Points to consider

“There are so many things to consider, from price to longevity, and from its carrying capacity to its purpose within the workplace,” he says. “It is important to put a lot of research into the entire process and to get as many opinions and thoughts as possible on the new acquisition to ensure it will fit with the demands of the working environment.”

The first thing to do is to consider the most important angle of all: health and safety. Conduct rigorous risk assessments on all possible solutions, and consult with all employees and any designated safety representatives that might work for the business.

It is also important to establish whether the truck fulfils the brief it is supposed to cater to. Will it suitable for the terrain it will cover? If not, it may need different tyres or a different model altogether. Is it appropriate for the area it will be used in? Will operators have enough headroom, or room to manoeuvre around corners should this be necessary?

There are also a number of other elements which should be considered in detail. What kind of maintenance will the truck require over the course of its lifespan? Will it need weekly, fortnightly or monthly checks? Would it be prudent to invest in some spare parts, if the truck is a new model? Many workplaces which utilise pallet trucks often have stacks of spare wheels and other parts in case of emergencies, but a newer or more advanced model might require different parts.