Pallet Pump Trucks

Pallet Trucks and Warehouse Pump Trucks

A pallet truck, also called a pump truck or pallet jack, is manually operated handling equipment used to lift a pallet clear of the floor and move it over short distances. The forks slide under the pallet, a hydraulic pump raises it, and the load is wheeled where it needs to go.

Packaging Express supplies the Pacplan range of manual pallet trucks, each rated to 2.5 tonnes, in narrow, wide and long-and-wide fork options. All three are powder-coated steel with a galvanised steel pump, tandem nylon rollers and a 12-month manufacturer's warranty.

What is a pump truck?

A pump truck is another name for a manual pallet truck. The name comes from the pumping action on the handle that raises the forks.

In the UK, the terms pallet truck, pump truck, hand pallet truck and pallet jack are commonly used to describe the same type of equipment. The terms are interchangeable in everyday use, so a pump truck and a pallet truck are the same thing.

What are pallet trucks used for?

Moving palletised goods at low level over short distances: around a warehouse, across a factory floor, in and out of a loading bay, through a distribution area or a retail stockroom. They are commonly used to move pallets where a forklift is unnecessary and carrying the load by hand is not practical.

A pallet truck moves loads along the ground. It does not lift to height, which is the job of a forklift.

How does a pump truck work?

1. Position the forks. Slide them fully under the pallet, centred between the bearers.
2. Pump the handle. The hydraulic pump raises the forks and lifts the pallet clear of the floor.
3. Move the load. Pull or push the truck to where the pallet needs to be.
4. Lower the pallet. Release the lever to lower the forks, then withdraw them.

How to choose the right pallet truck

Four factors should be considered when choosing a pallet truck.

Load capacity. All three Pacplan models are rated to 2.5 tonnes (2,500kg). Always check the rated capacity of the truck you are using and never exceed it.

Fork dimensions. This is the real difference across the range. Forks come in 1150 x 540mm, 1150 x 685mm and 1220 x 685mm.

Pallet type. Narrow 540mm forks are designed to enter a Euro pallet from the short end, where wider forks will not fit. Wider 685mm forks give more sideways stability on standard pallets.

Space and stability. Longer and wider forks spread the load over a bigger footprint, which helps with larger or less stable pallets. Narrower forks are easier to manoeuvre in tight aisles.

Which pump truck should I choose?

Pallet truck specifications

Each truck has an ergonomic handle and a pump action designed for easy operation, with chemically resistant nylon rollers that stand up to warehouse floors.

Manual or electric?

Packaging Express supplies manually operated pallet trucks. A manual truck needs no battery, no charging and no specialist servicing, and suits short-distance movement around a site. Electric trucks have powered drive and lift and are generally suited to higher-volume operations involving longer distances at a higher price and with more to maintain.

For most warehouses moving pallets between racking, bays and vehicles, a manual pump truck does the job.

Pump truck safety

• Never exceed the rated load capacity of the truck.
• Check the forks are fully and correctly positioned under the pallet before lifting.
• Make sure the load is stable before moving it.
• Keep the route clear and move at a controlled speed.
• Take extra care on slopes and uneven surfaces.
• Inspect the truck before use and report any faults.
• Follow your workplace training and handling procedures.

Warranty

All Pacplan pallet trucks come with a full 12 month return to base manufacturer's warranty covering manufacturing or mechanical faults. The warranty does not cover wear and tear or misuse.

Frequently asked questions

How much weight can a pallet pump truck carry?

The Pacplan pallet trucks supplied by Packaging Express are rated to 2.5 tonnes (2,500kg). Check the rated capacity of any truck before use and do not exceed it.

What are the standard pallet truck fork dimensions?

Across this range, forks are 1150 x 540mm, 1150 x 685mm or 1220 x 685mm. The 540mm width is the narrow option for Euro pallet access, and 685mm is the wider option for added sideways stability.

Are pump trucks suitable for moving heavy pallets?

Yes, up to the rated capacity of 2.5 tonnes. They are listed in our industrial supplies range alongside other warehouse equipment and are built from powder coated steel with a galvanised steel pump for repeated use.

Are pallet pump trucks suitable for warehouses?

Yes. Warehouse use is the main application: moving stock between racking, loading and unloading vehicles and shifting pallets around a site. The tandem nylon rollers are made for warehouse floors.

Can a pump truck move Euro pallets?

Yes. The PLT-02 has 540mm narrow forks specifically for entering a Euro pallet from the short end. It also handles loaded pallet boxes and other palletised units within the 2.5 tonne limit.

Where can I buy pallet pump trucks in the UK?

Packaging Express supplies Pacplan pallet trucks UK wide, in three fork configurations, each with a 12 month warranty. Lead time is 2 to 3 days. Orders can be placed online or by phone.

Buy pallet trucks and pump trucks online

We supply Pacplan manual pallet trucks across the UK in narrow, wide and long-and-wide fork options, all rated to 2.5 tonnes. Item codes, fork dimensions and lead times are listed above.

Need help choosing a pallet truck?

Tell us what pallets you handle, the heaviest load you need to move and how much space you have to manoeuvre, and we can point you to the right fork size.

Call the customer helpline on 0345 224 3691, request a call back, or use the Contact Us form.