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Choosing the right pallet jack is crucial for improving efficiency and safety in your operation. Learn how to select the best pallet jack for your needs by considering key factors like load capacity, environment, and ease of use.
Many companies rely on different types of pallet jacks—manual, powered walk-behind, or powered ride-on—to move products horizontally within their facilities. Factors like workers' comp claims, operator fatigue, productivity, and product damage play a key role in determining the best option. Understanding the distance operators travel and any specific application constraints will further guide you in choosing the right equipment.
The hand pallet jack has no power and requires manual pushing and pulling. It is ideal for distances under 40 feet and does not require an operator to attend OSHA compliant training.
If product movement occurs more frequently than once an hour, it’s unrealistic to expect operators to move loads over 2,000 lbs with a manual pallet jack. The cost of one back injury can far exceed the investment in a powered pallet jack, making it a safer and more efficient option.
A powered electric pallet jack that you walk behind (“walkies”) is helpful when operator fatigue is a concern. Although the equipment moves at the same pace of the operator, it does not slow down with longer distances or excessive usage.
Walkie pallet jacks are perfect for distances of 40-100 feet and are commonly used in the back of stores, small manufacturing facilities with low volume, and delivery trucks. Customers who choose walkie pallet jacks typically need a powered unit for reasons such as reducing operator fatigue or increasing efficiency, even though they may require only a few additional features.
If your application requires frequent use or longer travel distances, the rider pallet jack can help reduce operator fatigue and increases safety. With travel speeds of about 8 mph it is more than two times faster than a walking pace.
Found often in warehouses and distribution centers with higher volume, this equipment can be used for low lever order picking. With a relatively low acquisition cost, if you are only looking for horizontal movement, it can be an economical replacement for a standard forklift.
Start your search for available equipment and product lines with ProLift’s equipment finder. It helps you quickly identify the best solutions that match your criteria.
The material handling industry categorizes forklifts into various types. One category includes electric motor forklifts operated either by walking behind or standing, such as electric pallet jacks. These forklifts are ideal for a range of applications requiring efficient and compact equipment.
Regardless of the manufacturer, this category of forklifts carries a smaller price tag. While oftentimes the savings is enough, many companies find additional benefits.
If stacking product is not a requirement, an electric pallet jack may fit the needs of your application. On average, it offers a savings of 65% compared to a similar capacity sit-down forklift.
Purchasing one electric pallet jack can replace several hand pallet trucks. While hand pallet jacks are inexpensive in initial cost, the lost productivity can easily justify a powered pallet jack.
The use of electric power versus internal combustion powered forklifts offers the advantages of quieter operation and lack of fumes. This can be especially important if your operator is moving product in an enclosed area. Electric product also has lower operating and maintenance expenses when compared to internal combustion forklifts.
Having the product lifted and propelled by a powered motor instead of the operator reduces the back strain and fatigue experienced by operators of hand pallet trucks. Your company may experience a reduction of reported injuries.
Our sales consultants are available to answer your questions and help select the best equipment. Schedule an onsite visit for a complimentary quote.
As a full-service material handling dealer, ProLift can help you with questions and solutions for your equipment, service, parts and more. Tell us how we can help.
Let us know how we can assist you! A ProLift specialist will connect with you to help with your material handling needs.
