Pallet trucks (also called pallet jacks) are essential tools for moving palletized loads in warehouses and workshops. They’re simple, efficient, and often the first piece of material handling equipment that small to medium operations invest in.
Pallet trucks are ideal for short-distance moves. Whether you're transferring goods from a receiving dock to staging, or moving pallets around a workshop, pallet trucks are the most cost-effective way to handle these tasks.
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What Makes a Pallet Truck the Right Tool?
Pallet trucks are designed specifically for moving pallets on flat surfaces, making them perfect for tasks like:
- Moving pallets from the receiving dock to storage
- Transporting goods from staging areas to packing stations
- Repositioning goods on the production floor or warehouse
However, they aren't suited for long-distance moves, rough terrains, or heavy-duty lifting (that’s when a forklift might be necessary).
If your operation involves frequent, short movements with palletized loads, a pallet truck is likely the right choice.
Types of Pallet Trucks: Choosing the Best Fit for Your Needs
1) Standard Manual Pallet Trucks
Best for: most warehouses, receiving/staging, small-to-mid throughput
Why: low cost, minimal maintenance, easy to train
Look for these if you’re upgrading basic dock flow or adding extra capacity to reduce forklift waiting.
2) High-Lift Pallet Trucks
Best for: light-duty lifting to a working height (e.g., staging, light assembly, packing support)
Why: can reduce bending and improve ergonomics
These aren’t meant to replace a forklift; they’re for bringing loads up to a better working height for short-duration tasks.
3) Narrow / Short-Fork Pallet Trucks
Best for: tight aisles, smaller pallets, cramped workshops
Why: easier maneuvering when space is limited
If your operators constantly “three-point turn” in aisles, a shorter fork length can make a noticeable difference.
4) Wide / Long-Fork Pallet Trucks
Best for: wider pallets, double pallets (where applicable), unusual load footprints
Why: better support for non-standard loads
Use these when standard forks don’t properly support your typical pallet or skid.
5) Stainless Steel Pallet Trucks
Best for: washdown areas, food-related environments, humid/corrosive conditions
Why: improved corrosion resistance
If rust shows up quickly in your environment, this category is worth considering.
6) Weighing Pallet Trucks
Best for: operations that need quick weight checks for shipping, compliance, or internal control
Why: reduces trips to a stationary floor scale
Key Terms to Know When Shopping for Pallet Trucks
Capacity (Load Rating)
The maximum weight the pallet truck can safely lift and move. Always choose a truck with a slightly higher rating than your typical load.
Fork Length
Typically, 48" is the standard length for pallets. However, shorter or longer forks will affect maneuverability and compatibility with different load types.
Lowered Fork Height
This refers to how low the forks sit when they’re fully lowered. It’s important for ensuring the pallet jack can reach low-clearance pallets.
Lift Height
The maximum height a pallet truck can raise a load. High-lift models are used for lifting pallets to a comfortable working height, reducing the need for bending or squatting.
Turning Radius
This is the space required for the pallet truck to turn around. If you have narrow aisles, you’ll want to choose a model with a smaller turning radius.
Practical Use Cases for Pallet Trucks
1) Receiving & Staging
In the receiving area, pallet trucks help move goods from unloading zones to staging areas. They’re perfect for quick transitions without the need for forklifts, which may be busy with other tasks. This helps avoid bottlenecks and improves overall efficiency.
2) Pick/Pack Support
Pallet trucks also play a key role in maintaining smooth workflows on the pick/pack line. They’re used to move packaging materials, stock pallets, or even outbound shipments to the next phase in your process. This reduces the need for forklift support, which can be reserved for heavier tasks.
3) Workshops & Light Manufacturing
In workshops, pallet trucks are great for moving heavy components or pallets to assembly lines, workstations, or even production cells. They help keep material handling simple and efficient, whether you're working with large parts or smaller, lighter materials.
Safety and Best Practices When Using Pallet Trucks
Like any piece of equipment, pallet trucks require proper use to ensure safety and efficiency. Here are some quick tips:
- Always center your load on the forks to maintain stability.
- Don’t exceed the rated capacity of the truck.
- Use slower speeds when turning around corners or obstacles to avoid tipping over.
- Keep your hands and feet away from the wheels and forks when operating.
- Ensure your aisles and travel paths are free from obstructions for smooth operation.
How to Choose the Right Pallet Truck
When selecting the best pallet truck for your operation, consider the following:
- What is the typical load size and weight you’ll be moving?
- Do you need the truck to lift pallets to a specific height?
- How tight are your aisles and turning spaces?
- Will you be using the pallet truck outdoors or in wet environments?
- Do you need a weighing function integrated?
After answering these questions, you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision about the pallet truck that best suits your needs.
Ready to find the perfect pallet truck for your facility? Shop pallet trucks.
If you need help selecting the right model for your operation or want to get a customized quote, don’t hesitate to reach out: Get a quote / contact our team.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a manual pallet truck and a powered pallet truck?
Manual pallet trucks require you to pump a lever to raise the forks, while powered models are electrically driven, making them easier to use for longer distances or heavier loads.
How do I know what fork length I need?
48" is the standard for most pallets, but if you deal with smaller or larger loads, you may need to opt for shorter or longer forks.
Can a pallet truck be used outside?
Manual pallet trucks are best suited for smooth, flat surfaces. If you're working outside on rough or uneven terrain, a powered pallet truck or forklift might be a better option.