Electric Pallet Trucks – Available Models and UTEC Promotion

The first electric pallet jacks appeared in the 1950s–1960s, as a modern alternative to the manual pallet truck. At that time, the increase in the volume of goods transported in logistics centers and factories required a faster and less demanding solution for operators.

The early equipment was heavy, powered by lead-acid batteries with limited autonomy, but they marked a fundamental shift: moving from direct physical effort to the mechanization of goods handling.

The subsequent evolution was driven by two major directions: battery technology and ergonomic design. Lead-acid batteries were perfected to offer greater autonomy, but the real breakthrough came with the introduction of lithium-ion batteries, which ensure much shorter charging times, extended lifespan, and no periodic maintenance. In parallel, the design of the equipment became more compact and better adapted to narrow spaces, with ergonomic tillers and precise electronic control systems.

Today, an electric pallet truck is a key element in any modern warehouse, reducing operator fatigue and significantly increasing productivity.

Advantages of Li-ion vs. Lead-Acid

1. Fast charging – lead-acid: 6–8 hours + cooling; Li-ion: 1–2 hours, with the option of partial charging (opportunity charging).
2. Longer lifespan – lead-acid: 800–1,200 cycles; Li-ion: 3,000+ cycles.
3. Maintenance-free – lead-acid requires topping up with distilled water and ventilation; Li-ion is fully sealed.
4. Energy efficiency – losses with lead-acid up to 30%; with Li-ion under 10%.
5. Reduced weight and compact design – allows more maneuverable equipment, ideal in narrow spaces.
6. Safety – BMS system for digital monitoring (voltage, current, temperature) and integrated protections.

A concrete example of this evolution is the Linde T16, 1.60 ton, 2016, a premium model that demonstrates the robustness and reliability of the Linde brand.

Electric Pallet Jacks in Small and Medium Warehouses

If in the past electric equipment was reserved for large warehouses, today the electric pallet jack has become accessible and indispensable in small and medium spaces.

An urban warehouse, a distribution center, or even a supermarket loading area requires compact equipment, able to move between racks and quickly handle pallets in limited-access areas. The main difference compared to the manual pallet truck is the almost complete elimination of physical effort.

The operator no longer pushes or pulls the load but controls the equipment with an ergonomic tiller, while the electric motor does all the work.

This not only increases productivity but also reduces the risks of injury or accumulated fatigue, an essential factor in repetitive work. A key criterion when choosing an electric pallet truck for reduced spaces is the overall dimensions.

Compact models have a length of approximately 1,550–1,650 mm and a width of 700–800 mm, which allows them to easily move between narrow racks.

The turning radius can be only 1,400–1,500 mm, which means the equipment can turn in aisles less than two meters wide, a feature impossible for a standard forklift.

As for lifting height, an electric pallet truck designed for small spaces usually has a lift height of 200 mm, sufficient for handling standard Euro pallets (EUR 1, 800×1,200 mm) or industrial pallets (EUR 2, 1,200×1,000 mm). This value is lower than a forklift but perfectly adapted to ground-level loading and unloading or truck platforms.

Another advantage is the low weight: many models weigh under 300 kg, which also allows use on ramps or mezzanines with limited load capacity. In addition, travel speed is optimized for safety, being 5–6 km/h, comparable to a brisk walking pace. A relevant example is the Jungheinrich ESE120, 2.00 ton, 2007.

This model demonstrates the reliability of the German brand and is designed for narrow spaces, where precision and safety are priorities. With a small turning radius and robust construction, the equipment ensures a constant goods flow even in warehouses with limited aisles or difficult handling areas.

Electric Pallet Trucks for Intensive Operations

When the volume of goods exceeds several dozen pallets per day, a compact electric pallet truck is no longer sufficient. In large warehouses or distribution centers operating multiple shifts, equipment must combine structural strength with high autonomy and working speeds adapted to continuous flows.

Models for intensive operation are usually equipped with large-capacity Li-ion batteries (up to 200 Ah), providing 6–8 hours of continuous use. In addition, fast charging technology allows the equipment to be used even in multishift regimes, through short charges during breaks.

Dimensions are more generous compared to small warehouse models: length of 1,800–2,000 mm, width of about 800 mm, and a turning radius of 1,700–1,900 mm.

These values allow the equipment to quickly transport pallets on wide aisles and ensure the flow between receiving and shipping areas. Load capacity is typically between 2,000 and 2,500 kg, enough for heavy or double pallet transport.

The lifting height remains around 200 mm, but advanced models may include additional ergonomic lift functions for loading/unloading at conveyors.

An important advantage is also the maximum travel speed, reaching 8–10 km/h, almost twice that of compact models. Thus, productivity over longer distances is greatly improved without compromising operator safety.

A representative example of this category is the Hyster P20SE, 2.00 ton, 2019. This model offers the robustness typical of the Hyster brand and is designed specifically for repetitive and intensive tasks. By combining autonomy, stability, and working speed, such equipment is preferred in logistics centers where handling times make the difference in the supply chain.

New Models and Available Promotion

In addition to established premium brands, the market also includes modern models, designed for efficiency and reduced operating costs.

An example is the Microlift ET20MS, 2.00 ton, 2020, a compact and versatile electric pallet truck, suitable for both small companies and logistics centers undergoing modernization.

This model has a capacity of 2,000 kg and a lifting height of 200 mm, ideal for handling standard Euro pallets or industrial pallets.

Its length of approximately 1,600 mm and width of 700 mm make it easy to use in narrow aisles, while the turning radius under 1,600 mm allows precise maneuvers in crowded areas. With a low weight under 300 kg, it provides greater flexibility for transport and use on ramps or mezzanines with limited strength.

From an energy perspective, the Microlift ET20MS is equipped with a 24V lithium-ion battery, providing up to 6 hours of continuous autonomy and full charging in less than 3 hours. This makes it suitable for daily use, including two-shift operation, with short charging sessions between tasks. The travel speed reaches 5–6 km/h, comparable to a fast walking pace, offering an optimal balance between safety and productivity.

Through the variety of available models, UTEC provides customers with both established premium equipment and compact, economical solutions, enabling every company to optimize its logistics activity and daily goods flow.