Pump Trucks and Pallet Trucks

More information about Pump Trucks & Pallet Trucks

When handling palletised goods in your warehouse or distribution centre, Pallet Trucks and Pump Trucks are essential. These robust and reliable trucks improve safety, efficiency and productivity.

Our wide range includes a variety of Pump Trucks, each designed with specific business needs in mind. From quick-lift manual to electric lift models, we have the right truck to suit your needs. All our Pump Trucks are designed for durability and ease of use, ensuring you can move heavy loads with minimal effort. With our Pallet and Pump Trucks, you can ensure a smoother, more efficient workflow in your business.

Explore our range of Pallet Trucks and Pump Trucks today and discover how they can transform your business operations. Remember, it's not just about moving goods from A to B; it's about doing it as efficiently and safely as possible.

What Are Pallet Trucks

A pallet truck, also known as a pallet jack or pump truck, is a manual or powered tool used to lift and transport palletised goods. Typically, it comprises a pair of fork-like blades that slide beneath a pallet, a handle to steer and manoeuvre, and a hydraulic system to elevate the pallet off the ground.

Manual pallet trucks are lifted by pumping the handle, while electric or semi-electric pallet trucks use battery power to lift and sometimes propel the truck.

They are commonly used in warehouses, distribution centres, and other environments where palletised products are handled, providing a more efficient way to move heavy items than by manual labour alone.

Benefits of Pallet Trucks

Pallet and pump trucks offer numerous benefits to businesses and workers. Primarily, they enhance efficiency by enabling heavy pallets' rapid and easy movement within warehouses, distribution centres, or retail settings. This speed of operation translates to reduced labour costs and quicker turnover times for stock movement or transportation tasks.

Furthermore, pallet trucks are designed to fit into tight spaces, optimising storage space and better manoeuvrability in constrained areas.

Besides operational benefits, pallet trucks enhance workplace safety. Manually lifting or moving heavy items can lead to musculoskeletal injuries or strain. Leveraging pallet trucks decreases the risk of these injuries, ensuring a safer work environment. Moreover, electric or motorised versions can further reduce physical exertion, thereby minimising fatigue and the potential for accidents.

Things to Consider

Load Capacity: One of the key considerations when purchasing a pallet truck or pump truck is the load capacity it can handle. It is important to assess the maximum weight the equipment can lift and ensure it aligns with your requirements.
Fork Length and Width: The length of the forks on the pump truck is crucial, as it determines the size of pallets or loads it can accommodate. Standard fork lengths are designed for commonly used pallets, and models with adjustable forks allow you to alter the distance across forks.
Lift Height: The lift height of the equipment is another important factor to consider. High-lift pallet trucks can raise pallets to higher levels than standard pallet trucks.
Manoeuvrability: Assess the Manoeuvrability features of the pump truck, such as turning radius and ease of steering. This is particularly important if your workplace has limited space or tight corners.
Durability: Look for heavy-duty pallet trucks with higher load limits for better durability. Consider factors like the thickness of the forks, the quality of the wheels, and overall build quality to ensure the equipment can withstand regular use and heavy loads.
Ergonomics: Consider the pallet or pump truck's ergonomic features, such as handle design and height adjustment options. A comfortable and user-friendly design can improve productivity and reduce the risk of operator fatigue or injuries.
Maintenance and Servicing: Evaluate the ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts for the pallet truck or pump truck. Consider factors like accessibility for repairs, availability of service centres, and the manufacturer's reputation in providing reliable after-sales support.
Safety Features: Look for safety features such as brake systems, load retention mechanisms, and stability enhancements. Ensure the pallet truck or pump truck complies with relevant safety standards to minimise the risk of accidents or damage to goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pump truck and a pallet truck?

A pump truck and a pallet truck are essential tools for handling material in warehouses and other industrial settings. The main difference between the two lies in their method of operation.

A pump truck is operated by pumping a handle up and down to raise the forks off the ground. This allows for pallets to be moved easily around a facility. Pump trucks are ideal for smaller loads and shorter distances, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for everyday tasks.

On the other hand, a pallet truck, also called an electric pallet jack, is powered by electricity and does not require manual pumping. With the push of a button, the forks can be raised or lowered, making it suitable for heavier loads and longer distances. Electric pallet trucks enhance productivity and reduce physical strain on operators, making them a popular choice for larger warehouses and distribution centres.

Both pump trucks and pallet trucks are designed to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity in material handling operations. Whether you opt for a pump truck or a pallet truck depends on the specific needs and requirements of your business.

What are the two main types of pallet trucks?

The two main types of pallet trucks are manual pallet trucks and electric pallet trucks. Manual pallet trucks are operated by hand and are ideal for smaller warehouses or businesses with lighter loads. They are easy to use and require minimal maintenance.

On the other hand, electric pallet trucks are powered by batteries and are suitable for larger warehouses or businesses with heavier loads. They offer effortless Manoeuvrability and can handle heavier loads with ease.

Both types of pallet trucks are designed to improve efficiency and productivity in material handling operations.

Do you push or pull a pallet truck?

The preferable method for most pallet truck models is to pull when moving it from one part of the warehouse to another. Pulling loads across a flat surface enhances operator manoeuvrability, allowing them to check for hazards ahead of time, such as pedestrians or obstacles on the ground. Conversely, the trucks are difficult to steer when pushing across a long distance, and tall loads can reduce visibility.

Due to its precise control, pushing is more suited for the final placement of a pallet into its designated location. This detailed insight is useful for ensuring safe and efficient operations within warehouse environments.