Manual pallet trucks

Manual pallet trucks are tools for moving heavy loads within warehouses, industries, and other work environments. These devices, also known as hand pallet trucks, allow pallets to be moved with ease, reducing physical effort and optimising working time.

The pallet truck is a tool consisting of two forks connected to a central arm in which specific hooks are placed for gripping the guide; the vehicle has no motor and is operated manually, pushed or pulled by physical force.

Pallet trucks are generally used in industrial or commercial settings, in small businesses as well as large companies. It should be noted that this item is only suitable for moving materials over short distances; it is therefore not suitable for excessive lifting, as the spring inside the arm (just above the wheels) can only withstand heavy loads for limited periods of time.

Our catalogue features Pramac pallet truck lifters (single or double roller), which are particularly sturdy and reliable work vehicles. These products are made of steel with POLYI nylon wheels and rollers and allow pallets weighing up to 2200 kg to be moved easily, with a maximum lifting height of 115 mm. They are available with single or double rollers to facilitate the overcoming of obstacles.

Manual pallet trucks are indispensable tools for moving heavy loads efficiently and safely within the workplace. They are designed to simplify the handling of pallets, reducing the physical effort required and improving productivity. These tools are commonly used in warehouses, factories, shops and any environment where materials need to be transported on pallets. Thanks to their ease of use and robustness, they are a suitable solution for both hobbyists and professional and industrial use.

The main applications of manual pallet trucks include:

• Handling loads on pallets: they provide easy transport of materials on standard pallets, reducing the need to lift weights.
• Moving goods in confined spaces: thanks to their compact size, they can operate in areas with narrow aisles and limited space.
• Loading and discharge lorries: ideal for facilitating the transport of goods to and from delivery or storage vehicles.

Manual pallet trucks are perfect for semi-professional use, small and medium-sized businesses, and hobbyists who need simple but effective tools. At a professional level , they are often used in logistics warehouses or in the loading and discharge departments of industries. Although they do not offer the power of an electric pallet truck, they remain a convenient choice for those looking for a more economical and manoeuvrable solution.

Manual pallet trucks, despite their relatively simple design, are built to withstand heavy loads and intensive use in industrial or commercial environments.

Here is a list of the main components of a manual pallet truck:

• Frame: The main body of the pallet truck, usually made of sturdy steel, ensures stability and strength even under heavy loads. The quality of the frame is essential to prevent deformation during use.
• Forks: These are the two bars that slide under the pallet to lift it. The forks are available in various lengths to suit different pallet sizes and are coated to resist wear and tear caused by repeated loads.
• Hydraulic pump: The heart of the manual pallet truck, the hydraulic pump allows the load to be lifted using a hand lever. This pump is designed to provide smooth and precise lifting, minimising the effort required.
• Rollers or wheels: These can be single or double rollers. The front rollers are positioned under the forks, while the larger rear wheels are located at the base of the tiller. Wheel materials vary, with options in nylon, polyurethane or rubber, each offering different performance in terms of smoothness and durability.
• Tiller or handle: The handle of the pallet truck is used both for steering and lifting the load. The tiller is ergonomic and designed to ensure a good grip during handling.

Manual pallet trucks operate on a simple but effective hydraulic system designed to allow heavy loads to be lifted and transported with minimal effort. The pallet truck is equipped with a hydraulic pump which, through manual movement, allows the load to be lifted by inserting the forks under the pallet.

The process of using a manual pallet truck can be described in the following steps:

• Inserting the forks under the pallet: The forks are slid under the pallet, ensuring that they are positioned correctly to guarantee balanced lifting of the load. The length and distance between the forks are designed to fit most standard pallets.
• Operating the tiller to lift: Once the forks are positioned under the pallet, the operator operates the hydraulic pump by moving the tiller up and down. The pump generates hydraulic pressure that gradually lifts the forks and the load. The pump action is designed to be smooth and progressive, allowing for precise control during lifting.
• Moving the load: With the load lifted, the operator can easily move it using the front wheel and rear wheel. The rollers under the forks allow the load to slide smoothly, while the larger wheels at the base of the tiller facilitate steering and manoeuvrability even in confined spaces.
• Lowering the load: To lower the load, the operator uses a lever on the tiller that gradually releases the hydraulic pressure. This allows the forks to lower slowly, placing the load safely on the floor or another support.

Although alternatives such as electric or battery-powered pallet trucks exist, manual pallet trucks remain a popular choice due to their ease of use and reliability, especially for tasks that do not require automated lifting.

One of the main advantages of manual pallet trucks is their affordability compared to electric models, especially at the time of purchase. Below we have listed the other main advantages:

• Low maintenance costs: With no electronic components or batteries, manual pallet trucks require minimal maintenance, mainly limited to lubrication of the hydraulic pump and checking the wheels.
• Manoeuvrability in confined spaces: Thanks to their compact size and ease of manoeuvring, manual pallet trucks can be used in areas where electric or more cumbersome models would struggle, such as narrow corridors or small warehouses.
• Reliability and durability: The sturdy construction, with steel frames and high-quality components, ensures a long service life, even under intensive use. In addition, the simplicity of the hydraulic mechanism reduces the risk of mechanical failure.
• No need for power supply: Being entirely manual, they do not depend on batteries or power supply, allowing continuous use without interruptions for recharging or battery maintenance.
• Suitable for different working environments: Manual pallet trucks are suitable for a wide range of sectors, from logistics to the food industry, thanks to the possibility of choosing specific models, such as those in stainless steel for humid or corrosive environments.

