The basics: what distinguishes pallet trucks from forklift trucks?
The key difference lies in the lift height: while pallet trucks raise the forks only a few centimetres (for sufficient ground clearance during transport), forklift trucks can stack loads several metres high.
Pallet trucks in detail
Types of pallet trucks
Hand pallet trucks (manual)
- Load capacity: 1.000 - 3.000 kg
- Lift height: approx. 20 cm
- No training required
Electric pallet trucks
- Electric drive for longer distances
- More ergonomic for frequent use
- Load capacity: 1.500 - 2.500 kg
High-lift pallet trucks
- Lift height: up to 6 metres
- The link between pallet truck and forklift
- Ideal for high racking
Advantages of pallet trucks
- Compact and manoeuvrable - ideal for confined spaces
- No driver training required (except high-lift pallet trucks)
- Inexpensive to purchase and maintain
- Environmentally friendly - no emissions
- Quiet - ideal for retail
Disadvantages of pallet trucks
- Limited load capacity
- Low lift height (except high-lift pallet trucks)
- Less suitable for uneven floors
- Slower over longer distances
Forklift trucks in detail
Types of forklift trucks
Electric forklifts
- Emission-free, quiet
- Ideal for indoor use
- Lower maintenance costs
Diesel forklifts
- High performance
- For outdoor use and uneven ground
- Robust and durable
LPG forklifts
- Flexible indoors and outdoors
- Good balance of performance and emissions
Reach trucks
- Optimised for narrow aisles
- High lift heights possible
Advantages of forklift trucks
- High load capacity (up to 50 tonnes for heavy-duty models)
- Great lift heights (up to 10+ metres)
- Fast over longer distances
- Versatile thanks to attachments
- Suitable for rough terrain (diesel/LPG)
Disadvantages of forklift trucks
- High purchase costs
- Forklift licence required
- More maintenance effort
- Greater space requirements (working aisle width)
Comparison table
| Criterion | Pallet truck | Forklift truck |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase | € 200 - 5.000 | € 15.000 - 100.000+ |
| Load capacity | up to 3.000 kg | up to 50.000 kg |
| Lift height | up to 6 m (high-lift) | up to 12 m |
| Training | Usually none | Forklift licence mandatory |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium to high |
| Working aisle width | 1.400 - 1.800 mm | 2.000 - 3.500 mm |
Decision guide: which equipment for which job?
Choose a pallet truck if:
- Short transport distances (under 50 m)
- Level, smooth floors
- Limited lift height is sufficient
- Budget is limited
- Confined premises
- Infrequent use
Choose a forklift truck if:
- Regular heavy-load transport
- High racking needs to be serviced
- Longer transport distances
- Outdoor use required
- High throughput demanded
A combination of both if:
- A variety of tasks in your operation
- Pallet trucks for fine distribution
- Forklift for loading/unloading and high racking
Conclusion
The right choice depends on your specific requirements. For many SMEs, a combination of inexpensive pallet trucks for daily warehouse work and a rented or purchased forklift for heavy loads is the most economical solution.
Tip: Hire different models before buying to find the ideal solution for your operation.