How to choose the right powered pallet truck?
Electric powered pallet trucks are essential when goods need moving around your warehouse, shop or production site. They come in many sizes and types. How to find the right match for your operation?
What will you use the truck for?
This is key, where will the truck mainly be used for? A good tip: also keep future needs in mind. If you are thinking of expanding or changing your warehouse layout or going to handle different loads, the type of truck might differ. If the powered pallet truck is only needed to cover material handling during peak season, consider renting one.
For short horizontal transport
Pedestrian powered pallet trucks with capacities from 1.3 to 2.5t will do a perfect job for you. The ergonomic tiller arm with fingertip control and compact chassis for good manoeuvrability make these intuitive and easy vehicles for daily operation.
When stepping up from a manual truck, an entry-level powered pallet truck such as the BT Tyro may do the trick.
pedestrian
Entry-level model
- Light and compact
- With lithium-ion
- 1.3 tonne and 1.55 tonne
pedestrian
Low-intensity model
- Light and compact
- Built-in charger
- 1.3 tonne
- Smart truck
pedestrian
Li-ion model
- Light and compact
- Built around Li-ion
- Built-in charger
- 1.6 tonne
- Smart truck
pedestrian
Light- to heavy-duty range
- Easy to use
- Available with lithium-ion
- 1.4 to 2.5 tonnes
- Smart truck
- Cold store version available
For transport over longer distances
If you have a more intense operation or a large warehouse with long distances to cover you should consider the electric pallet trucks with flip-up platform to let you use the truck both pedestrian and ride-on operated.
To provide the operators even more protection and ergonomics for high-speed drive, the stand-in models are more suitable. Perfect for crossdocking operation.
ride-on
High-intensity platform range
- Fast and manoeuvrable
- Available with lithium-ion
- 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes
- Smart truck
- Cold store version available
ride-on
High-intensity stand-in range
- Multi-directional
- 180°and 360° electronic steering
- 2.0 tonnes
- 12.5 km/h top speed
- Cold store version available
On-board lorries or in narrow areas
Go for compact and lightweight trucks. Built-in chargers are also very convenient in lorry charging. Charging onboard the vehicle saves time as it can be down whilst on the road. No extra charging breaks are needed, leading to higher uptime.
The powered pallet trucks are also available with different fork lengths to make manoeuvring and storing in the lorry more efficient.
pedestrian
Entry-level model
- Light and compact
- With lithium-ion
- 1.3 tonne and 1.55 tonne
pedestrian
Low-intensity model
- Light and compact
- Built-in charger
- 1.3 tonne
- Smart truck
pedestrian
Li-ion model
- Light and compact
- Built around Li-ion
- Built-in charger
- 1.6 tonne
- Smart truck
How intense is the application?
Whether you’re moving pallets with food, manufacturing components or other materials, knowing the required capacity and the intensity of use will help you find the best fit for your operation.
Load capacity
Think of the maximum load weight you must be able to transport. Choose a capacity that suits your current need but can also handle any future requirement you think you may have. Our pallet trucks range from 1.3 tonne up to 2.5 tonnes.
Usage
Choosing the right capacity is also about the intensity of usage. If you need a truck that will last in a high-intensity environment with frequent usage, you will need to go for a more robust and powerful high-capacity truck. Don't forget to look at the battery options on these models to ensure your truck will last as long as you need it to.
How to adapt your pallet truck to your needs?
When you've decided on your truck and model, you can choose between different options to customise depending on your needs.
Wheels
Depending on the application and environment, you will need a different set of wheels to perform optimally. Learn more in our wheel guide.
Batteries
There are different battery capacities and technologies to choose from. Traditional lead-acid batteries or more energy-efficient lithium-ion ones, that allow for fast opportunity charging.
Cold store spec
Add low-temperature oil for use in cold stores or freezer areas.
Load support
Additional safety when handling high or unstable loads.
Side protection
Fixed platform with fixed side guards or rear backrest for more safety and ergonomics for the driver.
Built-in charger
Connect your truck to a wall outlet for easy charging (available on BT Levio LWE130 and LWI160).
Onboard charging
Allows the truck to be charged whilst it is being transported on a lorry (available on BT Levio LWE130 and LWI160).
Do you need to lift goods occasionally?
Then a stacker truck, light-duty to heavy-duty, will be your solution.
We have a wide range of stackers:
- Manual and semi-electric stackers for low-intensity applications and small storage areas
- Electric pedestrian stacker trucks for more demanding applications
- Ride-on powered stackers to cover long distances in warehouses
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Wheel guide
Find the right wheels to perform optimally. The selection of the wheels depends on the application and environment in which the truck will be used.
Visit our online shop
Find more product information, features and possible add-ons about our forklifts, such as reach trucks, pallet trucks & order pickers.
Buy a used truck
We help you to find the perfect truck, whether it is new or used. Boost your business with quality used trucks!