Pallet Trucks

A pallet truck is one of the hardest-working pieces of equipment in any warehouse, distribution centre, or stockroom. Get the right one, and it becomes invisible — loads move, the day runs smoothly, and nobody thinks twice about it. Get the wrong one, and you'll know about it quickly.

With Sacktrucks.co.uk, you can now browse an effective working range of manual pallet trucks for straightforward lifting and moving, electric pallet jacks for heavier loads or high-frequency use, and everything in between. Specifications — capacity, lift height, fork dimensions, and power source — are listed clearly on every product page.

Manual Pallet Trucks - Simple & Cost-Effective

A manual pallet jack is the standard tool for most pallet-moving tasks. Operated with a hydraulic pump handle, the forks raise to lift the pallet clear of the floor, you move the load to where it needs to go, and a release valve lowers it back down.

There's no power source to charge, no motor to maintain, and no complexity to get in the way. A well-built manual pallet lifter will run for years with minimal servicing — typically just periodic hydraulic oil checks and wheel replacements are needed.

Manual pallet trucks are available in a heavy duty range, typically from 1,000kg to 3,000kg+, and in standard or long-fork configurations to suit different pallet sizes and racking setups.

Best suited for: warehouses with manageable load volumes, stockrooms, retail back-of-house, smaller distribution operations, and any setting where simplicity and low running costs are the priority.

Electric Pallet Jacks — Save Time & Energy

When the volume of loads increases, or operators repeatedly move pallets across larger floor areas throughout a shift, a manual warehouse trolley or a pallet truck can start to cost you time and physical fatigue.

Whereas an electric pallet jack or powered pallet truck uses a motor to drive both the lift mechanism and the travel, meaning the operator steers and guides rather than pushes and pumps. The difference in effort over a full working day is significant.

Electric pallet trucks typically handle the same weight capacities as manual equivalents but cover ground faster, reduce operator strain, and improve productivity in busy operations. Battery-powered models are the norm — most run on lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries with a full shift of operating time on a single charge.

Best suited for: high-volume warehouses, logistics and fulfilment centres, manufacturing and production floors, and any operation where pallets are moved frequently and over longer distances.

Choosing Between a Manual and Electric Pallet Truck

The decision usually comes down to three things:

• Volume of use:  If pallets are moved occasionally — a few times a day — a manual pallet jack is entirely adequate and significantly more cost-effective. If it's near-continuous movement throughout a shift, the efficiency and ergonomic gains of an electric model quickly justify the investment.
• Distance travelled per move:  Moving pallets across a loading bay is very different from moving them across a large warehouse floor. Electric pallet trolleys are substantially easier to operate over longer distances — the motor handles the travel, and the operator isn't exhausted by the end of the shift.
• Operator considerations: For operations where multiple operators use the same truck, or where physical strain is a concern, an electric pallet mover significantly reduces the cumulative load on staff. In sectors with strict manual handling guidance, this can also directly affect compliance and injury risk.

Pallet Truck Capacities — What You Need to Know

Rated capacity on a pallet truck refers to the maximum load the truck is designed to safely carry. Similar to electric sack trucks, the standard ratings run from 1,000kg to 3,000kg for most manual and electric pallet jack models, with specialist heavy-duty options going higher.

A few things worth knowing:

• Rated capacity assumes an evenly distributed load. A poorly stacked or off-centre pallet reduces effective safe capacity
• Capacity ratings apply at a specific load centre — typically 600mm from the heel of the fork. Unusually long or heavy loads that extend beyond this point reduce safe capacity
• Operating on ramps or inclines reduces safe capacity further — always check the manufacturer's guidance if your floor isn't level

Overloading a pallet truck — manual or electric — is a safety risk and accelerates wear on the hydraulic system, wheels, and frame. Match the rated capacity to your actual loads before buying.

Pallet Trucks for Different Environments

Not every pallet truck suits every floor. A few environmental factors worth considering:

• Floor surface:  For smooth warehouse floors, standard polyurethane or nylon wheels work well. For rougher surfaces, outdoor yard areas, or uneven floors, look for models with larger-diameter wheels or rubber tyres for better stability and reduced rolling resistance.
• Aisle width:  Standard pallet trucks require adequate turning space. In narrow-aisle configurations, check the truck's turning radius against your available space.
• Cold stores and refrigerated areas: Standard hydraulic fluid can thicken in very low temperatures, affecting pump performance. If the truck is working in a cold store, confirm the model is rated for low-temperature operation.
• Outdoor use:  Electric pallet jacks used outdoors should be rated for the conditions — check the IP ratings for moisture and dust resistance on any powered model used outside a controlled warehouse environment.

FAQ’s

1. What is a pallet truck? 

A pallet truck — also called a pallet jack, pallet trolley, or pallet lifter — is a manual handling tool used to lift and move palletised loads. Forks slide under the pallet, a hydraulic or powered mechanism raises it clear of the floor, and the operator moves it to the required location.

2. What's the difference between a manual and an electric pallet jack? 

A manual pallet jack uses a hydraulic pump handle operated by the user to raise and lower the forks, and the operator pushes to move the load. An electric pallet jack uses a motor for both lifting and travel, significantly reducing physical effort — better suited for high-frequency use or longer travel distances.

3. How much weight can a pallet truck carry? 

Most standard pallet trucks are rated between 1,000kg and 3,000kg. Check the rated capacity on the product page and match it to your heaviest typical load, accounting for even load distribution on the forks.

4. What is an electric pallet mover? 

An electric pallet mover is a powered pallet truck that uses a battery-driven motor for lifting and travelling. The operator uses a tiller arm to steer and control speed — load movement requires far less physical effort than a manual equivalent.

5. Can pallet trucks be used outdoors? 

Manual pallet trucks can be used on smooth outdoor surfaces, but aren't designed for rough ground. Electric pallet jacks used outdoors should be checked for weather resistance. Most standard models are designed for indoor warehouse use.

In case of any confusion or product-related queries, please reach out to our team at sacktruck.co.uk via  0117 330 2277 or mail sales@sacktrucks.co.uk. Happy Shopping!