When a Forklift is Just Too Much – Pallet Jacks & Pallet Stackers Get the Job Done
For many warehousing, manufacturing, and retail applications, a fully outfitted forklift is not the right choice—operationally or financially. Sometimes a forklift is overkill for the task at hand. That’s the time to look at the less-than-forklift solutions for moving pallets. Pallet Jacks, Walkies, and Pallet Stackers often fit the bill. They’re less expensive, generally easier to maintain, great for short-distance pallet moving, and a better fit for narrow aisles and tight spaces. Easy to handle and space-saving don’t just apply to the equipment. Pallet jack batteries don’t require the heavy changing equipment of electric forklifts. And, from a safety standpoint, the batteries require minimal maintenance and no watering. Let’s look at the options.
Pallet Jacks
 Manual/Hand Pallet Jack (CLARK CJ55) |
 Electric Pallet Jack (CLARK WPL40) |
 Electric Walkie Rider (CLARK PWXE) |
Pallet Jacks come in two flavors—manual and electric. Manual or hand pallet jacks hydraulically lift a pallet off the floor up to about 6 in. and require the operator to push or pull the load around the warehouse manually. For this reason, manual pallet jacks are not designed for heavy-duty jobs, but models are available to lift up to 5,500 lbs.
Electric pallet jacks are a step up. Rather than ask the operator to move the load physically, electric pallet jacks have an electric motor to assist in low-level lifting and transporting of the loaded pallet. They’re available in load capacities of up to 8,000 lbs. Electric pallet jacks come in two types: one where the operator walks behind or in front of the equipment, and one with a platform for the operator to stand on – also referred to as a “walkie-rider”.
Pallet Stackers
 Straddle Pallet Stacker |
 Counterbalanced Pallet Stackers |
 Reach Pallet Stacker |
Pallet stackers are very useful for raising loads to a higher level—generally up to 189 in.—in narrow spaces where a forklift might not fit. They come in three styles.
- Straddle Pallet Stackers have outriggers outside of the forks to help balance the truck and provide lateral stability to loads lifted to a height.
- Counterbalanced Pallet Stackers use the weight of the truck to provide stability to lifted loads.
- Reach Pallet Stackers also allow the operator to store or remove pallets at higher levels, but with the extended reach using the pantographic fork carriage.
Straddle and counterbalanced pallet stackers are capable of handling loads of up to 4,000 lbs., while reach pallet stackers’ capacity tops out at about 3,000 lbs.
Which Pallet Jack Is Best for You?
- If you are simply moving pallets with moderate loads a relatively short distance, like unloading pallets from a small truck to a close-by storage area – a manual pallet jack is probably your best bet.
- Moving a heavier load across the floor of a spacious distribution center – you probably want to look at an electric pallet jack.
- Have an operator moving pallets with a pallet jack for a whole shift – take a look at one with an operator platform.
- Are you also going to ask your less-than-forklift device to store or remove palletized product stored on a higher rack – then you probably want to go with a pallet stacker.
We can help
Let us help you pick the right pallet handling device or vehicle for your facility. Apex’s application specialists are at your disposal to discuss your material handling and pallet moving needs and financing options. Give us a call at 833-226-4573.