Hand pallet trucks are indispensable tools for moving heavy loads efficiently and safely within working environments. They are designed to simplify pallet handling, reducing the physical effort required and improving productivity. These tools are commonly used in warehouses, factories, shops and any environment where materials need to be transported on pallets. Thanks to their ease of use and robustness, they are a suitable solution for both hobby activities and professional and industrial use.
Among the main applications of hand pallet trucks are:
- Pallet Load Handling : facilitates the transportation of materials on standard walkways, reducing the need to lift weights.
- Moving goods in confined spaces : due to their compact size, they can operate in areas with narrow corridors and limited space.
- Loading and unloading of trucks: ideal for facilitating the transport of goods to and from delivery or storage vehicles.
Hand pallet trucks are perfect for semi-professional use, for small and medium-sized businesses, and for hobbyists who need simple but effective tools. Professionally, they are often employed in logistics warehouses or in the loading and unloading departments of industries. Even if they do not offer the power of an electric pallet truck, they remain a cost-effective choice for those looking for a more economical and manoeuvrable solution.
How are hand pallet trucks made?
Hand pallet trucks, although relatively simple in design, are built to withstand heavy loads and to withstand heavy use in industrial or commercial environments.
Here is a list of the main components of a hand pallet truck:
- Frame: The main body of the pallet truck, generally made of robust steel, ensures stability and strength even under heavy loads. The quality of the frame is essential to prevent warping during use.
- Forks: These are the two bars that slide under the pallet to lift it. The forks are available in various lengths to suit different pallet sizes, and are coated to resist wear caused by repeated loads.
- Hydraulic pump: At the heart of the hand pallet truck, the hydraulic pump allows the load to be lifted using a hand lever. This pump is designed to provide smooth, precise lifting while minimizing effort.
- Rollers or wheels: They can be single- or double-rollers. The front rollers are positioned under the forks, and the larger rear wheels are located at the tiller foot. The wheel materials vary, with options in nylon, polyurethane or rubber, each offering different performance in terms of smoothness and strength.
- Rudder or handle: The pallet truck handle is used for both driving and lifting the load. The rudder is ergonomic and designed to ensure a good grip during handling.
How do hand pallet trucks work?
The operation of hand pallet trucks is based on a simple but effective hydraulic system designed to allow heavy loads to be lifted and transported with minimal effort. The pallet truck is equipped with a hydraulic pump which, through a manual movement, allows the load to be lifted by inserting the forks under the pallet.
The process of using a hand pallet truck can be described in the following steps:
- Inserting the forks under the pallet: The forks are slid under the pallet, ensuring that they are positioned correctly to ensure balanced lifting of the load. The length and distance between the forks are designed to fit most standard pallets.
- Drawbar drive for lifting: Once the forks are positioned under the pallet, the operator operates the hydraulic pump by the up and down movement of the drawbar. The pump generates hydraulic pressure that gradually lifts the forks and the load. The pump action is designed to be smooth and progressive, allowing precise control when lifting.
- Load displacement : With the load lifted, the operator can easily move it thanks to the front and rear wheels. Rollers under the forks allow the load to slide smoothly, while the larger wheels at the base of the tiller make it easier to drive and manoeuvre even in tight spaces.
- Lowering the load: To lower the load, the operator uses a lever on the tiller that gradually releases the hydraulic pressure. This allows the forks to lower slowly, depositing the load safely on the floor or on another support.
Advantages of hand pallet trucks
Although there are alternatives such as electric or battery pallet trucks , hand pallet trucks remain a popular choice due to their ease of use and reliability, especially for tasks that do not require automatic lifting.
One of the main advantages of hand pallet trucks is their cost-effectiveness compared to electric models, especially at the time of purchase. Here are the other key benefits:
- Low maintenance cost : As there are no batteries or electronic components, hand pallet trucks require minimal maintenance, mainly limited to hydraulic pump lubrication and wheel control.
- Easy handling in confined spaces : Due to their compact size and easy manoeuvrability, hand pallet trucks can be used in areas where electric or bulkier models might have difficulty, such as narrow aisles or small warehouses.
- Reliability and durability : The robust construction, with steel frames and high-quality components, ensures a long service life, even under heavy use. In addition, the simplicity of the hydraulic mechanism reduces the risk of mechanical failure.
- No need for power supply: They are entirely manual, so they are not dependent on batteries or mains power, allowing continuous use without interruptions for charging or maintaining batteries.
- Suitable for different working environments : Hand pallet trucks are suitable for a wide range of industries, from logistics to the food industry, thanks to the possibility to choose specific models, such as stainless steel for wet or corrosive environments.
