Need new equipment to move your pallets? The pallet truck is an essential machine for companies that store and transport goods. What are the different types of pallet trucks? What are the selection criteria for the machine best suited to your needs? Discover our equipment.
What is a pallet truck?
A pallet truck is a handling equipment which allows pallets of goods to be lifted, moved and loaded into a warehouse.
The pallet truck is equipped:
- on the chassis,
- directional wheels,
- a drawbar with handles,
- a hydraulic mechanism,
- two forked arms,
- of pebbles.
Where to buy a pallet truck ? Trust a business equipment professional!
What is a pallet truck used for?
This load handling and transport machine is useful in several respects:
- Il facilitates the movement of loads which are transported effortlessly. It can support up to 5 tonnes.
- It allows to save time in handling loads.
What are the different types of pallet trucks?
There exists four types of pallet trucks. Choose the pallet truck that’s right for you based on the size of your warehouse, your needs and your budget.
The manual pallet truck
It is handled manually. It is therefore mainly suitable for light loads.
For travel, the manual pallet truck must be pulled by the drawbar. For lifting and lowering loads, it is necessary to pump the drawbar and thus activate the hydraulic cylinder.
Ses main features are :
- a maximum lifting height of 30 cm, and more rarely up to 1 m;
- a maximum load of 2,500 kg;
- a maximum speed of 5 km/h.
The electric pallet truck
The electric pallet truck is easier to handle, because the operator is assisted in using the machine. He thus preserves his health.
Ses main features are :
- a maximum lifting height of 30 cm, and more rarely up to 1 m;
- a maximum load of 3,000 kg;
- a maximum speed of 10 km/h.
The semi-electric pallet truck
This machine has a manual part and an electric part. There are two formulas:
- an automatic lifting device coupled with manual traction;
- automatic traction coupled with a manual lifting device.
The semi-electric pallet truck is a good compromise between the electric pallet truck and the manual pallet truck. It helps preserve the health of operators while saving money compared to the fully electric version.
The high lift pallet truck
The forklift is beneficial for the health of handlers. Indeed, thanks to the possibility of raising the forks, the operator maintains an upright posture and does not have to constantly bend down and get up.
The maximum load is often around 1 ton.
How to choose your pallet truck?
In addition to the manual or electric nature of the machine, several criteria must be taken into account when choosing your pallet truck:
- the color : gray, stainless steel, yellow, orange, red, green;
- the material of the chassis : in steel or stainless steel;
- wheel material : they can be made of nylon, plastic or polyurethane. The latter relatively versatile;
- speed ;
- fork length : to lift and move small pallets, choose forks with a length of 600 and 800 mm. If your pallets are large, turn to forks from 1150 to 2000 mm:
- the payload : between 1,000 and 2,500 kg;
- lifting height : it varies between 200 and 800 mm;
- the weight : this aspect is especially important for manual pallet trucks. The lighter their weight, the less load the operator will have to support during travel;
- accessories : some pallet trucks are equipped with a weighing tool with digital display;
- the existence of a security system for the user: it may be a safety valve, a load stabilization system or even a drawbar with several positions;
- your budget : an electric pallet truck is of course more expensive than a manual pallet truck. However, it allows you to save time in your palletizing operations and protects the health of operators. Evaluate your needs carefully.
Where to find a business equipment specialist?
For your storage, handling and transport operations of loadsyou need quality, safe and efficient professional equipment.
Inasmuch as equipment professionalswe offer you a wide range of machines : hand trucks, rolling trays, trolleys, trailers, pallet trucks, etc.
Discover all of our machines, equipment and products and get delivered anywhere in the world !
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Source: www.ecommercemag.fr