Stainless Steel Pallet Trucks: Which One Is Right?
Stainless steel pallet trucks are essential for industries with the highest hygiene requirements and corrosive environments. From the food industry to cleanrooms, they offer specific advantages that go beyond conventional pallet trucks. This FAQ section answers the most important questions about the properties, areas of application, and special features of stainless steel pallet trucks to help you choose the right model.
What are the advantages of stainless steel pallet trucks?
Stainless steel, a steel with a particularly high degree of purity, is characterized by its corrosion resistance and robustness against acids, alkalis, moisture, and aggressive gases. It is also antibacterial, as alloying components such as copper and iron (metal ions) damage living cells such as viruses, fungi, or bacteria. This allows for easy cleaning, even with aggressive cleaning agents, without damaging the stainless steel pallet truck.
In which industries are hygiene regulations mandatory, requiring a stainless steel pallet truck?
In chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cleanrooms (according to ISO 14159) as well as in the food industry (according to EN1672-1 and EN1672-2).
Where are stainless steel pallet trucks used?
Due to their specific properties, stainless steel pallet trucks are preferred in areas with strict hygiene regulations. These include, for example, research and industry, where they are used in cleanrooms and laboratories. They are also indispensable in the food sector, such as in cold stores, fishing and slaughtering operations, and breweries.
Note: If the stainless steel pallet truck is used in food production, it must be ensured that H1 lubricants (e.g., white oil) were used for the hydraulic oil. These are harmless to health in case of contact with food.
Why is rust so problematic?
Rust causes rapid decomposition of steel. In addition, contamination occurs due to flaking rust layers.
In hygiene areas, is a pallet truck made of high-quality steel with a lacquer coating that prevents decomposition sufficient?
No. Although the lacquer layer keeps rust corrosion within limits, there is still a possibility of flaking rust layers. Therefore, for such high hygienic requirements, only a pallet truck made of stainless steel is suitable.
What types of stainless steel pallet trucks are available?
Stainless steel trucks differ depending on their equipment and area of application. They are available as manual models with various features.
- Stainless steel manual pallet trucks are true all-rounders for palletized goods up to 2.5 tonnes in industries with high hygiene requirements and damp working environments.
- Stainless steel lift tables are versatile and, with a lifting height of up to 890 mm, enable ergonomic working in daily operations. Perfect for picking and transporting loose items.
- Stainless steel pallet trucks with scales allow for direct weighing of palletized goods. Ideal for working in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
Which rollers for stainless steel pallet trucks?
For steering and load rollers, nylon or polyurethane tires are available depending on the requirements of the working environment.
- Polyurethane rollers (PU) are best suited for hard and sensitive floors.
- Nylon rollers are very robust, suitable for smooth floors, and also resistant to fats, oils, and numerous chemicals.
