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A pallet truck, commonly referred to in everyday working life as a pump truck or hand truck, is a manual or electrically assisted industrial truck used to pick up, lift, and move pallets over short distances. It is one of the most widely used means of transport in warehousing and goods handling, deployed wherever forklifts are too large, too heavy, or not economically viable.

Design and functionality

The classic manual pallet truck consists of a chassis with two long fork arms, a pump handle for the hydraulic lifting function, and a steering tiller. By pumping the handle repeatedly, the fork arms are raised via integrated lifting wheels until the pallet is clear of the ground and can be moved. Lowering is achieved by actuating a valve. The operator pulls or pushes the unit by hand, which requires use on flat, load-bearing floors.

Electric pallet trucks – often referred to as electric pump trucks – additionally feature an electric drive motor that assists the operator with pushing and steering. Some models also raise the forks electrically. These variants are particularly suited to longer travel distances, frequent use, or heavy loads, and are especially common in large warehouses, production facilities, and retail environments.

Selection criteria in practice

When selecting a pallet truck, several factors come into play that you should carefully weigh against one another:

• Load capacity: Standard units typically carry between 1,500 and 2,500 kg. Reinforced models are available for heavy special pallets – always check whether the rated load capacity matches your actual load weights.
• Fork length and width: The dimensions must match the pallet format in use. Euro pallets, industrial pallets, and disposable pallets differ in length and entry dimensions.
• Floor quality: Unevenness, ramps, or thresholds place considerable stress on wheels and hydraulics. Choose appropriate wheel materials accordingly (e.g. nylon, polyurethane, or steel) and pay attention to floor load-bearing capacity.
• Frequency of use: For occasional use, a simple manual pallet truck is the economical choice. Under intensive continuous use, an electric pallet truck pays for itself through reduced physical strain and higher throughput performance.
• Ergonomics and occupational safety: Tiller length, handle design, and operating forces directly affect operator strain. Ensure compliance with applicable manual handling regulations.
• Maintenance and spare parts availability: Hydraulic seals and wheels are typical wear parts. Short delivery times for spare parts and a straightforward maintenance concept reduce unplanned downtime.

Whether manual or electric, single or tandem unit – the right choice ultimately depends on your specific processes, the warehouse layout, and shift operations. A blanket recommendation cannot be given here, as vendors and models can differ considerably in terms of features and quality.