Hydraulic Pallet Truck: Its Types, Uses and Price Guide

What Is a Hydraulic Pallet Truck?

A hydraulic pallet truck is a manual or semi-automatic material handling device used to lift and transport palletized loads over short distances. It operates on a hydraulic mechanism, where a hand-operated pump activates a cylinder to raise or lower the forks under a pallet.

Hydraulic pallet trucks are widely used in warehouses, factories, retail stores, and logistics facilities for their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and durability. They are often called hand pallet trucks or pallet jacks and can carry loads from 1 ton to 5 tons.

How Does a Hydraulic Pallet Truck Work?

Fork Positioning: The operator slides the forks under a pallet.
Lifting: Pumping the handle activates the hydraulic piston, lifting the load.
Transporting: The load is moved manually using the steering handle.
Lowering: The release valve gradually lowers the pallet to the ground.

✅ Related: Learn more about Warehouse Handling Equipment to optimize warehouse logistics.

Key Features of a Hydraulic Pallet Truck

Load Capacity: 1,000 kg – 5,000 kg
Fork Length: 900 mm – 1,150 mm
Lift Height: 110 mm – 200 mm
Hydraulic Pump: Leak-proof, precision-sealed for smooth operation
Steering: 180° maneuverability for tight spaces
Frame: Heavy-duty steel with powder coating for durability
Wheels: Polyurethane or nylon rollers for reduced friction and floor safety

✅ Related: Compare with Manual Hydraulic Stacker for vertical load lifting.

Types of Hydraulic Pallet Trucks

1. Standard Hydraulic Pallet Truck

The most common type is used in warehouses and retail units.
Load capacity: 2–3 tons.

2. High-Lift Hydraulic Pallet Truck

It provides a higher lifting height for stacking or workstation setups.
The assembly and packaging industries often use the High-Lift Hydraulic Pallet Truck.

3. Low-Profile Pallet Truck

These trucks are specifically designed to handle pallets with low clearance.
The Low-Profile Pallet Truck is perfect for specialized applications such as export packaging.

4. Heavy-Duty Pallet Truck

Load capacity: 3–5 tons.
Built for rugged environments like steel plants and construction sites.

5. Stainless Steel Pallet Truck

Corrosion-resistant for food, pharma, and cold storage use.

6. Weighing Scale Pallet Truck

Includes an in-built weighing system for instant load measurement.

✅ Related: Check out Powered Pallet Trucks for advanced, motorized movement.

Hydraulic Pallet Truck Specifications

Feature	Specification
Load Capacity	1000–5000 kg
Fork Width	540–685 mm
Fork Length	900–1150 mm
Lift Height	Up to 200 mm
Material	Mild steel / stainless steel
Pump Type	Single or double hydraulic cylinder
Wheels	Nylon, PU, or rubber

✅ Related: Compare with Forklift Truck for long-distance heavy load operations.

Applications of Hydraulic Pallet Trucks

Warehouses: Transporting pallets between racks and loading bays.
Factories: Moving raw materials, components, or finished products.
Retail Stores: Stock replenishment and inventory management.
Cold Storage Units: Corrosion-resistant pallet trucks for hygiene-sensitive areas.
Distribution Centers: Ideal for short-distance pallet handling.

✅ Related: Learn about Trolley Pallet for compact warehouse mobility.

Benefits of Hydraulic Pallet Trucks

Easy to Operate: Simple pump-handle system.
Cost-Effective: Much cheaper than electric stackers or forklifts.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal servicing.
Ergonomic Design: Reduces operator fatigue.
Space-Efficient: Perfect for narrow aisles.
Safe & Reliable: Leak-proof hydraulics and strong construction.

✅ Related: Compare with Pallet Jack Trolley for manual handling efficiency.

Hydraulic Pallet Trucks vs Electric Pallet Truck

Feature	Hydraulic Pallets Trucks	Electric Pallet Truck
Operation	Manual	Battery-powered
Load Capacity	Up to 5 tons	Up to 3 tons
Cost	₹15,000 – ₹60,000	₹90,000 – ₹2.5 lakh
Speed	Manual movement	Motorized drive
Best Use	Small warehouses, manual operations	Large warehouses, heavy usage

Hydraulic Pallet Truck Price in India (2025)

Type	Price Range (Approx.)
Standard Model	₹15,000 – ₹30,000
High-Lift Model	₹30,000 – ₹55,000
Heavy-Duty Model	₹45,000 – ₹75,000
Stainless Steel Model	₹60,000 – ₹90,000
Weighing Scale Model	₹70,000 – ₹1.2 lakh

How to Choose the Right One

Assess Load Weight: Choose based on the heaviest pallet you’ll move.
Fork Length & Width: Ensure compatibility with your pallet dimensions.
Floor Type: Select PU wheels for smooth floors and nylon for rugged surfaces.
Lifting Height: Determine your storage or loading height requirements.
Usage Frequency: Opt for heavy-duty or stainless steel models for daily, intensive operations.
Budget: Balance initial cost with long-term performance and service support.

Maintenance Tips

Regularly grease pivot points and wheel bearings.
Keep hydraulic oil clean and at optimal levels.
Inspect for air leaks or damaged seals.
Avoid overloading to maintain hydraulic integrity.
Ensure that operators are trained in the correct usage and safety practices.

Conclusion

A hydraulic pallet truck is one of the most practical and efficient tools in warehouse handling systems. Its simple hydraulic mechanism, low maintenance, and versatility make it essential for businesses of all sizes.

From standard hand pallet trucks for light loads to heavy-duty hydraulic models for industrial use, this equipment enhances productivity, reduces fatigue, and improves safety.

If you want to streamline your material handling process in 2025, investing in a hydraulic pallet truck is the perfect solution for your warehouse or factory.

(*Note: All costs mentioned above are estimates and can change with time.)

Hydraulic Pallet Truck: Definition, Types, and Uses & Price Guide