Pallet trucks are divided into non-powered machines and electrically powered ones, as well as into low-lift and high-lift trucks. Which one should you choose? We will try to answer this question.
Manual pallet truck
A manual pallet truck, commonly known as a pallet jack, can be found virtually everywhere. This device is widely appreciated around the world—it is easy to use and maintain, while also being perfectly suited to tasks such as unloading or loading a lorry and moving a load from point A to point B. Learn about its main disadvantages and advantages:
Advantages:
- relatively low purchase price,
- minimal servicing costs,
- very easy operation.
Disadvantages:
- intensive work may cause fatigue for the person operating the machine
- it has certain limitations that prevent it from working with very heavy loads.
Electric pallet truck
Electric pallet trucks, that is, battery-powered pallet trucks, constitute a very broad product category encompassing machines for pedestrian operators as well as for workers who travel on a specially designed platform. They enable the fast, convenient and safe transport of even very heavy loads. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, they do not require dedicated infrastructure for charging the batteries. Learn about their main disadvantages and advantages:
Advantages:
- with the platform option, the ability to cover long distances very quickly
- fast and safe loading of heavy goods onto a lorry,
- a large number of configurations contributing to user comfort,
- minimised risk of injuries among operators using this type of pallet truck,
- a range of functions supporting safety during operation.
Disadvantages:
- the electrically powered option is considerably more expensive than a standard pallet truck,
- it requires proper maintenance and servicing, meaning that its operating costs are higher.
Pallet truck with a mast
An electric pallet truck equipped with a mast is the most technologically advanced solution among those described today. It is very often chosen by medium-sized businesses that need to carry out various tasks using a single device. Therefore, it is worth looking for a machine whose design will ensure long and trouble-free operation. Learn about its main disadvantages and advantages.
Advantages:
- all the features of the electric pallet truck described above,
- the ability to store heavy loads at great heights on warehouse racks,
- the ability to stack loads safely.
Disadvantages:
- by far the highest price and operating costs,
- the operator must hold the appropriate qualifications.
Which Pallet Truck Should You Buy? Summary
There can be only one answer to this question: definitely an electric pallet truck! If the funds allocated for this type of investment allow it, there is no other choice. Depending on your needs, you can choose a version with or without a mast. If your facility frequently handles the loading and unloading of lorries, it is worth considering purchasing an electric pallet truck equipped with a platform for the operator. If pallets are stored on racks, a mast is also worth considering. This type of device will offer the highest level of flexibility among those described above.
For companies that require basic load handling and use this type of solution only occasionally, a standard manual pallet truck can be recommended; it will certainly help with everyday tasks.