In modern warehousing activities, pallet trucks have become one of the indispensable tools. With the advantages of energy savings, environmental friendliness, and flexible operation, pallet trucks are becoming the top choice for many businesses. However, choosing the right product for the warehouse requires considering many important factors.
Let's join Roto Group to explore the necessary criteria to make the best decision for your business!
1. Criteria for choosing a pallet truck
1.1 Load capacity
- The first factor to consider when purchasing a pallet jack is its load capacity.
- Each type of forklift has a different load capacity, ranging from a few hundred kilograms to several tons. Before making a decision, you need to assess the average volume of goods your warehouse handles daily. Choosing a forklift with the appropriate load capacity helps optimize operational efficiency and avoid wasting costs.
1.2 Lifting height
- The lift height of the pallet jack is the second most important factor.
- Warehouses with high shelving often require forklifts capable of lifting loads up to 6 meters or more. If your warehouse has a low ceiling or low shelves, a forklift with a lower lifting height may be a suitable option. This helps optimize space and reduce investment costs.
1.3 Dimensions and Design
- Is yourwarehouse spacious or cramped?
- The size and turning radius of the forklift are also important factors. For warehouses with narrow aisles, a compact electric forklift with flexible maneuverability will be the optimal choice. Meanwhile, if the warehouse space is large, you may consider larger forklifts to increase work efficiency.
1.4 Brand and Supplier
- Choosing forklifts from reputable brands not only ensures product quality but also provides peace of mind regarding maintenance and after-sales service.
- Famous brands like Jungheinrich are always the top choice with their durable and highly efficient products. In addition, choosing a reputable forklift supplier is very important to ensure that customers receive the best technical support and warranty.
1.5 Investment and maintenance costs
- Forklifts not only have initial investment costs but also come with maintenance and replacement costs.
- Before buying, consider the total cost of ownership throughout the vehicle's lifespan. This helps customers make decisions based on long-term economic efficiency rather than just looking at the initial cost.
1.6 Safety
- Finally, safety factors must always be prioritized.
- Modern electric forklifts are equipped with many safety features such as automatic braking systems, overload warnings, and alerts for improper operation by the driver. This helps minimize risks during the work process and protects both goods and employees.
2. Characteristics of each type of pallet truck
To choose a suitable hand pallet truck for your needs, you need to pay attention to:
- Work environment.
- The equipment is suitable for warehouse applications.
- Maximum load.
- Lift height.
- The lower the height, the more it decreases.
In addition to these factors, there are other specific criteria that your company requires. Suppose you can choose a stainless steel hand pallet truck if the work is conducted in a corrosive environment or requires high hygiene standards. Additionally, you can also add a weighing function to the hand pallet truck to weigh pallets in applications that require weight information, such as shipping.
Note: It is necessary to ensure that the pallets to be processed have standard sizes and pay attention to their dimensions:
COMPARISON TABLE OF 2 JUNGHEINRICH PALLET TRUCK MODELS
|
Lifting load |
Lift height |
The height of the lowered forks (mm) |
|
|
Hand pallet |
2000 - 2500 |
300 |
85 |
|
Pallet mover |
1000 - 1500 |
200 |
85 |
2.1 Hand pallet
The hand pallet truck operates by pulling the handle to lift the load by pumping the handle. The vehicle is moved by pulling the steering wheel. The car has a steering column rotation mechanism to safely make a U-turn. Hand pallet trucks are only suitable for use on non-slippery flat surfaces with a slope of less than 10%.
The advantage of a hand pallet truck is that the operator does not need special certification. However, training is necessary to avoid accident risks such as a stuck steering wheel or locked wheels. Because manual pallet jacks do not have engines, they are relatively light. It can be easily stored on a delivery truck for use at the destination.
There are types of hand pallet trucks suitable for each specific application:
- Hand pallet trucks with short, long, or adjustable forks, depending on the load.
- Low-noise hand pallet truck: used for unloading goods in densely populated areas at night.
- Super low-profile hand pallet truck.
- Manual pallet jack with start assist.
- Quick lift hand pallet truck: requires fewer pumps to lift the load.
2.2 Pallet mover
The electric forklift moves using an electric traction motor controlled from the steering column. It lifts the load using a hydraulic pump controlled by an electric motor, fully mechanizing the vehicle. With an electric forklift, the operator does not need to use physical strength. It can handle multiple lifting applications and move further than a hand pallet truck.
Advantages:
- Ergonomics: low risk of injury for the operator.
- A variety of options for different loads.
- Increase productivity.
3. How to calculate the dimensions of each type of pallet truck
- You need to determine the required load capacity of the forklift (measured in kg). It should be noted that electric forklifts have a lower maximum load capacity compared to hand pallet trucks.
- You also need to consider the lifting height. The average height is 200 mm. If you need to lift a higher load, you can choose a high-lift hand pallet truck, up to 1 meter.
- You also need to know the dimensions of the load (length, width, and possibly height), as this will determine the length of the forks. If you choose a longer fork, please note that the lift height of the forklift will decrease.
4. How to choose the type of wheels for a pallet jack
- Each hand pallet truck has two types of wheels: small wheels under the forks and large wheels under the steering handle.
- The small wheel has a diameter of about 75 mm, making it easy to slide under the pallet. These wheels do not spin.
- The large wheel is a steering wheel with an average diameter of 180-205 mm. This wheel rotates to easily control the vehicle. The hub can be made from plastic, steel, or aluminum.
- If you have a flat floor, you can choose a single cake. The wheel is wider, and it may or may not have bearings.
- For uneven floors and to overcome ramp thresholds, customers should choose wheels with a bogie wheel system to distribute the load and reduce wheel wear.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pallet truck not only increases work efficiency but also optimizes operational costs for the business. Carefully consider factors such as load capacity, lift height, and safety features to make the most informed decision.
If you are looking for electric forklift solutions for your warehouse, Roto Group is proud to be a reputable distributor of quality Jungheinrich forklifts in Vietnam. We are ready to advise and assist you in selecting the most suitable equipment for your business needs.
At Roto Group, we are committed to providing excellent products and services, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and customer satisfaction through our slogan:
"Top quality – Dedicated service"
Contact Rotomatik VN for Consultation
If you are looking for an efficient and reliable solution for lifting and lowering goods for your business, please contact Rotomatik VN immediately for detailed advice on Jungheinrich forklifts:
Rotomatik VN Company
Address: 141 Tran Trong Cung, Tan Thuan Dong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: 0902 742 988
Website: www.rotomatik.com.vn
