PalletTrucksUK is part of the Midland Group of Companies, which was established in 1984.
Although the group operates several websites, we are not just another Internet only based company – we operate from large premises, based centrally in the Midlands.
As a direct importer, we physical carry large stocks of product on site. Carrying these stocks helps us provide quick despatch of orders and at excellent prices.
All payments made online with the PalletTrucksUK.co.uk website are made through either Sagepay (Formerly Protx – a leading fully approved PCI DSS Level 1 payment service provider) or through PayPal.
Retailers Urged to Invest Early for Pre-Christmas Rush
The British Summer is now over with the nation’s small businesses beng urged to prepare for the Christmas rush. Read more
Pallet Trucks UK Encourage Businesses to Make The Most of Warehouse Space with Folding Pallet Trucks
Commercial property prices are on the rise, and Pallet Trucks UK is helping businesses beat soaring rents with a range of folding pallet trucks. Read more
Pallet Trucks Uk Outlines Benefits Of Lift Tables And Table Trucks
We take a look at the advantages and benefits of having a lift table or table truck in your industrial workplace. Read More.
Pallet Trucks UK Advise Extra Training As 50% Of Managers Can’t Identify Incorrect Operation Of Hand Pallet Trucks
After a survey found that 50% of managers have trouble identifying incorrect operations of hand pallet trucks, Pallet Trucks UK are urging extra training and support for employees all over the country. Read More.
Could Your Business Benefit from a Hand Pallet Truck?
Pallet Trucks UK examines how businesses in a multitude of different industries can benefit from investing in a hand pallet truck or similar manual handling equipment. Read More.
Save Time and Money with Pallet Trucks UK’s Collection of Weigh Scale Pallet Trucks
Want to boost productivity while saving time and money in and around the workplace? Weigh scale pallet trucks are a great solution to speed up operations. Read More.
Pallet Trucks UK Offers Comprehensive Range of Mini Pallet Trucks, for Smaller Lifting Tasks
Need some equipment to help with smaller lifting tasks? Pallet Trucks UK has it covered with their range of mini hand pallet trucks. Read More.
Pallet Trucks UK Offers Galvanized Pallet Trucks As Pharmaceutical Industry Looks Set for Record Growth
The pharmaceutical industry is set for huge growth once more in 2015 – meaning demand for galvanized and stainless steel pallet trucks will soar. Read More.
Brand New ‘Easy Roller’ Pallet Trucks Land at Pallet Trucks UK
Check out the fantastic new ‘easy roller’ pallet trucks, both of which are now available to buy from Pallet Trucks UK. Read More.
Grab A New Year Bargain from Pallet Trucks UK’s Featured Range
Need to bolster your pallet truck fleet? New Year is the best time to do so, with low prices and budgets booming post-Christmas. Check out the Pallet Trucks UK range of featured products today. Read More.
Do You Need A Semi-Electric Pallet Truck?
We examine whether your business could benefit from a powered lifting solution like a semi-electric pallet truck. Read More.
Pallet Trucks UK on Standby for Increased Sales as Appetite for Investment in Manufacturing Grows
A flurry of investment is set to hit the manufacturing industry as appetites increase and the economy recovers. Read More.
Invest in Spare Parts, say Pallet Truck Experts
The pallet truck experts from Pallet Trucks UK are encouraging businesses of all sizes to make sure they have plenty of replacement and spare parts for their fleet of trucks. Read More.
Small Business Galvanized by Budget 2014 Tax Breaks
2014’s Budget by George Osborn has resulted in thousands of tax-free investment cash becoming available for small businesses looking to purchase high-quality new equipment for their workplace. Read More.
Stainless Steel and Galvanized Pallet Trucks are Perfect for Booming Pharmaceutical Industry
With the pharmaceutical industry undergoing huge growth, businesses are encouraged to take advantage of boosted profits and invest in high-quality stainless steel pallet trucks. Read More.
Caution Advisable When Considering New Purchases
Businesses looking to cut costs could get more than they bargained for going to second hand dealers says Pallet Trucks UK. Read more.
Pallet Trucks UK Offers Manual Handling Safety Guidelines.
With manual handling still accounting for one third of workplace accidents and injuries, Pallet Trucks UK have offered up a number of safety guidelines. Read more.
HSE Case Study Highlights Importance of Rough Terrain Pallet Trucks
The importance of having a rough terrain pallet truck has been highlighted in a case study by the Health and Safety Executive. Read more.
