According to the Office for National Statistics, the UK has well and truly entered the gilded age of distribution. From the expansion of the so-called “golden logistics triangle” in the Midlands to the more than 50% increase in the UK’s warehousing and logistics premises, the need for industrial equipment and handling supplies has surged considerably in turn. However, with so many competing brands, models and equipment types available, it can be difficult to narrow down your choice – which is exactly why we’re here to cut through the noise. Shortly, we’ll divulge the best electric pallet trucks on the market, explaining their suitability to varying handling requirements. There’s lots of information to take in, so stay open-minded about the considerations and nuances you should be thinking about.
This guide at a glance:
Electric Pallet Truck Considerations
Before we get down to business, there are a number of considerations we ought to lay out in order to help contextualise your purchase decisions. Each business has unique operational requirements, and understanding these nuances will help you select the model best suited to your needs.
Load Capacity
One of the first considerations is the weight and size of the inventory loads you intend to transport. Electric pallet trucks can significantly vary in their load capacities; hence, why it’s crucial to choose a model that can handle the demands of your day-to-day operations without strain – particularly, as higher weights carry an increased risk of injury. Thus, be sure to account for both the typical load weight and the maximum capacity the truck can safely support.
Manoeuvrability & Space
In warehouses, the backs of vans and other tight spaces, manoeuvrability is key. It’s good news then that many of the best electric pallet truck models are specifically designed for narrow aisles or restricted areas, featuring shorter forks or more compact overall dimensions. If your workspace is congested, choosing one with enhanced agility will go a long way to save time, all whilst reducing the risk of harm to goods, infrastructure and, crucially, staff.
Durability
The level of use your pallet truck will experience daily is another important factor. Heavy-duty trucks are designed for more intensive use, while lighter-duty options may be more appropriate for less frequent tasks. As such, the question as to which model suits your operational demands, withstanding the wear and tear of its given environment, should remain front of mind while you weigh up the options.
Power Source & Battery Life
Electric pallet trucks typically operate on rechargeable batteries, with lithium-powered models becoming increasingly popular due to their more eco-friendly credentials compared to others and, of course, their noise-reducing qualities. For this reason, it is a good idea to assess the type of battery and its expected longevity, not to mention keeping spare batteries on hand to optimise efficiency. As you might expect, models with longer-lasting batteries or fast-charging capabilities can significantly increase productivity and reduce downtime.
Ergonomics / Ease of Use
The comfort and safety of your operators should always be a priority. Electric pallet trucks come with different levels of operator controls, from basic manual handling to more sophisticated, user-friendly interfaces. We recommend opting for a model that not only offers ease of use but equally ensures operator comfort; this will help to minimise fatigue and, by extension, improve the safety and efficiency of your facility.
Budget
As with any purchase decision, you can’t have a list of considerations without the budget. While it is tempting to opt for the least expensive option, investing in a high-quality model that is best suited to your logistical requirements will often result in longer-term savings, which are achieved via reduced maintenance costs and increased productivity. Returning to our point on ergonomics, the safer the model is, the more it will mitigate the risk of injury. This means you can, therefore, minimise the possibility of legal, financial and reputational harm.
The Best Electric Pallet Trucks Revealed: Our Top 5 Picks
With the prior considerations out of the way, you should now be better placed to choose the best electric pallet trucks for your operations. Without further ado, here are 5 robust options for premises across the spectrum from large-scale distribution hubs to more modest warehousing facilities.
1. Best All-rounder / Entry-Level Pallet Truck
MID-EPT20A Pallet Truck
In our expert opinion, the MID-EPT20A Fully Electric Pallet Truck is perhaps the best all-rounder, offering an agreeable balance of performance, design and affordability, making it a recipe for efficiency and even cost-savings in the long term. Both an excellent choice for seasoned pallet truck users and more junior operators, its 2000kg capacity can handle a great breadth of tasks, only enhanced further by a new streamlined silhouette. Yes, that’s right – despite powerful heft and 6% slope gradeability when laden, it’s only 32mm longer than the standard pallet truck. This way, you can experience the versatility of handling 120x80cm Euro Pallets and your wider-than-average varieties with smooth manoeuvrability.
On top of this, there’s the ergonomic design to enjoy – a multi-function handle and LCD display showing battery percentage and diagnostics, both intended to reduce operator fatigue. So whether you’re just starting out or looking for a reliable, cost-effective option for your less-experienced colleagues, the MID-EPT20A provides everything you need in an electric pallet truck.
2. Best Value for Money
MID-PPT20B Semi-Electric Pallet Truck (Wide Version)
Another strong contender for handling heavy loads, but this time with a semi-electric system, is the MID-PPT20B Wide Semi-Electric Pallet Truck. With the capacity tohandle up to 2000kg with ease, it is one of the best pallet jacks for transporting large, heavy pallets, such as CHEP/GKN pallets, and its ergonomic handle, easy-to-use controls and durable design speak for themselves.
