What Is A Pallet Truck?

What Is A Pallet Truck?

A pallet truck, often known as a pallet jack or pump truck, is an essential piece of equipment in warehouses, factories and various industrial environments. They are designed to lift and move pallets. Pallets are flat, wooden transport structures which support goods when they require moving.

In this blog, we’ll explore how pallet jacks work, the different types, how they are used, and the benefits of having them in your business. 

Ready to learn more? Keep reading!…

Understanding Pallet Trucks

What They Are: Pump trucks are the simplest form of a forklift, and are mainly used to move pallets within a short distance. They consist of a pair of forks that slide underneath pallets, a hydraulic jack to lift the pallet off the ground, and a handle that allows the user to jack up and move the load.

How They Work: The operator slides the forks into the pallet and uses the handle to pump the jack which raises the pallet above the ground. In some electric models, the pump mechanism is operated by a motor. Once the pallet has been cleared off the ground the operator transports the load to its destination. Lowering the pallet back to the ground is just a matter of releasing the hydraulic pressure through a lever or trigger on the handle.

Types of Pallet Trucks

Manual Pallet Trucks

Manual pump trucks are operated through physical force applied by the operator to both move the pump truck and to pump up the load. They are cost-effective and suitable for operations where the volume of goods moved is relatively low.

Electric Pallet Trucks

Powered by batteries, electric pallet jacks require minimal manual effort. This makes them ideal for moving heavier loads over longer distances within warehouses. An electric motor assists in the lifting and moving of pallets. 

Semi-Electric Pallet Trucks 

A hybrid between manual and electric, semi-electric pump trucks feature an electrically powered drive, but require manual effort to lift and lower pallets.

Benefits of Using Pallet Trucks

Efficiency

Pump trucks are designed to make the process of lifting and moving heavy loads more efficient.

Safety 

By properly using pallet jacks, the risk of injury associated with lifting heavy items is significantly reduced.

Versatility 

Available in various sizes and capacities, pallet jacks can be used in diverse environments for different operational needs.

Choosing the Right Pallet Truck

Selecting the correct pallet jack depends on several factors, including the weight of the loads, frequency of use, the physical layout of the workplace, and budget constraints. Understanding these factors can help businesses make informed decisions which enhance operational efficiency and safety.

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Pump trucks are a vital component of modern logistics and supply chain operations, enabling safe and efficient transport of goods across short distances. Whether manual, electric, or semi-electric, choosing the right type of pallet jack can greatly impact the productivity of a business.

For more information on finding the ideal pump truck for your needs or to view a wide range of pallet truck options, visit Go-EPT’s website, or CLICK HERE to contact our friendly sales and/or service team. Let our experts help you streamline your operations with the best tools for the job.