Mục lục
- What is a hand pallet truck?
- Parts of a hand pallet truck
- How a hand pallet truck works
- How to use a hand pallet truck correctly
- Types of hand pallet truck
- When to use a hand pallet truck
- How to choose a hand pallet truck
- Frequently asked questions about hand pallet trucks
- Contact and hand pallet truck quote from ICD
A hand pallet truck, also called a pallet jack, is a manual handling tool that lifts and moves loaded pallets across a warehouse, factory or store floor. It runs on a hand-operated hydraulic pump, so it needs no electricity or fuel. The forks slide into the pallet openings, a few pumps of the handle raise the load clear of the floor, and the operator pulls the unit to its destination. It is the simplest, lowest-cost way to move pallets weighing 2 to 5 tonnes over short distances.
What is a hand pallet truck?
A hand pallet truck is a wheeled device with two forks and a hydraulic hand pump used to lift a pallet a few centimetres off the ground and roll it to another spot. Unlike a forklift, it does not stack to height; it only lifts enough to clear the floor for transport. Because it is manual, it is light, compact, easy to maintain and ideal for loading docks, storage aisles, retail back rooms and any flat-floor area where pallets move horizontally.
The hand pallet truck is the most widely used material handling tool in any warehouse. It bridges the gap between moving goods by hand and investing in a powered forklift, handling the bulk of routine pallet movement at a fraction of the cost.
Parts of a hand pallet truck
Every hand pallet truck is built from five core components. Knowing each one helps with selection, daily checks and basic maintenance.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Frame | Cast or welded steel body rated to carry 2-5 tonnes; ties all parts together and bears the load |
| Forks | Two arms that slide into the pallet openings and lift the goods clear of the floor |
| Hydraulic pump | Hand pump that builds oil pressure to raise the forks; the heart of the unit |
| Wheels | Polyurethane steer wheels plus nylon or polyurethane load rollers under the forks |
| Tiller handle | Steers the truck, pumps the forks up and releases the lowering valve |
How a hand pallet truck works
The hydraulic lifting cycle
Pumping the tiller handle drives a piston that pushes hydraulic oil into a cylinder. The pressurised oil raises the forks, and through a linkage the load rollers extend down so the forks lift level. A few strokes are enough to raise a full pallet clear of the floor. The hydraulic system multiplies the small force at the handle into the large force needed to lift several tonnes.
Lowering and the release valve
A control on the handle opens a release valve that lets oil flow back, lowering the forks at a controlled rate. The operator can feather the valve to set the load down gently. With the load down and the forks at floor level, the truck is rolled out from under the pallet.
How to use a hand pallet truck correctly
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Pre-check | Inspect the hydraulic oil, wheels, forks and handle before each shift |
| 2. Insert forks | Slide the forks fully into the pallet openings, centring the load between them |
| 3. Lift | Pump the handle until the forks raise the pallet about 15-20 cm off the floor |
| 4. Move | Pull the truck toward you, keeping a clear line of sight ahead |
| 5. Lower | Open the release valve slowly, withdraw the forks and return the truck to storage |
Types of hand pallet truck
Hand pallet trucks come in several configurations for different floors and tasks. ICD Viet Nam supplies Xilin (Ningbo Ruyi) hand pallet trucks across these types.
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Standard hand pallet truck | Everyday pallet moving on flat warehouse floors, 2-3 tonne loads |
| Heavy-duty truck | Higher capacity work, up to 5 tonnes, reinforced frame and forks |
| Weighing-scale truck | Integrated scale to weigh the pallet while you move it, saving a separate step |
| Stainless steel truck | Damp, chemical or food-grade environments where corrosion resistance and hygiene matter |
| Low-profile truck | Pallets with low entry height that a standard fork cannot enter |
When to use a hand pallet truck
Choose a hand pallet truck when loads are palletised, the floor is flat and hard, distances are short, and there is no need to stack to height. It is the right tool for unloading delivery trucks, feeding production lines, picking and consolidating orders, and moving stock in retail back rooms. When you need to lift pallets onto racking or travel long distances repeatedly, step up to a stacker or a powered forklift instead.
How to choose a hand pallet truck
| Criterion | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Pick a rating about 20% above your heaviest load for a safety margin |
| Fork length | 1,150 mm suits standard pallets; match the forks to your pallet size |
| Wheel material | Polyurethane for smooth floors; nylon for rough or uneven surfaces |
| Environment | Stainless steel for damp or chemical areas; hygienic build for food handling |
| Warranty and parts | Choose a supplier with spare parts on hand and a genuine warranty |
ICD Viet Nam supplies Xilin (Ningbo Ruyi) hand pallet trucks in standard, weighing-scale and stainless steel versions with 2-5 tonne capacity, backed by a genuine 2-year warranty and nationwide delivery. See the full range of material handling equipment from ICD or ask our team to match a truck to your pallets and floor.
Frequently asked questions about hand pallet trucks
1. What is a hand pallet truck used for?
It is used to lift a loaded pallet a few centimetres off the floor and move it horizontally across a warehouse, factory or store. It handles routine pallet movement over short distances without electricity or fuel.
2. How much can a hand pallet truck lift?
Standard models carry 2 to 3 tonnes, and heavy-duty models go up to 5 tonnes. Always pick a capacity rating about 20% above your heaviest load.
3. What is the difference between a hand pallet truck and a forklift?
A hand pallet truck only lifts enough to clear the floor for horizontal transport and is operated manually. A forklift is powered and lifts pallets to height for stacking and racking.
4. How does the hydraulic system work?
Pumping the handle drives a piston that pushes hydraulic oil into a cylinder, raising the forks. A release valve lets the oil flow back to lower the load in a controlled way.
5. Which wheels should I choose?
Polyurethane wheels suit smooth, level floors and roll easily, while nylon wheels handle rough or uneven surfaces better. Match the wheel material to your floor condition.
6. Does a hand pallet truck need maintenance?
Yes. Check the hydraulic oil level, wheels, forks and handle before each shift, keep the pump topped up and the rollers clean, and the unit will last for years of daily use.
Contact and hand pallet truck quote from ICD
ICD Viet Nam Industrial Production Company Limited
North: Floor 3, Thang Long A1 Building, Bau Hamlet, Thien Loc Commune, Hanoi - 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
South: 551/212 Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi Hiep, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City - 098 6784 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn · Zalo: Chat on Zalo now
Tell us your heaviest load, pallet size and floor condition, and ICD will recommend the right Xilin hand pallet truck and quote right away.
