The Bernardo PHW 1.5 semi-electric pallet truck is the semi-electric model in the range with electric lift and manual traction, with a capacity of 1500 kg and fork length of 1140 mm. Technical characteristics: fork width 160 mm, minimum fork height 90 mm, maximum lifting height 200 mm, distance between forks 220 mm, steering angle 90°. Electric lift with 500 W motor, 2 × 12V battery (24V total), travel speed 3.0 / 3.3 km/h, weight 160 kg with battery included. Distributed in Italy by Krollit as an official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Capacity: 1500 kg
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Fork length: 1140 mm
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Fork width: 160 mm
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Fork height (min/max): 90 / 200 mm
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Distance between forks: 220 mm
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Overall width: 540 mm
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Steering angle: 90°
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Steering wheel: Ø 220 × 65 mm
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Load wheel: Ø 74 × 70 mm
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Electric lift: 500 W motor, 2 × 12V battery (24V total)
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Weight: 160 kg
Who uses the PHW 1.5 semi-electric and for what
The Bernardo PHW 1.5 semi-electric pallet truck is the intermediate model in the range with electric lift (500 W motor, 24V battery) and manual traction. Key construction feature: the operator presses a button to lift the load (eliminating the physical effort of the manual pump), but the load is moved by manually pushing the pallet truck (there is no traction motor). Advantage over a manual pallet truck: the lifting effort is completely eliminated, significantly reducing operator fatigue in activities with repeated lifting cycles (over 30 cycles/hour). Advantage over a fully electric pallet truck: the price is significantly lower (approximately 50-60% of the cost of a fully electric one), maintenance is simpler (no traction motor, no complex control unit), reduced weight (160 kg with battery) allows for easy manual handling. Suitable for: warehouses with frequent lifting cycles but short transport distances (typical 10-30 meters), activities with untrained operators who require simpler equipment than a fully electric one, workshops with occasional but intensive use during peak work. For intensive cycles over long distances (over 30 meters) or challenging inclines, a fully electric pallet truck (with traction motor) is recommended.
Its place in the Bernardo range
The Bernardo manual and semi-electric pallet truck range is organized into 5 main sub-families: LOW (PHW 1.0 LOW-35 and PHW 1.5 LOW-51) for low-profile pallets with fork height 35-51 mm; STANDARD (PHW 2.5 P) for general use 2,500 kg; LONG (PHW 2.0 L-1800/2000/2500) for double pallets and long loads with extended fork length; SEMI_ELECTRIC (PHW 1.5 semi-electric) with electric lift and manual traction; HEAVY (PHW 5.0 S) for heavy industrial loads up to 5,000 kg. The PHW 1.5 semi-electric is the intermediate model between manual pallet trucks (PHW manual range) and fully electric pallet trucks. For intensive lifting cycles but short transport distances, it is the correct choice in terms of cost/productivity; for fully electric use with a traction motor, the fully electric models in the higher range (not in the PHW catalog) are correctly sized.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 working days (7 days for Southern Italy). Due to its high weight, it requires a pallet truck or crane for unloading from the transport vehicle. Compact dimensions, manageable in any warehouse or workshop. Original Bernardo spare parts (steering wheels, load wheels, complete hydraulic pump, operating lever, 24V battery, lifting motor, seals and hydraulic cylinders) available from stock with 3-5 working days shipping. Customer assistance available in Italian.
Who is the PHW 1.5 semi-electric for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Warehouse with frequent lifting cycles over short distances |
Recommended |
Electric lift eliminates the physical fatigue of the manual pump, manual traction manageable over 10-30 meters. |
| Workshop with untrained operators |
Recommended |
Simpler than a fully electric pallet truck (no license required in many contexts, simplified maintenance). |
| Warehouse with intensive cycles over long distances (over 30 meters) |
Adequate |
For long-distance traction, a fully electric pallet truck with a traction motor is correctly sized (not in the PHW range). |
Not suitable for: environments with constant exposure to water or dust (acidic environments and excessive humidity degrade the lead-acid battery); use without regular charging (the lead-acid battery requires full charging every 8-24 hours of work); transport over long distances (over 30 meters) with high frequency (a fully electric pallet truck is preferable); loads over 1,500 kg (for higher capacities, models with higher capacity are required).
