Overview
ISO 938:1975 - "Hand-operated stillage trucks - Principal dimensions" is an International Standard that defines the principal dimensional parameters for hand-operated stillage trucks so they are directly compatible with corresponding stillages. First published in 1975 (transformed from ISO Recommendation R 938-1969), the standard establishes maximum truck height and width, the basic length of the elevating frame, and standard lift increments and tolerances to ensure interoperability between trucks and stillages.
Key topics
- Scope and purpose
- Specifies principal dimensions of hand-operated stillage trucks that relate directly to stillage dimensions.
- Ensures dimensional compatibility across manufacturers and users.
- Principal dimensions covered
- Maximum width (B) - standard maximum widths include: 470 mm, 560 mm, 620 mm, 700 mm (corresponding inch values also given in the standard).
- Basic length of elevating frame (C) - standard lengths include: 800 mm, 1 000 mm, 1 200 mm, 1 500 mm, 1 600 mm (with corresponding inch values).
- Lift (D) - the standard specifies common lift increments and authoritative tolerances; tolerances and allowable deviations are defined to permit fitting of lifting devices.
- Maximum height (A) - the standard defines the maximum truck height with the elevating frame lowered (A).
- Tolerances and special notes
- The standard includes lift tolerances and notes that the upper deviation may be left free to permit hydraulic lifting devices.
- Some dimensional requirements or notes apply only above specified load thresholds (the document references applicability above certain mass limits).
Applications
- Manufacturers and designers use ISO 938 to design hand-operated stillage trucks that are dimensionally compatible with standard stillages and lifting devices.
- Warehouse operators and logistics planners rely on standard dimensions to ensure that trucks and stillages interoperate safely and efficiently in storage and handling systems.
- Procurement and compliance teams reference the standard to specify equipment requirements and verify conformity.
- Safety and standards engineers use the dimensional rules to reduce mismatch risks, improving ergonomics, load stability, and workplace safety.
Related standards
- ISO 1756 - covers dimensional specifications of stillages that are intended to be transported by hand-operated stillage trucks (ISO 938 dimensions are defined in relation to ISO 1756).
- ISO/TC 110 - the technical committee responsible for industrial trucks and related standards.
Keywords: ISO 938, hand-operated stillage trucks, principal dimensions, stillages, elevating frame, lift tolerances, industrial trucks, ISO 1756.