Single or tandem load rollers? The load rollers sit under the fork tips of a pallet truck. They carry the goods and roll over the bottom boards of the pallet when the forks go in and out. Whether there is one wider roller or two rollers in a row is one of the equipment choices you make when buying. This comparison looks fairly at both arrangements. The roller material is not the topic here; the focus is only on how the rollers are arranged. You will find suitable models in our category Pallet truck.
Both arrangements at a glance
The examples come from the manufacturer qteck. On all models, the fork carriage width is 540 mm, the lifting range is 85-200 mm and the steering wheels measure Ø180x50 mm.
| Criterion | Single roller | Tandem roller |
|---|---|---|
| Design | one load roller per fork arm | two load rollers in a row per fork arm |
| Load roller size | Ø80x90 mm | Ø80x70 mm |
| Example 800 mm, PU | maximum load capacity 2,500 kg, tare weight 59 kg | maximum load capacity 2,500 kg, tare weight 60 kg |
| Example 1150 mm, nylon | maximum load capacity 2,000 kg, tare weight 66 kg | maximum load capacity 2,500 kg, tare weight 68 kg |
| Load centre | 400 mm at 800 mm, 600 mm at 1,150 mm | 400 mm at 800 mm, 600 mm at 1,150 mm |
The values are manufacturer specifications from the product data. The respective product page always applies.
The single roller: one wider roller per fork arm
Design
With a single roller, there is one load roller under each fork arm. On the qteck models it measures Ø80x90 mm and is therefore wider than one roller of the tandem version at Ø80x70 mm.
Models with single rollers
The product data do not state any particular running properties of the single roller. The differences lie in roller size, tare weight and in some cases load capacity. At 59 kg, the qteck® pallet truck 800mm 2.5 tonnes PU/PU single is the lightest model in this comparison. With nylon rollers, the qteck® pallet truck 1150mm 2,0to Ny/Ny single is available, intended by the manufacturer for Euro pallets, lattice boxes and loads of similar size.
The tandem roller: two rollers per fork arm
Design
With a tandem roller, two load rollers sit one behind the other under each fork arm, each measuring Ø80x70 mm on the qteck models. The product data do not say whether this makes any difference to how the truck runs in practice.
Models with tandem rollers
Here too, the documented differences are size, weight and load capacity. At 60 kg, the qteck® pallet truck 800mm 2.5 tonnes PU/PU tandem weighs one kilogram more than the single-roller version. According to the product data, the qteck® pallet truck 1150mm 2,5to Ny/Ny tandem is rated at 2,500 kg, the single version of the same length at 2,000 kg. At this length, the tandem version is therefore the one with the higher load capacity.
Which arrangement for which job?
Warehouse with heavy loads on Euro pallets
At 1,150 mm fork length, the manufacturer states 2,500 kg for the tandem version with nylon rollers and 2,000 kg for the single version. If your heaviest load is above 2,000 kg, the load capacity decides the arrangement here.
Production with short load carriers
For short load carriers, both arrangements are available with 800 mm forks, polyurethane rollers and 2,500 kg load capacity. According to the product data, they differ in load roller size and by one kilogram in tare weight. Here you can choose based on your own experience in the plant.
Truck loading at the ramp
At the ramp and dock leveller, transitions and edges come together. Before use, check that your pallet truck with the chosen roller arrangement crosses the transitions safely.
How to choose the right roller arrangement
- Look at your load carriers: do the pallets have bottom boards that the rollers must cross when entering and exiting?
- Check the floor in the warehouse and production area: smooth and level, or with joints, transitions and ramps?
- Compare the load capacity of the version you want with your heaviest load, as it can differ from model to model.
- Choose the fork length to suit your load carriers, for example 1,150 mm for Euro pallets and lattice boxes according to the manufacturer.
- Only then decide on the roller material, polyurethane or nylon.
If you are unsure, briefly describe your load carriers and your floor to us. The choice between single and tandem rollers can then usually be narrowed down quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Does a pallet truck with tandem rollers always carry more?
No. On the 800 mm models, both versions are rated at 2,500 kg. On the 1,150 mm models with nylon rollers, the manufacturer states 2,500 kg for the tandem version and 2,000 kg for the single version.
Is the tandem roller heavier?
Hardly. According to the product data, the difference is one kilogram at 800 mm and two kilograms at 1,150 mm.
Does the roller material matter?
Yes, but that is a separate topic. This comparison is only about the arrangement. The models shown are available with polyurethane and with nylon rollers.
What should I look for when checking the rollers?
Before every use, check the load rollers for damage, foreign objects and smooth running. With tandem rollers, this applies to both rollers on each side.
Conclusion
According to the product data, the single and tandem versions of the qteck models differ in load roller size, in tare weight by one to two kilograms and, at 1,150 mm fork length, in load capacity. The product data do not describe running properties – if in doubt, check on your own floors and with your own load carriers. You will find both versions in the category Pallet truck. We are happy to advise you: +49 2237 628095-00, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
This article is a selection guide – the manufacturer's operating instructions apply for use and inspection.