Nov 26, 2024 | Uncategorised

What Is A Powered Pallet Truck?

A powered pallet truck is a machine found in warehouses, distribution centres and shops that aids in the handling of heavy material. Powered pallet trucks, in contrast to manual versions, utilise electrical power to help lift and move pallets, which lifts much of the physical burden from workers, resulting in improved productivity.

In this post, we discuss what powered pallet trucks are, how they differ from standard forklifts and the major advantages of utilising them in your operations.

 

Powered pallet trucks: What are they?

Electric pallet trucks, or powered pallet trucks, are battery-powered equipment for moving and lifting pallets from the floor easily. Powered pallet trucks, in contrast to manual pallet jacks where the operator needs to pump and push the truck, utilise an electric motor for lifting, lowering and moving the load. 

They are commonly found in warehouses, retail stores, and manufacturing settings, where they move goods short distances or stack pallets. These trucks range in size and payload capacity, allowing the best model to be used depending on business needs and operational requirements.

 

What are powered pallet trucks used for?

Typically, powered pallet trucks are used to drive and lift heavy goods in factories, warehouses, distribution centres, or retail environments. They are perfect for short-distance pallet movement, loading and unloading goods onto trucks, or managing inventory. Powered pallet trucks have electric motors that drive or assist the operator, making them ideal for moving heavy or bulky items in small areas not suited to a forklift. 

They are also utilised for stacking pallets and inserting merchandise into shelving units or racking systems. This system can boost productivity whilst minimising manual handling, and improves safety for workers by reducing the physical demands on their body.

 

What is the difference between a forklift and a powered pallet truck?

 

Size and manoeuvrability

Forklifts are large machines that can move heavy items over large distances and a significant height. On the other hand, powered pallet trucks have a much more compact design, which makes them the perfect option for use in tight and narrow aisles — something that is often required in warehouses with little space.

 

Lifting capacity

In general, forklifts have a greater lifting capacity, which makes them able to lift heavier loads than 3000–10000lbs or more. Power pallet trucks are generally smaller loads, in the 2000–4000-pound range only, designed more for moving pallets than heavy loads.

 

Functionality and application

Forklifts are extremely handy machines, and they can be used for anything from lifting pallets up to the highest racking systems to stacking big loads. This is unlike powered pallet trucks, which are more specialised for horizontal movement of goods and raising pallets only a few inches off the ground. They are designed for tasks that involve transporting items across ground warehouses.

 

What are the benefits of a powered pallet truck?

 

  • More efficiency: Powered pallet trucks help goods move quicker, improving the overall warehouse function and productivity by reducing manual labour time.

 

  • Less physical stress: When carrying and handling heavy loads, the electric motor helps in lifting and moving; thus, workers experience less strain and less chance of injury.

 

  • Improved manoeuvrability: Their small size means they can navigate tight spaces easily, which is perfect for congested warehouses or narrow aisles.

 

  • Enhanced safety: The automated lifting and transportation process of powered pallet trucks reduces the risk of accidents compared to manual handling.

 

  • Economical: Despite being pricier in the beginning, they can be economical in the long run due to greater efficiency and less worker fatigue.

 

Choose Alto Handling for the best range of powered pallet trucks

Alto Handling provides a full powered pallet truck range suitable for your business. Our models, which have different capacities, sizes, and features, will find the best solution for your warehouse or distribution centre. Whether you need a small unit for confined spaces or a large-capacity model to handle heavier loads, our powered pallet trucks offer reliable power, rugged design, and safety. 

Alto Handling is proud to be your partner in efficiency, providing expert guidance throughout the purchase and dependable after-sales services that ensure that you have the right equipment to enjoy an uptick in productivity and optimised operations.