pallet truck dimensions

pallet truck length

The dimensions of the pallet truck play a major role in the maneuverability of the industrial truck . In the product descriptions of most manufacturers, the length refers only to the length of the fork. The free space between two storage units represents the aisle width. The dimensions of the pallet truck and the turning radius of the selected model must allow precise and quick maneuvering on this area. If industrial trucks (FT) are to be used in trucks or freight elevators, maneuverability is essential. The general rule is: the smaller the width of the forklift or high lift truck , the faster it can be turned and maneuvered. In addition, the following applies:

• Three-wheel forklifts score points with a directly steerable rear wheel; their turning radius only slightly exceeds the total length of the device
• Four-wheel forklifts distribute the weight over one more wheel, but their turning circle is significantly larger
• Electric pallet trucks and manual pallet trucks are more maneuverable than forklifts

total length

However, in order to decide whether a model is suitable for the aisle width in the warehouse, the overall length of the device is important. This describes the length of the fork including the front section, i.e. the dimensions of the operating unit.

fork length

While the dimensions of the front end vary considerably depending on the manufacturer, the length of the forks is relatively fixed, ranging between 800 and 3,000 mm . The majority of pallet trucks have dimensions that fit Euro pallets. However, special dimensions are possible that meet specific transport requirements.

pallet truck width

The pallet truck's width is just as important as its length. The industrial trucks are ideal for use in confined spaces such as containers, trucks or freight elevators, as they require less space than forklifts . However, they offer slightly less stability when cornering and are not as comfortable when maneuvering heavy loads as models with a larger track and fork width.

overall width

The width dimensions of the pallet truck, like the length, must be considered separately for the front section and fork. While the fork is usually the widest part of a simple hand pallet truck, the width dimensions of electric pallet trucks are usually defined by the front section.

Some pallet truck models are specifically designed for the use of special pallets or the transverse loading of Euro pallets. For example, the wide-gauge high-lift truck has a larger overall width than conventional high-lift trucks and low-lift trucks.

fork width

The transport medium to be moved determines the required size of the fork. For a standardized Euro pallet, a fork width of 160 mm is usually standard.

pallet truck load width

• The standard fork width of pallet trucks is 520 - 540 mm: ideal for transporting Euro pallets
• Special size narrow : particularly narrow fork carrying width of 380 - 450 mm: ideal for cartons, boxes, display pallets, half and quarter pallets
• Special size wide : extra wide fork carrying width of 670 - 685 mm: Pallet trucks with special width have a larger distance between the forks and are suitable for picking up pallets with special dimensions, such as pallets with extra width and length, picking up several pallets at the same time and picking up crosswise.

forklift height

height

The overall height of the industrial truck is less important for low-lift trucks than for high-lift trucks. The height of the retracted lifting mast determines, for example, the ability to pass through: doors, aisles, truck loading areas and freight elevators.

lifting height

While low-lift trucks lift the forks to a maximum of 220 mm, electric high-lift trucks with lifting heights of up to 5.6 meters replace forklifts and also serve higher shelf levels. Manual high-lift trucks reach heights of up to three meters. The room height can limit the lifting height because the mast protrudes.

An important selection criterion in warehouses with low ceiling heights is the so-called free lift. The free lift refers to the maximum lifting height that a high lift truck can reach without an extended lifting mast increasing the height of the device.

ground clearance

If the distance between the ground and the fork is small, even small bumps will cause the truck to hit the ground. It should be noted that the ground clearance of low-lift trucks increases when loads are lifted. On the other hand, the ground clearance of high-lift trucks always remains the same, unless the model has an initial lift. For warehouses with slopes at an unfavorable angle, pallet trucks with ramp lift are available to compensate for the transition from level to slope.

pallet truck weight

dead weight

The weight of the device is important in relation to the size of the pallet truck. The floor must be sufficiently strong to bear the total weight of the pallet truck. This is often relevant for intermediate levels. The total weight is calculated from the weight plus the maximum load. This value is also relevant for the maximum load of the vehicle when carrying pallet trucks on a truck . The lower the weight of the pallet truck, the more capacity remains for the load.

soil conditions

The specific wheel pressure depends on the type of tires. The more ground contact the wheels have, the less the load on the ground. In addition, large tires make work easier because the rolling resistance is lower. Tandem tires are highly recommended to protect the ground and for better load distribution. Very sensitive floor coverings are:

• asphalt
• Wood
• tiles, ceramics, clinker
• vinyl and PVC

tires

The tires of hand pallet trucks should be durable, maintenance-free, gentle on the floor and resistant to oil and chemicals. The following materials are common:

Finding the right pallet truck

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See also

• weight of pallet trucks
• Calculate the aisle width
• regulation on pallet racks
• intralogistics