Load capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Capacity |
1500 kg |
| Load center |
600 mm |
Forks
| Specification |
Value |
| Fork length |
1140 mm |
| Single fork width |
160 mm |
| Distance between forks |
220 mm |
| Overall width |
540 mm |
| Fork height at rest |
50 mm |
| Minimum fork height |
90 mm |
| Maximum lifting height |
200 mm |
Maneuverability
| Specification |
Value |
| Steering angle |
90° |
| Turning radius |
1430 mm |
| Steering wheel |
Ø 220 × 65 mm |
| Load wheel |
Ø 74 × 70 mm |
Electrical system
| Specification |
Value |
| Lifting motor power |
500 W |
| Battery voltage |
2 × 12V (24V total) |
| Travel speed (with/without load) |
3.0 / 3.3 km/h |
| Gradeability (with/without load) |
5 / 8 % |
Weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Net weight |
160 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
| Directive |
Machinery 2006/42/EC |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo PHW 1.5 semi-electric pallet truck
- Integrated hydraulic pump
- Operating and steering lever
- Polyurethane steering and load wheels
- 500 W electric lifting motor
- 24V battery (2 × 12V) included
- Standard charger included
- Control panel integrated on the lever
- User manual in Italian
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery last with daily use?
The 24V battery (2 × 12V lead-acid) typically supports 200-400 lifting cycles per full charge. In normal daily use, it lasts a full working day (8 hours with intermittent cycles).
For intensive continuous use (over 4 hours of active lifting per day), it is recommended to plan overnight charging: the lead-acid battery supports complete discharge/recharge cycles without significant degradation, provided charging is complete (8-12 hours). Frequent partial charges accelerate lead-acid battery degradation. Average lead-acid battery life: 3-5 years in normal use, 2-3 years in intensive use. Standard 2 × 12V battery replacement: easily available spare part at a low cost (€200-400), simple to replace operationally.
Is the electric lift fully automatic?
Yes. The operator presses the 'Up' button on the steering lever to lift the load (500 W motor activates the hydraulic pump), and 'Down' to lower it. Lifting is continuous as long as the button is pressed, until the maximum height is reached.
The automatic lifting eliminates the physical effort of the manual pump: for cycles with repeated lifting (over 30 cycles/hour), the reduction in fatigue is significant (the operator does not experience the typical right arm fatigue of a manual pallet truck). For cycles with occasional lifting (under 10 cycles/hour), the advantage is marginal and a standard manual pallet truck is economically preferable. Load traction (horizontal movement) is still manual: the operator pushes or pulls the pallet truck with the steering lever.
Is a license required to use the semi-electric pallet truck?
In many Italian contexts, no. The reference legislation (Legislative Decree 81/2008) requires specific training for the use of forklifts with a traction motor (category K). The PHW 1.5 semi-electric only has electric lift (it does not have a traction motor), which is why in many business contexts, standard safety training is sufficient.
Pre-purchase verification recommended: consult with your company safety manager (RSPP) regarding specific internal policies. Some companies still require specific training for any motorized equipment, even if not legally mandatory. INAIL guidelines for semi-electric pallet trucks generally include: basic safety training, knowledge of the machine's capacity and operational limits, ability to perform minimal maintenance (battery level check, wheel integrity check).
Is the charger included?
Yes. Standard 24V/8A charger integrated with a 230V single-phase power cable. Full charging time from a flat battery: 8-10 hours.
Charging takes place via a standard domestic socket (230V Schuko): no specific electrical adaptations are required. Important: the charger must be connected during non-use hours (typically at night) to prevent deep battery discharges that reduce its lifespan. For intensive use on a double shift (over 12 hours a day), a fast charger (4-6 hours) or a spare battery for mid-shift battery change may be necessary: spare parts available through Bernardo or specialized suppliers.
Can I use it outdoors?
In an emergency, yes; for continuous use, no. The PHW 1.5 semi-electric has standard IP54 protection: it resists dust and occasional water splashes but is not designed for constant use in outdoor environments with rain or high humidity.
For regular outdoor use, precautions are recommended: protective cover during non-use, placement in a covered area during breaks, drying of electrical contacts after exposure to humidity. Constant exposure to rain degrades the lead-acid battery and internal electrical contacts of the motor: the machine's lifespan is significantly reduced. For permanent outdoor environments (construction sites, outdoor storage), manual pallet trucks (LOW, STANDARD, LONG, HEAVY) without electrical components, or industrial electric forklifts with dedicated IP65 protection, are correctly sized.
