A hand pallet truck is the simplest way to move pallets and can be found in almost every warehouse, workshop and store. As volumes grow, many companies wonder whether to switch to an electric pallet truck. This article compares the two groups criterion by criterion and helps you choose the right STILL model for your actual needs.
How do hand pallet trucks and electric pallet trucks differ?
Both raise the pallet just clear of the floor for horizontal transport; neither is used to put goods onto high racking. The difference lies in the power source:
- Hand pallet truck: the operator pumps the tiller to lift hydraulically and pulls or pushes the truck. No charging, practically no electrical maintenance and a low purchase price.
- Electric pallet truck: an electric motor handles both travel and lifting, and the operator controls everything via the tiller. There are pedestrian versions and versions with a platform for longer distances.
The key point is not only the purchase price but human effort: pulling a heavy pallet over long distances, up ramps or many times per shift is tiring, slow and increases the risk of injury.
When is a hand pallet truck enough?
- Short distances on level floors without ramps.
- Few, intermittent transport runs per shift.
- A back-up truck for stores, small production areas or on lorries.
- No charging facilities at the workplace.
STILL HPS/HPT
The STILL HPS/HPT hand pallet trucks offer capacities from 1,000 kg to 3,000 kg for production, retail, logistics service providers and workshops. A torsionally rigid steel construction and powder-coated surfaces reduce wear, and various fork lengths and widths match each pallet type. The tiller’s large steering angle aids manoeuvring in tight spaces, loading guides speed up crossways pallet loading, and a wide range of tyre options suits different floor conditions.
The HPT range also includes specialised variants: hydraulic overload protection, optional operating and parking brakes for safety on ramps, a splash-proof scale display for outdoor use, and a manual or electric scissor lift function that raises goods to a comfortable working height to reduce bending.
When should you switch to an electric pallet truck?
- Heavy loads and repeated transport runs throughout the shift.
- Long distances, gentle ramps or driving on and off lorry beds.
- A need to speed up handling and reduce operator fatigue.
- A need for access control, operator management or fleet management integration.
STILL offers electric models from compact to high-performance. Details on choosing by battery, tiller and platform are covered in our article on choosing an electric pallet truck; the typical models are summarised below.
STILL ECH 12C/15C – a direct replacement for hand pallet trucks
The manufacturer presents the STILL ECH 12C/15C as an alternative to the hand pallet truck: capacities of 1,200 or 1,500 kg, a speed of 4.5 km/h, a 24 V lithium-ion battery and an operating weight of just 115 kg. It charges from a power socket via an external charger, and the creep speed switch allows safe manoeuvring with the tiller upright – ideal for goods lifts, sales floors and aisles between racks.
STILL EXH 14C – for occasional transport
The STILL EXH 14C moves loads up to 1,400 kg at 5 km/h, with a 48 V Li-Ion battery and integrated charger. Standard support wheels keep it stable, and the improved tiller head allows one-handed operation with an LED display showing operating information. It suits occasional lorry loading support, production supply and transport tasks in logistics and retail.
STILL EXH 16–20 – versatile pedestrian helper
The STILL EXH 16–20 offers capacities of 1,600–2,000 kg, a speed of 6 km/h and a 24 V battery with Li-Ion version. The ergonomic tiller allows intuitive one-handed control, with an LED or touch display; OptiSpeed adjusts the speed automatically to the tiller angle. Its compact dimensions make it handy in narrow aisles and inside lorries.
STILL EXH-S 20–25 – platform truck for long distances
The STILL EXH-S 20–25 has capacities of 2,000 and 2,500 kg, speeds of 12 km/h (EXH-S 20) and 14 km/h (EXH-S 25), and a 24 V battery with Li-Ion version. It features the STILL Easy Drive steering wheel with integrated display, a cushioned platform and a five-wheel chassis for stability on uneven surfaces. Smart Load Protect reduces speed when the initial lift is not raised or when entering a lorry, Curve Speed Control adjusts speed in bends, and a foot sensor and STILL Safety Light are optional.
Comparison of STILL hand and electric pallet trucks
| Model | Type | Capacity | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STILL HPS/HPT | Hand pallet truck | 1,000–3,000 kg | Manual | Short distances, low frequency, back-up |
| STILL ECH 12C/15C | Compact pedestrian electric | 1,200–1,500 kg | 4.5 km/h | Stores, goods lifts, replacing hand trucks |
| STILL EXH 14C | Pedestrian electric | 1,400 kg | 5 km/h | Occasional horizontal transport |
| STILL EXH 16–20 | Pedestrian electric | 1,600–2,000 kg | 6 km/h | Supermarkets, production, inside lorries |
| STILL EXH-S 20–25 | Electric with platform | 2,000–2,500 kg | 12–14 km/h | Long distances, intensive loading |
Quick selection criteria
- Actual load: take the heaviest pallet plus a safety margin; see how to choose forklift capacity.
- Distance and frequency: short distances and few runs suit a hand pallet truck; many runs call for a pedestrian electric truck; long continuous runs call for a platform truck.
- Floor and ramps: uneven floors and lorry ramps favour electric trucks with electric braking and a stable chassis.
- Space: narrow aisles, goods lifts and stores need compact trucks such as the ECH 12C/15C.
- Energy: Li-Ion allows opportunity charging between shifts; see our lithium-ion vs lead-acid comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Can a hand pallet truck lift goods onto racking?
No. Hand and electric pallet trucks only lift the pallet off the floor for transport. To put goods onto racking you need a stacker or a reach truck.
Do electric pallet trucks need much maintenance?
Electric trucks need regular checks of the electrical system, battery, wheels and brakes. Lithium-ion batteries need no maintenance such as topping up water. See our maintenance and repair service.
Should we keep hand pallet trucks after buying electric ones?
Many warehouses keep a few hand pallet trucks as back-ups or for rarely used areas. The two types complement rather than exclude each other.
Can electric pallet trucks be used on lorries?
Yes. Models such as the STILL EXH 16–20 and EXH-S 20–25 are designed for loading and moving inside lorry beds.
Get advice and a quote
Browse the full range of STILL hand pallet trucks and STILL electric pallet trucks, or send your requirements via the quote page. Hotline 0902 63 79 70.