What equipment moves pallets? Types of Pallet Trucks & How They Work

Ⅰ. What Is a Pallet Truck?

 A pallet truck is a piece of equipment with wheels used to lift and move pallets. Since pallet trucks come in a variety of sizes and styles, it's crucial to understand the differences between the different types of pallet trucks and how they compare to forklifts before choosing the right piece of equipment. If you're looking to add a new pallet truck to your workplace, read on for an overview of the different types.

Ⅱ. What Equipment Moves Pallets? What Is the Machine Called to Move Pallets?

Depending on the usage scenario and the degree of automation, there are several main types of equipment commonly used for handling pallets:

1. Manual pallet trucks

Manual pallet trucks work by operating a lever connected to a hydraulic pump. They are the simplest forklift trucks, and their size makes them easy to transport and manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Manual versions have lower lifting limits than most electric versions and require more manpower to operate. However, manual versions are usually more affordable and require less maintenance, making them a popular choice for smaller warehouses and outdoor job sites.

How It Works:

• Fork Insertion: The operator slides two forks under a pallet.
• Pump Action: A handle is pumped up and down, which activates a hydraulic piston that raises the forks (and thus the pallet).
• Movement: The operator pulls or pushes the jack manually to move the load.
• Lowering: A small release lever on the handle lowers the forks.

Applicable scenarios: small warehouses, retail shop back bins, lorry unloading.

‍2. Electric pallet trucks

Electric pallet trucks have the same functions as manual pallet trucks, but operate in a slightly different way. Instead of requiring a hydraulic pump to operate, electric pallet trucks are lifted and lowered electrically by push buttons or levers.

As the name suggests, electric pallet trucks are powered by rechargeable batteries that must be plugged in between each use. This can be an inconvenience if you don't have a charging station near you, but the battery saves on labour and increases overall efficiency.

Electric jacks are more expensive than manual jacks and require more training to operate, but they are worth it if you have a large warehouse or need to transport pallets over long distances.

How It Works:

• Motorized Lifting: An electric motor raises the forks.
• Powered Drive: The operator steers the mover while a motor drives the wheels forward or backwards.
• Throttle Control: A tiller handle includes buttons for lift/lower, speed, and direction.

Scenarios: medium-distance handling tasks, logistics in warehouses.

‍3. Forklift trucks

Pallet trucks are different from forklifts. Forklift trucks are operated by the driver, while pallet trucks need to be human-powered or electrically driven. One difference is in their manoeuvrability. A pallet truck is usually more agile than a forklift truck. You can easily steer and manoeuvre a pallet truck in tight spaces, which may not be possible with a traditional forklift.

Forklifts, on the other hand, usually have a higher load capacity. They are larger and more complex, so they tend to be able to carry heavier loads.

Types: Counterbalanced forklifts, reach trucks, stackers.

Function: Lifts, carries and stacks pallets using hydraulic forks, suitable for heavy loads and high-level stacking.

Applicable scenarios: heavy goods handling, high-level shelf stacking, and large warehouses.

‍4. Stacking trucks

Equipment for vertical stacking of pallets with an additional lifting column than a pallet truck.

Principle of operation:

Inserts pallets and lifts them vertically

Stacks pallets on low to medium height racks

Scenario: Warehouses with low stacking height requirements and compact space.

5. Automated pallet trucks (AGV/AMR)

Highly automated unmanned forklift trucks. Driverless, they automatically transport pallets in warehouses using sensor, laser or magnetic track navigation.

How It Works:

• Navigation: Uses LiDAR, cameras, or QR codes to navigate autonomously through warehouses.
• Task Control: Receives transport missions from a fleet manager or WMS.

Pallet Detection & Pickup:

• Uses sensors to align with and identify pallets.
• Forks raise automatically to lift the pallet.

• Safety: Equipped with obstacle detection and safety protocols to avoid collisions.

Applicable scenarios: intelligent factories, 24-hour non-stop handling, repetitive tasks.

6. Conveyor line systems / palletisers

Fixed or mobile conveyor/roller systems for the continuous transport of pallets on production or sorting lines.

Applicable scenarios: production lines, packing areas, and automatic sorting lines.

‍Summary Sheet

III. How to Choose the Right Pallet Truck

Although all types of pallet trucks have the same basic features, there are some important factors to consider when shopping around for the right pallet truck.

1. Evaluate your workspace

Before purchasing a new pallet truck, you should evaluate the size of your workspace. If space is at a premium, manual and electric walk-behind pallet trucks and narrow aisle handling robots (e.g., AiTEN Robotics' MP10, AR series robots) may be the best choice.

 2. Check the weight limit

The maximum load capacity of a machine varies by size and model. If you need a model capable of lifting heavier loads, avoid small pallet trucks or manual models with lower weight limits. If you do not check the maximum load limit of a model before purchasing, you may damage the machine or be injured while operating it.

AiTEN Robotics' automatic pallet trucks have a load capacity of 1-3 tonnes and are suitable for handling small and light pallets.

3. Consider your budget

In terms of overall cost, electric pallet trucks are usually more expensive than manual pallet trucks, and automatic pallet trucks are usually more expensive than electric pallet trucks. Size, additional features and weight limitations can also affect the price, so before you buy, you should consider which technical features are critical to your work.

Conclusions

Pallet trucks are a great option if you want to reduce physical labour and transport small loads around the workplace more efficiently. Understanding the different types of pallet trucks will help you make a more informed decision when planning your next project.

If you have a specific application scenario (e.g. warehouse size, automation or not, distance to be travelled, pallet weight, etc.), I can recommend a more suitable handling equipment. If you have warehouse or production line handling needs, feel free to ask AiTEN Robotics.