IFOY Audit
Finalists undergo the three-stage IFOY Audit as part of the IFOY Audit, which takes place during the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. This consists of the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, the IFOY Test and the jury test.
The new WJ 50 (also called the WJ 50 Series) is a lightweight electric pallet truck that sets new standards in its class thanks to its durability, ergonomic design and comprehensive, unique warranty package. The most compact powered pedestrian pallet truck available from Crown is designed to help today’s diverse workforce handle heavy loads in tight spaces with less effort.
Product name and company
WJ 50 – Crown
Category
Warehouse Truck „lowlifter“











When operators use pallet trucks in their daily tasks, they can encounter a wide variety of challenges, including confined spaces, narrow doors and elevators, inconsistent aisle widths and floors of different types. Crown has therefore developed the WJ 50 for conditions, where size, weight and performance are crucial. It is particularly suitable for truck transportation and kerbside deliveries, as well as for use in wholesale and retail.
Weighing just 159.5 kilograms including the battery for the 1.2 t model and 162.5 kilograms for the 1.5 t model, the WJ 50 Series is a lightweight. Thanks to its compact design, exceptional maneuverability, industry-leading head length of just 370 millimeters and an industry-leading turning radius of just 1,319 millimeters, the pedestrian pallet truck is ideal for use in tight spaces. The ergonomic design and the coordinated 48V system also make a significant contribution to increasing efficiency. The comprehensive “3-2-1 warranty package” is unique on the market.
“With the WJ 50 Series, we offer a powerful alternative to manually operated pallet trucks. It combines robustness, maneuverability and ergonomics and enables operators to work more efficiently and achieve more in less time”. Christian Peter, Marketing Product Manager at Crown.
The most important highlights of the WJ 50 are:
The WJ 50 is designed for performance, operator convenience and safety in wide variety of applications, including curbside delivery in transport and logistics, replenishment in retail trade or load handling in wholesale trade. This is also confirmed by the positive feedback from our customers, who have already subjected the truck to intensive practical tests: “They particularly praised the precise handling and comfortable driving experience as well as the robust design, which really comes into its own in demanding applications”, Christian Peter, Marketing Product Manager at Crown.
The WJ 50 is a lightweight electric pallet truck that is capable of easily handling loads up to 1500 kilograms. The ergonomic design and the coordinated 48V system make a significant contribution to increasing efficiency and reducing total cost of ownership. The tiller with optimally accessible, intuitive controls enables precise operations – even with one hand and in the vertical tiller position. These ergonomic details of the control handle enable a working process without interruptions and minimize operator fatigue.
The WJ 50 utilizes Crown’s V-Force lithium-ion-batteries and multiple convenient charging options to ensure it is ready to work when you are. A learning algorithm adapts the remaining runtime indicator on the display to different work cycles so that the operator always has an overview of the remaining runtime. The battery is secured with an automatic locking mechanism and can easily be removed and inserted with one hand.
Instead of plastic, Crown uses sturdy steel covers that protect the sensitive components. This helps minimize the need of spare parts and repair costs. At the same time, the enclosed design and protective skirt contributes to safe operation and protects the operator.
An extensive range of work assist accessories increases operator comfort and productivity. Highlights include the load backrest option and Crown InfoLink fleet management, designed to encourage safe operation.
| This is a | Completely new model |
| Date of market launch | 06/25/2025 |
| Competitive products | Jungheinrich AME 15 Linde T 14 B / Still EXH 14C Toyota LHE 150 |
| Special equipment IFOY test device | None |
| Drive type | Electric |
| Lifting weight max. | 1200 u. 1500 kg |
| Truck weight | 125 kg |
| Driving speed without load | 5,0 km/h |
| Lifting speed without load | 0,030 m/s |
| Lifting height max. | 190 mm |
The Crown WJ 50 is a compact electric pallet truck positioned as an innovative alternative to conventional hand pallet trucks and larger electric models. The series includes two models with load capacities of 1.2 and 1.5 tons. The trucks are developed in-house by Crown and manufactured in China.
One of the most notable features is its exceptionally compact design: with an I2 dimension of just 370 millimeters and a turning radius of 1,319 millimeters, the WJ 50 ranks among the most maneuverable trucks in its class. This makes it particularly suitable for use in trucks, narrow aisles, elevators, and loading areas.
Its low weight of around 160 kilograms, including the battery, further enhances its practical usability. Unlike heavier electric pallet trucks, the WJ 50 can be easily used on tail lifts and in truck bodies.
The design fully reflects the manufacturer’s design language, featuring a robust steel cover and optimal foot protection. Typical Crown details include markings on the fork tips as well as an 800-millimeter marking for sideways pallet handling.
Four battery options (10, 15, 20, and 25 Ah) are available for the smaller model, while the 1.5-ton version comes with the three largest batteries. All batteries share identical dimensions and feature a patented Crown locking system. An integrated charger is included as standard, with an external charger available as an option. If the onboard charger is omitted, a storage compartment is installed in its place.
A key innovation is the integrated 48-volt lithium-ion system. According to the manufacturer, the use of V-Force batteries reduces energy consumption by up to 39 percent compared to the market average. However, this could not be verified through measurement during the IFOY Audit.
The low energy consumption results in reduced operating costs and less downtime thanks to more efficient charging cycles. A learning algorithm that adapts the remaining runtime to actual work patterns also provides greater transparency and improved planning capabilities.
