What are the Different Types of Pallet Trucks?

Pallet trucks also referred to as pallet jacks, are staples of freighting and logistics. They play a key role in boosting transport efficiency, allowing for the easy manoeuvrability of palleted goods.

They are essentially wheeled trolleys designed to allow the user to quickly mount and transport pallets from one location to another, and they come in plenty of shapes and sizes in order to tackle a variety of different jobs.

If you’re hoping to establish your own distribution network any time soon, or you’re a logistics company looking to streamline your efforts, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the different types of pallet jacks on the market today.

Manual Pallet Trucks

A manual pallet jack is among the most common type of hand pallet trucks available, one of their main advantages being that they’re easy to use, as they don’t require any type of license to handle.

They come in many different lengths, enabling users to choose accordingly based on their desired load capacity

Since they are manually operated and therefore lack the same level of technological prowess as some of the other options on this list, they are one of the most cost-effective options you can go for. Yet, they may be difficult to operate consistently when moving heavy-duty loads.

Motorised Pallet Trucks

A motorised pallet truck, also known as a powered pallet jack, or a walkie pallet jack, is equipped with an electric motor, enabling users to move much heavier pallets than they would be able to with the manual option.

The motorised element of the pallet truck removes much of the need for excessive manual labour, as they are typically controlled with electric throttle. If you need to transport heavier goods or increase the number of pallets you move in a single trip, it’s certainly worth taking a look at this particular type of machine.

Ride-On Pallet Trucks

If you need to move pallets across longer distances, the ride-on electric pallet truck could be the ideal option.

They allow the user to drive the pallet load from one area to another, greatly reducing the amount of time and manual labour involved in the transportation process. They can be fitted with a range of different extensions and forks for maximum functionality, such as a weighing scale pallet or an extended-length fork.

They tend to be one of the more expensive options, and they do need a license to operate. They are fantastically efficient, so if your logistical needs demand it, it’s worth investing in the training required to operate.

High Lift Pallet Trucks

High lift pallet trucks are fairly similar in function to the hand trucks; however, they include a feature that enables you to lift the pallets to waist height for easier loading.

This can help eliminate back strain and allow your workers to lift pallets more comfortably, provided your pallets are open-bottomed.

Choosing the Right Truck

To find the right truck for you, you’ll need to first choose the right pallet and determine how much weight your truck is required to lift. A manual pallet truck will generally be able to lift up to around 2500kg. In contrast, an electric one can probably reach weights of up to 1500kg, but with the added advantage of being much easier to operate.

If you need to move pallets in harsher conditions or you work on uneven floors, a rough terrain jack may be better suited to your needs.

A rough terrain pallet jack tends to be incredibly heavy, but they have no issue traversing heavy loads across tricky ground.

Remember to always make sure you put safety first when handling equipment of any kind, as the health of your employees is always of paramount importance.

Reach out to us today if your business needs logistics solutions you can rely on. We would love to help you out.