Which pallet truck suits your business? Three specifications decide on the right pallet truck: the length of the forks, the capacity with its associated load centre, and the wheels. This guide explains the values and shows examples from our category pallet trucks.
Choosing the fork length to suit the load
The fork length should match the depth of the load. According to the manufacturer, the space needed for manoeuvring is smallest when the dimensions of load and pallet truck match. Our range includes these lengths, among others:
- 600 mm: according to the product text, the HanseLifter DB600, hand pallet truck Lifting capacity 2000kg Fork length 600mm is intended for half and display pallets and for tight spaces.
- 800 mm: the qteck® pallet truck 800mm 2.5 tonnes PU/PU single is one of the special lengths.
- 1150 mm: according to the manufacturer, the qteck® pallet truck 1150mm 2.5 tonnes PU/PU tandem is designed for Euro pallets, mesh boxes and loads of similar size.
- 1800 mm: the qteck® pallet truck 1800mm 2.0 tonnes PU/PU tandem is also a special length, for long loads.
If the forks are much longer than the load, they stick out at the back and need more room for manoeuvring. If they are too short, the load does not rest on them fully.
Understanding capacity and load centre
The capacity always applies to a specific load centre. The load centre is the distance from the fork back to the centre of gravity of the load for which the capacity is stated. The qteck models list in their technical data:
- Fork length 800 mm: maximum capacity 2500 kg, load centre 400 mm.
- Fork length 1150 mm: maximum capacity 2500 kg or 2000 kg depending on the model, load centre 600 mm.
- Fork length 1800 mm: maximum capacity 2000 kg, load centre 900 mm.
If the centre of gravity of your load lies further forward towards the fork tips, the permitted load can be lower. What applies then is set out in the manufacturer's operating instructions. The HanseLifter DB600 states a capacity of 2000 kg.
Wheels: material and design
A pallet truck has two kinds of wheels: the steering wheels at the drawbar and the load rollers under the forks. For both, material and design matter.
- Polyurethane (PU): the PU/PU models have steering wheels and load rollers made of polyurethane. The HanseLifter DB600 also has PU wheels, which the product text describes as durable.
- Nylon (Ny): the qteck® pallet truck 1150mm 2,0to Ny/Ny single has steering wheels and load rollers made of nylon.
- Single or tandem: with single load rollers there is one roller per fork, with tandem load rollers two. The qteck models list single load rollers of Ø80x90 mm and tandem load rollers of Ø80x70 mm.
According to the manufacturer, the steering wheels and load rollers of the qteck pallet trucks have ball bearings and run easily even under load. On all qteck models listed here, the steering wheels measure Ø180x50 mm.
Lift height, weight and handling
Besides forks and wheels, other specifications are worth a look:
- Lift range: the qteck models lift from 85 to 200 mm, the HanseLifter DB600 from 75 to 190 mm. The lowered height must fit under the entry height of your pallets.
- Overall fork width: the qteck models have an overall width of 540 mm across the forks, the HanseLifter DB600 a fork width of 520 mm.
- Own weight: it ranges from 46 kg for the HanseLifter DB600 to 88 kg for the qteck with 1800 mm forks.
According to the manufacturer, the hydraulic unit of the qteck pallet trucks is low-maintenance and allows even heavy loads to be lowered in a controlled way.
Typical applications
Warehouses with Euro pallets and mesh boxes
For everyday warehouse work with Euro pallets and mesh boxes, a fork length of 1150 mm is the usual choice. Choose capacity and wheels to suit your load and floor.
Tight spaces, retail and truck loading
In narrow aisles, on the sales floor or when loading and unloading on the truck bed, manoeuvrability counts. Short forks, such as the 600 mm on the HanseLifter DB600, are described in the product text as suited to half and display pallets and to tight spaces.
Frequently asked questions
Which fork length do I need for the Euro pallet?
According to the manufacturer, the qteck pallet trucks with a fork length of 1150 mm are designed for Euro pallets and mesh boxes. For smaller load carriers, shorter forks are a better fit.
What does PU/PU or Ny/Ny mean?
The first value refers to the steering wheels, the second to the load rollers. PU stands for polyurethane, Ny for nylon.
May I always use the pallet truck at its full capacity?
The stated capacity applies to the stated load centre. The conditions under which the pallet truck may be fully loaded, and which inspections are needed, are set out in the manufacturer's operating instructions. Those instructions apply.
How to choose your pallet truck
- Measure the depth of your loads and choose the fork length.
- Check the weight and centre of gravity of the loads.
- Choose the wheels to suit your floor and use.
- Check the lift range and the entry height of your pallets.
You will find all models in the category pallet trucks. We are happy to answer questions about choosing a pallet truck: +49 2237 628095-00, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
This article is a selection guide – the manufacturer's operating instructions apply for use and inspection.