usage
For frequent use on hard and sensitive floors
Lift Truck
Hand pallet truck
Semi- and fully electric pallet trucks
Scissor lift trucks
Stainless steel pallet trucks
Cradle pallet truck
Thermoplastic Polyurethane TPU
Features
Is gentle on floors that must not be subjected to heavy loads
Does not leave contact discoloration
Very smooth running
Shock absorbing
Low wear
High load capacity
Long service life
Low rolling resistance
Temperature resistant from -20 °C to +80 °C
Oil and grease resistant
Resistant to many aggressive media (alkalis and acids)
Usage
For rough and uneven floors
Lift Truck
Electric low lift truck
Nylon
Features
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
Usage
Food and chemical industry
On smooth and even floors
· On soft or pressure-sensitive floors (e.g., tiles) only suitable to a limited extent
Lift Truck
Hand pallet truck
Scissor lift truck
Stainless steel pallet truck
Cradle pallet truck
Solid Rubber
Features
Good floor adhesion even on rough, uneven, damp, and smooth floors
Particularly resistant
High running smoothness
High elasticity
Not susceptible to impact
Good load distribution
Temperature resistant from -5 °c to +80 °c
Higher running resistance
Slightly chalking
Usage
For environments where smooth running is required, 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
Lift Truck
Hand pallet truck
Scissor lift truck
Cradle lift truck
Off-road pallet truck (rubber tires with air suspension)
You can reorder worn wheels and casters online at any time. The same applies if, for example, you want to optimize the drive of your vehicle with other caster wheels or fork rollers. We offer an extensive range of replacement wheels and castors.
Below you will find more detailed information on the pallet truck models available from us and their range of functions. Helpful accessories or additional functions for the various low-lift pallet trucks are available on request. Please feel free to contact our competent technical consultants if required.
Hand pallet truck
Pallet trucks with hand-hydraulically operated lift for horizontal load transport of pallets, transport boxes, and wire mesh boxes have been around since 1929. Despite many innovations in the field of pallet trucks, these versatile industrial trucks are still classics. No wonder: hand pallet trucks are easy to operateand uncomplicated in function, operation, and maintenance.
The basic principle of their operation has always remained unchanged. The pallet truck consists of a fork with two forks, which picks up the load, and a steering tiller, which is used to manually steer and move the industrial truck over short distances. Repeated pumping with the tiller activates the hydraulic pump and causes the fork to be raised until the ground clearance required for load transport is achieved. To lower, a lever on the handle is operated, which releases the hydraulic pump and lowers the fork back to ground level. Hand pallet trucks can be pulled or pushed and turned on the spot.
Depending on the model, an electric pallet mover is equipped with one or two electric motors. Depending on the equipment, this allows loads to be transported, lifted, and lowered more quickly and with less effort. Control is via the multifunction tiller head. A particularly compact design also enables manoeuvring in the smallest of spaces and is facilitated by the optional crawl speed button. Thanks to the electric drive, electric pallet trucks can be moved more precisely and sensitively than manual industrial trucks.
We offer electric pallet trucks in two variants:
Semi-electric: Here, the driving of the lift truck is taken over by a drive motor. The lifting and lowering of the loads is done manually. These pallet trucks are also known as: semi-electric low-lift pallet trucks, semi-electric pallet trucks, semi-electric pallet trucks, electric hand pallet trucks, semi-electric pallet trucks.
All-electric: In this case, both the lifting and travel and lowering functions are operated by electric motors. Lift trucks with full electric drive are also known as: electric low-lift pallet truck, all-electric pallet truck.
Depending on the model, electric low-lift pallet forks at Jungheinrich PROFISHOP are available with a drive via a DC or three-phase motor, and are powered by either high-performance lead-acid, maintenance-free lead-gel batteries or innovative lithium-ion batteries. The electric truck is "refuelled" by charging the battery with a battery charger. Usually, the units are equipped with an integrated charger. This allows the battery to be charged at any 230 V socket. When charging the battery, certain specifications must be observed depending on the battery type. These can usually be found in the operating instructions.
