Tag Archives: Pallet Trucks

Pallet Trucks UK has made the lives of materials handling professionals across Britain easier by bolstering its already enormous range of manual handling equipment with a collection of brand new low-profile pallet trucks.

Workers have traditionally only been able to move low-profile pallets with counterbalanced forklifts, a problem which Pallet Trucks UK is seeking to eradicate with its latest product offerings.

Phil Chesworth, Pallet Trucks UK Managing Director, said: “Our latest additions provide an easy fix to professionals who work with low pallets. These are very low to the floor, and often the only thing low enough to get under the slats in order to move them are forklift forks.

“We knew that this was a problem which affects hundreds of people in warehouses, factories and building sites across the country. We’ve brought a much quicker, simpler solution into the fray which can save businesses valuable time and effort when moving loads.”

Pallet Trucks UK has brought a variety of low-profile products to the table, including pallet trucks specifically designed to carry wide loads, heavy-duty trucks which can carry weights of up to 2000kg and a super-low profile pallet truck able to lift loads that are a mere 36mm off the ground.

In addition to being able to get under low pallets, Pallet Truck UK’s low-profile pallet trucks are also ideal for moving stillages and disposable pallets, which are being used more and more in the UK.

Phil added: “You’ll often see people in warehouses and distribution centres trying to force regular pallet trucks under low-bearing pallets, which can risk breaking both the pallet and the product on it, as well as the pallet truck itself. This can cost businesses time and money, and our low-profile pallet trucks are the perfect solution to that.”

As well as stocking a vast range of pallet trucks at its Midlands-based distribution centre, Pallet Trucks UK also carries a plethora of other manual handling equipment including forklift extensions, stackers, lift tables and more.

Pallet Trucks UK has paid tribute to the industrial spirit of workers in Britain after the manufacturing and industrial sectors smashed expectations in August, causing the pound to rise in value.

Figures recently released in October show that total production output in the industrial sector was 1.6 per cent higher in August than a year before, beating expectations of a 0.8 per cent increase. Output in manufacturing, which is the largest portion of the industrial production figure, also defied the odds with an increase of 2.8% against a forecast of 1.9%.

This caused sterling’s value to increase by 0.3 per cent against the dollar to $1.3184 as well as edging 0.01 per cent higher against the euro to €1.1193.

Phil Chesworth, Pallet Trucks UK Managing Director, said: “Seeing the value of the pound climb thanks to the vital work of everyone involved in the manufacturing and industrial sectors is brilliant news for both the industries themselves and the country as a whole.

“The task now for us is to carry on as we have done and build on the brilliant progress we’ve made to ensure a vibrant and prosperous future for manufacturing in the UK.”

News of the increase in the pound’s value thanks to the manufacturing and industrial sectors follows on from encouraging data from September, which showed the UK’s manufacturing industry recording its first “significant” month of growth this year in July. July saw a production expansion of 0.5% driven by a sharp 13.7% increase in car production, which was the fastest rise recorded in official data on the car industry since March 2009.

Phil added: “There seems to be an upward trend of manufacturing and industrial productivity in the UK since July, and hopefully we can carry on in the same vein up until Christmas and into the new year.”

The construction industry also defied expectations, albeit to a lesser degree, after it saw 0.6% month-on-month in August 2017 against predictions of 0% growth, with the surprise rise growth being predominantly driven by a 1.7% rise in all new work.

Pallet Trucks UK supplies a wide array of manual handling equipment to the construction industry, including equipment such as forklift extensions and hydraulic jacks used to lift weights of 25 tonnes.

Many of the company’s wares are also used in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, with pallet trucks being vital in ensuring continued product outflow at factories and moving skates used being used to move weights of up to 80 tonnes safely and securely.

Pallet Trucks UK has urged workers in transport and warehousing to remain vigilant after the two industries were named as being common for exploitation.

Modern slavery is a horrific practice which is currently rife in the UK, with victims of modern slavery being trafficked into Britain and forced to work long hours in return for very little pay, with most of the victim’s wages being passed on to the traffickers.

