Small Machines, Big Impact
In warehousing and logistics, forklifts often take the spotlight. But pallet trucks and stackers are the real workhorses, providing cost-effective, reliable performance where space and budgets are limited.
“Although forklifts are essential, pallet handling machines deliver the flexibility and precision needed for everyday warehouse tasks,” says Brenton Kemp, Managing Director of Criterion Equipment, exclusive distributors of TCM forklift trucks in Southern Africa.
Matching Machines to Tasks
Criterion Equipment works closely with customers to improve compliance, safety and productivity. Choosing the right pallet truck or stacker depends on:
- Load weight
- Lift height
- Aisle width
- Hygiene requirements
When correctly matched, pallet handling machines reduce downtime, improve throughput and support safety standards.
At one distribution centre, forklifts manage loading bays and heavy lifting, while electric pallet trucks move goods between staging areas. High-lift pallet trucks support packing stations, and pedestrian stackers restock narrow aisles. The result: faster turnaround, safer workflows and less reliance on additional forklifts.
Types of Pallet Handling Equipment
Manual Pallet Trucks
- Load capacity: 2 000 – 2 500 kg
- Best for: Short-distance horizontal movement
- Benefits: Simple, durable, low-cost
Electric Pallet Trucks
- Load capacity: up to 3 000 kg
- Best for: Large warehouses and frequent load movement
- Benefits: Higher productivity, reduced manual effort
Pallet Stackers
- Lift height: 1.6 – 5.5 m
- Manual models: up to 1 000 kg
- Semi-electric: powered lift + manual travel
- Fully electric: up to 2 000 kg, ideal for medium-lift racking
High-Lift Pallet Trucks
- Lift height: up to 800 mm
- Best for: Picking, packing, assembly
- Benefits: Improves ergonomics and reduces strain
Pedestrian Stackers
- Operate in aisles as narrow as 2.5 m
- Best for: Restocking, order picking, feeding production lines
Specialised Models
- Low-profile pallet trucks: Handle pallets with reduced clearance
- Wide-fork models: Carry oversized loads
- Stainless steel versions: Corrosion-resistant for food and cold storage industries
TCM Equipment: Backed by Criterion Support
Criterion Equipment supplies a wide range of TCM pallet trucks and stackers designed for efficient handling and storage.
The full TCM product line also includes:
- Internal Combustion (IC) counter-balance forklifts
- Electric counter-balance forklifts
- Reach trucks
- Powered pallet trucks
- Rough terrain forklifts
With mast configurations from standard 3 m two-stage to high-reach three-stage models, Criterion ensures every warehousing need is covered.
Customers also benefit from:
- Technical advisory services
- Spare parts supply
- Repair and maintenance support across Southern Africa