What is a Pallet Truck ?
A pallet truck is a very basic type of forklift truck and it`s function in the material handling industry is to assist in lifting and moving pallets around the warehouse facility. Manual pallet trucks have existed since the late 19th to early 20th century. They are also sometimes referred to as pallet jacks, pallet pumps, and pump trucks. There are two predominant types Hand Pallet Trucks and Electric Pallet Trucks. There are also Semi Electric Pallet Trucks which have the driving features of the electric pallet truck at a lower price, but the lifting is done manually
Hand Or Manual Pallet Trucks:
These are manually operated by hand and are designed to lift lighter size loads and move them over short distances. They are also referred to as Hand Pallet Trucks. These are the most common type of pallet truck in use in most industries today.Electric Pallet Trucks:
Electric Pallet Trucks use a battery powered electric motor to assists the operator in lifting and moving heavier or stacked pallets. They are occasionally referred to as electric pallet jacks, powered pallet trucks, power jacks, and electric walkies. Some contain a platform for the user to stand while moving pallets. The powered pallet jack is generally moved by a throttle on the handle to move forward or in reverse and steered by swinging the handle in the intended direction.
Pallet Trucks & Pallet Stackers for Everyday Material Handling
Pallet trucks and stackers are essential tools for moving and positioning palletised loads in warehouses, distribution centres, retail back-of-house areas, manufacturing plants, and loading bays. Whether you need a straightforward manual pallet truck for short-distance movement or an electric pallet truck to reduce operator effort, the right equipment makes daily handling safer, faster, and more consistent.
For lifting pallets to racking height or workbench level, pallet stackers (manual or electric) provide a compact alternative to forklifts in tighter spaces. Choose from different product types, capacities, and features to match your workflow and site conditions.
Pallet Truck Options
Manual pallet trucks
Ideal for short-distance transport on flat floors. Simple, robust, and cost-effective for everyday pallet movement.
Electric pallet trucks
Designed to reduce pushing/pulling effort and improve productivity for frequent movement, longer travel distances, or heavier loads. A strong option where operator comfort and throughput matter.
You’ll also find specialist variants such as weigh scale pallet trucks or high-lift pallet trucks (application dependent).
Stacker Options
Manual stackers
A compact way to lift and position pallets for light-to-moderate use. Suitable for occasional stacking or raising loads to workbench height.
Electric stackers
Built for frequent lifting and stacking tasks, often in aisles or areas where a forklift is not ideal. Electric lift (and sometimes drive) improves speed and reduces manual effort.
Stackers are commonly used for racking, staging, production lines, and loading bay operations.
Selecting the Right Pallet Truck or Stacker
The best choice depends on your load type, travel distance, floor condition, and how often the equipment will be used. Matching the specification to the application helps improve safety and reduces premature wear.
- Capacity – typical pallet weights and peak loads
- Fork dimensions – pallet type, entry direction, and load length
- Lift height – stacking/racking needs (stackers)
- Travel distance – short moves vs longer runs
- Site conditions – floor quality, gradients, thresholds
Supplier Options: EP Equipment & Pramac
We supply a range of pallet trucks and stackers from established manufacturers, including EP Equipment and Pramac. Both brands offer dependable solutions across manual and powered handling, with options suited to compact spaces, daily warehouse use, and higher-throughput environments.
✓ Choices across manual and electric product types
✓ Suitable models for warehouses, retail, and manufacturing
✓ Support available for selecting the right specification
If you’re comparing models, we can recommend options based on usage intensity and operator requirements.
Get the Right Pallet Truck or Stacker First Time
Tell us your typical pallet weight, fork size, travel distance, and whether you need lift height for racking. We’ll point you to a suitable manual or electric option from our range.
Helpful info: pallet type, fork length/width, floor conditions, gradients, daily usage, and lift height (if stacking).
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What’s the difference between a manual pallet truck and an electric pallet truck?
Manual pallet trucks are hand-operated and best for short moves and lighter daily handling. Electric pallet trucks reduce pushing/pulling effort and are suited to frequent use, heavier loads, or longer travel distances.
2) When should I choose a pallet stacker instead of a pallet truck?
If you need to lift pallets to racking height, mezzanine level, or workbench height, a stacker is the better tool. Pallet trucks are mainly for moving pallets at floor level.
3) Manual stacker vs electric stacker — what’s best for a warehouse?
Manual stackers work well for occasional lifting and short cycles. Electric stackers are more suitable where lifting and stacking are frequent, as they reduce operator fatigue and speed up handling.
4) What fork length and width do I need?
Fork size should match your pallet type and load dimensions. If you use Euro pallets, UK pallets, or custom pallets, choose forks that support safe entry and load stability (and confirm turning space in aisles).
5) Can I use pallet trucks or stackers on ramps or uneven floors?
Floor condition and gradients matter. Manual trucks may struggle on slopes or rough surfaces. For ramps, thresholds, or frequent gradient work, an electric model (and the correct wheel material) may be more suitable.
6) Do electric pallet trucks and stackers need charging infrastructure?
Most electric models require a standard charging point and a routine charging process. Battery type and usage pattern will influence charging frequency. We can advise on what’s practical for your site.
7) Do you supply EP Equipment and Pramac pallet trucks/stackers?
Yes. We supply models from EP Equipment and Pramac across the pallet truck and stacker range. If you’re comparing options, we’ll recommend suitable models based on load, travel distance, and lift height.
8) What information should I send to get the correct recommendation?
Share typical load weight, pallet type, fork size required, turning space/aisle width, travel distance, floor conditions, any ramps or thresholds, and (for stackers) the lift height needed. This ensures the recommended model matches your workflow.