Put Supporting Cast of Pallet Trucks in the Spotlight
Pallet Trucks UK is encouraging businesses to put a supporting cast of accessories in the spotlight in 2014. Read more
Pallet Truck Experts Urge Invvestment to Boost Profits
One of the country’s leading suppliers of pallet trucks to businesses large and small is offering advice to any SME hoping to cut costs and boost profits in the next twelve months. Read more
Manual Handling Expert Speaks Out Against Unauthorised Dealers
An expert from one of the UK’s leading suppliers of pallet trucks has spoken out against untrusted and unproven truck dealers, stating that when businesses buy from a dealer without the proper certification, they are putting their entire business at risk. Read More
All Industries Benefit from Pallet Trucks Advises Top Supplier
A top pallet trucks supplier has sung its praises, pointing out that its adaptability makes it invaluable across every major industry. Read More
Pallet Chocks: The Benefits
Pallet chocks play an integral role in the smooth operation of many warehouses and factories around the country. Their benefits are numerous but often overlooked. Read more.
What to Consider When Buying a New Manual Handling Aid?
When the time comes to buy a new pallet truck, there is more than you may first think to consider. Read more.
Supermarket Giant To Fill Distribution Centres and Offer Delivery Service
Nationwide retailer Morrisons is to launch a new online delivery service for the entire range of grocery products after striking a deal with grocery delivery service Ocado. Read More
Why Pallet Truck Investment Is Beneficial Both Long-Term and Short-Term
Can an initial investment in a high-quality fleet of pallet trucks and other manual handling devices help to benefit a business both in the short-term and in the distant future? Read More
Safety Triangle Essential for Workplace operations
A total of 15% of all workplace injuries come from the industrial sector, which makes risk assessment increasingly important. Read more
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Lifting Aid
There are many factors to be taken into consideration when choosing a handling or lifting aid. Read more
Hand Pallet Truck Wheel Types
Are you confused by the different types of wheels available with many pallet trucks? Our article comparing nylon and polyurethane should help. Read More.
Experts Encourage Investment in Industrial Sector to Boost UK Economy
Experts believe kickstarting the industrial sector could bring Britain out of its economic slump. Training, expansion and equipment are all areas where investment would produce great effect. But why invest in manufacturing equipment? Read more
Safety Guidelines for Hand Pallet Trucks
Though they require no training to operate, these tips will help to ensure safe use of hand pallet trucks. They can be printed and displayed in the workplace. Read more
Choose the correct size pallet truck with our hand pallet truck size guide
Take the guess work out of buying a new hand pallet truck with our handy size guide. Read more
Pallet Trucks UK Now Stocking Salter Heavy-Duty Weigh Beams
We have now added the Salter heavy-duty weigh beams to our product line. Read More.
Pallet Trucks UK Now Has a Number of Used and Reconditoned Pallet Trucks for Sale
Pallet Trucks UK is now stocking a number of second hand pallet trucks with a range of models available. Read more.
Moving Skates Can Help To Increase Productivity
Did you know moving skates can make a big difference to your business’ productivity? Read More.
Will new equipment lead to cost cutting across business and boost profits?
The potential benefits of investing in a new range of equipment are clear and obvious for any manager or owner, but the real issue when tackling this question is whether the initial investment will cut costs, maximise profits and streamline working processes across the whole business. Read more
New Hand Pallet Truck with Nylon Wheels
Pallet Trucks UK has launched a brand new hand pallet truck with nylon wheels. Read more.
Warehousing: Pallet Trucks for Every Requirement
Since coming into use in the early half of the 20th century, pallet trucks have been an absolute staple in warehouses. Read more
Pallet Truck Adaptations – Extra Features for Extra Versatility
Since its invention in the early 20th century, the hand pallet truck has proven itself time and again as one of the most important pieces of equipment in many workplaces. Read more about extra pallet truck features.
Industry Growth Expected as a Result of Autumn Statement
The amount businesses can invest in pallet trucks and other equipment is expected to increase tenfold as a result of the latest Autumn statement. Read more .
The Evolution of the Hand Pallet Truck
The first recorded uses of the hand pallet truck date back to the last decades of the 19th century, when the industrial revolution was in full swing. Read More
Short Term v Long Term Approach to Pallet Truck Purchase
Over the busy Christmas season, many businesses find that they are swamped with more orders than they expected, and have to take emergency precautions to ensure that they are prepared for the onslaught. Read More.
Over the busy Christmas season, many businesses find that they are swamped with more orders than they expected, and have to take emergency precautions to ensure that they are prepared for the onslaught. For those working in environments like warehouses, factories and distribution centres, pallet trucks are an integral part of every working process, and if the number of trucks is falling short, it can be tempting for managers to simply rent one on a temporary basis or buy a second-hand truck. However, this approach is fraught with risk, and could result in a company either spending more money than they intended, or receiving faulty or malfunctioning apparatus that won’t serve their purpose.