Technical characteristics of hand pallet trucks
Hand pallet trucks are characterised by a number of technical specifications that determine their functionality and efficiency Here are the main ones:
- Maximum load : represents the lifting capacity of the pallet truck, indicated in kilograms or tons.
- Roller Type : the rollers can be single or double rollers and determine the smoothness and stability when transporting the load.
Maximum load
The maximum load is one of the most relevant technical characteristics for hand pallet trucks. Lift capacity varies by model, but typically ranges from 2000 kg to 2500 kg. This specification determines the maximum weight that the pallet truck can safely lift and depends on the robust steel frame and the quality of the hydraulic pump. Models with a higher capacity are ideal for industrial environments where very heavy loads are frequently handled, while those with a lower capacity can be more manoeuvrable and suitable for lighter tasks.
Type of roller: single- or double-roller
The type of roller is a crucial element in the choice of a hand pallet truck, as it affects the ease of load handling and stability during transport. There are mainly two configurations of rollers: Single and double-roller.
- Single roller: Single roller pallet trucks have only one wheel per fork. This type of configuration is best suited for smooth and smooth surfaces, where the ease of manoeuvring and smooth running of the pallet truck are priorities. Single-rollers offer excellent rotational capacity and are suitable for environments where thresholds or differences in height do not need to be exceeded.
- Double-roller: pallet trucks have two fork wheels, a configuration that provides greater stability when lifting and transporting loads, especially on uneven surfaces. This configuration is preferable for dealing with unevenness, ramps or pavements with small imperfections, making skittles an ideal choice for operations requiring greater safety and stability.
Hand pallet truck buyer's guide
Below is a detailed guide on what to consider before purchasing a hand pallet truck.
- Type of use: The type of pallet truck use is the first factor to be assessed. If use is sporadic and in a non-industrial context, a standard pallet truck with a load capacity between 2000 kg and 2500 kg will be more than sufficient. If, on the other hand, the use is frequent or professional, such as in warehouses or industrial environments, a more robust model will be required, perhaps with additional features such as double-rollers or wear-resistant materials.
- Frequency of use: The frequency with which you will use the pallet truck will influence the choice of model. For intensive daily use, e.g. on a production line or in a logistics warehouse, it is advisable to opt for a high quality pallet truck that is robust and made of durable materials such as stainless steel. For occasional use, a standard model with fewer advanced features may be a more cost-effective choice.
- Maximum load: Another determining factor is the load capacity of the pallet truck. Most standard models offer a load capacity between 2000 kg and 2500 kg, which is sufficient for most commercial and industrial applications. However, if you plan to handle heavier loads, you will need to opt for a model with a higher capacity.
Customer types
There are different types of customers for which it is advisable to purchase a hand pallet truck. Here is a detailed overview of the main technical specifications:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises: Companies operating small and medium-sized warehouses or retail stores can benefit from purchasing a standard hand pallet truck. The main features to consider are the handling and load capacity of approximately 2000 kg.
- Department Stores and Logistics Centres : For those working in a large warehouse or logistics centre, a pallet truck with roller rollers to cope with uneven surfaces and a higher load capacity, preferably 2500 kg or more, is essential.
- Food or chemical industries : Customers in industries such as the food or chemical industry should opt for stainless steel hand pallet trucks to resist corrosion and meet required hygiene standards.
The best Hand pallet trucks brands available on AgriEuro
Buying hand pallet trucks from the best brands on AgriEuro offers guarantees of quality, reliability and after-sales support. Here is a selection of the main brands available on Agrieuro
- Pramac: Pramac is a leading brand in the hand pallet truck industry. Known for the robustness and reliability of its products, it offers a wide range of models suitable for both industrial and commercial use.
Why buy hand pallet trucks on AgriEuro?
Buying hand pallet trucks on AgriEuro offers several advantages thanks to the services and guarantees provided by the leading e-commerce in agricultural and industrial handling and equipment. The main reasons to choose AgriEuro are:
- Fast and Free Shipping: All products are shipped directly from AgriEuro's logistics centres, ensuring fast delivery times throughout Italy, without additional shipping costs.
- Spare parts always available: On AgriEuro you can easily order spare parts for your hand pallet trucks, ensuring a long product life and a quick repair if necessary.
- Attentive and personalised after-sales service:: AgriEuro offers a dedicated after-sales service to answer any questions or technical needs related to the products purchased. The support team is always on hand to solve problems and ensure an optimal shopping experience.
Thanks to these advantages, buying on AgriEuro is a safe and cost-effective choice, ensuring the customer a complete service and the security of a lasting investment. Discover the selection of hand pallet trucks available and choose the model that best suits your needs!
