Electrified manual pallet trucks
Silent heroes of intralogistics: manually operated forklifts as a key to competitiveness
Internal logistics has been evolving faster in recent years than ever before. Globalization, the growth of e-commerce, and rising expectations for delivery speed and reliability are reshaping requirements across supply chains and warehouse processes. At the same time, companies are facing a shortage of skilled labor and mounting cost pressures, pushing them towards continuous process optimization and higher operational efficiency.
Competitiveness does not depend solely on large automated systems; it can also be significantly supported by modern versions of classic manually operated forklifts. Their role is becoming increasingly important due to growing demands for flexibility and process throughput. They enable safe and efficient handling of goods, shorten order processing times, and reduce physical strain on employees through improved ergonomics. As a result, they indirectly help reduce workplace injuries and sick leave and make an important contribution to optimizing intralogistics flows. Even with the introduction of automation, they remain indispensable, as they fill gaps where robotic solutions are not yet flexible enough or economically viable.
A new reality in the forklift market: when the smallest become the strongest
Market data clearly shows the trend: according to World Industrial Truck Statistics, the global industrial forklift market grew by nearly one-third between 2020 and 2024. In relative terms, growth was strongest in Europe, while Asia contributed the largest absolute volumes. But the real story lies not in aggregate growth, but in its structure. The key common denominator? Class 3.1.
Under the World Industrial Truck Statistics (WITS) classification, Class 3.1 includes electric low-lift pedestrian pallet trucks with a service weight of up to 250 kg (including the battery). These are compact, lightweight, and highly maneuverable trucks operated by a pedestrian walking alongside the vehicle, distinguishing them from platform or stand-on models.
In Europe, Class 3.1 grew by an extraordinary 160% between 2020 and 2024 - unmatched among all forklift classes. This growth is not the result of short-term fluctuations, but rather reflects fundamental changes in working methods, cost structures, and productivity requirements.
In 2024 alone, more than 165,000 Class 3.1 trucks were ordered in Europe, out of a total of approximately 760,500 electric forklifts. These figures clearly show that this segment is becoming one of the key growth drivers of the entire market.
Logistics under pressure: the answer comes from the lowest level
Class 3.1 has not grown because it is new, but because it has become an operationally critical response to the challenges of modern logistics. Working environments are becoming increasingly dense, labor is more expensive and harder to find, while companies face staff shortages and minimal tolerance for downtime. At the same time, the importance of safety and sustainability is growing. Electric low-lift pallet trucks of Class 3.1 address these challenges directly.
With electric drive and ergonomic design, they reduce physical strain on employees, resulting in fewer injuries, less fatigue, and higher efficiency. At the same time, they enable a higher level of workplace safety. Stable handling, speed control, and additional safety features reduce the risk of accidents, especially in narrow aisles and dynamic environments. Quiet, emission-free operation further improves working conditions and contributes to the achievement of corporate sustainability goals.
To understand why this segment is developing so rapidly, we must also look at the supply side of the market. This is where the key differences lie between manufacturers that are setting the pace of growth.
Who is driving growth? The rise of Chinese manufacturers and the European response
Chinese manufacturers have captured a significant share of the Class 3.1 market. Companies such as Hangcha, Anhui Heli, EP Equipment, Lonking, and BYD Forklift have addressed the segment with affordable, cost-optimized models. Through aggressive pricing strategies, they have rapidly strengthened their presence, particularly in the European market.
Their price competitiveness is based on a combination of factors: lower labor costs, economies of scale from mass production, supply chains built on local partners, government subsidies, and in-house battery technologies that enable faster development and more cost-effective access to key components.
Established European manufacturers are responding differently. Instead of engaging in a price war, they offer customers equipment that combines a favorable price-to-value ratio. An example is Jungheinrich, which, with its AntOn by Jungheinrich brand, specifically targets customer segments where price is no longer the sole criterion and where quality, performance, ergonomics, safety, and reliable, responsive service support are gaining importance.
Example of hand pallet jack operation
Example of electric pedestrian truck operation
When a hand pallet truck is no longer enough: lightweight, compact, agile, and increasingly powerful equipment
Due to the nature of modern work, electric low-lift pallet trucks of Class 3.1 are increasingly replacing manual pallet jacks. They enable faster, less strenuous, and more efficient movement of loads and are ideal for occasional and non-intensive use. However, due to their affordability, misuse sometimes occurs in practice, with customers choosing them even when the work requires more intensive forklift operation. Despite the option of battery replacement, these trucks are not suitable for such loads, as they are designed for occasional use of a few hours per day.
They perform best over short to medium distances, where they provide an optimal balance between performance, compactness, and maneuverability.
They are used in a wide variety of working environments where fast, precise, and efficient load handling is required. In warehouses and logistics centers, they enable easy pallet movement and inventory organization even in confined spaces where larger forklifts are impractical. Thanks to their compactness, they are ideal for work on mezzanines, where operators must maneuver in narrow areas and around structures.
They are also indispensable for loading and unloading goods, as they facilitate movement between docks and vehicles and enable safe travel on lift platforms, significantly reducing transshipment times.
Due to their compact design, they are highly useful in shops and supermarkets, where they allow work in narrow aisles and uninterrupted shelf replenishment even during opening hours, without disturbing customers. In production facilities, they ensure the smooth flow of raw materials and finished products between individual production lines, reducing bottlenecks and increasing overall process efficiency.
They are also frequently used by delivery services, as they are compact enough for use on delivery vehicles and enable fast and safe unloading at the drop-off point.
A new level of flexibility: the power of li-ion technology
Lithium-ion batteries enable fast charging, high availability, and minimal maintenance requirements. Short charging intervals during breaks effectively extend operating time, and battery replacement is simple. This reduces downtime, increases productivity, and gives companies greater flexibility in organizing work.
Technology and support: a combination that makes the difference
Electric pallet trucks of Class 3.1 require minimal maintenance. Manufacturers offer “Self-Service” repair kits that allow users to carry out basic repairs and simple component replacements themselves - quickly and cost-effectively.
Nevertheless, the availability of professional services remains extremely important. Reliable service, fast spare parts delivery, and expert support contribute significantly to the smooth operation of equipment and the execution of work processes.
Example of AntOn by Jungheinrich PTL operation
Example of Jungheinrich AME operation
AntOn PTL and Jungheinrich AME: the right equipment for every challenge
The electric low-lift pallet trucks AntOn PTL and Jungheinrich AME are Jungheinrich’s response to new logistics requirements. They are designed for users seeking reliable, ergonomic, and operationally efficient solutions for occasional to medium-intensity use.
• AntOn PTL offers an affordable, simple, and reliable solution for everyday tasks.
• Jungheinrich AME is the most powerful and robust model in its class, a reliable companion even for more intensive use.
Both models stand out for their ergonomics, safety, and efficiency, and are suitable for work in a wide range of environments, including warehouses, retail spaces, production facilities, and delivery operations.
Is the electric low-lift pallet truck the right solution for you?
At Jungheinrich, we help you find the answer. We provide expert consultation, visit you on site, and propose the optimal solution. We also offer demo trucks that you can test in your own working environment.
For more information, contact us at info@jungheinrich-shop.si or call +386 (0)1 561 04 85. We will be happy to advise you and assist you in selecting the right equipment.
Published: 19.1.2026