International research company, RedShift, found that around 10% of the hand pallet trucks used in warehouses across Europe are rental trucks, with many of these brought in to cover emergency surges in business. But what many companies fail to realise is that, if there is a chance that they might be short of equipment at any point in the year, the most cost-effective solution is simply to invest in extra trucks, rather than bring in second-rate ones when there is more work to be done.
Renting extra trucks with specialist ability such as high lift pallet trucks or weighing scale pallet trucks every single Christmas or busy season is a drain on budgets and resources; it may seem like a budget-friendly choice at first, but when bringing in new temporary equipment on a regular basis, the cost can soon mount. This money could be sensibly invested into a high-quality truck which will last for many years to come. They can easily be placed into storage when they are surplus to requirements and they are resistant to rust and corrosion, so they will be as good as new when they are brought out once more.
There is also the issue of quality control when acquiring pump trucks on a rental basis. The vast majority of trucks which are leased to businesses will be in working order enough for them to perform basic functions, but they may have any number of faults which haven’t been picked up on. This can not only slow down working processes as staff learn to contend with the truck’s defects, it can also compromise staff safety. Renting a pallet truck might seem like a cheap and effective short-term option, but businesses should always be looking to the long term effects of their decisions.
The first recorded uses of the hand pallet truck date back to the last decades of the 19th century, when the industrial revolution was in full swing. The multitude of factories, warehouses and manufacturing plants which were popping up all over the world needed to find new, efficiency ways to meet demand and transport their goods around workplaces which were increasing in size. A crude and basic low-lift hand pallet truck was invented in 1887 which would elevate a pallet (or a ‘skid’) a few inches from the floor by manual means. It would not yet facilitate the movement of goods from one place to another. Some years later, in 1909, a new version was crafted, made entirely from steel, and offering the same premise; minimal lifting and minimal movement. These early lifting trucks had platforms rather than forks, and so they were not initially used for lifting pallets, but rather just for goods themselves.
The high-lift pallet truck was introduced at the end of the 20th century’s first decade, and by 1926, pump trucks and pallet jacks started to resemble the trucks we know today. Pallets were more prevalent as a way of moving large volumes of goods, and the lifting tables of the older models gave way to forks designed to fit the pallets. The trucks which facilitated higher lifting also made it possible for factories and warehouses to stack pallets vertically when not in use and dramatically improve the efficiency of their storage systems.
World War II during the 1940s saw pallets become a key component of logistics strategies across the world; rationing food, supplying aid and even transporting equipment for soldiers. This urgent demand for even more efficiency saw developments in the pallets themselves, such as four-way entry, which in turn saw more developments in the uses of pallet trucks. Once the war was over, the progress that had been made in the crafting and honing of hand pallet truck models filtered down from military use into commerce and allowed factories and warehouses to become even more efficient than previously.
The progress of pallets and pallet trucks since then has been steady, with general admission from experts that certain approaches and methods will increase efficiency tenfold. However, one of the globe’s largest companies, Costco, threw a spanner into the works last year, shaking up the pallet world with the announcement that they would be shifting to ‘block pallets’. These types of pallets were essentially an improvement on the four-way pallets invented by a Navy Seal during WWII; rather than the pallet deckboards resting on ‘stringers’, they rest on sturdy blocks instead. Costco unload a million trucks every year, and a common complaint was that with the old four-way pallets, warehouse workers couldn’t fit the forks of their pallet jack into the pallet if they were facing the wrong side. The switch to ‘block pallets’ made it easier for their pallet trucks to function and illustrates that the world of manual handling and pallet trucks is always changing and evolving to produce the best results.
When the market for automated handling equipment such as manual stacker trucks and lift tables experienced a sharp fall in 2009, it was expected that the industry would take a few years to repair itself. The country was in the grip of recession and businesses were struggling to get back on track, causing experts to predict a long and slow road back to growth and progression for automated handling equipment. But despite the worrying dip, and the country’s inability to escape the recession, it is now predicted that growth will be seen in this sector over the next few years, helped in no small part by George Osborne’s recent Autumn Statement.
The Autumn Statement contained, among many actions supporting small businesses, a business bank worth £1bn, and a huge leap on tax relief on plant and machinery; from £25,000 to a quarter of a million pounds worth of investment from January onwards. The encouraging initiatives are intended to coax businesses into investing in new equipment, especially those in the manufacturing industry, who are large proponents of automated handling equipment. The amount businesses can invest tax free, in equipment such as pallet trucks and lift tables, will increase tenfold and aid the industry’s careful steps on the road to recovery.