FAQs on hand pallet trucks
1. When is the pallet truck manoeuvred?
The pallet truck is manoeuvred when lifting and moving pallets in warehouses, factories or commercial environments. Manoeuvring the pallet truck correctly is essential to ensure the safety of the operator and the efficiency in transporting loads. Here are the main moments when manoeuvring a pallet truck:
- Loading pallets: The pallet truck is manoeuvred when the forks are tucked under the pallet to be lifted.
- Lifting the load: The manoeuvre continues while lifting the pallet using the hydraulic system.
- Load displacement : When transporting the load from one location to another, often in confined spaces or via ramps.
- Unloading the pallet: Finally, the pallet truck is manoeuvred to lower the load and position it at the desired location.
2. Who can use the manual pallet truck?
The manual pallet truck can be used by trained operators familiar with its functions and familiar with the safety rules for handling loads. It is essential that pallet truck users follow specific guidelines to avoid accidents. This is who can use a hand pallet truck:
- Warehouse operators : Warehouse load handling and logistics personnel.
- Industrial plant workers : Manufacturing or storing materials in industrial environments.
- Trained professionals : Anyone who has received adequate training on the safe and correct use of the pallet truck.
- Hobbyist: In some cases, non-professional persons may use hand pallet trucks for small domestic operations, provided they are familiar with their operation.
3. What is forbidden to do with a pallet truck?
There are some strict rules on what should not be done when using a hand pallet truck, as improper practices can cause damage to materials or jeopardize the operator’s safety. Here's what you can't do:
- Overloading the pallet truck: Never exceed the recommended maximum load, which is generally indicated on the pallet truck itself.
- Use the pallet truck on unstable or uneven surfaces: It is not safe to manoeuvre the pallet truck on uneven floors, as it may cause overturning.
- Transporting persons: The pallet truck must not be used to transport people or be used as a means of transport.
- Use the pallet truck on ramps that are too steep: Use on excessive inclinations can impair the stability of the load and pallet truck.
- Force lifting: Do not use the rudder with excessive force, as this may damage the hydraulic system.
4. Who invented the pallet truck?
The hand pallet truck was developed to meet the needs of lifting and moving pallets, but the specific invention dates back to the early 20th century, in response to the growing need to efficiently move goods in warehouses. Here's some origin information:
- Original patent : The first pallet truck was developed in the United States in the 20s.
- Lead Inventor : One of the credited inventors is George Raymond, founder of the Raymond Corporation, who contributed to the development of various logistics tools.
- Design evolution : Over time, the pallet truck has been improved with the introduction of new materials and components, such as hydraulic systems, which have increased its efficiency.
5. How do I lift a pallet truck?
The lifting of a hand pallet truck takes place via a hydraulic system that uses manual force to operate the forks and lift the load. The mechanism is simple and efficient, designed to reduce operator physical effort. Here are the main steps to lift a pallet truck:
- Position the forks under the pallet: Make sure that the forks are completely under the pallet.
- Operate the rudder: Move the rudder lever up and down to activate the hydraulic pump.
- Gradual lifting: With the movement of the rudder, the hydraulic pump gradually lifts the load.
- Reaching the desired height: Continue until the load is raised to the height necessary for handling.
6. How much does the pallet truck lift?
The lift height of a manual pallet truck varies depending on the model, but is designed to lift pallets to a sufficient height to allow them to be moved safely. Hand pallet trucks generally have a limited lift height compared to electric models. Here are the details of the lift heights:
- Minimum height: The forks start a few centimetres from the ground, usually between 75 mm and 85 mm.
- Maximum height: The maximum fork lift is generally between 190 mm and 210 mm, sufficient to easily move pallets on flat surfaces.
- Reduced lift for low height pallet trucks : Some special models have a reduced lift height for lower pallets or for specific uses.
7. Why does the pallet truck not rise?
When the pallet truck does not raise correctly, the problem is often linked to malfunctions in the hydraulic system or improper use. Here are the most common causes that prevent the pallet truck from lifting:
- Hydraulic pump failure If the hydraulic pump does not work correctly, the pallet truck will not be able to generate the pressure required to lift the load.
- Excess weight: If the load exceeds the maximum capacity of the pallet truck, lifting may be blocked or difficult.
- Lubrication problems: Lack of maintenance or poor lubrication of moving parts can prevent the lifting mechanism from functioning properly.
- Air in the hydraulic system: If air enters the hydraulic circuit, this can prevent the generation of the pressure required for lifting.
- Incorrect use of the lever: Incorrect use of the rudder or lifting lever can block the mechanism, preventing the forks from moving.
