TCM Pallet Trucks and Pallet Stackers

Pallet trucks and pallet stackers are essential tools that move goods around warehouses, retail spaces, and distribution centres. A pallet truck (often called a pallet jack) transports palletised loads horizontally across floors, whilst a pallet stacker lifts and stacks these loads vertically. Both pieces of equipment reduce manual labour, speed up operations, and make material handling safer for workers. Criterion Equipment supplies TCM pallet trucks and stackers in manual, semi-electric, and fully electric models, with capacities ranging from 1.2 to 2.5 tons. 

Whether you’re running a small retail stockroom or managing a large distribution facility, the right equipment saves time and prevents injuries. Manual units work well for lighter loads and shorter distances, whereas electric models handle high-volume operations where operators would otherwise tire quickly. We offer pallet trucks and pallet stackers alongside comprehensive warehousing equipment solutions, including outright purchase, operating leases, and finance lease options with full maintenance contracts. 

Key Takeaways 

Manual Pallet Trucks Cut Costs for Light Operations 

Manual pallet trucks rely on a hydraulic pump that the operator activates by moving the handle up and down. You slide the forks under a pallet, pump the handle until the load lifts clear of the ground, then pull or push the truck to wherever the goods need to go. These units handle loads up to 2.5 tons and work brilliantly in retail stockrooms, small warehouses, and loading docks where distances are short. 

Criterion Equipment stocks the Manual Series, which includes low profile, narrow, and standard configurations. Low profile trucks fit under pallets with minimal clearance, narrow models squeeze through tight aisles, and standard units offer the most common fork width for typical pallets. Each type serves a specific layout challenge that warehouses face daily. 

Why choose manual pallet trucks? 

• No batteries or charging infrastructure needed 

• Lower initial investment compared to electric models 

• Quiet operation suits noise-sensitive environments 

• Simple mechanics mean fewer parts that can fail 

• Lightweight construction makes them easy to manouevre

   

Manual units do require more physical effort, so they’re not ideal if your team moves dozens of pallets every hour. But for businesses that shift 10 to 20 pallets per day, a manual truck delivers reliable performance without ongoing energy costs. The hydraulic system rarely breaks down if you keep it lubricated and avoid overloading beyond the rated capacity. 

Electric Pallet Trucks Boost Productivity in High-Volume Settings 

Electric pallet trucks use battery power to lift loads and propel the unit forward, so operators simply steer rather than push. This reduces fatigue during long shifts and allows one person to move more pallets per hour. Criterion Equipment offers the PAW Series electric pallet trucks in 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 ton capacities, alongside the PAP Series which adds a small platform for the operator to stand on. 

The PAW15, PAW20, and PAW25 models are walk-behind units where the operator holds the tiller and walks alongside the truck. For longer distances within a facility, the PAP20 provides a platform that lets the operator ride along, covering ground faster and arriving less tired. Both series feature TCM’s build quality, which means robust frames, reliable motors, and controls that respond predictably. 

Electric pallet truck advantages: 

• Operators move 30-50% more loads per shift 

• Reduced risk of back strain and repetitive stress injuries 

• Precise control when positioning pallets in tight spots 

• Consistent performance throughout the workday 

• Suitable for ramps and slight inclines

   

Battery life becomes important here. Most electric pallet trucks run for 6 to 8 hours on a full charge, which covers a standard shift. You’ll need a charging station and possibly a spare battery if you operate across multiple shifts. Regular maintenance includes checking battery water levels (on lead-acid batteries), inspecting cables, and keeping the motor housing clean. Despite these requirements, the productivity gains usually justify the extra upkeep within a few months of use. 

TCM Pedestrian Pallet Stackers Handle Vertical Storage 

Pallet stackers lift loads vertically and place them onto racking or stack them on top of each other, which manual pallet trucks cannot do. Criterion Equipment supplies several TCM pedestrian pallet stackers, including the STW12-T and STW15-T models (1.2 to 1.5 ton capacity), the STW12-TB and STW18-TB units (1.2 to 1.8 ton), and the STP16-T which includes an operator platform. 