Independent law enforcement charity Crimestoppers has joined forces with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) in an effort to stop the growing issue with its ‘Spot the Signs’ initiative, which is designed to help people spot the symptoms of people who may be victims of exploitation.

Phil Chesworth, Pallet Trucks UK Managing Director, said: “It’s terrible that such a disgusting practice is going on in the UK, often right under our noses. Victims of the practice may repeatedly come into work bearing injuries because of the abuse they endure, and tend to have inappropriate clothing or safety equipment for the job they’re doing as they can’t buy it themselves.

“With warehousing and transport being industries we’re very much involved in, I’d like to urge anyone who thinks that someone they work with might be being exploited in this cruel manner to contact Crimestoppers immediately.”

Victims of modern slavery are often kept in packed accommodation with other victims to create larger profits for traffickers, and many tend to be malnourished or underweight due to them not being allowed to buy their own food.

Further signs of exploitation include workers wearing the same clothes, being unhygienic and being collected and dropped off from work early in the morning or late at night. Victims of modern slavery may also appear to be scared of talking and hesitant to make eye contact, as well as having little or no identification or documentation.

Phil added: “Many victims of modern slavery come from eastern-European countries and have a bias towards industries which require manual labourers, which is why warehousing and transport jobs have been named as being common areas for exploitation.”

The National Crime Agency predicted last month that modern slavery is likely ‘in the tens of thousands’ in the UK, a shocking figure considering that the number was said to be around 3,600 by the UK Government in 2016.

Modern slavery also commonly forces victims of human trafficking and migrant workers to work in prostitution, drug smuggling, manufacturing, car washing and agriculture as well as transport and warehousing.

Pallet Trucks UK produces a range of long-lasting, high quality products which are widely used in the UK transport and warehousing industries such as pallet trucks, stackers and forklift trucks.

The UK-based company also sells products such as moving skates, platform lifts, lift tables, sack trucks and drum loaders, and as a result often does sells its wares to workers and businesses in the construction industry.

With the news that prime rents for warehouses in Scotland have jumped three times faster, year on year, than the rest of the UK[1], Pallet Trucks UK have warned that the problem won’t go away without help.

“Space in Scotland may be cheaper than space in England at the UK,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK. “But it’s still growing faster than England’s, and the risk is that people will start losing staff because they can’t afford to keep them as well as the storage space—which will mean slower picking—and fewer sales.”

The Glasgow area is the place that people are most concerned about, because it’s losing out on space to accommodate manufacturing growth as well as the ever-expanding retail delivery and distribution factions.

Focusing on growing the business means spending more, which will ironically mean that firms will have less money to spend on hardware for the warehouses—such as pallet trucks—as well as stock, and workers to pick the stock.

If the trend picks up in England to the same extent, it’s possible that demand for warehouse space will drop off when it gets too high—and some warehouses with plenty of storage space will stand empty as no company wants to pay that much for space.

“Rents rising too sharply is never a good thing for anyone except the landlord,” added Phil Chesworth. “New warehouse space needs to be built and made affordable, or companies will find themselves entirely priced out of their specialist area.”

[1] http://www.shdlogistics.com/news/warehouse-rental-space-demand-in-scotland-soars

With a fire striking a huge warehouse in Bradford[1], causing 15 crews to battle the blaze, Pallet Trucks UK has called for warehouse owners and managers to carry out regular fire safety tests to ensure their premises meet safety standards.

“Not only did the fire crews have to fight the flames till dawn, they were also attempting to stop the surrounding areas from catching fire too. It’s a good chance to remind all warehouse owners that fire safety is crucial, especially in the warmer months where things are drier,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK.

As one of the UK’s leading names in manual handling equipment, Pallet Trucks UK sells analogue and electrical equipment for use in warehouses. Although it’s not yet known how the fire started, Pallet Trucks UK recommends managers, owners and workers all have a responsibility to assess if any equipment is still fit for purpose before using it.

“It can be tempting to use older equipment if something new needs mending,” adds Phil Chesworth. “However, in those cases workers are much better going for something manual instead of electric while the problem is investigated.”

