What is a Pallet Truck?
A pallet truck, also known as a pallet transporter, is a type of logistics handling equipment used to transport palletized goods over short distances. It primarily consists of a load-bearing mechanism, a drive mechanism, a steering mechanism, and an operating handle.
Structurally, the load-bearing mechanism typically includes forks that insert into the bottom of the pallet to lift the pallet and its contents. The drive mechanism is often a hydraulic system, utilizing components such as a hydraulic pump and cylinder to raise and lower the forks and move the vehicle. The steering mechanism enables the pallet truck to maneuver flexibly and adapt to various working environments. The operating handle controls the vehicle's forward, reverse, and upward/downward movements.
The operating principle is that the hydraulic system provides power. The operating handle controls the hydraulic pump, which extends and retracts the hydraulic cylinder, thereby driving the forks to raise and lower the palletized goods. The vehicle is then driven manually or electrically to complete the transport of the goods.
Palm trucks can be divided into manual and electric pallet trucks based on their power source. Manual pallet trucks rely on manual pulling or pushing, and are raised and lowered using a manual hydraulic pump. They are suitable for short-distance, light-load transport, such as in small warehouses and supermarket shelf restocking. Electric pallet trucks are powered by batteries, with the drive motor driving the vehicle and the hydraulic system. They are labor-saving and highly efficient, making them suitable for medium- to long-distance transport of medium- to heavy-load loads, such as in large logistics centers and factory workshops.
II. Are Pallet Trucks Special Equipment?
To determine whether a pallet truck is considered special equipment, we must first clarify the definition and scope of special equipment. According to the "Special Equipment Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," special equipment refers to boilers, pressure vessels (including gas cylinders), pressure piping, elevators, lifting machinery, passenger ropeways, large amusement facilities, special-purpose motor vehicles used within factories (factories), and other special equipment covered by laws and administrative regulations.
Special-purpose motor vehicles used within factories (factories) are a type of special equipment and are defined as special-purpose motor vehicles used only in specific areas, such as factory premises, tourist attractions, and amusement parks, in addition to road and agricultural vehicles. These include motorized industrial vehicles and off-road sightseeing vehicles. Motorized industrial vehicles include forklifts.
Pallet trucks, especially manual pallet trucks, are designed and used primarily for moving goods over short distances within a specific area. They typically lack the lifting height and complex operating features of forklifts. Based on relevant standards and regulatory practices, manual pallet trucks are generally not regulated in the catalogue of special equipment.
For electric pallet trucks, the criteria for their use must be considered based on their specific specifications and functions. If an electric pallet truck has a low lifting height and its primary function is handling rather than high-level stacking, and meets the criteria for not being considered special equipment under relevant regulations, then it is not considered special equipment. Only when an electric pallet truck possesses typical forklift features, such as a high lifting height and the ability to stack, and meets the definition of a dedicated motor vehicle for use within a factory or facility, will it be considered special equipment.
In general, most common pallet trucks, especially manual pallet trucks, are not considered special equipment.