With this model you truly get the best of both worlds; the semi-electric design offers electric drive for smooth movement, while the manual lift provides precise control for handling loads. Whether it’s moving bulky goods across the warehouse or loading and unloading trucks, this pallet jack delivers exceptional performance with minimal effort. Like the previous entry to our list, it has a robust Li-ion battery to ensure maximum running time, along with the option to swap in additional batteries, which allow for continuous operation without downtime.
3. Best for Heavy Loads
MID-EPT20A Fully Electric Pallet Truck (Heavy Duty 2000kg Version)
The MID-EPT20A is the heaviest-duty option in our range, specifically designed to tackle the most demanding tasks with ease. With an impressive 2000kg capacity, it offers unmatched strength and reliability for heavy-duty operations – transporting large, stacked pallets of great weight will no longer be a struggle.
Powered by a robust 1kW brushless motor, this model ensures smooth, maintenance-free performance, while its efficient Li-ion battery provides long-lasting power for extended use. The truck’s electric drive and lift system guarantees seamless handling of even the heaviest loads, and the variable drive speed control offers the precision needed for effective manoeuvring. With fork dimensions of 550mm by 1150mm, it accommodates standard Euro pallets effortlessly, making it ideal for a variety of industrial environments – music to our ears!
We’re not finished either: despite its powerhouse performance, the MID-EPT20 retains a compact design for ease of use and more than adequate manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Whether in continuous operation or heavy lifting, this pallet truck delivers the power, durability, and versatility you need to excel, whatever your inventory.
MID-PPT20 Semi-Electric Pallet Truck
The MID-PPT20 Semi-Electric Heavy Duty Pallet Truck offers exceptional value for money, combining robust performance with an affordable price point. With a powerful 1kW brushless motor and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, this truck delivers a 2000kg lifting capacity, making it an ideal choice for demanding warehouse operations. Throw its maintenance-free motor and long-lasting battery into the mix and ongoing costs are reduced further, while the compact design and ergonomic features enhance user comfort and productivity. With a 12-month warranty and access to full technical support, the MID-PPT20B offers superior performance and reliability at a price that makes it a wonderful investment for any heavy-duty operation.
4. Best for Tight Manoeuvring
MID-EPT20H-550X1000 Heavy Duty Fully Electric Triton Pallet Truck
This fully electric pallet truck with a reduced fork length is a standout choice for working environments where space is at a premium, thanks to its compact and efficient design. With a fork length of just 1000mm, this model is perfectly suited for navigating confined spaces such as the back of trucks or narrow aisles in warehouses.
Its powerful 1kW brushless motor delivers a smooth, maintenance-free operation, while the reduced fork length ensures a small turning radius, making it exceptionally agile in tight spaces. The truck’s high capacity of 2000kg, combined with a reliable Li-ion battery, offers impressive power and endurance, while the variable drive speed control ensures precise handling at all times. Owing to such a durable yet compact build, this electric pallet truck provides unmatched manoeuvrability without sacrificing performance, so if you are looking for equipment on the less bulky side, you may want to consider this model.
5. Best for Low Maintenance Requirements
MID-EPT20B Wide Duty Fully Electric Pallet Truck
The MID-EPT20B Wide Duty Fully Electric Pallet Truck is designed with heavier-duty operations in mind, offering an effortless combination of power, design and reliability all in one robust package. With a 2000kg capacity, this truck is ideal for medium to large-scale tasks, but the best part is that its powerful 1.0kW brushless motor ensures maintenance-free operation and a reasonable lifespan – 3 times greater than the average manual alternative!
Among this pallet truck’s many attractive features are its electric drive and lift capabilities, which paired with the multi-function handle, simplify the controls, no matter the mode. Forward/reversing, lifting and lowering are all undemanding chores. Throw the high-capacity 48V lithium battery into the mix along with the LCD display feeding real-time information on battery percentage, diagnostics and fault codes, and you can truly optimise things, maximising run time between charges.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable, heavy-duty pallet truck for regular operations or a solution that offers low maintenance and long-lasting performance, the MID-EPT20B is a top choice. With a 12-month warranty, full spare parts backup and technical support, this pallet truck is the go-to solution for more demanding working environments.
The Bottom Line
Phew, that was a lot of information! While you might agree that choosing the best electric pallet truck for your business is no small feat, by considering the essential factors we provided earlier, you’re bound to make a decision that ensures efficiency, safety and long-term value.
Whether you’re seeking an all-rounder for general use, a heavy-duty model for intensive tasks, or a more compact option for tight spaces, the market offers a diverse range of options to meet every need. By focusing on the specific requirements of your operations and factoring in budgetary concerns, you can confidently select a model that delivers the right balance of performance and cost-effectiveness.
If you’re looking for more general information or to find out what is the best electric pallet jack for your particular circumstances, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team via email. Alternatively, you can peruse a wide variety of models, both manual and electric, by visiting our pallet truck page.