Understand the main types of pallet trucks, their usual capacities and dimensions, weighing versions, self-loading equipment and how they are used with tail lifts during deliveries.
Definition
A pallet truck is a short-distance handling device designed to slide its forks under a pallet, lift it only a small distance from the floor and move it horizontally. Unlike a forklift or stacker, a conventional pallet truck is not designed to stack loads at height: its purpose is to move pallets efficiently on a suitable floor, inside a warehouse, on a loading dock or inside a vehicle.
Manual pallet trucks use a hydraulic pump operated through the tiller. Electric models add powered travel and, depending on the design, powered lifting. Specialist variants can also weigh the load or even load themselves into a van, which is useful when the driver must deliver without a loading dock, forklift or conventional tail lift.
Main configurations
The most common configuration. The tiller operates a hydraulic pump to raise the forks, while the operator pulls or pushes the truck. It is simple, robust and suited to occasional or regular pallet movements on smooth, level floors.
A battery-powered drive motor moves the machine and reduces physical effort. Compact pedestrian models are suitable for truck loading, repetitive movements and onboard use when their weight and dimensions match the vehicle.
Load cells are integrated into the forks and connected to a display, allowing the operator to move and weigh the pallet with the same machine. Both manual and electrically driven versions are available.
This specialist machine can raise a pallet to vehicle-floor level and then load itself into a van or light truck, allowing some deliveries to be completed without a conventional tail lift.
Technical guide
There is no universal specification. These reference values come from current professional ranges and must always be checked on the exact machine in use.
Professional hand pallet trucks are commonly rated at 2,000 to 2,500 kg. A typical EUR-pallet configuration uses forks around 1,150 mm long and roughly 520 to 555 mm overall fork width.
Compact pedestrian electric ranges commonly cover 1,400 to 2,000 kg and are designed for pallet transport, truck loading and onboard use. Heavier models also exist.
Current weighing pallet trucks include 2,000 and 2,500 kg models using several load cells under the forks. Accuracy and certified weighing functions depend on the equipment.
Specialist self-loading pallet loaders are available in several sizes and loading heights for vans and light trucks.
Fork length and width, wheel material, service weight, battery type and turning radius vary significantly by model. When a pallet truck is carried in a vehicle, its own weight must be deducted from the available payload.
Self-loading equipment
The equipment sometimes seen in small delivery vans is generally a dedicated self-loading pallet loader or compact stacker rather than an ordinary pallet truck. Its lifting mechanism raises the pallet to vehicle loading height, while support legs allow the machine chassis itself to be raised and loaded into the vehicle.
This solution can make a driver autonomous when there is no dock or forklift and the van has no conventional tail lift. Payload, loading height, pallet format, vehicle floor height and the self-loader’s own weight must all be checked.
Pallet truck + tail lift
A conventional pallet truck only moves the pallet horizontally. When the vehicle floor is higher than the ground, a tail lift is often used to raise or lower the pallet and the pallet truck together.
The weight placed on the lift is therefore the pallet truck plus the pallet and goods. This combined weight must remain within the lift’s load diagram and the vehicle’s available payload.
Use cases
Before use
Drivet Transport International
A manual pallet truck uses a tiller-operated hydraulic pump and the operator provides the traction. An electric pallet truck uses a battery-powered drive motor and may also power the lift. Electric versions reduce effort during frequent or intensive movements.
It depends on the model. Common manual pallet trucks are often rated around 2,000 to 2,500 kg, while compact pedestrian electric models commonly cover about 1,400 to 2,000 kg. The rated capacity shown on the machine must never be exceeded.
Yes, if the pallet is already at vehicle-floor level or another loading method is available. Standard pallet trucks cannot load themselves into a van from the ground, but dedicated self-loading pallet loaders exist.
It integrates load cells and a display so the operator can move and weigh a pallet with the same machine. Capacities of 2,000 to 2,500 kg are common, while accuracy and certified weighing depend on the model.
The term generally describes a compact self-loading stacker or pallet loader that raises the pallet to vehicle-floor level and then loads itself into the van. It is not a conventional hand pallet truck.
Related services
Handling aid
See how a tail lift complements a pallet truck during deliveries without a dock.
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Core service
Road transport matched to freight, access and handling constraints.
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Distribution
Distribution solutions for parcels, pallets and grouped shipments.
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Flow management
Coordination of transport, storage and distribution flows.
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Short lead times
Dedicated transport for time-sensitive deliveries.
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Storage solutions
Temporary or recurring storage integrated into transport flows.
Learn moreTransport request
Tell us the goods, pallet weight, access constraints and unloading conditions so our team can assess the appropriate transport and handling solution.
