Choosing the right pallet trucks can become one of the most significant factors affecting productivity and safety in any company. Whether you operate in a small retail warehouse, a large distribution center, or a manufacturing facility – selecting the wrong equipment leads to unnecessary costs, increases the risk of workplace injuries, and reduces overall efficiency.
This article provides a detailed overview of pallet truck types, their strengths and weaknesses in various conditions, and a practical guide to help you make an informed decision.
Before analyzing specific models, it is important to understand the main categories of pallet trucks available on the market:
| Category | Description |
| Mechanical (manual) pallet trucks | The operator lifts the load using a hand pump and pulls it manually. Simple construction, low cost. |
| Electric pallet trucks (walkie) | An electric motor assists in moving loads. The operator still walks, but physical effort is minimal. |
| Electric pallet truck with ride-on platform | The operator stands on a platform or sits, allowing efficient long-distance transport. |
| Specialized trucks | Weigh-scale, galvanized, high-capacity or tandem models for special tasks. |
Manual, or hand-operated, pallet trucks are the most common type of warehouse equipment. VVN offers a wide range of manual models for various needs.
The MPT1 is an entry-level manual pallet truck designed for low-volume operations and companies just beginning to optimize their warehouse workflow. It is an ideal solution for small shops or office storerooms where cargo movement occurs periodically.
Suitable for: small grocery stores, pharmacies, office warehouses, seasonal use.
The MPT4 stands out with its quick-lift pump, which significantly speeds up the lifting operation. It is a professional solution for warehouses with medium to high work intensity.
Suitable for: medium-sized warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing companies.
The MPT5 is a compact manual pallet truck with a 1,000 kg load capacity, designed for situations where high maneuverability in small spaces is required but load capacity requirements are moderate.
Suitable for: small shops, pharmacies, offices, retail.
The MPT7 is a professional-grade manual pallet jack with enhanced durability and ergonomics. It is designed for companies where pallet trucks operate every day for several hours.
Suitable for: logistics companies, distribution centers, large retail facilities.
The MPT8 is a galvanized professional high-capacity hand pallet truck designed for wet environments and corrosion-prone conditions. Due to its galvanized coating, it is ideal for the food industry, fish processing, and cold storage warehouses.
Suitable for: food industry, cold storage warehouses, fish processing, outdoor use.
The MPT3 is a manual pallet jack with integrated scales and a digital display. This model is invaluable for companies that need to move and weigh loads simultaneously.
Suitable for: postal and courier services, logistics companies with weight tracking, customs warehouses.
| Model | Load Capacity | Feature | Suitable For |
| MPT1 | Standard | Entry-level, simple | Small shops, offices |
| MPT4 | Standard | Quick-lift pump | Medium warehouses |
| MPT5 | 1000 kg | Compact, lightweight | Narrow spaces |
| MPT7 | High | Professional class | Intensive daily use |
| MPT8 | Large | Galvanized, corrosion-resistant | Wet environments, food |
| MPT3 | Standard | Integrated scale + display | Logistics, couriers |
Electric pallet trucks are the next step after manual models. They significantly reduce the operator’s physical workload, increase working speed, and are particularly useful in warehouses with high cargo volumes or long travel distances.
The EPT1 is VVN’s electric pallet truck with a lithium-ion battery, designed for shops, small distribution centers, and medium-load warehouses. It combines a compact size with the comfort of electric travel and an innovative rapid battery replacement system.
| Parameter | Value |
| Load capacity | 1500 kg |
| Fork dimensions (length) | 1150 / 1220 mm |
| Fork width | 550 / 685 mm |
| Battery (10 Ah version) | Lithium-ion, 10 Ah - from 775.73 EUR (excl. VAT) |
| Battery (15 Ah version) | Lithium-ion, 15 Ah - from 1015.51 EUR (excl. VAT) |
| Charger | External |
| Motor | 0.45 kW |
| Max. lifting height | 185 mm |
| Min. lifting height | 115 mm |
Traditional electric pallet trucks use lead-acid batteries, which require regular water refilling, charge more slowly, and are heavier. The EPT1 lithium variant offers a significantly longer service life, faster charging, and virtually zero maintenance requirements – meaning a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) in the long run.
In addition to pallet trucks, VVN also offers universal warehouse carts designed for shops, warehouses, and utility areas. They are not intended for pallet lifting but for free cargo movement.
These carts are ideal for companies that do not need pallet lifting but require convenient cargo transport in an indoor environment.
| Business Type | Recommended Models | Justification |
| Small grocery store | MPT1, MPT5 | Low cost, compact, low volume |
| Supermarket / hypermarket | MPT7, EPT1 | Intensive use, comfort, fast cargo flow |
| E-commerce warehouse | EPT1, MPT4 | Fast handling, medium load capacity |
| Logistics / courier company | MPT3 (with scale), MPT7 | Weight tracking, intensive use |
| Food production / cold storage | MPT8 (galvanized) | Corrosion-resistant, hygienic |
| Pharmacy / medicine | EPT1, MPT5 | Quiet, clean, precise operation |
| Building materials warehouse | MPT7, MPT8 | High load capacity, durable construction |
| Multi-shift warehouse | EPT1 (lithium) | 6-sec battery swap, continuous operation |
| Small office / household | MPT1, Warehouse trucks | Minimal cost, simple |
Load capacity is the first and most important parameter. Always choose a model with a 10–20% reserve above the maximum planned load weight. Manual models typically offer 1,000–3,000 kg load capacity; electric models offer 1,500–3,000 kg.
Smooth concrete floors – all models are suitable. Uneven surfaces or outdoor platforms – tandem rear wheels or reinforced wheel systems are required (MPT7, MPT8). Wet and corrosive environments – only galvanized models (MPT8).
For narrow aisles (under 2 m) – compact models with smaller fork dimensions are recommended (MPT1, MPT5, EPT1). For wide aisles – any model can be used; priority is load capacity and speed.
Look not only at the purchase price, but at the total cost of ownership (TCO):
| Cost Element | Mechanical Models | EPT1 (lithium) |
| Initial price | Lower | From 775.73 EUR (excl. VAT) |
| Energy | Zero | Electricity (very cheap) |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Minimal (lithium - no watering) |
| Battery lifespan | N/A | Over 3 years |
| Operator health | Higher injury risk | Lower risk, less fatigue |
| Productivity | Standard | Significantly higher |
In Latvia, all pallet trucks used in workplaces must meet the following requirements:
VVN products comply with CE requirements. The galvanized pallet racks have received TÜV certification, confirming high quality and safety standards.
Use this checklist before making a purchase:
Choosing pallet trucks is not a simple task – it is a strategic investment that directly affects your company’s efficiency, employee safety, and daily operating costs. VVN offers a wide product range that allows you to find the optimal solution for any type of business.
