Pallet Trucks & Pump Trucks

The pallet truck is the workhorse of the warehouse floor, and the one piece of handling kit almost every operation relies on. Known as a pump truck, a pallet jack or a pallet trolley depending on who you ask, it lets one person move a loaded pallet safely without a forklift. We supply hand pallet trucks, electric pallet trucks and high-lift models, with capacities from 1000kg up to 3000kg, plus specialist trucks for weighing, long loads and tight spaces.

Types of pallet truck

Hand pallet trucks, also called manual pump trucks, are the standard choice for moving pallets short distances on a level floor. You pump the handle to raise the forks, then wheel the load where it needs to go. Electric pallet trucks take the effort out of longer runs and heavier loads, with a powered drive and lift that reduces strain on the operator. High-lift pallet trucks raise the pallet to working height, so they double as a mobile work platform for picking and assembly. Beyond those, we stock weigh scale pallet trucks for checking weights at the point of handling, short-fork and long-fork trucks for printers' pallets and oversized loads, and wide-fork trucks for non-standard pallets.

How to choose the right pallet truck

Match the truck to the job:

• Load weight. Choose a capacity above your heaviest regular pallet. A 2500kg hand pallet truck covers most general warehouse work.
• Fork size. Standard forks suit UK and Euro pallets. Check fork length and width if you handle long, deep or non-standard pallets.
• Floor and distance. For long runs, frequent use or inclines, an electric pallet truck pays for itself in reduced operator fatigue.
• Lift height. A standard truck lifts a pallet just clear of the floor. A high-lift truck raises it to bench height for picking and packing.
• Wheels. Nylon wheels run easily on smooth concrete. Polyurethane copes better with rougher or wet floors.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pallet truck?

A pallet truck is a manually or electrically operated device for lifting and moving palletised loads. The forks slide under the pallet, a hydraulic pump or a motor raises it just clear of the floor, and the operator wheels it to where it is needed. It is the most common piece of materials handling equipment in UK warehouses.

What is the difference between a pallet truck and a pump truck?

They are the same thing. Pump truck is the common British term for a manual hydraulic pallet truck, named after the pumping action of the handle. Pallet jack is the American term for the same equipment.

Do you need a licence to use a pallet truck?

You do not need a formal licence to operate a manual pallet truck, but employers are responsible for providing suitable training under manual handling and PUWER regulations. Powered and electric pallet trucks need proper operator training before use.

What capacity pallet truck do I need?

Work to the weight of your heaviest regular pallet and add a margin. A 2500kg truck handles the majority of general warehouse loads, while heavier or industrial operations may need a 3000kg or a powered truck.

How high does a high-lift pallet truck lift?

A high-lift pallet truck typically raises the load to around 800mm, bringing the pallet up to a comfortable working height for picking, packing or assembly, rather than just clearing the floor.

Setting up the despatch end too? See our packing benches, euro stacking containers and pallets