Pallet jacks and forklifts are essential equipment you’ll find in almost any warehouse, distribution centre or other industrial facility. However, deciding between a pallet jack vs forklift for your specific business needs means you need to carefully consider factors like load capacity, aisle space and operational efficiency.
As a leading provider of materials handling solutions in the North West, TAG Forklifts can help you determine whether pallet jacks, forklifts, or a combination of both will best serve you.
What is a Pallet Jack?
A pallet jack, also known as a pallet truck or pallet pump, is a no-frills materials handling tool that operators use to move loads on pallets over short distances. There are two main types:
- Manual pallet jacks – Operators use a hydraulic pump to raise and lower the pallet jack’s forks to transport loads at ground level. They then manually push or pull the loads.
- Powered pallet jacks (electric pallet jacks) – These motorised alternatives offer battery-powered wheels for effortless movement and improved efficiency.
Operators can easily navigate in tight spaces and standard pallet passages thanks to a pallet jack’s manoeuvrable and compact characteristics. However, their load capability is limited compared to forklifts.
When Should You Use a Pallet Jack?
Pallet jacks are ideal for transporting palletised loads in limited spaces with level floors. They facilitate efficient pallet handling for:
- Loading/unloading delivery vehicles
- Moving loads short distances within a facility
- Positioning pallets for storage racking
- Manoeuvring in retail stores and constricted spaces
Their low cost, manoeuvrability and simplicity make pallet jacks a staple for many warehouse, distribution and retail operations that handle standard pallet loads.
Note: Don’t overload the pallet jack. Each type has different load-handling capabilities, so make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
What Is a Forklift?
Forklifts, also called lift trucks, are powerful vehicles that can lift, transport and place extremely heavy loads on raised platforms or racks. There are many different types of forklifts, including:
- Counterbalance forklifts – These sturdy workhorses have rear counterweights to offset the heavy loads the forks in front pick up.
- Reach trucks – These trucks are designed to operate in narrow passages and elevated racking by reaching forward.
- Order pickers – With an integrated picking platform, order pickers allow operators to build orders efficiently.
Forklifts utilise one of the following power sources to raise and manoeuvre heavy loads with precision through hydraulics:
When Should You Use a Forklift?
While more complex and costly than pallet jacks, forklifts are essential for moving heavier loads exceeding the limits of manual equipment. They enable applications like:
- Lifting and stacking heavy pallets on racks in high-bay warehouses
- Transporting dense loads like machinery, construction materials, etc.
- Order picking and stock replenishment in warehouses with very narrow aisles
- Outdoor material transport and loading/unloading on construction sites
A forklift’s increased reach, stability and load capacity make it invaluable for intensive materials handling environments like distribution hubs and manufacturing facilities.
Pallet Jack vs Forklift: Which Is Best for Your Needs?
In many cases, operations will utilise both pallet jacks and forklifts to handle varying load types and capacities efficiently. However, these key considerations can help guide you in choosing the most suitable equipment for the job:
Load Capacity Needed
Pallet jacks are sufficient for lighter palletised loads, while forklifts provide the necessary power and stability required for heavier, denser loads.
Available Operating Space
Manual pallet jacks are compact for standard pallet passages but lack vertical reach. Powered pallet jacks have more manoeuvrability than forklifts in confined spaces, while forklifts are better for high-racking in open warehouses.
Types of Loads to be Moved
Pallet trucks are optimised for horizontal pallet handling, while forklifts can lift diverse load types. Reach trucks excel at narrow aisle racking and order picking, while counterbalance trucks suit heavy outdoor transport.
Work Cycles and Distance
Pallet jacks are ideal for short, intermittent pallet movements. Forklifts enable longer continuous runtimes and transport over greater distances efficiently.
While there is certainly some overlap and combined use, pallet jacks serve horizontal pallet transport over short ranges, whereas forklifts provide powerful vertical lift and long-haul capability. Evaluating these core factors will indicate which materials handling equipment will best meet your facility’s needs.
TAG: Your One-Stop Shop for Materials Handling
Keeping operations productive, safe and streamlined requires selecting the right tools for materials handling. Both pallet jacks and forklifts play vital roles, each excelling in specific applications based on load weights, operating environments and workflow demands.
TAG Forklifts is the leading provider of all forklift trucks and materials handling equipment in the North West. We offer an extensive range of new and used equipment for sale or flexible rental, along with comprehensive service, parts and accredited operator training.
With over 25 years of experience, TAG Forklifts has the expertise to meet all your warehouse trucking needs through a personalised, consultative approach. Contact us today.
