Internal Transport Equipment Guide
Moving goods efficiently inside your warehouse is as important as storing them. This guide covers the main internal transport categories, their specs, and how to match them to your operation.
Equipment Categories
Counterbalance Forklifts (Tegengewichtheftruck) The workhorse of most warehouses. The counterweight at the rear balances the load in front.
Capacity: 1.5–10 tonnes standard. Larger available. Mast heights: 3–10m (triple/quad mast for high racks). Drive: LPG (outdoor/indoor), electric (indoor), diesel (heavy outdoor only). Price new: €18,000–45,000. Used (3–8 years): €6,000–18,000.
Reach Trucks (Reachtruck) Mast extends forward into the rack — the truck body stays in the aisle. Ideal for narrow aisles (2.3–2.8m working width).
Capacity: 1–2.5 tonnes. Lift height: up to 12m. Power: Electric only. Price new: €22,000–38,000. Used: €8,000–16,000.
Stackers (Stapelaar) Compact, electric, operator walks behind or rides. For loads up to 1.5 tonnes, lift heights up to 5m.
Variants: pedestrian stacker, rider stacker, reach stacker. Price new: €5,000–14,000. Used: €1,800–6,000.
Manual Pallet Trucks (Pompwagen / Palletrol) No motor — hydraulic pump lifts load 200mm for transport. Essential for loading docks and short moves.
Capacity: 2,500kg standard. Price new: €250–600. Used: €80–200. Note: Very high volume on second-hand market in the Netherlands.
Electric Pallet Trucks (Elektrische palletwagen) Battery-powered for longer distances and heavier use. Rider models for full-shift operation.
Capacity: 1,200–2,500kg. Price new: €4,000–12,000. Used: €1,200–4,500.
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Trucks (Smalspoortruck) Work in aisles as narrow as 1.5–1.8m. Require wire or rail guidance.
Price new: €35,000–80,000. Rarely available used — usually leased.
Drive Type Decision
| Situation | Recommended Drive |
|---|---|
| Indoor warehouse, clean floor | Electric |
| Outdoor yard or ramp work | LPG or diesel |
| Food/pharma (no fumes) | Electric only |
| Mixed indoor/outdoor, low budget | LPG |
Hours-Based Buy vs Lease Rule
- **< 1,000 hours/year:** Lease or rent — maintenance costs outweigh asset value.
- **1,000–2,000 hours/year:** Calculate total cost of ownership carefully.
- **> 2,000 hours/year:** Buying typically wins within 18 months.
For used equipment, halve these thresholds — older units need more maintenance.
Certification Requirements (Netherlands & Belgium)
- Forklift operators must hold a valid VCA/Heftruckbewijs (NL) or EDTC/Vinçotte certificate (BE).
- Annual inspection by a certified body (Keuringsinstelling) is required in Belgium (ARAB/RGPT).
- Service history and CE marking matter — request both when buying used.
Post your requirements on LayTech.ai to receive quotes from certified dealers across Benelux.