How to Choose the Right Manual Pallet Truck
The manual pallet truck is the most-used piece of handling equipment in any warehouse and moves pallets up to 2,500 kg by hand. This guide covers fork length and load capacity, the difference between low-profile and scale functions, and the right wheels for smooth or rough floors.
View pallet trucksWhat fork length and capacity do you need?
The two key dimensions are fork length and load capacity. For the Euro pallet (1200 x 800 mm), the standard fork length of 1150 mm is ideal, because the forks fully enter the pallet without overhanging at the rear. The outer width across the forks is usually 520 or 685 mm.
Common models carry between 2,000 and 2,500 kg. Choose about 20 percent headroom above your real load weight so the hydraulics do not work permanently at their limit. For mesh boxes or industrial pallets measuring 1200 x 1000 mm, longer forks of 1500 mm make sense.
Low-profile truck or pallet truck with scale?
A classic pallet truck lifts the load just enough to clear the floor, usually about 115 to 200 mm. It is built for horizontal transport, not stacking. A low-profile truck with an especially flat entry height of around 80 mm suits shallow pallets and roll containers.
A pallet truck with an integrated scale function weighs the pallet as it lifts. This saves the separate trip to a platform scale and allows goods-in or dispatch checks in one flow. Verified models reach an accuracy of about 0.1 percent and can be calibrated for legal-for-trade use.
- Standard pallet truck: horizontal transport, lift up to around 200 mm.
- Low-profile truck: flat entry height from 80 mm for shallow load carriers.
- Weighing truck: built-in load cells, kg display, often with battery and printer.
- Scissor lift truck: also raises to working height for ergonomic order picking.
Which wheels suit your floor?
The wheels determine smooth running, floor protection and pushing effort. On smooth industrial floors of concrete or screed, hard polyurethane (PU) wheels are the best choice: they roll easily, carry high loads and leave no marks. For rough, uneven or wet floors, choose rubber or nylon wheels instead.
The design of the steering wheels also matters: single or tandem rollers. Tandem rollers spread the load over two smaller wheels and cross door sills or joints more easily, while single rollers turn in a tighter radius. Ball-bearing wheels run noticeably lighter than plain-bearing ones.
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Read the guideFrequently asked questions
What fork length is standard for Euro pallets?
The standard fork length of 1150 mm fits the Euro pallet 1200 x 800 mm, which is entered lengthwise. The forks fully support the pallet without overhanging at the rear.
What is the difference between low-profile and scale functions?
A low-profile truck has an especially flat entry height of around 80 mm for shallow load carriers. A weighing truck weighs the load as it lifts using built-in load cells, usually to about 0.1 percent.
Which wheels suit smooth concrete floors?
On smooth floors, hard polyurethane (PU) wheels are best: they roll easily, carry high loads and leave no marks. For rough floors, rubber wheels are the better choice.
How much capacity should a pallet truck have?
Common models carry 2,000 to 2,500 kg. Plan about 20 percent headroom above your real load weight so the hydraulics do not work permanently at their limit.
Looking for the right pallet truck?
We supply pallet trucks with standard and special forks, scale function and PU or rubber wheels - matched to your floor and your load.
For every pallet
Fork lengths from 800 to 1500 mm in stock.
Weighing included
Scale trucks with verified option.
The right wheels
PU, rubber or nylon to suit your floor.
Expert advice
Our team helps you choose.