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The wrong pallet truck costs more than you think. Operators slow down. Loads get dropped. Injuries happen. And that entry-level truck you bought to save money? It needs replacing within a year.
The right pallet truck makes your warehouse move faster and is ultimately more cost effective to run. This guide walks you through exactly what to look for, so you buy once and buy right.
A pallet truck is a low-lift, wheeled device that uses hydraulic or electric power to raise and transport pallets. One operator. Up to 10 tonnes. Minimal physical effort.
If your operation handles palletised goods in a warehouse, distribution hub or delivery vehicle, you need one. They fill the gap between manual lifting (dangerous, slow) and a full forklift (expensive, often unnecessary for floor-level work).
Not sure whether you need a pallet truck or a forklift? Read our guide: Your Business Need Forklifts Or Pallet Trucks?
This is the most important decision you’ll make.
Manual pallet trucks are hand-powered and simple. They suit:
Electric pallet trucks use motor-driven lifting and travel. They suit:
The numbers tell the story clearly. Manual operators slow significantly after the first hour of heavy use. Electric trucks maintain the same pace on shift eight as shift one.
If your team moves pallets more than a handful of times per day, electric pays for itself fast. We go deeper on this in our dedicated article: Manual Pallet Trucks Vs Electric Pallet Trucks.
Pallet truck load capacity is the single most critical specification. Getting it wrong is dangerous.
Here’s how our range breaks down by capacity:
Rule of thumb: Never run a truck at more than 80% of its rated capacity. Always factor in the weight of the pallet itself – typically 22-25kg for a Euro pallet.
If you’re unsure what your typical load weighs, invest in a weigh-scale pallet truck. Overloading is the leading cause of pallet truck failure and workplace accidents.
Pallet truck dimensions determine whether your truck fits your pallets, aisles and doorways.
Here are the three standard fork configurations:
| Pallet Type | Fork Width | Fork Length | Common Use |
| Euro Pallet (800 x 1200mm) | 540mm | 1,150mm | EU imports/exports |
| Standard UK Pallet (1200 x 1000mm) | 680mm | 1,150mm | UK warehouse standard |
| Half Pallet / Small | 450mm | 800mm | Small businesses, lighter loads |
The most widely stocked trucks at Trucks Direct use 540mm fork spread and 1,150mm fork length. Compatible with Euro pallets, the most common type in UK logistics.
For tight-aisle environments, overall machine dimensions matter too. The GreenPower ME20 stand-on truck measures just 2,310mm x 730mm with the platform down, designed for exactly this kind of confined manoeuvring.
Always check your narrowest doorway, loading bay and aisle width before specifying pallet truck dimensions. A truck that doesn’t fit is a truck that doesn’t work.
This is where modern warehouses pull ahead.
A lithium pallet truck uses lithium-ion battery technology instead of traditional lead-acid. The practical difference is significant:
At Trucks Direct, our full lithium pallet truck range runs on lithium-ion from the entry-level GreenPower DC15 (from £749 + VAT) through to the heavy-duty MiMA ME60 (from £14,950 + VAT). Every model includes an integrated or detachable charger as standard.
Trucks Direct are authorised UK dealers for a range of specialist brands, each chosen for a specific reason. Three notable brands in this range are:
GreenPower is our own exclusive range. Built for power, performance and sustainability, these lithium-electric trucks are designed for demanding warehouse and transport environments. The DC15/20 Range are our best-selling floor-level pallet trucks for everyday warehouse use.
MiMA is a specialist manufacturer known for innovation in electric materials handling. Their ME-series stand-on trucks (ME20 through ME60) are built for high-throughput, heavy-duty operations. The MiMA ME20 includes a 24V/150Ah lithium battery, 12-month LOLER certificate, 12-month truck warranty and 3-year battery warranty as standard.
No formal licence is required to operate a pallet truck. But training is a legal obligation under PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998), which requires anyone using work equipment to be adequately trained. Powered pallet trucks carry greater risk, so training needs to be proportionate to that.
