Peak periods, like the run-up to Christmas, remind us how easily materials handling operations can come under strain. With demands soaring and pressure mounting, even the most efficient operations can be pushed to their limits, writes Lee Longbottom of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks.
Relying on hand pallet trucks could be holding your operation back. From legal compliance to workplace injuries, the costs of maintaining the status quo are often far higher than they appear. Power pallet trucks are a practical solution to common warehouse challenges, helping you work faster, safer, and more efficiently.
Let’s look at five key problems they can solve:
Handling heavy loads safely
Moving heavy loads is unavoidable. But relying on a hand pallet truck for the job? That’s a gamble. When shifting loads over medium or long distances they often fall short. Not only is this way slower, but it also increases the chance of damage to goods, racking, trucks… or even your staff.
It’s all too common to see hand pallet trucks pushed beyond their limits. Independent tests reveal that shifting a 2,000 kg load with a hand pallet truck requires an initial force of 49.6 kg — more than double the recommended limit for men and over three times the limit for women. Even keeping that load in motion exceeds guidelines by 53.3%.
It can be especially dangerous when stopping heavy loads, which often requires nearly twice the effort of keeping them in motion — particularly on wet or uneven surfaces.
Pedestrian power pallet trucks are the ideal alternative for shorter distances and confined spaces. They make moving heavy loads effortless with features like electric lift and drive, reducing operator strain and improving efficiency. For heavier or more frequent loads, platform power pallet trucks add a foldable or fixed ride-on platform, allowing operators to cover longer distances comfortably.
For even larger loads, sit-on and stand-in power pallet trucks (like the PREMiA EX range) can manage up to 3 tonnes, offering reliable performance — and braking — even in demanding conditions.
Navigating tight spaces
Warehouses and lorry trailers are notoriously busy, crowded, and often cluttered. Tight spaces can make even simple tasks frustrating. Hand pallet trucks require awkward three-point turns, slowing you down and increasing the risk of accidents.
Power pallet trucks, such as the PREMiA ES series, excel in confined areas. They’re built for agility. Their exceptionally short, compact chassis allows for seamless operation in very narrow aisles, maximising storage density.
Additionally, the market-leading lift height and linked castor wheels ensure stability when operating on ramps, loading docks, and uneven surfaces. Platform power pallet trucks with foldable operator platforms offer the same agility while allowing operators to switch between walk-behind and ride-on modes, adapting to the space available.
Features such as Dynamic Power Steering (found on PREMiA EX) make manoeuvring heavy items smoother and safer, ensuring steady control.
Both PREMiA EX models feature 360-degree steering. That means no more stopping for 3-point turns. By eliminating that pause, operators can pivot around smoothly, saving time with every turn. PREMiA trucks also feature an Intelligent Cornering System that automatically reduces speed during sharp turns.
What does this mean for you? Faster operations, fewer collisions, and better use of valuable storage space.
Staying on the right side of legislation
Operating hand pallet trucks in ways that exceed manual handling limits puts your business at risk of legal penalties. Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, employers must minimise risks associated with moving heavy loads. Failing to comply could result in prosecution, unlimited fines, and even imprisonment.
Switching to power pallet trucks helps ensure compliance. By drastically reducing the physical effort required to move loads, you’ll meet health and safety standards, protecting your business from legal and financial repercussions.
Reducing injuries
Using a hand pallet truck significantly raises the likelihood of workplace injuries, including repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and back problems. These injuries are not just physically painful — they’re costly too. For example, in the Netherlands alone, RSIs cost businesses €2.1 billion annually, including €808 million in lost productivity.
Power pallet trucks dramatically reduce the physical effort needed to move loads, helping to prevent these injuries. Their advanced stability and control features also reduce the chance of accidents, keeping both operators and goods safe. Investing in power pallet trucks means fewer absences and a healthier, more productive workforce.
Future proofing
Material handling requirements are constantly evolving, driven by changes in customer demand, regulations, and technology. Hand pallet trucks are simply not equipped to keep up with these shifting needs.
Powered pallet trucks provide the flexibility and durability to handle a wider variety of load weights and sizes. You’ll be more easily able to adapt to future challenges. With features designed to reduce downtime, prevent injuries, and streamline operations, they’re an investment for the long-term.
Next steps
Powered pallet trucks are more than just a convenience — they’re a smarter, safer choice for your business. They reduce risks, improve efficiency, and help you stay ahead in a competitive market.
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