Fire safety checks are mandated by the government for all kinds of businesses, and fire fighting equipment should also be present. Regular fire checks combine working with fire alarm systems as well making sure emergency lighting is working and any faults are recorded and reported. Fire drills are also important so workers are not hurt leaving the building in case of a real fire.

[1] http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/fire-fighters-across-west-yorkshire-13456666

In light of recent events including a Kent warehouse being used for an illegal rave[1], Pallet Trucks UK, one of the UK’s leading names in manual handling equipment, has warned warehouse operatives to keep an eye on their security.

“Warehouses are big buildings, and with wide open spaces and equipment that can lift people high in the air, they can seem perfect for partiers,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK. “However, these raves are illegal, and unlicensed use of warehouse equipment can be dangerous.”

Illegal raves can often be a headache for warehouse owners, who are frequently left with large bills after damage is caused by partiers and who can even have stock and equipment stolen during the party.

Warehouse equipment such as pallet trucks are good value for money for all the work they do but expensive and time-consuming to replace, as warehouse workers often rely on the exact number of pallet trucks within a warehouse fleet for their work.

Pallet Trucks UK recommend having secure lock-ups for expensive warehouse equipment such as electric static lift tables, and improving security on warehouse entrances, as well as installing and using decent intruder alarms and sensor-based spotlights.

“Unfortunately, warehouses will always be attractive spots to hold illegal parties,” added Phil Chesworth. “But warehouse owners and workers can make them much less inviting by adding in tough security to get past and making sure that any equipment that could be stolen or damaged is locked away.”

[1] http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/07/ravers-filmed-running-away-after-police-break-up-illegal-warehouse-party-6833785/?preview_id=6833785

One of the industry’s most recognizable names in manual handling equipment, Pallet Trucks UK, have today officially launched their summer sale. With hundreds of high quality models and makes of warehouse favourites in stock, they’ve offering over £100 off some items.

“We have to make room for new stock,” says Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK. “We’re determined that all our customers should get a great deal, so we’re discounting some models significantly to give them a chance to get a great piece of equipment at a fantastic price.”

Some of the deals on offer include the ACX10M Manual Scissor Lift Pallet Truck. With a lift height of 800mm and a capacity to carry 1000kg, it can be used as a lifting table, work bench or a standard pallet truck. With a single cylinder pump design, meaning less maintenance for the owner, its price has been reduced by £80.

For workers who will have to cover rocky ground, the Rough Terrain Lift Truck is on sale with a reduction of over £100. With a mammoth 1200kg capacity, adjustable fork width and pneumatic tires, it’s a great choice for construction sites and garden centres.

One last deal is for those who like to work big. The 500kg Extra Large Lift Table is two-wheeled and constructed of heavy duty steel, boasting a table top size of 1600mm x 810mm. The foot operated hydraulic lift can raise the table from 290mm to any height up to 915mm. Descent is controlled with a hand operated lever in the handle.

Working in a warehouse or factory means machinery is probably part and parcel of daily life. But more often than not, there’s a gap in fleets. PalletTrucksUK, one of the leading online suppliers of pallet trucks and warehouse equipment, has explained why a rough terrain pallet truck could be the missing key for businesses.

The experts have worked with businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, so knows how to meet the needs of their customers. And rough terrain pallet trucks, although many businesses often think they don’t need them, come in handy, leaving many business leaders surprised at how useful they turn out to be.

Designed to be used on rough or uneven surfaces, rough terrain pallet trucks are often found on construction sites and in garden centres. But as warehouses often boast a lot of outdoor space which is not always level and even, rough terrain lift trucks provide added peace of mind that work can be carried out. Really coming into their own during busy periods, rough terrain trucks make light work of carrying and moving stock, where traditional lift trucks and pallet trucks simply cannot.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Bearings, said, “Rough terrain lift trucks are often overlooked by business owners as they think they simply don’t need them. However they’re not just for the traditionally rocky areas like garden centres; they can in fact come in handy in almost any setting, completing fleets of equipment and machinery to ensure continual operation.”

Coming complete with all the same features as traditional pallet trucks, they are robust and reliable thanks to a tough steel frame and long-reaching forks. Generally fitted with pneumatic tyres for added stability and strength, they glide over any surface with ease. Whether it be mud, stones, or a pothole-ridden flooring, managers can rest assured that productivity will be kept up at all times.