The STW series features a mast that extends upwards, lifting pallets to heights that would be impossible with a standard pallet truck. Operators stand on the ground and use controls mounted on the tiller to raise, lower, and position loads. The TB models offer slightly higher capacities and extended lift heights, useful for stacking pallets two or three high in areas where you don’t have racking installed yet. 

When to use pallet stackers: 

• Loading and unloading delivery vehicles at different heights 

• Stacking pallets in storage areas without permanent racking 

• Feeding production lines that operate at raised platforms 

• Organising goods in mezzanine spaces 

• Transferring items between different floor levels within a facility

   

The STP16-T takes things further by adding a platform where the operator stands whilst moving around the warehouse. This model suits larger facilities where operators cover significant distances between picking locations. Standing on the platform is faster than walking, and the 1.6 ton capacity handles most standard palletised goods. 

Stackers do require more skill to operate safely compared to basic pallet trucks. The lifted load raises the centre of gravity, so operators must move slowly when the mast is extended and avoid sudden turns. We recommend proper training for anyone who’ll be using a stacker regularly, even if they’re experienced with standard pallet trucks. 

Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Operation 

So which type suits your business? Start by counting how many pallets your team moves each day and measuring the distances involved. If you’re shifting fewer than 20 pallets daily over distances under 30 metres, a manual pallet truck likely meets your needs without overcomplicating things. Retail stores, small workshops, and light manufacturing often fall into this category. 

Operations that handle 50 or more pallets per shift benefit from electric models. The time savings add up quickly, and your staff will appreciate not ending each day exhausted. Distribution centres, busy warehouses, and facilities with long picking routes see the biggest gains from electric pallet trucks. 

Comparison factors to consider: 

Pallet stackers address a different need entirely. If you stack pallets, load trucks at various heights, or work with raised platforms, a stacker becomes necessary regardless of your daily volume. Some businesses need both—a manual or electric pallet truck for horizontal movement and a stacker for vertical tasks. 

Your facility layout matters too. Narrow aisles require narrow pallet trucks, whilst congested spaces might benefit from compact electric models with tight turning radiuses. Outdoor use demands weather-resistant components, although most pallet trucks are designed primarily for indoor conditions on smooth concrete floors. 

Regular maintenance extends the life of any material handling equipment. We recommend daily visual inspections (checking for leaks, damaged wheels, or loose components), weekly function tests (operating all controls and lift mechanisms), and scheduled professional servicing every few months depending on usage intensity. Our maintenance contracts handle the professional servicing, whilst your operators take care of the daily checks. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s the difference between a pallet truck and a pallet stacker? 

Pallet trucks move loads horizontally across floors and can’t lift pallets higher than a few centimetres, whilst pallet stackers raise loads vertically to stack pallets or place them on elevated surfaces. You’d use a pallet truck to move goods from the loading dock to storage, and a stacker to then lift those goods onto racking. 

Can manual pallet trucks handle outdoor use? 

Manual pallet trucks work outdoors on smooth, level surfaces like loading docks and paved yards. However, rough ground, gravel, or uneven terrain makes them difficult to manoeuvre and can damage the wheels. For regular outdoor use on varied surfaces, you might need specialised wheels or consider powered options. 

What training do operators need for pallet stackers? 

Operators should receive training on safe operation, load capacity limits, stability principles, and emergency procedures. Whilst pallet stackers don’t require the same certification as forklifts, proper training reduces accidents and equipment damage. Training typically takes a few hours and should include both theory and hands-on practice. 

How much weight can TCM pallet trucks carry? 

Criterion Equipment’s manual pallet trucks handle up to 2.5 tons, electric pallet trucks manage 1.5 to 2.5 tons depending on the model, and pedestrian stackers lift 1.2 to 1.8 tons. Always check the capacity plate on your specific unit and never exceed the rated load, as overloading damages the hydraulics and creates safety hazards. 

Do you service TCM equipment purchased elsewhere? 

Yes, our maintenance team services TCM pallet trucks and stackers regardless of where they were originally purchased. Contact us with your equipment details and we’ll arrange an inspection and provide a service quote for your TCM units.