How to Choose the Right Pallet Jack for Your Warehouse?
Lifting heavy pallets from point A to B can be energy draining, time consuming, and may require more than one person to get the job done. This is where a pallet jack can come handy.
What is a Pallet Jack?
Also known as a pallet pump and pallet truck, a pallet jack is a tool commonly used in warehouses to lift and then move pallets from one location to another with relative ease. It is a machine that is used to lift heavy loads with minimal effort while also protecting the person operating the machine from any possible physical injury that may otherwise occur from over exertion. Simply put, pallet jacks are integral parts of racking systems.
Different Types of Pallet Jacks
There are different types of pallet jacks available in the market today to help those that run a warehouse carry and handle any palletized load possible with ease and convenience. Here’s a look at the most common and popular types of pallet pumps:
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Manual Pallet Jack
This is the simplest and most common type of pallet pump available. It features a basic steel machine combined with a hydraulic-pump. The operational mechanism of this pallet jack is as easy as it can be. All you need to do is pump the handle up and down. It has a lever on the handle to lower or disengage the lift action.
Recommended For
The manual pallet jack has the capacity to a carry load up to 5,500 lbs, not more. This type of pallet pump is a low-lift sort used to move palletized-loads over small distances.
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Electric Pallet Jack Walk Behind
Electric walk behind jack is popularly known as walkie pallet jack. Unlike a manual pallet pump, this type is powered by a battery and is twice the size of a standard manual pallet pump. Since it features electric assist, a simple press of the button is all you need to lift and lower heavy loads.
Recommended For
This kind of pallet pump is ideal for warehouses where heavy palletized loads that weigh more than 5,000 lbs are handled. The electric pallet-jack has the load lifting capacity of up to 6,000 lbs. They are best for use on loading-docks and staging areas.
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Ride-on Pallet Jack
Featuring an advanced riding platform, this type of pallet pump can be best described as an advanced version of an electric pallet jack walk behind. Instead of dragging the pallet jack, the operator rides-on the pallet jack, hence the name. The operator steps up onto the pallet jack’s platform and drives it, making it extremely easy for the operator to move loads.
Recommended For
Though a standard ride on pallet jack has the capacity to lift load up to 4,000 lbs, nonetheless its speedy operations and battery powered mechanism enables operators to carry and transfer heavy loads quickly over large distances. The comfortable seating position and smooth operational performance provides a comfortable working environment for operators promoting enhanced productivity and fast cycle times.
Summary
To find the right pallet jack for your warehouse, it’s extremely important to keep your load-lifting requirements in consideration and distance you would want to lift and move the load to. Remember, there is a large variety available, so take your time to navigate through the choices to find the right pallet jack that suits your warehouse needs the best.