Hand Pallet Truck - Rubber Wheels

What is a pallet truck?

A pallet truck, also known as a pump truck or pallet jack, is a piece of material handling equipment commonly found in warehouses and distribution centres to assist users to safely lift and move pallets. There are manual and electric pallet trucks. 

What are pallet trucks used for? 

Pallet trucks are generally used to lift and move pallets around warehouses, shops, retail parks, distribution centres and similar. They are also often used to lift items in and out of containers for storage. 

What is the safe working load (SWL) of a pallet truck?

Manual pallet trucks offer capacities, or safe working loads, up to 2,500kg. 

How do pallet trucks navigate steps and kerbs? 

Pallet trucks generally have low ground clearance so usually a pallet truck ramp is needed to allow a pallet truck to safely overcome steps and kerbs. 

Does Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) apply to pump trucks? 

LOLER only applies to pump trucks if the pump trucks' forks raise above 300mm. If the forks do not raise above 300mm, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) applies.

How often should pallet trucks be checked in line with health and safety requirements? 

In line with PUWER regulations, pallet trucks must be inspected by a third party at least annually. Routine checks should also take place including daily checks by operators. 

What visual checks do pallet trucks require? 

It is important to regularly check manual pallet trucks for signs of wear and tear. A pallet truck should not continue to be used if it is damaged. It is important to check the forks and frame, wheels and hydraulic system. Ensure the handle operates as it should and the forks lift and descend as expected. 

What material are pallet trucks made from?

The majority of pallet truck frames are manufactured from steel. Pallet truck wheels vary in material with rubber, polyurethane and nylon wheels available. 

Which pallet trucks are suitable for UK pallets? 

For UK pallets, the pallet truck fork width should be 680mm. The fork length should be between 1000mm - 1150mm. 

Which pallet trucks are suitable for EU pallets? 

For Euro pallets, the pallet truck fork width should be 540mm. The fork length should be between 1000mm - 1150mm. 

Can manual pallet trucks be suitable for EU and UK pallets? 

Yes, some manual pump trucks are suitable for lifting both UK and EU pallets. It is recommended you seek a fork width of at least 540mm and fork length of 1150mm for this purpose. 

What is the best wheel type for a pallet truck?

Pallet trucks are available to purchase with a range of wheels, including nylon wheels, polyurethane wheels (PU wheels), rubber wheels and iron wheels. Each wheel type has its own benefits; it is important to consider where your pallet truck will be used before deciding on a wheel type. 

Rubber wheels - Quiet design, ideal for use in public areas or client-facing sites. Provides a good grip in slippery areas. Rubber is also often seen as shock-absorbing and generally does not leave marks on floors. 

Nylon wheels - Durable design, ideal for heavy loads. Long-lasting design, ideal for warehouses, factories and industrial sites. Not recommended for delicate floors as they can mark.  

Polyurethane wheels - Quiet design, ideal for use in public areas or client-facing sites. Designed for indoor or outdoor use. Generally does not leave marks on floors. 

What type of pallets are loaded on pallet trucks? 

Pallet trucks are designed for a variety of pallet types including; 2-way pallets, beverage pallets, stringer pallets, honeycomb pallets, POD pallets, nestable pallets, double sided pallets, euro-style pallets, chep pallets, peco pallets and iGPS pallets. 

What is the benefit of using a manual pallet truck over an electric pallet truck? 

Manual pallet trucks are generally cheaper to purchase and maintain than electric pallet trucks. The pump trucks can easily be operated by one person with minimal training. They also do not require charging so there is no downtime. Electric pallet trucks can handle heavier loads than the manual option and are more commonly found in busy warehouses where high-volumes of stock are passing through. 

How long do pallet trucks last?

Manual pallet trucks can last up to ten years depending on usage. 

Do staff require training to operate a pallet truck? 

Whilst there is not an official course focusing on pallet trucks which must be completed, it is important that employees have completed manual handling training prior to using a pallet truck. Health and safety training should also be completed due to the risks involved when using the operating equipment. 

What is the difference between a pallet truck and forklift? 

A pallet truck is designed to move pallets over short distances at ground level or low heights. Depending on the model, pallet trucks can be operated manually or electrically, making them ideal for transporting goods quickly and efficiently around warehouses, stockrooms, and loading areas.

A forklift, on the other hand, is built for lifting and stacking loads at both low and high levels. Forklifts are commonly used to raise pallets onto warehouse racking, load and unload lorries, and handle heavier materials safely and efficiently.

In many warehouses, both pallet trucks and forklifts are used together. Pallet trucks are typically used for moving goods across the floor, while forklifts are used when loads need to be lifted, stacked, or transported at height.

Do The Ramp People sell electric pallet trucks?

No, at The Ramp People, we only sell manual pallet trucks. 

Do The Ramp People hire pallet trucks? 

No, we only sell pallet trucks.