Raymond Electric Pallet Truck
Raymond Corporation has manufactured material handling equipment in the United States since 1922. Their electric pallet trucks are fixtures in warehouses and distribution centres across North America, known for solid construction, reliable performance, and a network of dealers that can support the equipment throughout its long service life.
Raymond builds several lines of electric pallet trucks ranging from compact walkies for light-duty work to heavy-duty rider models for high-volume distribution. This guide covers the main Raymond pallet truck series, their specifications, and what to consider when choosing Raymond equipment.
About Raymond Corporation
Raymond is headquartered in Greene, New York, where the company still manufactures most of its equipment. They are part of the Toyota Industries Corporation family but operate independently with their own engineering and production.
Raymond focuses on the North American market and has built a reputation for durable equipment backed by strong dealer support. Their pallet trucks are designed and built for demanding warehouse environments where uptime and reliability matter more than the lowest purchase price.
The company is particularly known for its narrow aisle reach trucks and orderpickers, but their pallet truck lines share the same engineering philosophy of building equipment that lasts.
Raymond pallet truck series
Model 8210 Walkie Pallet Truck
The 8210 is Raymond's standard walkie pallet truck, designed for general warehouse applications. It handles the everyday work of moving pallets from receiving to storage to shipping.
Key features of the 8210 include:
- Capacity up to 2,700 kg (6,000 lb)
- AC drive motor for efficient operation and reduced maintenance
- Regenerative braking that returns energy to the battery when slowing down
- Programmable performance settings to match operator skill levels
- Low-profile chassis that fits under most pallets easily
The 8210 uses a tiller-style handle with thumb controls for travel direction and speed. An optional creep speed mode allows precise positioning in tight spaces. The truck can operate in both steer-first and fork-first orientations.
Model 8410 Walkie Pallet Truck
The 8410 is a heavier-duty walkie designed for more demanding applications. It offers higher capacities and more powerful motors than the 8210.
Features include:
- Capacity up to 3,600 kg (8,000 lb)
- Larger drive motor for better performance with heavy loads
- Enhanced cooling for extended duty cycles
- Optional longer forks for double pallet handling
- Heavy-duty frame construction
The 8410 suits operations that regularly handle heavy pallets or need the durability to run multiple shifts without issues.
Model 8510 Rider Pallet Truck
The 8510 is a rider pallet truck where the operator stands on a platform at the rear of the unit. This design allows faster travel over longer distances while reducing operator fatigue.
The 8510 includes:
- Fold-down operator platform with cushioned standing surface
- Higher travel speeds than walkie models
- Capacity up to 2,700 kg (6,000 lb)
- Easily converts to walkie operation by folding the platform up
- Side-mounted controls accessible from the riding position
Rider pallet trucks make sense when operators cover significant distances during their shifts, such as in large distribution centres where travel time adds up. See our rider pallet jack guide for more on this equipment type.
Model 8610 End Rider
The 8610 positions the operator at the very end of the truck facing forward. This end-rider configuration works well for dock operations and trailer loading where visibility and manoeuvrability in tight spaces matter.
Specifications comparison
| Specification | 8210 Walkie | 8410 Walkie | 8510 Rider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 2,700 kg | Up to 3,600 kg | Up to 2,700 kg |
| Fork length options | 1,070-1,830 mm | 1,220-2,440 mm | 1,070-1,830 mm |
| Fork width (outside) | 530-685 mm | 530-685 mm | 530-685 mm |
| Travel speed (loaded) | Up to 6.4 km/h | Up to 6.4 km/h | Up to 8.0 km/h |
| Battery voltage | 24V | 24V | 24V |
| Battery capacity | 375-625 Ah | 500-875 Ah | 500-750 Ah |
Actual specifications vary by configuration. Raymond offers numerous options for fork dimensions, battery sizes, and feature packages.
Technology and features
AC drive system
Raymond uses AC induction motors rather than older DC brush motors in most current models. AC motors require less maintenance because they have no brushes to replace. They also provide smooth acceleration and can handle regenerative braking efficiently.
iWarehouse telematics
Raymond offers iWarehouse, a fleet management system that tracks truck usage, monitors impacts, manages operator access, and provides data for optimising operations. If you run a fleet of Raymond equipment, telematics can help identify training needs and maintenance requirements before they become problems.
Ergonomic controls
The tiller handles on Raymond walkies are designed for comfortable operation over long shifts. Controls fall naturally under the operator's thumb. Handle height adjusts to suit different operators, and the control layout minimises awkward wrist positions.
Performance modes
Many Raymond trucks include programmable performance settings. Supervisors can limit maximum speed for new operators or in congested areas, then open up full performance for experienced operators in appropriate zones.
Raymond versus other brands
Raymond competes with other major electric pallet truck manufacturers. Here is how they compare:
Raymond vs. Crown
Crown is Raymond's closest competitor in the premium segment. Both companies manufacture in the US, both emphasise durability and dealer support, and both target customers who value long-term cost of ownership over lowest purchase price. Choice often comes down to local dealer support and specific feature preferences.
Raymond vs. Toyota
Interestingly, Raymond is owned by Toyota Industries but operates independently. Toyota-branded pallet trucks are often more value-oriented while Raymond positions itself as premium. In some markets, the same dealer may offer both lines.
Raymond vs. Yale
Yale offers competitive equipment at sometimes lower price points. Raymond typically has an edge in perceived build quality and North American dealer coverage.
Raymond vs. Jungheinrich
Jungheinrich brings European engineering and energy efficiency focus. Raymond offers more local support in North America while Jungheinrich may have advantages in technology and battery options.
Buying a Raymond pallet truck
Raymond sells through a network of authorised dealers rather than directly. This dealer model means you get local support for sales, service, parts, and training. It also means prices can vary between dealers.
When evaluating a Raymond purchase:
- Get quotes from your local Raymond dealer for new equipment
- Ask about lead times, which can be significant for new orders
- Discuss service agreements and parts availability
- Consider total cost of ownership including maintenance, not just purchase price
- Evaluate used or reconditioned Raymond trucks from the dealer
Raymond equipment typically costs more upfront than economy brands but the equipment lasts longer and maintains value better. For operations that rely on pallet trucks as core production equipment, the premium is often justified.
Used Raymond pallet trucks
Raymond trucks hold value well in the used market because of their durability. A well-maintained Raymond can run for 10,000+ hours, so buying used can be economical if you find equipment with good service history.
Check these items on a used Raymond:
- Hour meter reading and comparison to maintenance records
- Battery age and condition
- Fork condition including wear and straightness
- Drive and steer wheel wear
- Controller and electrical system function
- Frame and mast for damage or cracks
Raymond dealers often sell reconditioned units with warranties. This can be a good middle ground between new equipment cost and used equipment risk.
Pricing
Raymond equipment carries premium pricing reflecting its build quality and support network:
| Model | New Price Range | Used Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 8210 Walkie | $8,000-15,000 | $3,000-8,000 |
| 8410 Heavy Duty | $12,000-20,000 | $5,000-12,000 |
| 8510 Rider | $15,000-25,000 | $6,000-15,000 |
Prices vary based on configuration, options, battery size, and local market conditions. Get quotes from your dealer for accurate pricing.
Related equipment
- Electric pallet jacks overview of all brands
- Crown pallet jack competing premium brand
- Yale electric pallet jack another major brand
- Rider pallet jack ride-on truck options
- Pallet jack types complete equipment guide