The electric pallet truck – also called a low-lift truck – is the most common piece of equipment in a warehouse: loading and unloading lorries, moving pallets from goods-in to storage and supplying production lines. Compared with a hand pallet truck, an electric truck greatly reduces operator fatigue and noticeably increases productivity. The question is which type to choose: pedestrian, platform or seated?
1. Pedestrian trucks
The operator walks behind the truck and steers with the tiller. Suitable for short distances, moderate frequency and tight spaces such as shops, supermarkets and small warehouses.
- ECH 12C / ECH 15C – 1.2 / 1.5 t, lithium-ion battery charged from a power socket via an external charger, very compact.
- EXH 14C – 1.4 t, compact and light, ideal for supermarkets and shops.
- EXH 16–20 – 1.6–2.0 t, for warehouses and truck loading.
- EXH 25–30 – 2.5–3.0 t, for beverages and heavy goods.
2. Platform trucks
The operator stands on a platform, travels faster and does not have to walk the whole shift. Suitable for medium to long distances and high frequency.
- EXH-S 20–25 – 2.0–2.5 t, speeds up to 14 km/h, automatically slows down when cornering.
- EXH-SF 20–25 – folding platform: switches flexibly between pedestrian mode (tight spaces) and ride-on mode (long distances).
3. Seated trucks
For long distances and continuous operation over many hours, for example in large distribution centres or for transport between production halls.
- FXH 20–25 N – 2.0–2.5 t, cushioned seat that reduces operator fatigue.
Quick selection table
| Distance per trip | Frequency | Recommended type |
|---|---|---|
| Short, tight spaces | Low – medium | Pedestrian (ECH, EXH) |
| Medium | Medium – high | Folding platform (EXH-SF) |
| Long | High | Platform (EXH-S) |
| Very long, all shift | Continuous | Seated (FXH) |
Need to lift goods onto racks?
A pallet truck only lifts high enough to raise the pallet off the floor. If you need to place pallets on racks or stack two levels, consider a stacker, for example the EXD 18C–20C, which carries two stacked pallets at once for faster truck loading. With a low budget and low frequency, HPS/HPT hand pallet trucks remain a sensible choice.
Technical factors to check before buying
Capacity and fork length
Choose capacity based on the heaviest pallet, not the average. STILL models cover a wide range: ECH 12C / ECH 15C for 1.2–1.5 t, EXH 16–20 for 1.6–2.0 t, up to EXH 25–30 for 2.5–3.0 t. Fork length should match the pallets you use, so the forks neither protrude beyond the pallet nor fail to support it fully.
Battery and availability
Most STILL electric pallet trucks are available in a lithium-ion version. The ECH 12C / ECH 15C can be fully charged or interim charged from a power socket via the external charger. The EXH 25–30 allows side battery change or opportunity charging of the lithium-ion battery, making almost uninterrupted operation possible.
Speed and safety at higher speeds
Platform and seated trucks travel faster than pedestrian trucks, so assistance systems become more important. On the EXH-S 20–25, Curve Speed Control automatically adjusts speed to the steering angle when cornering, while Smart Load Protect automatically reduces speed when the initial lift is not raised or when driving into a lorry. The FXH 20–25 N reaches a maximum speed of 12 km/h and features a cushioned driver’s seat and a height-adjustable footrest.
Floor and ramps
Pallet trucks have small wheels and low ground clearance, so expansion joints, door rails and ramp edges all affect truck durability and ride comfort. On the EXH 25–30, spring-loaded support castors help the truck tackle ramps safely with good traction. During the site survey, note all floor transitions along the routes the truck uses regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Can an electric pallet truck drive up a lorry ramp?
Yes, on loading ramps with a reasonable gradient. During the site survey, the ramp gradient and surface should be measured to choose the right model and capacity.
Lithium-ion or lead-acid for a pallet truck?
For trucks running several shifts, lithium-ion with opportunity charging is very convenient. See our comparison of lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
When should we use a hand pallet truck instead of an electric one?
Hand pallet trucks such as the HPS/HPT suit low frequency, very short distances and not-too-heavy loads. When operators have to move pallets many times per shift, over long distances or up ramps, an electric truck reduces fatigue and noticeably increases productivity.
Do electric pallet truck operators need training?
Yes. Although operation is simpler than a counterbalance forklift, operators still need to know the safety rules: check the truck at the start of each shift, keep a safe distance from the truck when walking with it, never carry passengers, and drive slowly on downward ramps and when entering a lorry. Businesses should provide instruction before handing over the trucks.
Browse the full range of STILL electric pallet trucks or send a quote request, hotline 0902 63 79 70.