PalletTrucksUK, one of the UK’s most successful suppliers of pallet trucks, stackers, lift tables, and a whole host of other essential equipment, has offered online traders tips for keeping their customers happy, after it’s been reported that 78% of UK adults are likely to switch to an alternative retailer when next shopping for products online if they have a poor ordering and delivery experience.

The experts, who have been trading online for many years, know what it takes to keep customers happy, from the moment they click on a site, to the moment they receive their order. And as such, have received sterling feedback from large, corporate customers with large orders, to small start-ups who just need a few things to get them up and running.

The first port of call for online businesses to ensure their offering is as customer-friendly as possible is to get a good staff base in place. If businesses have a reliable staff force, then work will get done in a timely manner.

“If it’s a team, they need to work together and ensure all bases are covered – not just assume it has been done by another worker,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK. “The staff are the heart of the businesses, so as well as hiring competent people that thrive in a busy team, employees must make sure they are happy and valued. After all, it’s been proven that happy employees are around 20% more productive than those who are unhappy[1]. So creating a happy environment really is key in busy online businesses.”

Putting set processes in place is another important factor for online retailers. Making sure everyone knows the systems and protocols in place for new orders and returns can speed up the process significantly and leave valued customers satisfied and encourage them to come back.

Another factor businesses need to look at is investing in equipment to up productivity and increase safety. Equipment has proven to be incredibly important for busy warehouses where there are thousands of orders and returns to process every week. Companies have a relatively small window in this fast-paced online retail world to get product from warehouse and out for delivery. And getting the right equipment is integral to this, while also keeping employees safe by cutting down on the amount of strain from moving items.

The report, released by JDA/Centiro Customer Pulse and conducted by YouGov, found that 56% of the UK adults surveyed had experienced a problem with an online order in the last 12 months – signalling an increase from 53% in the 2016 report, and 47% on the year before. Of those who had experienced a problem, 42% said they had been on the receiving end of a later than specified delivery, 37% had missed a delivery despite being at home, 25% never received an item, and 24% received a damaged item.

Phil, added, “This really is unacceptable in this day and age. Online orders are not a new concept – we’ve had years to practice getting it right. So there’s nowhere to hide unfortunately. And if businesses are to succeed they must get it right first time.

To find out more about PalletTrucksUK and browse their extensive range of equipment available to purchase online, visit the website: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk

[1] https://www.5dynamics.com/happy-employees-efficient-productive-stay-longer/

For businesses that don’t have a lot of space, doesn’t have the workload to justify splashing out on a full-size pallet truck, or are simply starting out in the business world, mini pallet trucks can hold all the answers, according to PalletTrucksUK.

The company, which has been supplying pallet trucks of all sizes for decades, has highlighted how mini pallet trucks can pack maximum punch in the workplace.

Designed specifically for use with smaller loads and in small spaces, mini pallet trucks perform just like their full-size counterparts, with the same robust structure and simple design, but obviously come in cheaper than their larger relatives. However the biggest draw to mini pallet trucks is their robust nature, designed to carry small, but heavy loads.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK, said, “Mini pallet trucks are often considered inferior to full-size pallet trucks, as many think that they’re less robust or strong. However this couldn’t be further from the truth. These trucks have been specifically designed to be just as tough as larger trucks, just requiring less space to store and manoeuvre – while of course minimising the chances unnecessary money being spent.”

It’s been well-documented that the use of pallet trucks is on the rise. With online shopping now more popular than ever and consumers expecting their deliveries within hours sometimes, pallet trucks have proven to be a handy help for busy businesses needing to fulfil orders. And there’s no reason mini pallet trucks can’t fit into this gap, too.

Not scrimping on quality, mini pallet trucks offer up impressive stats. The ones available on the PalletTrucksUK website for example can hold and manoeuvre 2500kg of stock at a time. Offering up much stronger credentials than the average human worker, these pallet trucks can make work processes much faster, and as a result, drive forward the bottom line – without costing a fortune or getting in the way in small spaces.