Pallet truck

Pallet trucks belong to the Industrial trucks. They are used for the transport of pallets, lattice boxes, crates etc. in the company's own warehouse. Due to their size and manoeuvrability they can also be used on the loading area of trucks (without motor). A pallet truck has two height-adjustable metal tines to ensure optimum loading of pallets. The metal tines are used as with the Forklift truck called "forks." Load rollers are located under the tines; they are rigid at the front and movable at the rear (one or two wheels). The handle can be used once to steer the lift truck or as a lever (hydraulic function on non-powered implements). This implement function is usually found on the handle or within reach of the axle. 

In contrast to a forklift truck, the driver does not sit on a seat, but operates the device standing (on a platform on the lift truck) or walking. The only seating on the pallet truck is on the electric pallet truck, which is also partly operated in a seated position like the forklift.

A safety inspection is carried out annually. For more information, see the DGUV Regulation 68 "Industrial trucks accident prevention regulation" of 1 July 1995 as amended on 1 January 1997, which is available for free download from the DGUV.

Operator training must also be provided for these devices. The load distribution is different with the pallet truck and no counterweight is required as with the forklift truck. A lift truck is also colloquially called an "ant".