How to Use an Electric Pallet Truck

Electric pallet trucks are great for a range of applications. Whether you’re dealing with a sprawling warehouse in Nottingham or a cosy retail space in Birmingham, an electric pallet truck might be just the powerhouse you need.

As your trusted source for forklift trucks and material handling solutions, we at East Midlands Forklifts bring you this in-depth, interactive guide to electric pallet trucks.

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1. Emergency Reverse

An important safety feature, allowing the truck to decelerate or reverse.

2. Handle Buttons

The central control unit, directing the truck's movement. Controls used to lift or lower the forks and navigate the truck.

3. Emergency Stop Switch

A vital safety feature that immediately halts all operations.

4. Charger Cord

Used to recharge the battery.

5. Instrument Panel

The dashboard containing key controls and operational indicators.

6. Load Wheels

Essential for effective operation on a range of surfaces.

7. Drive Wheel

The wheel responsible for steering and direction.

8. Hydraulic System

Powers the lifting and lowering of the forks.

9. Battery

The energy source driving the electric operations.

10. Forks

The prongs that slide beneath the pallet for lifting.

What Is an Electric Pallet Truck & When Might You Need One?

An electric pallet truck, often referred to as a powered pallet truck, is essentially a more sophisticated sibling of the manual pallet jack. It facilitates the lifting and transportation of pallets but offers the added benefit of electric power. This means less physical effort and more efficiency — essential for high-demand environments.

When Might You Need One?

Are you expanding your business, contending with tighter deadlines or striving to reduce manual labour costs? Then an electric pallet truck may be perfect for you.

How Do You Use an Electric Pallet Truck?

If you have your forklift licence, operating an electric pallet truck should come easy to you. Just follow these steps:

1. Preparation — Conduct a quick inspection of the hydraulic system, battery and emergency stop switch.

2. Initialisation — Insert the key into the instrument panel and turn it on.

3. Operation — Use the handle buttons to lift the forks and move the truck. The drive wheel will guide your direction.

4. Handling — Once you’ve reached the desired location, lower the forks and disengage the truck.

Do You Need Training to Use a Powered Pallet Truck?

Absolutely, yes. While the truck may seem intuitive, powered pallet truck training is crucial to your safety. Knowledge of the pallet truck weight limit, emergency protocols and efficient operation can be the difference between a smoothly-run operation and a disastrous one.

Hire or Buy New and Used Forklifts with EMF

Based in Loughborough, East Midlands Forklifts is your one-stop solution for all your material handling needs. Offering both short and long-term electric pallet truck hire options, as well as new and used trucks to buy, EMF ensures you get the equipment that fits your specific requirements. Plus, with our full maintenance service, you can always count on us for a quick response, particularly if you’re located in Leicester, Nottingham or Derby.

Whether you’re in Loughborough, Leicester, Derby, Nottingham or Birmingham, EMF is always ready to help you with all your forklift needs.

Contact us today for more information.