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Pallet Jack English Name, Types and Terminology: The Complete 2026 Guide

June 6, 2026 — Lê Văn Thăng

Hand Pallet Truck, Pallet Jack, Walkie Stacker - know the correct English name for every type plus a full parts glossary for international procurement.

The most widely used English name for a xe nang tay (manual pallet lifter) is Hand Pallet Truck or Manual Pallet Jack. The correct term varies by region and equipment type. This guide covers the standard English name for each pallet jack variant, a full parts glossary with pronunciation, key catalog specs to check when importing, and the phrases buyers use in international transactions.

Standard English names for pallet jack types

Hand Pallet Truck is the formal, technical term used in ISO standards and European manufacturer catalogs. Manual Pallet Jack is the everyday term preferred in North America. Both refer to the same low-lift device: a manually pumped hydraulic unit that raises a pallet just enough to roll it across a floor.

Hand Stacker or Manual Stacker is the correct term for a high-lift manual unit. Many people say Pallet Stacker, but Stacker is a broader category that also covers electric stand-up trucks. Adding Hand or Manual makes clear the unit is operated without a motor and is used to raise loads onto racking.

Electric Pallet Jack, Power Pallet Truck, or Walkie Pallet Truck all refer to a battery-powered low-lift unit. The operator walks behind the machine (hence Walkie) rather than riding it. These are common in high-throughput warehouses where manual pumping would slow operations.

Vietnamese name Standard English term Common variants Typical use
Xe nang tay thap (low-lift) Hand Pallet Truck Pallet Jack / Pump Truck Moving pallets on a flat floor
Xe nang tay cao (high-lift) Hand Stacker Manual Stacker / Lift Truck Placing loads on high racking
Xe nang tay dien (electric) Electric Pallet Jack Power Pallet Truck / Walkie High-frequency warehouse operations
Xe nang co can (with scale) Pallet Truck with Scale Weighing Pallet Jack Checking load weight at pickup
Xe nang inox (stainless) Stainless Steel Pallet Truck Galvanized Pallet Jack Cold stores, food processing

Parts glossary with pronunciation

When a component fails, ordering the correct spare from an overseas supplier requires the exact English term. The table below lists every major mechanical and hydraulic part with its pronunciation so you can communicate clearly with international suppliers.

pallet jack parts diagram
Vietnamese part name English term Pronunciation Function
Cang nang (forks) Forks /forks/ Carry the pallet load
Bom thuy luc Hydraulic Pump /hai-DRAW-lik pump/ Generates pressure to raise and lower
Ty ben (piston) Piston / Pump Rod /PIS-ton/ Pushes the lift frame upward
Tay cam (handle) Handle Assembly /HAN-dl/ Steers the truck and activates the pump
Can xa (release lever) Release Lever /ri-LEES LEE-ver/ Lowers the load to the floor
Can gat dieu khien Control Lever /kon-TROL LEE-ver/ Switches between Raise, Drive, and Lower
Banh lai (steering wheel) Steering Wheel /STEER-ing weel/ Controls direction of travel
Banh tai (load wheels) Load Wheels /lohd weelz/ Bear the load at the fork tips
Vong bi Bearing /BAIR-ing/ Reduces rotational friction
Gioang phot Seal Kit /seel kit/ Keeps the hydraulic oil system leak-free
Khung xe Frame / Chassis /fraym/ Main load-bearing structure

Related equipment types in English

A professional warehouse logistics environment contains many powered lift trucks beyond the manual pallet jack. Knowing the correct term for each type lets you understand supplier catalogs and specify the right machine for the task.

pallet jack load wheels
  • Counterbalance Forklift - the sit-down, engine or battery-powered truck most people picture when they hear the word forklift. Suitable for outdoor yards and large open warehouses.
  • Reach Truck - an electric truck with extending forks that reach deep into high racking in narrow aisles. Not interchangeable with a pallet jack - requires a trained operator and dedicated aisle width.
  • Order Picker - lifts the operator alongside the forks so the picker can select individual items from high shelves. Common in e-commerce and retail distribution centres.
  • Electric Power Stacker - a battery-powered stand-up unit with a mast. Unlike a Hand Stacker, both travel and lifting are fully electric. ICD Vietnam supplies Xilin (Ningbo Ruyi) electric stackers with a 2-year factory warranty.

Key specification terms when buying an imported pallet jack

Supplier quotations and technical datasheets use a consistent set of abbreviations. Understanding them before you sign a purchase order prevents costly mistakes.

