Pallet Truck, Stacker or Forklift - Which Do You Need?
Pallet trucks, stackers and forklifts cover very different jobs. This guide sorts the three by lift height, load capacity and travel distance, and shows when moving from manual to electric pays off.
View material handlingHow do pallet trucks, stackers and forklifts differ?
A pallet truck lifts the load just a few centimetres to move it horizontally. A stacker raises loads several metres for putting stock into and out of racking, and a forklift is a ride-on or pedestrian truck built for heavy loads, high lifts and long distances.
The key difference is lift height. A plain pallet truck reaches only about 200 mm and is meant for horizontal transport. A stacker places the pallet in the rack, while a forklift adds capacity for handling, loading and continuous duty.
How do I choose by lift height, load and distance?
Three figures drive the choice: the lift height you need, the maximum load and the daily travel distance. Note the heaviest load, the highest rack level and the metres per shift before you settle on a machine.
- Lift height: floor transport up to 200 mm - pallet truck. Racking up to 3.5 m - stacker. Above 3.5 m - forklift.
- Load capacity: residual capacity falls as lift height rises. Always check the machine's load chart.
- Travel distance: under 50 m occasionally - manual. Long or frequent runs - electric drive.
- Aisle width: narrow aisles call for a compact stacker or a reach truck.
- Floor condition: uneven ground or ramps favour a forklift with larger wheels.
Manual or electric - what pays off?
Manual units are cheap, low-maintenance and ready to use. Electric units with powered travel and lift ease the strain on the operator, raise throughput and pay off with frequent use, long distances or heavy loads.
As a guide: if one operator moves more than roughly 40 to 50 pallets per shift or covers long routes, an electric drive amortises quickly through time savings and reduced injury risk. For rare, occasional use the hand pallet truck stays the most economical choice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a pallet truck and a stacker?
A pallet truck lifts the load only about 200 mm for horizontal transport. A stacker is a high-lift truck that raises loads several metres to place and retrieve stock from racking.
When is an electric pallet truck worth it?
With long travel distances, frequent use and heavy loads. If many pallets are moved per shift, the electric drive amortises through higher throughput and less physical strain.
What load capacity do I need?
Base it on the heaviest load plus a reserve, and check the residual capacity at full lift height. The load chart on the machine is binding.
Do I need an operator licence?
Ride-on forklifts require formal training. A hand pallet truck needs only an instruction briefing, while electric pedestrian units require documented familiarisation.
Looking for the right handling truck?
We stock hand pallet trucks, stackers and electric forklifts for every lift height and load - with advice on drive type and duty profile.
Wide range
From hand pallet trucks to electric forklifts.
Verified equipment
Load charts and CE conformity documented.
Expert advice
We match the machine to your duty profile.
Safe operation
Guidance on operator training requirements.