A weigh scale pallet truck — often simply called a weighing pallet truck — does two jobs at once: it moves a pallet like any hand pallet truck, and it weighs the load as you lift it, showing the figure on a built-in display. For warehouses that need to check goods-in, confirm despatch weights or keep a running tally without trekking to a platform scale, it removes a whole step. This guide explains what they do, the specs that matter, and how to choose the right one.
What a weigh scale pallet truck is
It looks like a standard hand pallet truck — a pump handle, two forks, steering and load wheels — but load cells built into the forks measure the weight of whatever you lift. A digital display on the handle or chassis shows the reading, usually with a tare function so you can subtract the pallet and weigh only the goods. You weigh in the same motion you use to move the load, so there is no separate weighing operation.
That makes weighing pallet trucks ideal for goods-in checks, despatch verification, stock control and waste weighing — anywhere you need a weight but don't want to route every pallet over a floor scale.
The specs that matter
When you compare weigh scale pallet trucks, focus on these points:
- Capacity — most weigh trucks handle around 2,000kg; heavier-duty versions go to 2,500kg. Match this to your worst-case loaded pallet, not your average.
- Weighing accuracy and increments — this is the figure that separates a rough guide from a usable check-weight. Our GPC VULCAN Premium model reads to ±0.1% accuracy in 0.5kg increments, which is fine for goods-in and despatch checks.
- Fork size — standard fork width and length (the VULCAN uses 160mm-wide forks; choose 1,150mm or 1,220mm lengths) needs to suit your pallets. Raised/lowered fork heights (200mm raised, 85mm lowered on the VULCAN) determine pallet entry and lift.
- Power and display — battery-powered load cells with a clear digital readout. The VULCAN's rechargeable battery lasts 70–80 hours and recharges in about 4 hours from the mains, so it isn't tied to a power point.
- Environment rating — if the truck works outdoors, on lorries or in wash-down areas, look for an IP rating. The VULCAN is IP65 rated (water- and dust-proof), so it can be used outside or on a vehicle tail-lift and cleaned with water at normal pressure.
- Wheels — polyurethane steering wheels and tandem load rollers (180 × 50mm steer / 74 × 70mm rollers on the VULCAN) give smooth, floor-friendly movement.
Accuracy, calibration and "trade" use
There is an important distinction to understand before you buy. A weigh scale pallet truck is excellent for internal check-weighing — confirming goods-in, despatch and stock figures. But if you intend to sell goods by weight on the basis of that reading (a "trade" use), UK Weights and Measures law requires a scale that is verified and approved for trade. A standard check-weighing truck is not the same thing.
So: for receiving, despatch checks and stock control, a high-accuracy truck like the VULCAN is ideal. If your reading will be the basis of a sale or a legal transaction, confirm you need an approved-for-trade (verified) model and check its certification before relying on it. When in doubt, ask us and we'll point you to the right specification.
Compliance and safe use
Like any pallet truck, weigh scale trucks should conform to EN 1757-2 (the standard for hand-operated pallet trucks) and be CE marked and plated — the VULCAN is. Under PUWER 1998 the truck must be suitable for the job, maintained, and used by trained, competent operators. Keep within the rated capacity, pump on level ground for an accurate reading, and re-zero (tare) before each weigh. Have load cells checked periodically so the readings stay reliable.
How to choose: five questions
- What's your heaviest loaded pallet? Pick a capacity above it — 2,000kg covers most, 2,500kg for heavier stock.
- How precise must the weight be? For goods-in/despatch checks, ±0.1% in 0.5kg steps is ample. For finer needs, confirm the increment.
- Internal checks or selling by weight? Internal → a standard high-accuracy truck. Trade sales → confirm you need a verified, approved-for-trade scale.
- Where will it work? Wet, outdoor or vehicle use → choose an IP65-rated truck that can be hosed down.
- Do your pallets fit? Check fork width, length and lowered height against your pallet type so the forks enter and lift cleanly.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is a weigh scale pallet truck? A good one reads to around ±0.1% of the load in small increments (0.5kg on our VULCAN). That's well within tolerance for goods-in, despatch and stock checks.
Can I use one to sell goods by weight? Only if it is verified and approved for trade under Weights and Measures rules. Standard check-weighing trucks are for internal use — confirm the specification if the weight will be the basis of a sale.
Do they need power? The load cells and display run on a rechargeable battery — our VULCAN lasts 70–80 hours per charge and tops up in about 4 hours, so the truck stays mobile.
Can it be used outside or on a lorry? Yes, if it's IP-rated. The VULCAN is IP65, so it can be used outdoors, on vehicles and washed down at normal pressure.
Ready to look at models? Browse our range of weigh scale pallet trucks — every weighing pallet truck listing carries the full specification — and the wider pallet trucks range, or read our guides to manual vs electric pallet trucks and electric pallet trucks to round out your choice.