Term in catalog Meaning Practical note
Load Capacity / Rated Capacity (Q) Maximum safe lifting load in kg or tonnes Add 20% buffer above your heaviest pallet
Service Weight Unladen weight of the truck itself Critical for mezzanine floors and freight lifts
Minimum Fork Height Lowest fork position from floor level Standard pallets need 85 mm; low-profile pallets may need 35-51 mm
Lift Height Maximum fork rise from floor Low-lift trucks: ~200 mm; Hand Stackers: up to 3,000 mm
Turning Radius Minimum space needed to turn the truck Must be less than the aisle width in your warehouse
Overall Width (W) Width of the truck across the widest point Compare with door openings and racking aisle width
Wheel Material PU, Nylon, or Rubber Catalog may state: Load wheels: Tandem PU
Fork Length / Fork Width Dimensions of the forks Must match the pallet entry openings in use

Precise glossary for international transactions

The table below is a reference for use in purchase orders, warranty claims, and technical discussions with overseas suppliers. The Distinguish column flags terms that are often confused.

Vietnamese Correct English term Distinguish from
Xe nang tay thap Hand Pallet Truck / Pallet Jack “Hand truck” = a two-wheel sack truck, completely different
Xe nang tay cao Manual Stacker / Hand Stacker “Stacker” alone includes electric models
Xe nang dien dat lai Electric Walkie Pallet Truck / Walkie Stacker “Walkie” means the operator walks behind, not rides
Xe nang dien dung lai Stand-up Rider Truck “Rider” means the operator stands or sits on the machine
Xe nang doi trong Counterbalance Forklift “Forklift” in US English often means this type specifically
Xe nang canh ben Side Loader / Sideloader Handles long loads from the side, not the front
Tai dinh muc Rated Capacity Not the same as actual capacity at a different load center
Trong tam tai Load Center (LC) Default is 500 mm / 24 inches per ISO
Phot thuy luc Hydraulic Seal Kit “Seal” = individual ring; “Seal kit” = full set
Banh dan huong Steer Wheel Not the same as load wheel (under the fork tips)

Sample phrases for international procurement

  • “We are looking for a Hand Pallet Truck with a load capacity of 3,000 kg and a fork length of 1,150 mm for our chemical warehouse.”
  • “What is the rated capacity at 500 mm load center?”
  • “Does it come with an HNBR or NBR seal kit?”
  • “What is the maximum lifting height at full load?”
  • “Is the unit CE certified for EU export?”
  • “What are the warranty terms - parts only, or parts plus labor?”

Related articles

Pallet jack and forklift guides Xilin pallet jacks and forklifts ICD BF-III 2.5-tonne pallet jack

1. What is the most accurate English name for a xe nang tay?

The most precise formal term is Hand Pallet Truck, used in ISO standards and European catalogs. In everyday warehouse conversation, Pallet Jack is equally understood worldwide.

2. What is the difference between a Hand Stacker and a Forklift?

A Hand Stacker is a manually operated or semi-powered high-lift unit where the operator walks alongside. A Counterbalance Forklift is a larger powered machine with a counterweight at the rear; the operator sits or stands inside the cab.

3. What are the English terms for an electric pallet jack?

Electric Pallet Jack, Power Pallet Truck, or Walkie Pallet Jack - all correct. The Walkie prefix means the operator walks behind rather than riding the machine.

4. What is the English name for the forks on a pallet jack?

The pair is called Forks (always plural in English). A single blade is a Fork Blade. Length is given as Fork Length and the gap between them as Fork Width.

5. What does Pump Truck mean?

Pump Truck is the common UK and Australian term for a low-lift manual pallet jack. The name comes from the pumping action the operator uses to raise the forks.

6. Is a Pallet Jack the same as a Pallet Truck?

Yes - they are the same device. Pallet Truck is the more formal, technical term; Pallet Jack is the colloquial North American version. Both appear in supplier catalogs.

7. Why does Turning Radius matter when choosing a pallet jack?

The Turning Radius determines whether the truck can manoeuvre between racking rows. If the Turning Radius is larger than the aisle width in your warehouse, the truck cannot complete a turn and will be stuck.

8. How is load capacity abbreviated in catalogs?

As Q or Capacity, given in kg or t (tonnes). Always check whether the figure is the ISO rated capacity at a 500 mm load center or at a different load center.

9. What is the English term for a stainless steel pallet jack used in cold stores?

Stainless Steel Pallet Truck for full stainless construction, or Galvanized Pallet Jack for a zinc-coated version. Both are rated for cold-store and food-processing environments.

10. How are PU wheels listed in a supplier catalog?

As Polyurethane wheels or abbreviated PU wheels. A tandem arrangement at the fork tips is listed as Load wheels: Tandem PU.

11. What is the hydraulic pump called in English?

Hydraulic Pump unit or Pump Unit. Internal components include the Piston, Pump Rod, and Seal Kit.

12. How do I confirm a pallet jack fits my current pallets?

Check two parameters: Fork Width (the gap between the two fork blades) and Fork Length. Both must match the entry openings and depth of the pallets in use.

Contact ICD Vietnam

Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186

Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat Zalo


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