Move More, Effort Less — Discover the Apollo Powered Platform Truck Range at Hall-Fast
In fast-moving industrial, logistics, and commercial environments, time is money and manual effort has a cost. Every hour an operator spends struggling to push heavy loads across a warehouse floor, along a factory aisle, or through a distribution depot is an hour of productive capacity that could be put to better use. The Apollo Powered Platform Truck range, available from Hall-Fast, offers a compelling answer to that challenge — combining the simplicity and versatility of a flat-bed platform truck with an electric drive system that takes the physical effort of load movement entirely off the operator's hands.
Whether you're moving components between production stations, transporting goods across a large warehouse, or handling heavy deliveries in a busy retail stockroom, Apollo powered platform trucks are engineered to make the job faster, safer, and far less physically demanding. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what Apollo powered platform trucks are, how they work, who benefits most from them, what to look for when buying, and why Hall-Fast is the UK's go-to source for the full range.
What Is a Powered Platform Truck?
A powered platform truck — sometimes called a motorised platform truck, electric platform truck, or powered flatbed truck — is a battery-driven materials handling vehicle designed to transport loads horizontally across flat or gently sloped surfaces. Unlike a forklift, it does not lift loads to height; instead, it moves them at ground level or on a raised load platform, making it ideal for horizontal transport applications over short to medium distances.
The platform itself is a flat, open deck on which loads of almost any shape or configuration can be placed — boxes, tubs, crates, components, bags, or any other goods that need to be moved efficiently from one point to another. The operator typically walks behind or alongside the truck, controlling direction and speed via a handle-mounted control system.
The key advantage of a powered platform truck over a standard manual model is the electric drive system that propels the truck forward and — on many models — provides braking assistance. Rather than pushing the load by hand, the operator simply steers and the motor does the rest. This transforms the effort required to move even substantial loads over significant distances, reducing operator fatigue, increasing throughput, and lowering the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Apollo powered platform trucks, available through Hall-Fast, represent a premium motorised transport solution that delivers all of these benefits with the build quality, reliability, and specification that professional users demand.
Why Choose a Powered Platform Truck Over a Manual Model?
For businesses considering whether to invest in powered platform trucks or stick with manual alternatives, the answer almost always comes down to three factors: load weight, transport distance, and frequency of use.
Load Weight
Manual platform trucks are perfectly adequate for moving lighter loads over short distances. But as load weights increase — particularly towards and above 200kg — the physical effort of pushing a manual truck becomes significant. On smooth floors with small loads, this may be manageable. On longer runs, with heavier loads, or across shifts where operators are making dozens of journeys, the physical demands become a serious concern both for productivity and for operator health.
Apollo powered platform trucks remove the effort of pushing entirely, allowing operators to move loads that would be impractical or unsafe to push manually, without fatigue or strain.
Transport Distance
The further a load needs to be moved, the more a powered truck makes sense. In a small room or compact stockroom, a manual truck may cover the distances involved without difficulty. But in a large warehouse, a distribution centre, a factory floor, or any other large-scale environment where loads are transported over tens or hundreds of metres multiple times per shift, the case for powered transport is overwhelming. Powered platform trucks maintain consistent speed across the full length of the journey, while manual operators slow down progressively as fatigue sets in.
Frequency of Use
A truck that is used only occasionally may not justify the investment in a powered model. But for operations where platform trucks are in continuous use throughout a shift — which is true of many warehouse, manufacturing, and logistics environments — a powered truck pays back its additional cost in productivity gains and reduced absenteeism from musculoskeletal disorders very quickly.
The Apollo powered platform truck range from Hall-Fast is specifically designed for exactly these demanding, high-frequency applications.
Key Features of Apollo Powered Platform Trucks
Apollo powered platform trucks are engineered to meet the needs of professional users in genuine industrial and commercial environments. Here are the key features that define the range.
Electric Drive System
The heart of the Apollo powered platform truck is its electric drive motor, powered by an onboard rechargeable battery. The drive system propels the truck smoothly forward at a controlled speed, with the operator using the handle-mounted controls to adjust direction and speed. The result is effortless transport of loads that would require significant physical effort to move manually — freeing operators to focus on accurate positioning and safety rather than pushing.
