GETSUP buyer guide · Last reviewed September 18, 2026
An electric pallet truck is designed to move palletized loads horizontally with powered travel and lift. The correct model must fit the pallet and work area while carrying the real loaded weight throughout the expected duty cycle.
A headline capacity is only the first filter. Fork dimensions, lowered fork height, turning space, floor transitions, battery size, charger compatibility and service access often decide whether the truck works well in practice.
Quick answer
Choose a rated capacity above the heaviest loaded pallet, then verify fork length and outside width, pallet opening, lowered height, aisle and trailer clearance, travel distance, slopes, floor condition, battery capacity and charger supply. Confirm every critical dimension on the exact model before ordering.
Start with the load and pallet
Record the maximum gross load, including pallet and packaging. Do not use the average shipment weight. Leave a practical margin for normal variation without treating that margin as permission to exceed the equipment rating.
Measure the pallet entry height, fork pockets, overall pallet depth and the direction from which the forks enter. A common fork dimension is not a guarantee of fit, especially for closed-bottom pallets, unusual skids or damaged pallets.
- Maximum gross pallet weight and how it was established
- Pallet material, condition and bottom-board layout
- Fork-entry direction and clear opening height
- Required fork length and outside fork width
- Any overhang, offset load or unusual centre of gravity
Match the truck to the route
| Route factor | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Aisles and corners | The truck, load and operator need turning clearance | Narrowest aisle, sharpest turn, obstructions and safe pedestrian separation |
| Dock plates and thresholds | Transitions can reduce traction or cause grounding | Grade, lip height, plate rating and condition |
| Ramps | Load control and braking demands increase | Manufacturer-approved grade, surface, travel direction and site procedure |
| Trailers and elevators | Space and combined weight can be limiting | Door opening, internal turning room and rated floor/elevator capacity |
| Outdoor travel | Water, debris, temperature and rough surfaces affect suitability | Model environmental limits, tire/wheel design and route condition |
Size the battery for the duty cycle
Battery amp-hour capacity is a useful comparison, but runtime cannot be predicted from amp-hours alone. Load weight, starts and stops, travel distance, floor resistance, temperature, lift frequency, battery age and operator behaviour all affect energy use.
GETSUP’s current listings include examples with 24V/20Ah, 24V/65Ah and 24V/105Ah batteries, plus a 48V SANY model. These are different configurations, not a universal progression. Confirm the charger supplied with the exact truck and the electrical receptacle available at the workplace.
- Estimate operating hours and pallet moves per shift
- Identify uninterrupted peak periods and available charging breaks
- Confirm whether one battery must cover the whole shift
- Confirm charger voltage, current, plug and Canadian electrical certification
- Plan a charging area that follows the battery and charger instructions
Compact versus higher-capacity models
| Decision | Compact configuration may fit | Higher-capacity configuration may fit |
|---|---|---|
| Work pattern | Intermittent stockroom, retail or delivery use | Repeated warehouse and loading-area movement |
| Space | Tight aisles, trailers and small staging areas | Routes with more turning and storage clearance |
| Loads | Consistently within the lower model rating | Heavier pallets or a need for additional rated margin |
| Energy | Shorter travel and available charging breaks | Longer travel or higher daily throughput |
| Purchase test | Fit and manoeuvrability are the main constraints | Capacity and sustained use are the main constraints |
Quote checklist
- Exact model and rated capacity
- Fork length, fork width, outside fork width and lowered fork height
- Overall length and turning radius
- Battery chemistry, voltage, amp-hours and removable/fixed design
- Charger type, current, input requirement and inclusion in the quote
- Travel and lift speeds where relevant to workflow planning
- Wheel material and recommended floor/application
- Warranty scope, wear-item exclusions and service/parts process
- Freight, appointment delivery, liftgate or receiving-equipment requirement
- Commissioning, inspection and operator-training responsibility
Frequently asked questions
What electric pallet truck capacity should I buy?
Use the heaviest gross loaded pallet as the starting point and choose a model with adequate rated capacity. Confirm pallet fit, route, duty cycle and any application-specific derating before ordering.
Is a 3,300 lb pallet truck enough for a standard pallet?
A standard pallet has no single guaranteed loaded weight. A 3,300 lb rating may be suitable only when the actual gross load remains within the rating and all fit and operating conditions are acceptable.
When should I consider a 4,400 lb model?
Consider it when real loads exceed the lower rating, when additional rated margin is justified, or when the model’s battery and construction better match frequent use. Confirm that the larger truck still fits the route.
Will the forks fit Canadian pallets?
Pallets vary. Measure fork-entry height, pocket spacing and pallet depth, then compare them with the exact truck’s lowered fork height, fork width and length.
Can an electric pallet truck work inside a trailer?
It may, but verify trailer floor rating and condition, doorway and turning clearance, dock plate capacity and transition, combined load, ventilation and employer procedures.
Can it travel on a ramp?
Only within the exact model’s permitted grade and operating instructions. Surface, load direction, braking, edge protection and pedestrian control also need a site-specific review.
How many hours will the battery run?
There is no reliable category-wide number. Runtime depends on battery capacity, load, route, temperature, lift and travel frequency, battery condition and charging practice.
Does the charger come with the truck?
Current listings describe model-specific chargers, but inclusion and input requirements should be confirmed on the quotation for the exact configuration.
Do operators need training?
Employers should ensure operators are trained and authorized for the equipment and workplace, and that inspection and safe-work procedures follow the manual and applicable law.
Official references
Related GETSUP resources
Get a model-specific recommendation
Send GETSUP your load, pallet or platform dimensions, aisle or site measurements, operating environment, delivery postal code and target date. Our team can narrow the current options and flag information that still needs to be confirmed before an order.
Contact GETSUP · 905-569-8898 · info@getsupinc.com · Local pickup at 2585 Dunwin Drive, Mississauga, Ontario.