A pole for a hand pallet truck that includes a pole bar which is linked to a support for a steerable wheel at its lower end and connected to a loop-shaped handle at the other end. An operating device is disposed within the space defined by the handle. The operating device is attached to a holding extension projecting into the handle in prolongation of the bar, and is connectable to a lifting apparatus of the hand pallet truck via a traction and/or pushing element. If applicable, it is connectable via a second traction and/or pushing element to a brake of the hand pallet truck, wherein an operating lever is disposed on either side of the extension. The operating levers are pivotally mounted on the holding extension in a plane essentially defined by the handle.