The electric drive system also provides significant advantages in terms of consistency. Unlike a manual operator who slows down over time and across a shift, the powered drive system delivers the same performance from the first journey of the day to the last, maintaining throughput and productivity throughout.
Intuitive Handle Controls
Apollo powered platform trucks are designed to be straightforward to operate, with controls mounted on the handle that allow the operator to manage speed, direction, and — where applicable — braking from a single, ergonomic control point. The simplicity of the control system means that operators can be trained quickly and confidently, minimising downtime and allowing new staff members to get up to speed without difficulty.
Robust Load Platform
The load platform is a generous flat deck designed to accommodate a wide variety of load types and configurations. The platform surface is typically finished with a non-slip material to prevent loads from shifting during transit, and the deck is constructed from heavy-gauge steel capable of supporting substantial load weights without flexing or deforming.
The open platform design means the truck can carry almost anything — from boxes and bags to components, sub-assemblies, and other industrial goods — making it one of the most versatile load transport solutions available.
Rechargeable Battery System
Apollo powered platform trucks use rechargeable battery technology to power the drive system. Battery systems are typically designed to provide a full shift of operation on a single charge, minimising downtime. Recharging is straightforward, usually via a standard mains socket, and charging times are designed to fit around shift patterns — charging overnight or during break periods so the truck is always ready when needed.
Compact and Manoeuvrable Design
Despite their powered capability, Apollo platform trucks are designed to be compact and manoeuvrable, able to navigate the aisles, corridors, and access routes typical of warehouses, factories, and commercial premises. The relatively small turning circle means the truck can be operated effectively even in areas where space is limited, without the need for wide turning areas required by larger powered vehicles.
Durable Construction
Apollo powered platform trucks are built to withstand the demands of continuous professional use. Heavy-gauge steel construction, high-quality drive components, and robust wheel systems combine to deliver a truck that will perform reliably day after day in demanding environments. This durability translates directly into a low total cost of ownership — the truck keeps working long after the initial investment has been repaid through productivity gains.
Who Benefits Most From Apollo Powered Platform Trucks?
The range of businesses and operations that can benefit from Apollo powered platform trucks is remarkably wide. Here are the key sectors and applications where they deliver the greatest value.
Warehousing and Distribution
Warehousing and distribution operations are the natural home of the powered platform truck. Moving goods from receiving to storage, from storage to picking, from picking to despatch — the sheer volume of horizontal transport that takes place in a busy distribution centre makes powered trucks an essential productivity tool.
Apollo powered platform trucks allow warehouse operators to cover more ground in less time, with less physical effort, reducing both the time taken for each journey and the accumulated fatigue that reduces operator performance as a shift progresses. For warehouses operating extended shifts or around-the-clock operations, this benefit is multiplied across every hour of every day.
Manufacturing and Assembly
In manufacturing environments, materials and components need to move constantly — from goods-in to stores, from stores to the production floor, between production stations, and from the line to finished goods storage. Apollo powered platform trucks are ideal for this continuous internal logistics function, providing a reliable and efficient transport solution that keeps materials flowing and production lines moving.
The flat open platform is particularly versatile in manufacturing settings, where the variety of loads is often greater than in pure logistics operations. Components, sub-assemblies, raw materials, tools, and finished products can all be transported on the same truck, making it a flexible asset that earns its keep across multiple applications.
Retail and Stockroom Operations
Large retail stores — supermarkets, DIY stores, garden centres, furniture retailers, and others — routinely need to move heavy loads between stockrooms and sales floors, between delivery areas and storage, and between different areas of the sales floor itself. Apollo powered platform trucks are ideal for these tasks, offering the manoeuvrability to navigate retail environments alongside the powered transport capability to handle heavy loads without operator strain.
The relatively compact footprint and quiet electric operation also make powered platform trucks suitable for use in areas where customers may be present — unlike forklifts or other larger industrial vehicles.
Hospitals, Universities, and Large Public Sector Buildings
Large public sector organisations — hospitals, universities, government buildings, and others — often have significant internal logistics requirements, moving supplies, equipment, laundry, catering materials, and other goods around large, complex buildings. Apollo powered platform trucks are well-suited to these environments, offering quiet, clean electric operation alongside the load capacity to handle the bulky, heavy loads common in these settings.
