Choosing the Right Pallet Truck for Your Business Needs

Carey
Jun 6
3 min read

Whether you're operating a small warehouse or a large-scale distribution centre,

choosing the right pallet truck is crucial for safe, efficient, and cost-effective materials handling. With such a wide variety of options available, from budget-friendly manual trucks to high-spec electric models, it’s important to match the equipment to your specific operational needs.

At Nationwide Handling, we stock an extensive range of pallet trucks to suit every industry and budget. This guide will help you understand the key differences between types, brands, and features – and offer some top product recommendations from our online catalogue.

Types of Pallet Trucks Explained

1. Manual Pallet Trucks

These are the most common and cost-effective choice for light to medium-duty applications. They require manual effort to pump the handle and move loads.

Ideal for: Small warehouses, retail, deliveries, and occasional use.
Example: Lift-It 50/30 Heavy Duty Pallet Truck – This model offers a balance of affordability and performance, making it suitable for various industries, including warehousing, retail, and logistics.

2. Electric Pallet Trucks

Powered pallet trucks reduce manual strain and speed up operations. They are a smart choice for high-volume or long-distance handling across larger facilities.

Ideal for: Distribution centres, logistics, and frequent use over longer distances.
Example: EP F-Series F4 Li-ion Powered Pallet Truck – Efficient and innovative, ideal for dynamic warehouse operations with demanding workloads.

3. High Lift Pallet Trucks

These allow loads to be raised to a comfortable working height, making them great for feeding pallets into machinery or for use as a mobile workstation.

Ideal for: Manufacturing, packing lines, and ergonomic handling tasks.
Example: Lift-It High Lifter JL5215 – Robust and ergonomic, ideal for elevating pallets to optimal working heights, enhancing safety and efficiency in manual handling tasks.

4. Weigh Scale Pallet Trucks

These trucks come with integrated weighing scales – perfect for operations where knowing the load weight is essential.

Ideal for: Shipping, receiving, and inventory management.
Example: PT-500 Heavy Duty Pallet Truck with Built-in Scale – Heavy-duty and highly practical, ideal for combining efficient pallet handling with accurate weighing in busy warehouse settings.

5. Stainless Steel & Galvanised Pallet Trucks

Designed for use in clean or corrosive environments such as food production, pharmaceuticals, and cold stores.

Ideal for: Hygienic or chemically aggressive settings.
Example: Lift-It Stainless Steel Pallet Truck SS20 – Durable and corrosion-resistant, ideal for hygienic or wet environments such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cold storage.

Choosing the Right Pallet Truck: Key Considerations

Before investing in a pallet truck, think about the following factors:

Load Capacity - Match the truck to your heaviest typical load. Overloading can lead to safety hazards and mechanical wear.
Fork Dimensions - Choose fork length and width that fit your pallets – for example, Euro pallets typically need forks around 1150mm in length.
Floor Surface - Uneven or rough surfaces may require larger wheels or trucks with improved manoeuvrability.
Usage Frequency - For regular, intensive use, opt for electric or semi-electric models to reduce fatigue and boost productivity.
Environment - If you're working in wet, cleanroom, or cold environments, stainless steel or galvanised options are essential.

Brand Spotlight: EP Equipment, Logitrans, and Dini Argeo

We’re proud to supply leading pallet truck brands such as:

EP Equipment – Renowned for their innovative electric and lithium-ion pallet trucks, EP offers high-performance solutions that maximise productivity in demanding environments.
Logitrans – Experts in ergonomic and stainless steel pallet trucks, Logitrans combines Scandinavian design with superior functionality, ideal for cleanroom, food, and pharmaceutical applications.
Dini Argeo – A trusted name in weighing technology, Dini Argeo specialises in high-precision pallet truck scales, including ATEX-certified and stainless steel models for specialist applications.

Best Budget Picks

If you’re looking to maximise value without sacrificing quality:

Both are excellent entry-level choices for smaller operations or occasional use.

Premium Options for Demanding Workloads

Need top-tier performance and durability?

Not Sure What You Need? We Can Help.

Still unsure which pallet truck suits your operation? Our team at Nationwide Handling are experts in handling solutions and can guide you to the best match based on your workload, layout, and budget.