Indeed, since 2009, the market has exceeded expectations despite adverse economic conditions and widespread financial uncertainty. Those in the manufacturing industry have experimented with ways in which they can optimise working space using narrow aisle traverse trucks, and have tried to streamline working processes by bringing in new fleets of weighing scale pallet trucks. Though the Autumn Statement has aimed to encourage small to medium businesses to part with the billions of pounds in revenue that they are supposedly hoarding, it was actually these types of companies who were spending the most on such new equipment to hone their workplace.
It is thought that many businesses in the manufacturing industry currently shy away from total automation of their equipment, purely because trucks such as semi-electric stacker trucks are more flexible than their completely electric counterparts. The trucks have a manual aspect which allows employees to operate the machinery, spotting mistakes or errors that might be missed with a solely automated system. The most successful trucks in this volatile time have been the ones which combine electric capabilities with manual controls, such as aerial work platforms which rise to heights of up to three metres, allowing employees to carry out maintenance and work at height. As it stands, the industry relies on such apparatus, and growth in the sector will continue to grow steadily after a possible spark from Mr Osborne’s new schemes.
Since its invention in the early 20th century, the hand pallet truck has proven itself time and again as one of the most important pieces of equipment in many workplaces. Their versatility and durability means they can be used for a variety of different purposes over long periods of time and they have served many businesses well for decades. UK Pallet Trucks is one of the largest pallet truck retailers in the UK with a truck to suit a range of specific requirements and environments.
In certain workplaces, extra reinforcement is often required to protect not only the equipment, but the cargo that is being transported. Galvanized pallet trucks have been specially created to withstand even the harshest of conditions, including the freezing temperatures found in industrial freezers and the wet surroundings that are a feature at docks and ports. These types of trucks are also popularly used in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, as they can withstand large amounts of harsh chemicals without corrosion; a useful feature when much of the equipment in such workplaces has to be completely sterile.
In working environments such as building sites, agricultural areas, garden centres or any workplace with an outdoor area, the ground can often be uneven and difficult to manoeuvre a truck across. Undulating surfaces and pallet trucks loaded full of cargo are a recipe for a health and safety disaster, and so it is important for businesses in this situation to ensure they have the appropriate truck for the job. A rough terrain pallet truck has pneumatic tyres which help to keep the cargo as steady as possible when crossing unsteady surfaces, thus keeping operating staff safe and the goods undamaged. Easy movement and control over difficult surfaces is afforded by a 210 degree turning radius, and the adjustable forks combined with a high capacity of 1200kg allow for manipulation of awkwardly shaped loads.
A traverse pallet truck is another example of a slightly altered pump truck which has been adapted for a very different purpose. In warehouses or distribution centres which often feature narrow aisles and passageways, it is important that a truck should be able to manoeuvre unobstructed. Traverse pallet trucks move sideways rather than forwards and backwards and offer an element of flexibility regarding the transportation of cargo from one area to another. These types of truck can also double up as a regular pallet truck when their traverse capabilities are not needed; in sideways mode they can carry up to 1500kg and when being used as a normal pallet truck this increases to 2500kg.
Since coming into use in the early half of the 20th century, pallet trucks have been an absolute staple in warehouses. In an industry which is entirely predicated on moving potentially heavy or awkwardly-shaped cargo from one place to the next, it has always been vital that these processes are carried out in the most efficient manner possible. Hand pallet trucks cut the time and the manpower which is required to carry out these tasks, streamlining the process considerably, saving space and boosting productivity across the board. The everyday running of a warehouse relies almost entirely on the fleet of pallet trucks, and as years have passed, there have been many improvements made to the traditional pump truck in order to stay ahead of the curve.
Order picking in a warehouse can be a time-consuming process when carried out with a simple pallet truck and an operator. Back and shoulder strains are common complaints across workforces, and the constant bending and stretching to pick orders from storage and place them on the static pallet slows down the task considerably. Electric high-lift trucks are a great way to streamline this process; the pallet can be raised to a convenient working height for the operator, reducing the risk of injuries to employees and speeding up the action itself. Reducing the amount of manual labour required in the loading and unloading aspect of each task ensures efficiency across the warehouse and means that a higher volume of work can be carried out in a shorter space of time.
Many warehouses also utilise manual stackers as part of their fleet. These trucks make the everyday actions of moving, lifting, loading and unloading much faster and simpler for operators. Because of the smaller size and weight of manual stacker trucks, they are a more economical solution than costly forklift trucks, which also require a lot of staff training and risk assessment to be able to operate. Warehouses with long, narrow aisles or with space limitations in their storage facilities will often choose manual stackers because of their slim construction and ability to function in smaller spaces. Precision-engineered, these trucks make aisle space much less of an issue, potentially allowing more room for goods in the warehouse and changing the way a company utilises the space they have.
