An increasingly common sight on tail lift vehicles, electric pallet trucks are a simple and cost effective way of reducing driver injuries within the transport industry. But before choosing a powered pallet truck for delivery drivers, close attention should be paid to your delivery application.

Not all pallet trucks are created equal!

First know the maximum weight and size of the pallets being delivered. Some electric pallet trucks have a 1 ton or 1.2 ton capacity, but capacities of 1500kg or 2000kg are available for heavier applications. If you are delivering standard Euro pallets (800mm x 1200mm), then a fork length of 1150mm is usual. But a shorter fork length of 1000mm may be better suited for delivery vehicles, making the pallet truck more manoeuvrable in restricted spaces.

Secondly, understand the conditions that your delivery drivers operate in. Are there slopes, uneven ground or slippery surfaces? Many electric pallet trucks are only designed for warehouse environments, with dry, level floors in good condition. But some models can cope with slopes and others have special wheels or features that make them better suited to stony or wet surfaces. Ensure that the pallet truck you choose is powerful enough to cope with gradients and suitable for uneven ground.

Finally, will the truck last the course of the day before it requires recharging? Due to tail lift weight restrictions, you will probably want a pallet truck with the lightest own weight. Electric pallet trucks fitted with small batteries are the lightest. But these batteries are often need more frequent recharging. Consider a truck with a pull-out battery and a spare, if the battery is likely to be discharged before the end of the delivery round.

For more information or advice about your particular application, please feel free to contact us.