The test team highlights the highly responsive handling and strong stability, particularly when cornering and positioning the truck precisely. The WJ 50 comes standard with support wheels and, according to the testers, offers exceptionally smooth and precise handling within its segment.
The ergonomic tiller can be operated with minimal hand and wrist movement. By quickly activating the thumb controls twice, creep speed is engaged, allowing operation even with the tiller in an upright position – ideal for confined spaces.
The truck also performs well in terms of safety: it is secured against rolling away and remains stable on slopes of up to nine degrees.
Another unique feature is the “3-2-1 warranty package,” which includes a three-year warranty on the chassis and forks, two years on the battery, and one year on key components.
The Crown WJ 50 stands out for combining compactness, energy efficiency, and ergonomics in a single platform. Users benefit from more efficient operations in confined spaces, reduced physical strain, and lower operating costs. In particular, the exceptionally precise controls – rare in this segment – are highlighted by the test team as a major advantage.
| Hard facts | Test Truck IFOY Test | Average other trucks | Value 1 to 10 | ||
| Productivity Max mode | no data | no data | Pallets p. hr | ||
| Productivity Eco mode | no data | no data | Pallets p. hr | ||
| Energy level Max mode | no data | no data | kWh 100 pallets | ||
| Energy level Eco mode | no data | no data | kWh 100 pallets | ||
| Driving speed with load | no data | 4.7 | km/hr | ||
| Driving speed without load | 5.03 | 5.1 | km/hr | ||
| Sprint speed with load | no data | 9.3 | time 10 mtrs | ||
| Sprint speed without load | 7.8 | 7.78 | time 10 mtrs | ||
| Averages soft facts | |||||
| First impression | 8.60 | ||||
| Load Safety | 8.00 | ||||
| Working position | 8.25 | ||||
| Activate truck | 8.00 | ||||
| Hydraulics | 7.86 | ||||
| Steering | 8.83 | ||||
| Sight | 8.75 | ||||
| Driving & Turning | 8.83 | ||||
| Parking truck | 7.67 | ||||
| Safety elements | 9.00 | ||||
| General after test | 9.00 | ||||
| Sustainability | 8.00 | ||||
| Totals | |||||
| Total average soft facts | 8.40 | ||||
| Total productivity | 0.00 | ||||
| Total Energy consumption | 0.00 |
With the WJ 50, Crown introduces a lightweight, electric low-lift pallet truck that redefines the standards for compactness and durability in its class. Weighing just 125 kilograms (without battery) and with a load capacity of up to 1.5 tons, the truck impresses with an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. Particularly remarkable is the impressive head length of just 370 millimeters, which, combined with a turning radius of 1,319 millimeters, enables maximum manoeuvrability in the tightest of spaces. The build quality appears extremely solid thanks to the deliberate omission of plastic in favour of durable steel covers, promising a long service life even under harsh operating conditions. A well-designed operating concept with an ergonomically shaped tiller allows for intuitive control of all functions, while the manoeuvring function ensures precise load positioning.
The innovation of the WJ 50 is in its comprehensively designed package, which combines extreme compactness, ruggedness, and efficiency. Crown has succeeded in optimizing the dimensions of a well-known model to the point where it is only slightly larger than a manual pallet jack yet delivers full electric performance. Technologically, the truck relies on an efficient 48-volt lithium-ion battery, whose energy consumption is impressively below the market average. Also unique in this vehicle class is the ability to integrate it into the Crown InfoLink fleet management system, as well as the option of a load guard, which underlines its professional credentials. The warranty package offered rounds out this innovative approach and sets a new standard in the market.
The WJ 50 offers significant customer benefits by substantially reducing total cost of ownership while increasing operational efficiency. Thanks to its compact design, it is the ideal solution for truck transport, use in elevators, or in narrow-aisle environments. Its low weight combined with high stability and sturdiness significantly increases safety on loading ramps and lifting platforms, and its responsive controls allow for precise manoeuvring in tight spaces. Intelligent battery management enables easy one-handed battery replacement and offers flexible charging options, minimizing downtime. Ergonomic features such as intuitive controls reduce operator fatigue and make the equipment easily accessible even for a varying workforce.
The Crown WJ 50 is considered to have outstanding market relevance, as it offers a high-performance alternative even to manual pallet jacks in a high-volume product category. In industries such as wholesale and retail, as well as in transport logistics, there is an enormous need for solutions that enable maximum productivity in confined spaces. The combination of ruggedness and state-of-the-art connectivity makes it equally attractive to small businesses and large fleet operators alike.
The Crown WJ 50 is an impressive evolution of the classic low-lift pallet truck, distinguished by its unmatched compactness and exemplary durability. A thoroughly impressive product that brilliantly bridges the gap to manual handling through cutting-edge technology.
| Functionality / type of implementation | ++ |
| Novelty / Innovation | Ø |
| Customer benefits | + |
| Market relevance | ++ |
| ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available | |
Image/video credits: Crown Gabelstapler
Finalists undergo the three-stage IFOY Audit as part of the IFOY Audit, which takes place during the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. This consists of the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, the IFOY Test and the jury test.
In den Statuten sind die Grundwerte und die Standards des IFOY AWARD festgelegt, nach denen die Organisation handelt. Dazu gehören unter anderem Gremien, Wahlomodus, Bewertungskriterien sowie der Code of Conduct.
The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year has three bodies: Jury, sponsors, and advisory board.