An untrained operator is a liability. Daily pre-use checks (inspecting forks, wheels, brakes and controls) are non-negotiable. Our article on What Is A Pallet Truck? covers the correct operating procedure in full.
Whether you have a question, need expert advice, or want to discuss your requirements, simply fill out the form and we’ll get back to you within the hour.
Trusted by
O.H. Logistics put the MiMA MJ25 head to head against a Combilift alternative, testing both in their own warehouse under real working conditions. The result was a clear win for MiMA on manoeuvrability, control and value. As an authorised MiMA dealer, Trucks Direct supported the process throughout, supplying a branded fleet that now delivers confident, reliable performance every shift.
Trucks Direct supplied GreenPower counterbalance forklifts to VW Commercial Vehicles’ head office, enhancing their efficiency and sustainability. The lithium-electric fleet reduces emissions while delivering top performance. With cost-effective operation and reliable service support, VW now benefits from a greener, more productive warehouse solution.
Trucks Direct supplied GreenPower counterbalance forklifts to EDF Energy’s nuclear facility in Scotland, ensuring zero-emission, high-performance lifting in a safety-critical environment. Trucks Direct fully maintain these forklifts on-site, meeting strict nuclear safety standards, providing reliable, low-maintenance operation while supporting EDF’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.
As a long-standing partner, Trucks Direct supplies GreenPower counterbalance forklifts and pallet trucks to Trailer Freight International (TFI), ensuring seamless logistics and reduced emissions. With ongoing service and maintenance support, we keep TFI’s fleet running at peak performance, meeting their operational demands with reliable, sustainable solutions.
4.8 stars
“Professional dedicated people with expert MHE knowledge. Great people, great choice, great prices, excellent after care! The best one stop shop for all your MHE requirements. From a forklift to a pallet truck these guys have it all and will listen to your requirements and give you good honest advice."
Craig Canning
"Dealing with this company was an absolute pleasure. The staff’s friendliness coupled with their extensive knowledge made my experience hassle-free. Looking forward to future business with them. Thank you!"
Robin Danielsson
"Bought a Greenpower Eco 25 fork truck. Delivered in 72 hours, great truck, great price, great service.Will be back."
Jennifer Hobbs
“We recently purchased a brand-new reach truck and container unloader from Chris, and the service has been excellent from start to finish. The team were extremely helpful, and both trucks were delivered within just a couple of days—much quicker than expected. Highly recommend!”
Dale Purvis
“First time buying this sort of equipment. I spoke to Hayley and she guided me to the best solution for my business practically and financially. The straddle Stacker was delivered as agreed and it was everything which we discussed. I would highly recommend this company and dealing with Hayley Maxwell.”
Ian Woodcock
“We were looking for a new forklift for our new warehouse. I rang for some advice and spoke to Barry, who was really helpful. I ended up driving down with our team to see a new truck and purchased on finance. Got good advice from Alex and the warranty is much better than previous trucks we have bought.”
David Scotland
“We decided to stop by Trucks Direct one day when we were out on a delivery and Chris was kind enough to spend some time with us to discuss our needs and show up the most appropriate truck. We ended up buying a new Greenpower machine and are over the moon with it.”
Aaron Telford
“Absolute 5 star service! Had an issue with a forklift, Brady was able to expertly diagnose the issue over the phone. Lee then arrived the following morning to rectify the fault. Both their professionalism and knowledge was second to none and they truly are a credit to the business. Nothing was too much trouble.”
Simon
At Trucks Direct, we supply high-quality new and used forklifts, all LOLER certified for safety and compliance. Stocking trusted brands like JCB, Caterpillar, Bendi, and Hyster, we offer a wide range of articulated forklifts, reach trucks, and side loaders to suit any business need. Every forklift is thoroughly inspected, fully serviced, and ready for years of reliable operation. With expert guidance and exceptional customer service, we help businesses across the UK find the right forklift at the best value.
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