The ability to operate quietly and cleanly is particularly valuable in healthcare and educational environments, where noise and emissions must be minimised.
Food Production and Processing
Food production and processing facilities have specific requirements for materials handling equipment, including the ability to clean down equipment easily and to operate safely in environments where hygiene is paramount. Apollo powered platform trucks are suitable for food production applications, offering easy-clean surfaces and reliable operation in the production environment.
Airports and Transport Hubs
Airports, railway stations, and other transport hubs require efficient internal logistics to keep operations running smoothly. Apollo powered platform trucks are used in these environments to move baggage, supplies, equipment, and goods across the large distances typical of transport infrastructure, providing a reliable and efficient alternative to manual handling.
Apollo Powered Platform Trucks vs. Other Transport Solutions
When businesses are evaluating powered platform trucks, they typically consider them alongside a range of alternatives. Here's how Apollo powered platform trucks compare.
Powered Platform Truck vs. Manual Platform Truck
The comparison is simple: a powered truck removes the physical effort of moving loads, delivers consistent performance across a shift, and makes it possible to move heavier loads over longer distances safely and efficiently. For high-frequency, heavy-load, or long-distance applications, the productivity and ergonomic benefits of a powered truck almost always justify the additional cost compared to a manual model.
Powered Platform Truck vs. Pallet Truck
Pallet trucks — both manual and powered — are designed primarily for moving palletised loads on standard pallets. Platform trucks are far more versatile, able to carry loads of any shape and size that fit on the deck. If your operation involves non-palletised loads, or a mix of palletised and non-palletised goods, a powered platform truck offers significantly greater flexibility.
Powered Platform Truck vs. Forklift
Forklifts can lift loads to height, handle much greater load capacities, and are the right tool for stacking and racking operations. However, they require trained and licenced operators, are expensive to purchase and maintain, and are often too large for the indoor environments where platform trucks are used. For horizontal transport tasks that don't require high-level stacking, a powered platform truck is a more cost-effective, simpler, and more flexible solution.
Powered Platform Truck vs. Electric Tug
Electric tugs are designed to pull trailers loaded with goods, making them ideal for applications where large quantities of goods need to be moved in train over significant distances — such as airport ground operations or large factory environments. For smaller-scale operations or where the simplicity of a single unit carrying a single load is preferred, a powered platform truck is typically the better choice.
What to Look For When Choosing an Apollo Powered Platform Truck
Choosing the right powered platform truck for your application requires careful consideration of several key specifications.
Load Capacity
Identify the maximum load weight you need to carry and choose a truck whose rated capacity comfortably exceeds this. It's generally advisable to choose a truck with a capacity around 20% above your maximum typical load — this provides a safety margin and reduces wear on the equipment.
Platform Size
Consider the dimensions of the loads you'll be carrying and choose a platform that accommodates them comfortably without overhang. Also consider whether the platform size is manageable in the spaces where the truck will be used — wider platforms may not fit through some doorways or aisles.
Battery Life and Charging
Consider how many hours of operation you need per shift and choose a battery system that can sustain that level of use. Check the charging time and ensure it fits with your shift patterns — for example, if the truck needs to run through a double shift, a battery that charges fully overnight may not be sufficient.
Speed
Most powered platform trucks operate at walking speed or slightly faster — typically between 4km/h and 6km/h. This is usually sufficient for the indoor environments where they're used, but if speed of transport is particularly important in your operation, check the truck's rated speed against your requirements.
Floor Surface
Apollo powered platform trucks are designed for smooth indoor surfaces. If your floor has any surface issues — uneven joints, damage, ramps, or slopes — check the truck's specification against these conditions before purchasing.
Ease of Operation and Maintenance
Look for a truck with intuitive controls and clear operator instructions. Check the manufacturer's maintenance requirements and ensure you have access to service support for the truck — Hall-Fast can advise on service options for the Apollo range.
Health, Safety, and Compliance
Powered platform trucks are subject to the same health and safety requirements as other workplace transport equipment. Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), employers must ensure that powered trucks are suitable for their intended use, properly maintained, and used only by trained operators.