These pallet truck models with semi- or fully electric drive are solid entry-level models in pedestrian operation, suitable exclusively for light-duty use over short distances indoors or, depending on the model, indoors and outdoors (if dry). In contrast to our electric low-lift pallet trucks, these electric pallet trucks are less powerful and robust.
Parameter
Details
Drive type
Details
Electric
Lifting type
Details
Depending on model hand- or electro-hydraulic
Load capacity
Details
Depending on model up to approx. 1,500 kg
Fork lengths
Details
Depending on model with 800, 1,000 or 1,150 mm
Special equipment and accessories (depending on model series)
Details
Side support rollers
Spare battery
Application
Details
Transport and relocation of pallets, unit loads, goods and transport boxes with high load weights that can be moved underneath the machine
Advantages
Details
Use without forklift license possible
High handling speeds without operator fatigue
Low maintenance
Emission-free
Disadvantages
Details
Not suitable for multi-shift operation or continuous use
Not designed for stacking operation
Electric low-lift pallet truck
These powerful and robust electric pallet trolleys with all-electric operation are available both as a variant for drawbar-guided pedestrian operation and for pedestrian operation with side seat or driver's stand-on platform. Depending on the series, they are suitable for light-duty applications indoors as well as for demanding indoor and outdoor applications and for truck-mounted applications. The 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 located to the side of the drive wheel prevent the vehicle from rocking on uneven ground.
Parameter
Details
Drive type
Details
Electric
Type of stroke
Details
Electro-hydraulic
Nominal load
Details
1,300–1,500 kg
1,400–2,000 kg
Fork lengths
Details
Depending on model with 1,000 or 1,150 mm
Special equipment and accessories (depending on model series)
Details
Ramp lift
Crawl speed button
Lift pulse control
Curve control
Others
Application
Details
Transport and relocation of pallets, unit loads, goods and transport boxes with high load weights that can be moved underneath the machine
Suitable for transport in trucks (depending on model)
Advantages
Details
Use without forklift license possible
High handling speeds without operator fatigue
Low maintenance
Emission-free
Disadvantages
Details
Not designed for stacking operation
Models with lead acid battery require a charging station and regular refilling of the battery with distilled water (wet cell battery)
The scissor lift truck combines the function of a fork truck with that of a mobile worktable. The scissor mechanism allows the load to be raised to a height of approx. 800 mm. This makes it possible to work with goods or merchandise in a way that is easy on the back. Scissor lift trucks also make it easier to transfer goods from the raised forks to a workbench or production line. Manual scissor lift trucks are lifted by means of a drawbar stroke (optionally with quick lift) and electric scissor lift trucks are lifted electro-hydraulically.
Parameter
Details
Drive type
Details
Manual
Lifting type
Details
Depending on model hand- or electro-hydraulic
Load capacity
Details
Up to 1,500 kg
Lifting range
Details
Depending on model 85–800 mm
Special equipment and accessories (depending on model series)
Details
Position control
Remote control
Side support rollers
Antistatic steering wheel
Driving and parking brake
Special painting according to RAL table
Application
Details
Transfer of pallets, palletized goods, piece goods, goods and transport boxes at ergonomic working height (also from shelves)
Can be used as mobile worktable, worktable, or supply table
Stainless steel models can be used in hygienically sensitive areas and clean rooms
Advantages
Details
Can be used without forklift license
Can be used as transport vehicle and mobile worktable at the same time
Enables ergonomic working individually for each employee
Disadvantages
Details
Manual models require high effort for transport and lifting
Low handling speed
Stainless steel lift trucks
Stainless steel pallet trucks are particularly durable, corrosion resistant, and insensitive to moisture, acids and alkalis, or aggressive gases. We carry resistant lift trucks made of plain steel with hot-dip galvanizing (electroplating) as well as pure stainless steel. Hot-dip galvanizing of steel models protects the surface from corrosion and enables hygienic cleaning of the pallet trucks even with high-pressure cleaners. Their smooth surface also prevents the accumulation of dirt and impurities. This means that the stainless pallet trucks meet the highest hygiene standards and are ideal for businesses where hazardous substances are handled, or strict hygiene regulations must be observed. These include, for example, laboratories, cold stores, slaughterhouses, food processing plants, and pharmaceutical or chemical plants. With additional equipment, stainless steel pallet trucks can also be used in ESD or ATEX protection zones (zones 1 and 2 as well as zones 21 and 22).