Keeping track of the weight of certain items and loads is a vital aspect of running a warehouse, and so many choose to add a weighing scale pallet truck to their arsenal of apparatus. These trucks quickly weigh cargo on the move for higher efficiency levels, and they have a maximum error margin of less than 0.1%, even when situated on an uneven floor. LCD display units allow users to read the measurements even in the dimmest conditions, and the weight system can be switched between imperial and metric system to suit whichever the operator is most comfortable with. These handy trucks can save employees a lot of time in transporting goods from one area of a warehouse to another; rather than taking them first to a static scale and loading and unloading them to check the weight, they can find out these measurements on the move.
With an already extensive range of pallet trucks to choose from, Pallet Trucks UK have taken their status as one of the UK’s premier providers of lifting and handling equipment even further with the launch of a brand new hand pallet truck with nylon wheels. The truck is identical to other pallet trucks in many ways, with the resounding difference being the wheels, including the steering wheel. Regular pallet truck wheels are made from PU, but the nylon tires on this new model offers many convenient advantages that will benefit the purchasing business as a whole.
The main benefits are evident in the workplace itself. A honed level of performance in certain environments will improve overall performance to no end. These types of pallet trucks are essential for the workplaces where offshoots of metal or swarf may damage ordinary tires. Machine shops, repair workshops, manufacturing plants and other such businesses can put an end to their pallet trucks’ wheels failing, as these nylon tires are tough and much more hardwearing than the standard tire. Environments where oil, water or other liquids may affect the surface also leave the nylon wheels unaffected, improving their overall performance under tough conditions. One of the most common reasons for a PU tire disintegrating quickly or becoming damaged is the corrosion it also may face in a workplace; the nylon wheels don’t have this issue.
The knock-on effect of this improved performance in the workplace means that maintenance or repair budgets are boosted because businesses are not required to constantly repair or completely replace a pallet truck when the PU tyres fail. This leaves more money to invest in other equipment to take the business to the top of the competitive pile, and can even contribute to a higher level of profit in general. This is especially important in the volatile financial environment we live in, when companies are looking to save money in every area that they possibly can.
The single disadvantage that the nylon tyres have in comparison with their PU counterparts is their noise levels over concrete or uneven floors. If near-silent operation is a priority for a warehouse or factory, Pallet Trucks UK’s expansive range of trucks with PU tyres offer quiet operation and have a wide variety of specialist features, including traverse trucks, rough terrain trucks and trucks with extra length in the forks. The new trucks with nylon wheels are simply the latest addition to a range which fulfils any demands that someone looking for equipment might have.
Pallet trucks are ubiquitous in warehouse and factory environments, and have been for many years, and so ensuring that the fleet is top of the range and able to fulfil its duties as effectively as possible is vital. This often involves purchasing new apparatus. The potential benefits of investing in a new range of equipment are clear and obvious for any manager or owner, but the real issue when tackling this question is whether the initial investment will cut costs, maximise profits and streamline working processes across the whole business. But how does the purchase of new equipment help to facilitate these changes?
One of the first ways in which purchasing a new hand pallet truck, or replacing a large number of trucks within an existing fleet, is the effect is has on any employees who have to use these trucks every day. New trucks, often with new capabilities such as a weighing scale or a traverse action for narrow aisles, allow employees to carry out a higher volume of work than they did before, with less effort than they previously would have had to apply. Productivity is raised significantly when new trucks are brought in, and the morale boost it has for the staff working with brand new equipment cannot be overestimated.
Purchasing new trucks and lifting aids also contributes to the safety of the workforce. Where products were initially lifted by hand and loaded onto a truck, they can now be lifted with the help of machinery, preventing common issues such as serious back strain and repetitive strain injury. Sicks days and injury pay can account for a lot of a business’ wage bill, not to mention costly insurance claims or even compensation pay-outs that come from employee injuries; it is important to ensure that equipment is on top form to minimise the risks of these events occurring.
Not only does new equipment boost the speed of the working processes of the employees, it also invariably an improvement on the equipment it replaces. The newer hand pallet trucks, lifting aids and manual stacker trucks often have more lifting capacity for goods, and they don’t require the maintenance that the older trucks will have needed. Using trucks which are fit for purpose is an important element of getting the most out of a workforce, which can lead to improved productivity, lower costs and higher profits overall.
We hold over £20 million of stock held at out 100,000 sq/ft distribution hub ready to ship today!
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