Manual pallet trucks are characterised by a series of technical specifications that determine their functionality and efficiency. Here are the main ones:

• Maximum load: this represents the lifting capacity of the pallet truck, indicated in kilograms or tonnes.
• Roller type: rollers can be single or double and determine smoothness and stability during load transport.

The maximum load is one of the most important technical characteristics for manual pallet trucks. The lifting capacity varies depending on the model, but usually ranges between 2000 kg and 2500 kg. This specification determines the maximum weight that the pallet truck can safely lift, and depends on the sturdy steel frame and the quality of the hydraulic pump. Models with a higher capacity are ideal for industrial environments where very heavy loads are frequently handled, while those with a lower capacity may be more manoeuvrable and suitable for lighter tasks.

The type of roller is a crucial factor when choosing a manual pallet truck, as it affects the ease of load handling and stability during transport. There are two main roller configurations: single roller and double roller.

• Single roller: single roller pallet trucks have a single wheel per fork. This type of configuration is more suitable for smooth, even surfaces, where ease of manoeuvring and smooth running of the pallet truck are priorities. Single rollers offer excellent rotation capacity and are suitable for environments where it is not necessary to overcome thresholds or uneven surfaces.
• Double roller: double roller pallet trucks have two fork wheels, a configuration that provides greater stability when lifting and transporting loads, especially on uneven surfaces. This configuration is preferable for tackling uneven surfaces, ramps or flooring with small imperfections, making double rollers an ideal choice for operations that require greater safety and stability.

Below is a detailed guide on what to consider before purchasing a manual pallet truck.

• Type of use: The type of use of the pallet truck is the first factor to consider. If use is sporadic and in a non-industrial context, a standard pallet truck with a load capacity between 2000 kg and 2500 kg will be more than sufficient. If, on the other hand, use is frequent or professional, such as in warehouses or industrial environments, a more sturdy model will be required, perhaps with additional features such as double rollers or wear-resistant materials.
• Frequency of use: The frequency with which you will use the pallet truck influences the choice of model. For intensive daily use, for example in a production line or logistics warehouse, it is advisable to opt for a high-quality pallet truck that is sturdy and made of durable materials such as stainless steel. For occasional use, a standard model with fewer advanced features may be a more affordable choice.
• Maximum load: Another determining factor is the load capacity of the pallet truck. Most standard models offer a load capacity between 2000 kg and 2500 kg, which is sufficient for most commercial and industrial applications. However, if you plan to handle heavier loads, you will need to opt for a model with a higher capacity.

There are several types of customers for whom the purchase of a manual pallet truck is recommended. Here is an overview of the main types:

• Small and medium-sized businesses: Companies that manage small/medium-sized warehouses or retail stores can benefit from purchasing a standard manual pallet truck. The main features to consider are manoeuvrability and a load capacity of around 2000 kg.
• Large warehouses and logistics centres: For those working in a large warehouse or logistics centre, a pallet truck with double rollers is essential for tackling uneven surfaces and a higher load capacity, preferably 2500 kg or more.
• Food or chemical industries: Customers operating in sectors such as the food or chemical industry should opt for stainless steel hand pallet trucks to resist corrosion and comply with the required hygiene standards.

Buying manual pallet trucks from the best brands on AgriEuro offers quality assurance, reliability and after-sales support. Here is a list of the main brands available on AgriEuro:

• Pramac: Pramac is a leading brand in the manual pallet truck sector. Known for the robustness and reliability of its products, it offers a wide range of models suitable for both industrial and commercial use.

Buying manual pallet trucks on AgriEuro offers several advantages thanks to the services and guarantees provided by the leading e-commerce site in the agricultural and industrial handling and equipment sector. Here are the main reasons to choose AgriEuro:

• Fast and free shipping: All orders are handled quickly by AgriEuro's logistics centres, ensuring fast delivery times and no additional shipping costs.
• Spare parts always available: On AgriEuro, you can easily order spare parts for the manual pallet trucks you have purchased, ensuring a long product life and quick repairs if necessary.
• Attentive and personalised after-sales service: AgriEuro offers a dedicated after-sales service to answer any questions or technical requirements relating to the products purchased. The support team is always available to resolve issues and ensure an optimal purchasing experience.

The pallet truck is manoeuvred during the lifting and moving of pallets within warehouses, factories or commercial environments. Correct manoeuvring of the pallet truck is essential to ensure operator safety and efficiency in transporting loads. Here are the main times when a pallet truck is manoeuvred:

• Loading pallets: The pallet truck is manoeuvred when the forks are inserted under the pallet to be lifted.
• Lifting the load: The manoeuvre continues while the pallet is lifted using the hydraulic system.
• Moving the load: During the transport of the load from one location to another, often in confined spaces or across ramps.
• Unloading the pallet: Finally, the pallet truck is manoeuvred to lower the load and position it in the desired location.