Pfaff-Silberblau HU 20-115 VATP Stainless Steel ATEX Hand Pallet Truck

PROLINE | 2,000 kg Capacity | V4A 316 Stainless Steel | ATEX Zone 1 & 2 | CE Marked

The Pfaff-Silberblau HU 20-115 VATP is the specialist 2,000 kg pallet truck for use in ATEX-classified explosive atmospheres and corrosive environments. The entire chassis, forks, connecting rods, bolts, torsion tube and hydraulic unit are constructed from V4A grade 316 stainless steel rather than powder-coated mild steel, with conductive antistatic steering rollers eliminating static buildup during operation. Engineered and manufactured in Germany, it is suitable for use in ATEX Zone 1 and Zone 2 atmospheres.

Key Features

• V4A 316 stainless steel construction throughout — frame, forks, adjustable connecting rods, bolts, torsion tube, and hydraulic unit are all V4A 316 stainless. This is the higher of the two common stainless grades (compared to V2A 304) and gives substantial resistance to chloride and acid corrosion typical of food, pharmaceutical, and chemical production environments.
• ATEX Zone 1 & 2 certified — type-tested for use in atmospheres where flammable gases or vapours may be present. The combination of antistatic rollers, sparking-free hydraulic unit, and grounded construction meets the ATEX 2014/34/EU directive requirements for Zone 1 (gases present frequently in normal operation) and Zone 2 (gases unlikely but possible).
• Conductive antistatic steering rollers — dissipate static charge through the chassis to the floor, preventing the buildup of voltage that could create an ignition risk in explosive atmospheres.
• Polyamide (PA) load rollers — harder than the standard polyurethane rollers, non-sparking, and resistant to chemical attack. The PA/PA roller specification is mandatory for ATEX compliance.
• Cleanroom and food-grade compatible — the stainless steel construction is suitable for HACCP food-production environments, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, and chemical handling facilities where corrosion or contamination of conventional powder-coated steel would be unacceptable.
• 2,000 kg capacity — full PROLINE-grade load rating. The stainless construction does not reduce capacity compared to the standard PROLINE range.
• Ergonomic safety handle with 105° steering — same operator interface as the standard PROLINE range. No specialist training required for operation beyond the ATEX awareness that should already be in place for personnel working in classified zones.

Technical Specifications

More About This Product

The Pfaff-Silberblau HU 20-115 VATP is the specialist pallet truck for use in ATEX-classified explosive atmospheres and corrosive environments. Engineered and manufactured in Germany, the entire chassis, forks, connecting rods, bolts, and torsion tube are constructed from V4A grade 316 stainless steel rather than the powder-coated mild steel of the standard range. The hydraulic unit is also stainless V4A 316. Conductive antistatic steering rollers eliminate static buildup during operation. Together these features make the VATP suitable for use in ATEX Zone 1 (gases and vapours present continuously, frequently, or for long periods during normal operation) and Zone 2 (gas atmospheres unlikely in normal operation, occurring infrequently and for short duration). Operating capacity is 2,000 kg.

Where Is the VATP Used?

The VATP is the truck of choice in three distinct environments: chemical and petrochemical facilities operating under ATEX, food and pharmaceutical production lines that demand stainless construction, and offshore or coastal operations where salt corrosion would destroy a standard truck within months.

In chemical plants, the VATP is specified for solvent handling, paint manufacture, alcohol distillation, and any operation where flammable vapours can accumulate. The ATEX Zone 1 rating covers areas adjacent to open vessels or process equipment where vapour release is part of normal operation. The Zone 2 rating extends coverage to indoor production halls where a leak or spill could create temporary flammable atmospheres.

In food and pharmaceutical production, the stainless construction matters even where ATEX classification doesn't apply. Powder-coated mild steel trucks chip, rust, and shed flakes into product zones, and they can't be washed down with the chemicals used in HACCP and GMP cleaning regimes. The VATP's V4A 316 stainless can be cleaned with the same caustic, acid, and chlorinated detergents used on the production line itself.

Offshore platforms and coastal logistics yards specify the VATP because salt aerosol destroys conventional pallet trucks within 12 to 18 months of exposure. The stainless construction extends working life by an order of magnitude in these environments.

Recommended Pre-Use Checks

1. Visually inspect the stainless steel frame for any signs of pitting, contamination, or weld discolouration that could indicate corrosion attack from incompatible chemicals.
2. Check the antistatic steering rollers for embedded debris — conductivity depends on clean roller-to-floor contact.
3. Test the lift and lower functions through full travel.
4. Confirm the hydraulic system holds pressure for 30 seconds unladen.
5. Inspect for hydraulic oil leaks — oil contamination in an ATEX zone is a serious safety issue.
6. Verify the ATEX classification plate is legible and the certificate is current.
7. Check the conductive connection between the steering rollers and the chassis (electrical continuity).

Safety Information

• Do not exceed the 2,000 kg safe working load.
• Do not use to lift personnel.
• Distribute the load evenly across both forks.
• The VATP is ATEX-rated for Zone 1 and Zone 2 GAS atmospheres only — not for dust atmospheres (Zone 21 / 22). A different specification truck is required for dust hazards.
• Do not modify the truck in any way that could compromise the ATEX rating — replacement parts must be original Pfaff-Silberblau stainless specification.
• The antistatic rollers must be kept clean for conductivity to function. Inspect at every pre-use check.
• Move at walking speed only. Pedestrian operation.
• Operators in ATEX zones must be trained on the specific hazards of the area and the limitations of the equipment.
• Rated for ambient temperature -10°C to +50°C.
• Inspect annually under PUWER 1998 and BGV D27. ATEX certification must remain current.

Downloads

• Pfaff HU 20-115 VATP Datasheet (EN, PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions