A pallet truck is a compact material-handling device designed to raise a pallet slightly from the floor and move it over short distances. It is also called a pallet jack, pump truck, or hand pallet truck. Unlike a forklift, a standard pallet truck is primarily intended for horizontal transport rather than high-level stacking.
A typical hydraulic pallet truck consists of:
Two load-carrying forks
A reinforced frame
A hydraulic pump
A steering handle
Steer wheels
Load rollers
A lowering-control mechanism
Entry and exit rollers on some models
The forks enter the pallet openings. Pumping the handle activates the hydraulic system and raises the forks enough to clear the floor. The operator then pushes or pulls the truck to move the load.
The operator pumps, steers, and moves the load manually. It is suitable for short routes and moderate handling frequency.
Electric drive reduces the physical force required for repeated transportation. It is often selected for longer routes, higher throughput, or heavier daily workloads.
An integrated scale allows the operator to weigh and transport a pallet in one process. It may support receiving, dispatch, inventory checking, and production control.
A scissor mechanism raises the pallet to a more convenient working height. It can support feeding, positioning, and ergonomic handling, but it should not be treated as a conventional stacking forklift.
Stainless or corrosion-resistant construction is used in wet, hygienic, refrigerated, food-processing, pharmaceutical, or chemically demanding environments.
Heavy-duty designs are built for loads beyond ordinary warehouse requirements. The pallet, floor, dock, and operating force must all be evaluated before using a high-capacity model.
| Pallet truck | Forklift |
|---|---|
| Primarily moves pallets at floor level | Lifts pallets to storage levels |
| Compact turning area | Requires more operating space |
| Manual or powered formats | Usually powered |
| Lower entry cost | Higher purchase and training requirements |
| Suitable for short horizontal routes | Suitable for stacking and longer handling cycles |
Pallet trucks are common in:
Warehouses
Factories
Distribution centers
Supermarkets
Loading docks
Cold stores
Workshops
Delivery vehicles
Retail stockrooms
The correct model depends on pallet type, load weight, travel distance, floor condition, aisle width, ramp use, and operating frequency.
Our factory produces multiple pallet truck categories as well as pallet stackers, lift tables, drum-handling equipment, loading ramps, dock levelers, and tail lifts. Standard and project-specific configurations can be developed around different warehouse workflows.
As an industrial pallet truck equipment supplier, we review fork length, fork width, lowered height, rated capacity, hydraulic unit, steering range, wheel compound, finish, and packaging. Our production capability supports manual pallet trucks for regular warehouses as well as specialized models for weighing, high lifting, heavy loads, and demanding environments.
A pallet truck is the equipment used to lift a pallet just enough to move it safely and efficiently at floor level. Its compact structure makes it one of the most widely used tools for short-distance pallet transport.
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