There are several elements you should take into account before you buy pallet trucks for your business. From the various benefits of different types of pallet trucks, whether you should buy a used or new pallet truck, pallet truck brands, the pros of electric vs manual pallet trucks, and how having a selection of sizes in your arsenal can be advantageous. In this article, we will cover each of these aspects to determine your decision to buy pallet trucks for your business and help maximise your productivity in the warehouse.
The Benefits
The benefits of pallet trucks are endless and can help increase your warehouse’s productivity tenfold. Before you buy pallet trucks for your business, it is essential to understand how the various features of pallet trucks can be advantageous for you and your employees.
- Pallet trucks save time and money
Our selection of electric pallet trucks here at Trucks Direct have a range of capacities, so whether your load is as light as a mere few boxes or you require a strength of up to 2,500kgs, we have a pallet truck that can meet your requirements. These high-capacity trucks can greatly reduce the need for additional manpower to move items around your warehouse quickly, thanks to their electric motors.
- Reduced risk of injury
Lifting heavy boxes and transporting them around a warehouse can be taxing on your employees, and could very well lead to a series of back problems, pulled muscles, and weak knees. Especially if your staff aren’t following the guidelines in place to prevent workplace injury. A new pallet truck will reduce the chances of injury in your warehouse substantially. So it is worth considering the health and safety of employees when you decide whether you should buy pallet trucks for your business or not.
- Ease of use
A new pallet truck will make it far easier for your employees to transport items around your warehouse. Even if you buy a used pallet truck, you will find that the pump is incredibly smooth and doesn’t require exertion to use properly.
New or Used?
The most vital aspect you need to consider before buying a new pallet truck is cost. This will determine whether you can afford to buy pallet trucks new or used. A new pallet truck will cost you several thousand pounds, and electric trucks tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. Used pallet trucks aren’t as expensive as buying new ones, but they’re still an investment. If your concern is with the quality rather than the cost, researching the company you buy pallet trucks from will reassure you of their condition. Here at Trucks Direct, all our used pallet trucks are still in exceptional condition. We conduct a thorough pre-delivery inspection to ensure the pallet trucks we sell are top-quality and offer a one-month warranty on the truck and battery after delivery. To buy pallet trucks used is not to compromise quality and functionality.
Branding
Although branding is not especially important and shouldn’t entirely influence your decision, you might want to consider the benefits different pallet truck brands can bring to the table before you buy pallet trucks for your business. Some pallet truck brands may manufacture their trucks with longevity in mind, whereas others may prioritise speed. Comparing the various brands can help you determine the new pallet truck you need. Here at Trucks Direct, we stock new and used pallet trucks from well-known brands such as Bendi, Caterpillar, Toyota, Nissan and Yale.
Electric VS Manual
There are many notable differences between electric and manual forklift trucks that could benefit or hinder the operations of your warehouse in different ways. These aspects include purchase and maintenance costs, size, ease of use, and training requirements.
- Cost
Electric pallet trucks are inherently more expensive than manual pallet trucks due to the chargeable batteries and maintenance costs. However, when evaluating the worthiness of the cost, it is important to remember that the higher level of productivity your electric pallet truck will provide will essentially allow it to pay for itself over time.
- Longevity
The non-electric elements of a traditional pallet truck will allow it to function optimally for far longer with less required maintenance. As well as repairs being infrequent, they’ll also take less time to repair and find spare parts should you need them. An electric pallet truck will still last for upwards of a decade when treated properly.
- Ease of use
Electric pallet trucks are far easier to manoeuvre than traditional trucks and will put a lot less strain on you and your employees when using them. Furthermore, an electric pallet truck allows a far higher capacity than a manual truck. So your employees will be able to transport larger loads at once.
- Training
Only basic training is required to operate a manual pallet truck, and there aren’t mandatory courses for operating electric pallet trucks either. But, your employees can still apply for accreditation that you can provide.
- Sizing
Before you buy pallet trucks, you should consider their size. Pallet truck brands will offer pallet trucks of various sizes to accommodate variously sized warehouses. If you have an exceptionally small warehouse, you may not be able to buy pallet trucks that are electric, as there will simply not be enough space for them. So manual pallet trucks might be the way to go. You should also consider fork length. 48-inch forks are becoming increasingly unpopular, and 60/72-inch forks are preferable due to their long reach. So looking into fork sizes and the overall size of your pallet truck is very important to consider.
How can Trucks Direct Help?
Here at Trucks Direct, we have a vast selection of new and used electric and manual forklifts to offer from the most renowned brands in the industry. If you’d like more information about any of the forklifts you see on our website, please don’t hesitate to contact us.