With all the handling of pallets and materials that occur in warehouses & pallet transport, it is common to deploy a forklift to assist employees. However, a pallet truck is also a very efficient piece of equipment that can help the team operate safely and more productively in the warehouse or on the road.
What is a Pallet Truck?
Pallet trucks are designed to manoeuvre heavy loads in warehouses, distribution centres and on the rear of our vehicles. Manual pallet trucks are completely hand-operated and electric pallet trucks have a powered lift mechanism, sometimes with ride-on capabilities too.
To operate a pallet truck, the employee uses force to move it and place the forks into the pallet or underneath the skid. The jack then raises it off the floor to the required height and the operator will move it to wherever it is needed.
Best suited for short distances and hard standing ground, a pallet truck is effective for loading and unloading a variety of materials; here are some other advantages to using this equipment.
Why Should I Use a Pallet Truck?
Time and Cost-Saving
Pallet trucks offer a cost-effective solution to warehousing and storage operations. With a cheaper initial cost and less ongoing maintenance compared to forklifts, this saves time and money over a significant period of time. Less servicing means less downtime, and the fact that they do not need fuel to run means they are cheaper to operate.
Increased Efficiency
With the ability to transport various weights, this increases productivity levels and efficient operations. As employees can use this equipment instead of handling materials directly themselves, this saves energy and lessens fatigue. Using a pallet truck saves time when loading and unloading and gives workers the ability to tackle tasks that are physically challenging.
Reduced Risk and Injury
Safer and easier heavy lifting can be performed by using pallet trucks, therefore reducing the injuries inflicted on your workers. Although thorough training and health and safety briefs on heavy manual lifting will always be conducted, there will still be risks. If you are moving heavy pallets and materials regularly, pallet trucks are definitely a good investment and they will reduce the costs related to employee injury.
Ease of Use and Versatility
Pallet trucks are smaller than forklifts which means that they can manoeuvre around tight spaces and corners a lot easier. They come in a variety of designs, including different lengths and sizes, making them ideal for most industries. A pallet truck can also transport almost any kind of load up to 1000kgs which makes them versatile and ideal for a wide range of requirements.
These benefits can make a huge difference to your pallet operations. At Cross Country Carriers, we mainly use electric powered pallet trucks for driver and customer assistance. Contact us today to find out more information.
