Steel blanks, rough gears, gearbox housings and boxes of bolts share one trait: heavy, but only moved horizontally at low level. For such loads, electric pallet trucks and hand pallet trucks are the most space-efficient and easiest tools in automotive & engineering. This article covers three groups: EXH-S for long routes, EXH 25-30 for heavy loads and HPS/HPT for repair shops.
Horizontal transport in an engineering plant
In a machining plant, most of a part’s journey is horizontal: from goods-in to blank cutting, from machine to machine, from machining to heat treatment or painting, then to the finished goods store. Goods do not need high racking, but loads per pallet are usually heavier than consumer goods. Truck ramps, slopes between halls and uneven floors are common.
Hand pallet truck vs electric pallet truck helps decide when to move from manual to electric.
STILL EXH 25 – 30: heavy loads up to 3,000 kg
STILL describes the STILL EXH 25 – 30 as particularly suited for horizontal transport of heavy loads or loading and unloading trucks. Points that matter in engineering shops:
- Capacity up to 3,000 kg (EXH 30), lift height 125 mm, speed 6 km/h.
- Support wheels with special suspension handle ramps and uneven floors.
- BOOST drive programme for high throughput, ECO programme and Blue-Q mode to save energy.
- Battery capacity up to 500 Ah with side battery change; Li-Ion allows fast and intermediate charging between shifts.
STILL EXH-S 20 – 25: long routes and ramps
When the distance from store to line is long, pedestrian trucks tire operators. The STILL EXH-S 20 – 25 has a stand-on platform, capacity up to 2,500 kg and speed up to 14 km/h (EXH-S 25). According to STILL:
- Smart Load Protect automatically reduces speed when initial lift is not raised or when entering a truck.
- Five-wheel chassis with damped support wheels keeps the truck stable on ramps.
- STILL Easy Drive steering wheel with integrated display; optional three-level PLUS platform suspension.
- Optional foot sensor and STILL Safety Light.
For plants with many ramps receiving components, gradeability and speed control when entering trucks are decisive.
STILL HPS / HPT: hand pallet trucks for repair shops and tight areas
STILL states that the STILL HPS / HPT suits production and repair workshops where manoeuvring in the tightest spaces is needed. Capacity ranges from 1,000 kg to 3,000 kg depending on model, with a torsionally rigid steel structure for heavy-duty use, several fork sizes and wheel options for different floors. They make sensible backup trucks at each machine cell, vehicle service workshop or die area.
Selection by process step
| Step | Type / model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving heavy blanks over ramps | STILL EXH 25 – 30 | Up to 3,000 kg, suspended support wheels |
| Long store-to-line transfers | STILL EXH-S 20 – 25 | Stand-on, up to 14 km/h, Smart Load Protect |
| Moving parts between machines | STILL EXH 25 – 30, HPS/HPT | Low lift, compact, heavy-duty |
| Repair and service workshops | STILL HPS / HPT | STILL names repair workshops; no charging needed |
Operating notes for metal goods
Load distribution on the forks
Castings or steel blanks placed off-centre load one fork more heavily. Place loads evenly and choose fork length to match pallet size.
Wheels and floor
Metal chips and cutting oil on wheels increase wear and reduce grip. Choose wheel material for the floor and clean regularly.
Battery charging
Pallet trucks spread across machine cells are often “forgotten” at charging time. Choosing an electric pallet truck covers pedestrian, stand-on and seated versions.
The pallet trucks and hand pallet trucks categories list every model. Other trucks for the same chain are on the automotive & engineering page.
Frequently asked questions
Can an electric pallet truck move 3-tonne blanks?
The EXH 30 has a maximum capacity of 3,000 kg. For loads near the limit, check pallets, floor and ramps before use.
When should a stand-on EXH-S replace a pedestrian truck?
When each trip is long and trips per shift are many, the platform reduces fatigue and higher speed cuts time.
Does a repair workshop need an electric truck?
Usually not. HPS/HPT hand pallet trucks are compact, durable and need no charging, suitable for low frequency and short distances.
Need a pallet truck recommendation for blank routes, ramps or repair shops? Send a request via request a quote or call 0902 63 79 70.