With the emergence and evolution of the electric pallet truck, there has never been a greater choice of pallet trucks available to businesses across multiple industries. Despite the original pallet trucks dating back over 100 years, its fundamental objective has and remains to be, the movement of large and heavy loads from one location to another.
Which pallet truck is best suited to your operation(s) is dependent on a number of factors. These include usage, environment and the size of loads being moved, and over what distances. To gain a better understanding of what pallet truck is best equipped for your needs, we look at the common options available.
Pallet trucks can be categorised into four common sub-categories: Manual, Semi Electric, Electric, and Pedestrian/Powered Pallet Trucks (PPTs).
Manual Pallet Truck
The original, over a century old and in the UK is fondly and commonly known as the Pallet Truck. It can also be referred to as a ‘Hand Pallet Truck, ‘Pallet Jack’ and a ‘Pump Truck’. Simplistic in design, the Manual Pallet Truck has no bells and whistles. This method of lifting loads requires a brief workout to the operator’s triceps and biceps. This method of movement also requires the operator to provide the power for physical movement and slowing of the load. With limited technological presence, the Manual Pallet Truck is naturally the cheapest option of all the pallet trucks. It is perfectly suited for lighter loads, small distances and limited usage. In comparison to other pallet trucks, there is an increased level of operator fatigue and in potential injury.
Semi Electric Pallet Truck
The Semi Electric Pallet Truck is not fully electric as the name suggests. Traditionally the method of lifting loads still requires operators to pump the tiller-arm and gain a brief ‘arms / upper body’ workout. However, the powered element focuses on the movement of loads, reducing the physicals pressure on the operator. This will reduce operator fatigue and the potential of getting an injury, when compared to the Manual Pallet Truck. The Semi Electric Pallet truck is ideal for operations that require loads to be moved over small to medium distances a few times a day. When considering a Semi Electric Pallet Truck, review the cost in comparison to an Electric Pallet Truck. For example, the Heli Electric Pallet Truck is highly competitive and potentially as cost effective.
Electric Pallet Truck
Both the physical actions of lifting, and the movement of loads is all completed by the Electric Pallet Truck. Therefore, greatly reducing operator fatigue and the potential risk of injury. The Electric Pallet Truck is ideal for heavier loads, and moving them over medium to long distances a small number of times a day. For frequent usage, we suggest a Heli PPT.
Powered Pallet Truck (PPT)
The heavy weights of the pallet truck option. The Powered Pallet Truck is designed for heavy lifting, frequent use, and the movement of loads over all distances. If you need a pallet truck especially for long journeys, this will be the truck for you. The electrification of lifting and movement means the PPT is top dog when you consider efficiency, operator safety and reduced operator fatigue. Naturally, it is the most expensive of the Pallet Truck options. The PPT is the number one solution when ramps and gradients are a consideration. Manual trucks are not suitable for sloped surfaces, whilst Semi and Electric Pallet Trucks can be used on slopes, the gradient needs to be evaluated to ensure safe and appropriate use.
Still not sure which Pallet Truck is right for you? Below we review a number of sectors and the Pallet Trucks deployed to overcome the challenges their environments present.
Retail / Wholesale (including supermarket)
Environment/challenge: A Pallet Truck that is durable, efficient and limits the risk to the public as well as the operator due to the use on the shop floor and narrow aisles. Operators in general tend to have limited experience of materials handling equipment in comparison to warehouse operators. Therefore, it is important to select a safe and easy to use Pallet Truck.
Grant Handlings suggestion: Either a Hand Pallet Truck, or the Heli Electric Pallet Truck. Both versions are simplistic to operate and versatile to operate in narrow aisles. The Heli Electric Pallet truck is Lithium-ion powered, making it suitable for use in public and around fresh produce. Whilst also reducing physical strain on employees.
Warehouse / Storage
Environment/Challenge: A Pallet Truck that can move small to heavy loads over long distances whilst exposed to high usage.
Grant Handlings suggestion: Our main suggestion would be to utilise our Heli PPT range. They are robust, efficient and able to meet the environmental challenges presented above. For smaller warehouses, or frequent, yet small distances, the standard PPT would be ideal. For loading docks, where large loads need to be moved over a combination of short, medium and large distances we would Suggest a Heli Platform PPT. For large warehouses, with the frequent movement of large loads over medium to large distances, we would suggest our Heli Ride on PPT.
Manufacturing
Environment/Challenge: A Pallet Truck that can move small to heavy loads to different stages of the manufacturing process efficiently and cleanly.
Grant Handlings suggestion: Loads can commonly be heavy and many stages of the manufacturing process can require clean environments. Which means a low emissions power solution such as Lithium-ion technology would be ideal. Grant Handling would suggest our Heli Powered Pallet Truck range powered by Lithium-ion for loads that are heavy and need to be transported over long distances. For short journeys, we would recommend the Heli Electric Pallet Truck.
Transport / Last Mile
Environment/Challenge: A Pallet Truck that can be operated in tight spaces and move loads from a dispatch or reception area. The Pallet Truck well need to able to operate on a ramp or tail lift.
Grant Handlings suggestion: The Heli Electric Pallet Truck offers a small turning radius, is compact and small enough to be utilised in vehicles and on tail. The lithium-ion power source makes it perfect for short movement of loads too and from the vehicles. Whilst the emergency stop switch and the electromagnetic braking reduce the risk of shins and heals taking the knocks frequently experienced when operating a Manual Pallet Truck in confined areas.
Expert Advice
Still not sure which Pallet Truck is right for you? Then our experts at Grant Handling can support you find the correct product for your business based on your current and future requirements. Email info@granthandling.com and we will get one of experts to contact you.
Training
With any powered piece of equipment, there is naturally a risk to employees and members of the public. Therefore, it is good practice to provide all operators of Electric Pallet Trucks and Powered Pallet Trucks with appropriate levels of training to reduce workplace accidents and meet your legal obligations. Grant Handling are experienced at providing our customers with access to accredited training, to discover more email info@granthandling.com.
