Pallet trucks: The indispensable transport equipment
Hardly any warehouse can do without pallet trucks. But the choice is wide: from the simple hand pallet truck to the electric pallet truck to the scissor lift pallet truck with height adjustment. Which type for which application? This guide will help you decide.
The manual pallet truck: Reliable and low-maintenance
The classic hand pallet truck is the workhorse in every warehouse:
- Load capacity: Typically 2,000–2,500 kg
- Lift height: Approx. 80–200 mm (transport height)
- Advantages: Inexpensive, low-maintenance, no charging infrastructure required
- Ideal for: Short transport distances, occasional use, confined spaces
For most standard transport tasks over short distances, a manual pallet truck is perfectly sufficient.
The electric pallet truck: Saves effort and time
With frequent use or longer distances, switching to electric pays off:
- Drive: Electric – no physical strain on the operator
- Lift function: Electrically or hydraulically assisted
- Advantages: Ergonomic, faster, fewer sick days thanks to reduced physical strain
- Ideal for: Multi-shift operation, long transport routes, heavy loads
Cost calculation: An electric pallet truck costs more to purchase, but with intensive use it saves each employee up to 45 minutes per shift – so it pays for itself within just a few months.
The scissor lift pallet truck: Ergonomic at working height
The scissor lift pallet truck combines transport with height adjustment:
- Lift height: Up to approx. 800 mm (table height)
- Load capacity: Typically 500–1,000 kg
- Advantages: Ergonomic working without bending, ideal for order picking
- Ideal for: Order picking, packing stations, assembly workstations
Especially at workstations where goods have to be moved from the shelf onto the pallet truck and on to the packing table, the scissor lift enormously reduces physical strain.
Decision guide: Which pallet truck for which application?
| Criterion | Manual | Electric | Scissor lift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport distance | Short (<50 m) | Long (>50 m) | Short to medium |
| Frequency of use | Occasional | Continuous use | Regular |
| Load capacity | Up to 2,500 kg | Up to 2,000 kg | Up to 1,000 kg |
| Lift height | Transport height | Transport height | Up to table height |
| Ergonomics | Medium | High | Very high |
| Investment | Low | Medium to high | Medium |
Consider the floor surface
An often overlooked factor: the warehouse floor determines the choice of wheels. Smooth industrial floors are suitable for polyurethane wheels, while uneven outdoor surfaces require solid rubber or pneumatic tyres. fetra offers suitable wheels and castors as accessories for all surfaces.
Conclusion
The manual pallet truck remains the standard for simple transport tasks. Under higher demands – in terms of time or physical effort – switching to electric is worthwhile. And wherever ergonomic working at height counts, the scissor lift pallet truck is the best choice.