In addition to the classic hand pallet truck, you can also find scissor pallet trucks or cradle pallet trucks in stainless steel designs.
Weighing pallet trucks combine the functions of weighing and transporting in one device. An integrated scale is also suitable for checking and determining the shipping weight. Depending on the model, these pallet trucks have scales with 1-5 kg 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.
Pallet trucks with scales are available at Jungheinrich PROFISHOP as hand pallet trucks with exclusively manual operation, scissor pallet trucks, as well as electric pallet trucks.
Display pallet jacks can be used to manually lift, lower, and move pallets on level and paved surfaces in warehouses, production halls, or sales areas. The devices are primarily used for the efficient lifting and relocation of CHEP, display, or quarter pallets, and the load carriers are conveniently lifted and gently lowered via a pedal. Two swivel castors with locking brakes ensure optimum grip when lifting and moving the goods. At Jungheinrich PROFISHOP, the display pallet lifters are available in different versions:
Support surfaces or monofork for a secure hold.
Lifting height 120-400 mm
Load capacity 200-250 kg
Versions available in (hot-)galvanized steel
Mini hand pallet truck
The lightweight mini hand pallet trucks with small turning radius have a short fork length of 800 mm and a fork carrying width of 380 mm with a weight of 35 kg. This makes these pallet trucks ideal to take along in trucks or vans and perfect transport aids in confined spaces such as winding salesrooms, narrow hallways, or hard-to-reach storage areas. Mini pallet trucks allow you to transport half pallets, display pallets and other special pallets up to a maximum weight of approx. 500 kg.
Extra-narrow hand pallet trucks
To pick up and move narrow special pallets safely and conveniently, you can find extra-slim hand pallet trucks in our online store: 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 just 450 mm. Other features of our extra narrow hand pallet trucks:
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 right choice. The manual low-floor pallet trucks have a particularly low entry height of only approx. 51 mm 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, low-floor pallet trucks only have a very low ground clearance. The subfloors in your operating areas should therefore be level. Low-floor pallet trucks cannot be used on ramps.
Four-way pallet truck
As soon as you need 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 use a four-way pallet truck. With these hand pallet trucks, loads can be moved not only forwards and backwards, but also sideways. This is enabled by the special design of the four-way pallet truck.
Please note: When the lift truck is moved transversely, the load capacity is reduced from approx. 2,500 kg to a maximum of 1,500 kg.
The hydraulic oil for lift trucks must be changed regularly, otherwise impurities can cause the oil pressure to drop. This means the lift truck will respond slowly or inaccurately. Ideally, use the type of oil recommended for the equipment according to the operating instructions. In most cases, this is HLP32 or HLP46 hydraulic oils. Both are characterized by a high-performance level, good viscosity/temperature behaviour, reliable corrosion protection, and a long service life.
How often do lift trucks need to be inspected?
Both electric and hand pallet trucks must beinspected annually, 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). 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
What maintenance tasks should be performed on lift trucks?
To ensure that both manual and electric pallet lifters can be used safely and effectively, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), stipulates that the equipment must be inspected annually. This may only be carried out by appropriately qualified and authorized personnel. In most cases, these are specialists from outside the company who inspect the lift trucks for defects that could endanger occupational safety. Among other things, the following components should be checked for damage, wear, or corrosion:
Steering and brakes
Drive
Wheels and chassis
Handholds and ride-on platform, if applicable
Switches, warning devices and lighting
Batteries and chargers
Signage
After a successful test, a faultless device is awarded a test badge. In the case of electric low-lift trucks, the test documents for this must be kept until the next test.
Within the scope of our maintenance contracts, Jungheinrich's after-sales service also takes care of the inspection and maintenance of your pallet trucks in the UK. With more than 3,000 service technicians worldwide, there is always a partner near you.