The pallet truck lifting equipment is operated by manual pumping via a handle drawbar. Pulling on the drawbar moves the pallet truck. The pallet truck contains a mechanism that allows the drawbar’s axis to rotate, allowing it to turn safely. Hand pallet trucks should only be used on non-slippery, leveled terrain with a slope of no more than 10%.

A hand pallet truck has the advantage of requiring no particular qualification from the operator. However, training is required to avoid accident risks in the case of a falling load, such as jammed drawbars or locked castors. Hand pallet trucks are relatively light because they do not have motors.

Pallet trucks are available for a variety of applications:

• Depending on the weight, pallet trucks with short, long, or adjustable forks are used.

• Pallet trucks with low noise levels are ideal for unloading in congested regions late at night.

• Pallet trucks that are extra-flat (low-profile)

• Pallet trucks with start-up assistance

• Pallet trucks with quick lifts use fewer pump strokes to lift a load.

Pallet trucks are available in steel for general industrial use or stainless steel for damp or corrosive situations, such as those found in the food industry.

Nylon (ideal for driving on hard surfaces and handling large loads), rubber (low-noise and greater grip on wet or slippery surfaces), polyurethane (low-noise and flexible), or Vulkollan (low-noise and flexible) are all options for the wheels (low-noise, high wear resistance, does not leave any marks on the ground).

Advantages:

• Purchase and maintenance costs are also reasonable.

• Because it is lighter than an electric pallet truck, it is easier to carry.

• There is no requirement for certification.

• Transports various sorts of pallets, as well as some products such as cardboard boxes, heavy parts (such as motors), barrels, and other items.

Disadvantages:

• It’s not very comfortable.

• Load weight restrictions

• Versions that are not as practical to use as semi-electric or electric models.