Most of the travel inside a chemical plant is horizontal transport: taking drum pallets from receiving to the quarantine area pending testing, moving IBCs to the raw material discharge station, bringing bagged pallets from storage to the feed hopper. These tasks need no high lift, but loads are often heavy and the same route repeats many times per shift. Electric pallet trucks and hand pallet trucks do most of this work.
What makes horizontal transport different in a chemical plant
Chemical goods are dense: a pallet of liquid-filled drums or a full IBC weighs much more than a consumer goods pallet of the same size. The liquid surges when the truck accelerates or brakes, so smooth speed control matters more than top speed. Production routes often include dock ramps, drainage channels and slight slopes into bunded storage areas. Many plants also have a quarantine store for goods awaiting test results, adding an extra leg before the main warehouse.
To choose between pedestrian, stand-on and seated trucks, see choosing an electric pallet truck; if you are weighing manual against electric, see hand pallet truck vs electric pallet truck.
Equipment in hazardous areas needs separate assessment
In solvent filling areas or flammable goods stores classified as hazardous, every piece of equipment brought in must be reviewed, including hand pallet trucks. The STILL source documents we hold do not show an explosion-protected version of the trucks in this article, so we only recommend them in areas assessed as safe under applicable regulations. A common layout places the pallet handover point at the zone boundary.
STILL models by load and distance
STILL EXH 25-30: heavy drums, IBCs and ramps
The STILL EXH 25-30 carries up to 3,000 kg, with electric steering and the OptiSpeed tiller. Specially suspended castor wheels let it cross ramps and uneven floors, which suits entrances to bunded storage areas. It has BOOST and ECO drive programmes plus Blue-Q mode; battery capacity is up to 500 Ah with side battery change, and Li-Ion technology allows intermediate charging between shifts.
STILL EXH-S 20-25: long distances between plant buildings
Chemical plants spread over several buildings need a faster stand-on truck. The STILL EXH-S 20-25 carries up to 2,500 kg at up to 14 km/h. Smart Load Protect reduces speed automatically when the initial lift is not raised or when entering a truck, for gentler handling of liquid loads. The optional STILL Safety Light helps people nearby notice the truck.
STILL ECH 12C/15C: sample rooms and goods lifts
For laboratories and multi-storey sample stores, the ECH 12C/15C carries 1,200/1,500 kg and has an operating weight of only 115 kg, so it can be used in goods lifts. Its lithium-ion battery charges from a socket via an external charger.
STILL FXH 20-25 N and HPS/HPT
The FXH 20-25 N is a seated truck with 2,500 kg capacity and up to 12 km/h for continuous heavy flows; according to the source, handling performance can reach 162 tonnes per hour. For occasional use, STILL HPS/HPT hand pallet trucks offer capacities from 1,000 kg to 3,000 kg, robust steel construction and many wheel options to suit the floor.
Guide table: step – model – reason
| Transport step | STILL type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Full drums and IBCs from receiving to quarantine | EXH 25-30 | Up to 3,000 kg, suspended castors for ramps and kerbs |
| Pallets between plant buildings | EXH-S 20-25 | 14 km/h, Smart Load Protect |
| Continuous heavy flows over several shifts | FXH 20-25 N | Seated, 2,500 kg capacity |
| Laboratories, multi-storey sample stores | ECH 12C/15C | Light, usable in goods lifts |
| Occasional use, discharge stations | HPS/HPT | Robust manual truck, wheels chosen for the floor |
Notes on moving liquids
- Secure the load: drums on pallets should be strapped or stretch-wrapped before moving.
- Wheels and spills: inspect wheels regularly, as some chemicals damage wheel materials; see forklift preventive maintenance.
- Speed on ramps: slow down when travelling up or down ramps with liquid loads.
See more models in the electric pallet truck category and the hand pallet truck category. Other truck types are covered under forklift solutions for the chemical industry.
Frequently asked questions
Can an electric pallet truck carry a full IBC?
Yes, if the combined weight of the IBC and pallet is within the truck’s capacity. The EXH 25-30 with up to 3,000 kg is the choice for heavy containers.
Can hand pallet trucks be used in areas with an explosion risk?
All equipment entering a hazardous area must be assessed under applicable regulations. We make no claim about this without confirming documentation.
Stand-on or pedestrian?
For long distances and many trips per shift, a stand-on truck such as the EXH-S is more efficient; for short, tight routes a pedestrian truck is more compact.
Need an electric pallet truck configuration for your plant? Send a request via the quote page or call 0902 63 79 70.