In a plastics plant, horizontal pallet moves always outnumber lifts to the rack. Resin pallets go from store to machine, finished boxes from machine to packing, rubber bales from store to the mixing mill. The electric pallet truck in a plastics plant, together with the hand pallet truck, makes most of these trips. This article explains how to split the work between the STILL ECH, EXH, EXH-S, FXH and HPS/HPT ranges.
What is special about horizontal transport in plastics and rubber plants?
Distances are usually short but repeated continuously at machine rhythm. The weighing and compounding area, where virgin resin is mixed with masterbatch, additives or regrind, moves many small pallets and must weigh each batch accurately. In rubber plants, natural rubber bales and curing chemicals are weighed before going into the internal mixer. Pallets are heavy, and floors may be dusted with fillers and anti-tack powder.
At the same time, small and mid-size moulders often have cramped stores, goods lifts or mezzanines. A compact pallet truck is the only thing that fits there.
Splitting the work by truck range
Weighing and compounding: HPT hand pallet truck with scale
The STILL HPS/HPT hand pallet trucks carry from 1,000 kg to 3,000 kg, with a torsion-resistant steel frame and wear-resistant powder coating. The version with a splash-proof scale display weighs raw material pallets while moving them, suiting compounding steps where each batch weight is recorded. The scissor lift version raises loads up to 1,000 kg to 800 mm, so operators can scoop resin or pick boxes at an ergonomic height.
Machine supply in small halls: ECH 12C/15C, EXH 14C
The STILL ECH 12C/15C is an alternative to the hand pallet truck, with a service weight of only 115 kg, carrying 1,200/1,500 kg and fitting into goods lifts and rack aisles. The creep speed switch allows manoeuvring with the tiller upright. The STILL EXH 14C suits simple, occasional horizontal transport up to 1,400 kg and has an integrated charger.
Rubber bales and heavy pallets: EXH 25-30
The STILL EXH 25-30 moves loads up to 3,000 kg with electric steering. Specially suspended castor wheels take it over ramps and uneven floors, suiting the link between the raw material store and the mixing hall. The ECO programme with Blue-Q saves energy, and side battery change supports multi-shift work.
Long runs between production and warehouse: EXH-S, FXH
The STILL EXH-S 20-25 is a stand-on truck carrying up to 2,500 kg at up to 14 km/h; Smart Load Protect reduces speed automatically when initial lift is not raised or when entering a truck. The STILL FXH 20/25 N has a driver’s seat and a top speed of 12 km/h, with STILL quoting handling of up to 162 tonnes per hour, which suits plants whose finished-goods store is separate from production.
| Step | Type / model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Weighing and compounding resin, rubber chemicals | STILL HPS/HPT | Scale version, durable steel frame |
| Machine supply in small halls, goods lifts | STILL ECH 12C/15C | Light, compact, charges from a socket |
| Rubber bales, heavy pallets | STILL EXH 25-30 | Up to 3,000 kg, handles ramps well |
| Production to finished goods store, truck loading | STILL EXH-S 20-25 | Stand-on, up to 14 km/h, Smart Load Protect |
| Long distances, multiple shifts | STILL FXH 20/25 N | Driver’s seat, up to 12 km/h |
Operating tips
- Fillers, talc or pellets on the floor make wheels slip; choose suitable wheels and clean the compounding area at the end of each shift.
- Heavy rubber pallets may have an offset centre of gravity: place bales evenly on the forks before moving.
- See also hand pallet truck vs electric pallet truck and choosing an electric pallet truck.
Ranges: electric pallet trucks, hand pallet trucks. All industry solutions are on the forklift solutions for plastics & rubber page.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hand pallet truck with scale accurate enough for compounding?
A scale pallet truck helps check pallet weight while moving. For recipes needing high accuracy, a floor scale or dedicated dosing scale remains the main instrument; ask a technician about the permissible tolerance.
Does a small workshop moving a few dozen pallets a day need electric trucks?
If distances are short and loads light, a hand pallet truck may be enough. As loads or frequency grow, the ECH 12C/15C or EXH 14C saves a lot of physical effort.
Which truck for heavy rubber bale pallets?
The EXH 25-30 carries up to 3,000 kg and handles ramps and uneven floors well. For long distances, consider the seated FXH 20/25 N.
Send your material flow plan via our quote page or call 0902 63 79 70 for a pallet truck recommendation.