A pallet truck, also called a pallet jack or pump truck, is one of the most essential tools used in warehouses, retail stores, distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and logistics hubs. It helps lift and move pallets safely and efficiently over short distances—especially in tight spaces where forklifts can’t operate.
Whether you’re running a warehouse or looking for better Equipment for Material Handling, understanding the different types of pallet trucks, how they work, and where they’re used will help you choose the right one for your operations.
What Is a Pallet Truck?
A pallet truck is a material-handling tool designed to lift and move palletized goods using two forks that slide under the pallet, powered by a manual hydraulic pump or an electric motor. Pallet trucks come in manual, electric, scissor-lift, and stainless-steel versions, making them ideal for warehouses, retail, manufacturing, and loading/unloading areas where forklifts cannot operate safely.
Pallet trucks act as a basic form of pallet forklift, offering an affordable and compact lifting alternative.
Why Pallet Trucks Are Essential in Material Handling
Every business using pallets—including e-commerce, FMCG, pharma, automotive, food & beverages—relies on pallet trucks because they offer:
- Smooth movement of heavy loads
- High maneuverability in tight aisles
- Reduced worker fatigue
- Lower operating cost than forklifts
- Increased productivity
They play a major role alongside other Types of Material Handling Equipment, such as
- hydraulic lifting table
- Manual Forklift
- BOPT Machine
- Battery-Operated Pallet Truck
- Hydraulic Pallet Truck
- etc.
Types of Pallet Trucks (Detailed & SEO-Optimized)
Below are the main types you’ll commonly find in warehouses.
1. Manual Pallet Truck
The manual pallet truck is the most commonly used type.
Features:
- Hand-operated hydraulic pump
- Economical and durable
- Ideal for short-distance material movement
- No battery required
Best for:
Small warehouses, retail stores, and manual loading points.
2. Electric Pallet Truck (BOPT / Battery Operated Pallet Truck)
It uses an electric motor for lifting & movement.
Features:
- Faster travel speed
- Lithium or lead-acid battery
- Reduces operator fatigue
- Smooth, effortless handling
This category includes the BOPT Machine, a popular choice in modern automated warehouses.
3. Scissor Lift Pallet Truck
A hybrid between a pallet jack & lifting table.
Features:
- Lifts loads to working height
- Acts like a hydraulic lifting table
- Reduces bending and back strain
- Ideal for packing, sorting & assembly lines
4. Stainless Steel Pallet Truck
Designed for hygiene-sensitive environments.
Features:
- Corrosion-resistant
- Easy to wash & sanitize
- Suitable for wet, cold, or chemical areas
Used in:
Pharmaceutical, food processing, and chemical industries.
Comparison Table – Manual vs Electric vs Scissor vs Stainless-Steel Pallet Trucks
This table improves snippet ranking and user clarity:
| Type | Power | Best Use | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Truck | Hydraulic pump | General warehouse use | Affordable, low maintenance | Requires manual effort |
| Electric Truck / BOPT Machine | Battery-operated | High-volume operations | Fast, ergonomic, efficient | Higher cost, requires charging |
| Scissor Lift Truck | Hydraulic/Electric | Packing, assembly, sorting | Ergonomic working height | Limited movement when raised |
| Stainless Steel Truck | Manual/Electric | Hygiene-sensitive areas | Corrosion resistance | Higher price |
How Its Works (Step-by-Step)
Most pallet trucks—especially manual ones—operate using a simple hydraulic mechanism.
- Position: Slide forks under the pallet until fully engaged.
- Lift: Pump the handle to activate the hydraulic ram, lifting the pallet slightly off the ground.
- Move: Push or pull the pallet truck to the desired location.
- Lower: Pull the lowering lever to release hydraulic pressure and lower the pallet safely.
This mechanism is similar to how a Hydraulic Pallet Truck or basic Manual Forklift functions.
