Pallet jacks have several different configurations to cater to the varying needs of material handling applications. From hand manual hand-pump models ideal for short-distance moves to battery- electric- trucks that help reduce operator fatigue while increasing throughput, all types must provide a balance of capacity of pallet jacks, maneuverability and ergonomic features to facilitate workflow. The proper pallet jack depends on your load weight, travel distance and your facility’s environmental requirements.
Manual Pallet Jacks
Reasonably priced and simple, the manual pallet jack is still the best option. Best for light- to medium-duty work, they require low upkeep, and no power source. Modern manual models have ergonomically shaped handles, low-effort pumping and improved hydraulic seals for a longer life.
Electric Pallet Jacks
Electric pallet jacks (also known as pallet trucks) are the preferred option for medium- to high-volume operations. Powering the triclops is a set of battery- drive motors that effortlessly eliminate the physical stress of pushing heavy loads and ensure consistent speed and lift performance. Significant benefits are regenerative braking, onboard diagnostics, and programmable travel limits for safety.
High-Lift Pallet Jacks
High-lift models raise pallets to comfortable working heights—often 20 to 31 inches—turning them into rolling workstations. Such a design ideally minimizes back strain when performing loading, unloading, and order-picking tasks.
Specialty Pallet Jacks
- Low-Profile Pallet Jacks: Low-profile pallet jacks are made to lift non-standard pallets or skids with fork heights as low as 2 inches.
- Stainless Steel Pallet Jacks: Ideal for washdown applications in food and pharmaceutical settings.
- Explosion-Proof Pallet Jacks: Constructed of non-sparking materials for use in volatile or combustible atmospheres.
- Weighing Pallet Jacks: These models come with built-in scales to measure loads in real time, there minimizing shipping and receiving errors.
Key Features to Evaluate
These are the important specifications to look at when reviewing pallet jacks:
- Maximum load capacity: Over 20% for maximum load capacity of the heaviest load. Models can go as high as over 8,000 pounds.
- Fork Dimensions: Fork length and width should match your pallet standards, we can create non-conventional skid widths.
- Lift Height: Low-lift, high-lift, or adjustable height, depending on ergonomic needs.
- Wheel Material: Polyurethane wheels provide a good balance between floor protection and durability; nylon wheels are better suited for rough surfaces.
- Power Source: Understanding lead-acid vs. lithium-ion batteries for runtime, recharge speed, weight, and total cost of ownership.
- Ergonomics & Controls: Ideal should have adjustable tillers, low-effort pumps, intuitive controls, and cushioned grips.
Real World Usecases in Various Fields
- Warehousing & Distribution: Pallet jacks — which can be freely moved to different loading docks and storage aisles – are a faster way to move pallets in and out of storage, eliminating the need to schedule a forklift to haul it away.
- Retail & E-Commerce: With a compact footprint, pallets jacks are great for use in crowded stockrooms and storefronts, increasing restock velocity and in floor replenishment.
- Manufacturing: High-lift and weighing pallet jacks enhance production line feeding, inventory staging, and quality inspection workflows.
- Food & Beverage: Washdown capability and stainless steel construction ensures high hygiene standards in cold storage and processing environments.
- Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals: It is molded out of explosion-proof and corrosion-resistant materials to meet required safety standards.
Final thoughts
Although the initial purchase price should be a factor, assessing the total cost of ownership (TCO) offers a more comprehensive understanding of long-term value. Think about maintenance frequency, battery replacement cycles, costs of downtime and operator productivity gains, etc. Notably, equip2go enables businesses to predict costs and stack models against each other.
