Collection: Pallet Trucks

Choose a pallet truck based on the pallet sizes you handle, maximum load weight, fork dimensions, floor conditions and frequency of use. Wider forks can provide greater stability for larger pallets, while narrower models may be preferable for Euro pallets or operations where manoeuvrability is particularly important.

Pallet truck, hand pallet truck and pump truck are commonly used terms for the same type of manual material handling equipment. They use a hydraulic pump mechanism to raise a pallet slightly from the floor, allowing an operator to move palletised goods around a warehouse, factory or loading area.

The correct fork width depends primarily on the pallets used within your operation. Wider pallet trucks can provide greater stability when handling UK, CHEP and other larger pallet formats, while narrower fork configurations are often preferred by businesses predominantly handling Euro pallets.

A pallet truck with a 2,500kg or 2.5-tonne rated capacity can handle a wide range of heavy palletised loads, provided the total load remains within the equipment's specified capacity. Businesses should always consider the actual pallet weight, load distribution and working environment before use.

Manual pallet trucks are ideal for moving palletised goods over relatively short distances in warehouses, factories, distribution centres, stockrooms and loading areas. They provide a straightforward solution for transferring goods between storage, picking, packing and dispatch locations.

Manual pallet trucks are well suited to occasional or regular short-distance pallet movement where powered equipment is unnecessary. Electric pallet trucks may be more appropriate for very high-volume operations, longer travel distances or applications where operators repeatedly move heavy loads throughout a shift.

Consider load capacity, fork length and width, pallet compatibility, wheel and roller material, construction quality and the surfaces the truck will operate on. For frequent industrial use, durability, reliable hydraulics and ease of manoeuvring should also be important purchasing considerations.

The best wheel material depends on the working environment and floor surface. Durable wheels and tandem load rollers can support smooth movement in demanding warehouse applications, while factors such as floor condition, noise, chemical exposure and load weight should also be considered when selecting equipment.

Yes. Pallet trucks allow operators to move palletised goods efficiently between storage, production, picking and dispatch areas without requiring a forklift for every movement. Choosing equipment suited to your pallets, loads and warehouse layout can help streamline everyday material handling processes.

Southgate supplies manual pallet trucks and material handling equipment for UK warehouses, manufacturers, distribution centres and logistics operations. Heavy-duty hand pallet trucks provide a practical solution for everyday pallet movement, with specifications available to suit different pallet formats and load requirements.