Where Are Used
Pallet trucks are essential in:
- ✔ Warehouses & Distribution Centers
- ✔ Retail & Supermarkets
- ✔ Manufacturing Units
- ✔ Cold Storage & Food Industry
- ✔ Logistics Companies
- ✔ Loading/Unloading Trucks & Containers
They simplify daily operations for all sizes of businesses requiring Equipment for Material Handling.
Benefits of Using a It
Pallet trucks offer several operational advantages:
- Cost-effective: Cheaper than forklifts
- Compact: Perfect for narrow aisles
- Low maintenance: Especially manual versions
- Safe: Reduce manual strain & injuries
- Versatile: Different types for different environments
- Reliable: Ideal for repetitive warehouse tasks
Choosing the Right One (Buying Guide)
When buying a pallet truck, consider:
1. Load Capacity
- Standard = 2.5 tons
- Heavy-duty = 3–5 tons
2. Fork Length
- 1150 mm (standard pallets)
- 1220 mm (long pallets)
3. Fork Width
- Standard: 520 mm
- Wide loads: 685 mm
4. Wheels
- Nylon = Hard floors
- PU = Quiet, smooth operation
- Rubber = Slippery surfaces
5. Material & Build Quality
- Galvanized steel
- Stainless steel
- Powder-coated finish
6. Power Type
- Manual
- Electric
- Semi-electric
7. Application Environment
- Cold storage
- Wet areas
- Chemical exposure
- Heavy industrial use
How Much Does this Pallet Truck Cost?
Since “price” influences ranking, we include a simplified range:
| Pallet Truck Type | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Manual Truck | ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Hydraulic Truck | ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Electric / BOPT Machine | ₹60,000 – ₹150,000+ |
| Scissor Lift Truck | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Stainless Steel Truck | ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 |
Prices vary by capacity, material, and brand.
If customers need more mobility, they often compare it with the Price of Forklift Truck in India, which is significantly higher, making pallet trucks a cost-effective alternative.
Pallet Truck vs. Forklift—Which One Do You Need?
| Feature | Pallet Truck | Forklift |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | High |
| Lift Height | Low (till ground level) | High (up to mezzanines) |
| Power | Manual/Electric | Internal combustion/Electric |
| Best For | Short-distance transport | Stacking at height |
For vertical lifting, businesses choose forklifts or Manual Forklift.
For quick ground movement, pallet trucks are ideal.
(*Note: All costs mentioned above are estimates and can change with time.)
Safety Tips
- Do not overload
- Use proper posture
- Move slowly on slopes
- Keep pathways clear
- Lower load before turning
- Maintain hydraulics regularly
10 People Also Ask + FAQs For Pallet Truck
- What is the use of it?
They move heavy loads in warehouses, manufacturing units, and retail spaces. - What are the main types?
The main types are manual, electric/BOPT, scissor-lift, stainless steel, and hydraulic. - How does it work?
A operates by sliding forks under the pallet and lifting it using a hydraulic pump or motor. - What is the load capacity?
The load capacity typically ranges from 2 to 5 tons, depending on the specific model. - What is the difference between manual and electric?
Manual requires pumping; electric uses battery-powered motors. - What is a scissor pallet truck?
A scissor truck raises loads to a working height for ergonomic operations. - How long does a pallet truck last?
A scissor truck can last for 5–10 years with regular maintenance. - What is better: a pallet truck or a forklift?
These are for ground movement; forklifts lift loads to height.
Conclusion
A pallet truck is a versatile, essential, and cost-effective piece of equipment for any warehouse or material-handling setup. With multiple options—manual, electric, stainless steel, and scissor lift—businesses can choose the perfect pallet truck to increase productivity, safety, and efficiency.
When used alongside tools like hydraulic lifting tables, pallet forklifts, BOPT machines, and other equipment for material handling, pallet trucks streamline logistics and reduce labor fatigue. Their low cost compared to the Price of Forklift trucks in India makes them a smart investment for businesses of every size.
(*Note: All costs mentioned above are estimates and can change with time.)
