Hyster has bridged the gap between hand pallet trucks and powered pallet trucks by launching the lightweight, low duty P1.3. The low cost pallet truck runs off two 12V batteries and plugs directly into a standard electric socket to re-charge.

“The P1.3 is the ideal solution for an operation that is just too heavy or intensive for a manual pump truck” remarks Robert O’Donoghue, Warehouse Product Manager, Hyster Europe. “It’s for those who previously thought they couldn’t afford or justify the step up to a powered pallet truck.”

The new P1.3 is based on the popular P1.6 pallet truck, but instead of using a 24V battery, it uses two small 12V, 55Ah automotive batteries with an on-board charger that can be plugged straight into a standard plug socket. With a maximum load weight of 1,300kg, it has been designed specifically for light applications in which limited performance is needed.

“It’s the new alternative to a hand pallet truck with a battery capacity that allows it to work for up to two hours” he adds, explaining that many small businesses will benefit from the small price tag and the fact it doesn’t need a charging station.

“It shares many of the characteristics of the P1.6 such as a robust, durable frame construction with integrated welded forks and a reinforced bumper section, which protects the truck against collision” he says. The trucks feature heavy-duty, tandem load wheels providing excellent load stability over uneven surfaces and include anti-roll back.

The P1.3 is very compact, designed for use in tight spaces and is easily manoeuvred by the same tiller head design featured on the premium Hyster pallet truck range. “The responsiveness of the tiller’s butterfly control is superb with fast acceleration and smooth deceleration” Robert adds.

The MOSFET high frequency Combi controller controls traction and hydraulics, allowing progressive speed control as well as delivering optimum energy efficiency. It has regenerative braking, hourmeter and battery discharge indicator (option) and a creep speed feature.

Operating costs are kept to a minimum by low energy consumption and low maintenance requirements and with onboard diagnostics, easy access to motors and other key components, downtime is kept to a minimum.

The P1.3 is offered with extended service intervals (12 months or 1000 hours) and various options including load back rest, a variety of fork sizes, lateral protection plates & extended warranty of 36 months or 3000 hours.