Operator training should cover the basic operating principles of the truck, pre-use inspection procedures, safe loading and unloading, route awareness, and emergency procedures. While powered platform trucks do not require the same formal licensing as forklift trucks, documented training records are good practice and may be required by insurers or during HSE inspections.
A risk assessment should be carried out before deploying any powered truck in a workplace, identifying potential hazards including pedestrian interaction, gradients, floor obstructions, and load stability. Control measures should be put in place to manage these risks — including designated vehicle routes, speed limits, and physical separation between trucks and pedestrians where possible.
Regular maintenance and pre-use inspection of the truck are also essential. The battery, drive system, controls, and platform should all be checked before each shift, and any defects reported and addressed before the truck is put back into service.
Why Buy From Hall-Fast?
Hall-Fast is one of the UK's most established and trusted suppliers of industrial and commercial equipment, with decades of experience helping businesses across a wide range of sectors find the right materials handling solutions.
When you source your Apollo powered platform truck from Hall-Fast, you benefit from genuine expertise — the team understands the operational challenges that powered platform trucks are designed to solve and can help you identify the model and specification that best fits your particular requirements. You also benefit from competitive pricing, fast UK delivery, and the peace of mind that comes from buying from a reputable, established supplier with a track record of after-sales support.
Hall-Fast's broader range of handling and lifting equipment means that powered platform trucks can be considered alongside the full spectrum of materials handling solutions — from manual platform trucks and sack trucks to pallet trucks, scissor lift tables, and powered stackers — ensuring that you get the most appropriate solution for every application in your operation.
To explore the full Apollo powered platform truck range and speak to the Hall-Fast team about your requirements, visit https://www.hall-fast.com/apollo-powered-platform-trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Powered Platform Trucks
Q: How long does the battery last on an Apollo powered platform truck?
A: Battery life varies by model and usage intensity, but most Apollo powered platform trucks are designed to sustain a full working shift on a single charge. Check the specific product specifications for the model you're considering, and contact the Hall-Fast team if you have specific duty cycle requirements.
Q: Do I need to train operators to use a powered platform truck?
A: Yes. While powered platform trucks do not require formal licensing in the way that forklift trucks do, all operators should receive appropriate training before using the equipment. Employers are legally required under PUWER to ensure that work equipment is used only by trained personnel.
Q: Can powered platform trucks be used on ramps?
A: This depends on the specific model and the gradient of the ramp. Most powered platform trucks are designed for use on flat or very gently sloped surfaces. Always check the manufacturer's specification for gradient limits before using a truck on any inclined surface.
Q: How do I charge the battery?
A: Most Apollo powered platform trucks charge via a standard mains socket. The charger is typically built into the truck, making it straightforward to plug in at the end of a shift. Check the product specifications for exact charging times and requirements.
Q: What maintenance does a powered platform truck require?
A: Key maintenance tasks include regular battery care (following the manufacturer's charge/discharge guidance), inspection of the drive system and wheels, checking the platform surface and securing fixings, and inspecting the controls for correct function. Full maintenance schedules are provided in the product documentation. Hall-Fast can advise on servicing options for the Apollo range.
Q: Are powered platform trucks suitable for outdoor use?
A: Most powered platform trucks, including the Apollo range, are designed for indoor use on smooth, level surfaces. For outdoor applications on rough or uneven surfaces, specialist outdoor handling equipment is more appropriate. The Hall-Fast team can advise on the best solution for outdoor or mixed indoor/outdoor use.
Ready to Transform Your Load Transport Operations?
If your business regularly moves heavy or bulky loads across warehouse floors, factory aisles, retail stockrooms, or any other large indoor environment, an Apollo powered platform truck from Hall-Fast could be one of the most impactful equipment investments you make this year.
The combination of effortless electric drive, robust construction, versatile flat-bed platform, and intuitive operator controls makes the Apollo range a premium motorised transport solution that delivers genuine, measurable improvements in productivity, operator wellbeing, and operational efficiency.
Browse the full Apollo powered platform truck range and get expert advice today at https://www.hall-fast.com/apollo-powered-platform-trucks
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