Your Guide to Pallets and The Trucks You Need
Pallets are a godsend for businesses that have to move heavy goods in and out, and around their premises on a daily basis. They make it easier to move goods cost effectively and safely.
Pallets were developed during World War II and they’re used for similar purposes today as they were back then. They’re usually made from wood, plastic, or metal, and your ideal pallet type will depend on the kind of loads you’re lifting and the environment you’re using them in.
Pallet sizes
There are national standard sizes and sizes can also vary from one manufacturer to another, so you need to be aware of this. The most common pallet size in Europe is 1200 x 800mm.
Not all types of forklift truck are compatible with all types of pallets, so you’ll always need to the check the pallet dimensions and the size of the load you want to lift.
Types of pallet
Open Pallet
They are also known as a 4 way entry pallet, Block pallet or Euro pallet. They are a block with bottom boards on the sides and the centre. The open entry sides makes handling easy no matter what pallet truck you’re using. This pallet is common in Europe but not in the UK.
Bottom Boarded Pallet
They are also known as a Chep pallet, 4 way entry pallet, Block pallet, Bottom board pallet or GKN pallet. They are a block with bottom boards on all the sides and in the centre. This makes handling easy with any type of truck, though you can’t use a fork over support arm stacker truck for stacking them. Because the bottom boards are shaped, it’s easier for truck forks to enter the pallet. This pallet is commonly used in the UK.
Stringer Pallet
They are also known as a 4 way entry pallet, Block & bearer pallet, Bottom board pallet, or Grocery pallet. This a block construction which allows easy entry for hand and electric pallet trucks. This type of pallet is commonly used in North America, Africa and Asia
Bearer Pallet
They are also known as a 2 way entry pallet, block & bearer pallet or bottom board pallet. They’re easy to use with all types of industrial truck and the shaped bottom boards make it easy for forklift truck forks to get into the pallet. This is a commonly used pallet in Africa and Asia.
Choose the right pallet truck for your business
If you own a warehouse or factory and you move heavy goods on a daily basis, you’ll likely use pallets. Make moving your goods easier and safer with some of the highest quality pallet trucks on the market. Our trucks are made from high quality, robust materials, and they’re designed to move across floor surfaces with ease.