What Tool Does Almost Every Warehouse Have in Common?
A pallet jack, of course. Electric and manual pallet jacks are a popular tool used to lift and move pallets of goods that would typically be time-consuming, difficult, or even impossible to move manually. Also known as a pallet truck, pallet lifter, lift truck, hand jack, or pallet mover (among others), pallet jacks are not only back savers, but can be major time savers as well.
Similar to a forklift, pallet jacks are used to lift and move heavy pallets, containers, or skids. They are smaller and more easily maneuverable than forklifts and come in a variety of sizes, from narrow aisle fork trucks to heavy-duty wide all-terrain pallet jacks. They're also available for specific industries, such as stainless steel models for environments that require stringent cleaning and sterilization.
Pallet Jack vs. Forklift: What's the Difference?
Even though pallet jacks and forklifts do similar jobs, there's a time and a place for each.
Pallet Jacks:
- Compact in size
- Usually manual, electric, or battery powered
- Maximum of around 5,500 lb. capacity
- Maximum lift height of around 10 inches
- Usually used indoors on a smooth surface
- Can only move ground-level pallets or goods
- Lower cost, slower operation
- Training is not required by law but strongly encouraged
Forklifts:
- Larger size, ability to lift heavier loads and higher
- Powered by gasoline, diesel, LPG, propane, electricity, or battery
- Can be used indoors or outdoors, on smooth or rough surfaces
- Can move ground level or elevated pallets or goods
- Higher cost, faster operation
- Requires operator safety training and certification
Popular Pallet Jack Brands Carried by SJF
Atlas Toyota, Atlet, Cat, Clark, Crown, Edsal, Hyster, Raymond, Toyota, Uline, Vestil Manufacturing, Wesco, and Yale.
Whether you're looking for new or used pallet jacks, SJF has you covered. Check below to see our current used inventory, or check out the new pallet jacks in our online store.