In lots of warehouse environments, pallet jacks play a variety of roles. Available in widely different styles, these handy tools can be either manual, operated by human power and simple hydraulics or powered by an electric motor. Different businesses get new or used pallet jack models in different ways, for specific purposes for materials handling.

Buyers can check out models of pallet jacks for sale on the web, explore visuals for thinking about how to use pallet jacks, and get safety tips on using specific types of pallet jacks in an industrial or retail environment. Buyers might be considering:

1. Using pallet jacks for moving goods around a warehouse floor.

2. Getting quick transport for loading or unloading with electric pallet jacks.

3. Stacking pallets with high rise pallet jack models.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use manual pallet jacks

Many of these manual pallet jacks do not lift pallets up to any considerable height. They are useful for simply moving pallets from one area to another horizontally. Manual hand pallet truck models do not require as much staff training as there is no motorized component or lift safety issue.

I recommend: Find manual pallet jack models in bright industrial yellow at Norlift of Oregon. Find tips on buying and using the manual pallet jack at Indif.com.

Utilize electric pallet jacks for advanced handling

These motorized 'hand trucks' offer much more, from loading-unloading to stacking, quick transport, or tilting. Electric power pallet jack models are much like forklifts, but without the bulky 'driver's seat', as many models allow the operator to simply stand by the jack operator component and steer in a way much like the manual pallet jack system. For these models, it's important to train staff in how to steer and watch out for obstacles, as the motorized versions can reach relatively high speeds in open areas.

I recommend: Find tips on electric pallet jacks at the State Compensation Insurance Fund site online. Get more info on electric pallet jacks at seller GlobalSpec.

Find high rise pallet jacks for stacking pallets

If the goal is to get pallets stacked on top of each other, or shelve them, high rise pallet jacks can accommodate this. For stacks higher than a few feet, businesses will want to go with a full-fledged forklift for safer tasking, but for short stacks, a hydraulic rise pallet jack can do the job. These require some staff training for balanced loads and other safety issues.

I recommend: Zorin's high lift pallet trucks get pallets up high for shelving or other storage. Learn more about heavy lifting with hydraulics and durable high rise pallet jacks at Beacon Technology.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always think about the applications of the pallet jacks you buy and train staff accordingly. Some staff tend to treat pallet jacks like toys, and irresponsible use of any of these tools on the floor can be detrimental.

Sometimes described as "mini-forklifts," pallet jacks are small loaders essential for moving jobs or in a warehouse. The manual version is simple: forklift prongs, wheels and a handle. Electric types, the power pallet jack, can sometimes accommodate a rider, and operate like a forklift with more restricted range of motion.

If you need pallets moved, you can find solutions online. Use pallet jacks to:

1. Lift and transport furniture or other heavy items.
2. Take pallets on or off of vehicles.
3. Arrange palleted goods for storage in a warehouse environment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Rent or lease pallet jacks through online providers

For quick moving jobs, you can get pallet jacks and other equipment like dollies and hand trucks for a limited period of time. Check out priced pages of online rentals for easy pricing.

I recommend: AAA Rentals includes priced equipment such as pallet jacks; guide pages at Rentalsite direct you to renters of pallet jacks and moving tools.

Find pallet jacks for sale online

Vendors of pallet jacks and similar moving machinery provide detailed pages with product information and price listing to help you make a convenient and informed buy.

I recommend: Toyota lends their popular brand name to a line of pallet jacks; Blue Giant provides a wide range of warehouse solutions on their site including diverse pallet jack models.

Get a used pallet jack

Like most durable products, both manual and electric pallet jacks are often for sale pre-owned. Online third parties can get these to you at bargain prices.

I recommend: Use the easy drop-down lists at Forklift Network to find used pallet jacks for sale. Another choice is Material Handling Exchange; their site deals in used warehouse materials.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When buying pallet jacks, make an effort to talk about conditions. If you are buying new, talk warranties. If you are buying used, discuss the wear and tear that may be on your purchases; some jacks work fine but look bad, others work, but may have idiosyncrasies you need to know about.

Working in a warehouse, receiving/shipping at a manufacturing plant or any other environment requiring the movement of empty or product-filled pallets, the right pallet jack will certainly ease your load. Depending upon your needs, though, they can set you back several thousand dollars. While manual pallet jacks might often cost less, budgeting for an electric or motorized pallet jack will speed up the process, save you time and money and even help avert potential accidents.

Pallet jacks' pricing and costs vary depending on the power source, load capacity, capabilities and construction materials. Prices typically range anywhere from just under $200 to more than $6,000. This guide takes a look at:

1. Special application pallet jacks for your business.

2. Powered pallet jacks to make your job easier.

3. Deals to look for on pallet jacks.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Ensure the pallet jack does what you need it to

Don't simply buy a pallet jack without first ensuring it will perform the way you expect. Avoid reweighing charges with freight companies by using pallet jacks equipped with scales. If you need to use it outdoors, check to see if you can operate the pallet jack that interests you in rough terrain.

I recommend: Material Handling Solutions carries a WESCO pallet jack that comes with a UL-approved scale helpful in weighing large containers prior to shipment. This helps companies save a step by weighing items on the jack instead of weighing them before they get on the jack. For roughly $2,000, the LiftScience pallet truck with scale can handle 5,000 pounds and comes with a one-year warranty. For under $7,000, you can purchase the Vestil ALL-T-2-GPT-L gas-powered all-terrain pallet truck from Factory Express. It comes with a weight capacity of 2,000 pounds, a Briggs and Stratton 6HP engine and emergency shut-off release.

Invest in a powered pallet jack to make the job easier and faster

Consider investing in power pallet jacks or electric pallet jacks to avoid having to push, pull and manually maneuver heavy pallet loads.

I recommend: For precision handling and quicker loading times, read more about the electric pallet jacks from Zorin Material Handling Company. You can select electric power pallet jacks for sale that handle anywhere from 3,000 pounds to 6,000 pounds. Prices for the pallet jacks range from just over $2,500 to just under $6,000. Learn more about the self-propelled electric power pallet jack from Global Equipment Company. The pallet jack handles loads up to 3,000 pounds, includes ergonomic handle features, comes with a one-year warranty and costs less than $3,000.

Look for deals on pallet jacks

Good deals come in many forms when you're looking for a powered or hand pallet truck. Putting a little extra time into your search can land you a good deal on a new, refurbished or used pallet jack.

I recommend: Forklift City offers several ways to save money on a pallet jack for sale. If you're going to resell, the company offers wholesale and used pallet jacks. It also offers economical rental options. Visit the Forklift Network website to get free quotes on a new, used or refurbished pallet jack. Yankee Supply provides new and used pallet jacks and offers periodic specials and liquidations. If your budget won't permit an electric pallet jack and you don't want to go with a used one, consider a new hand pallet truck from Material Flow & Conveyor Systems. With several different brands and features to choose from, you can find what you need for less than $500.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget to factor the cost of shipping into your budget when selecting a pallet jack. The heavier the shipping weight, the more you'll have to pay. Shipping costs can climb to nearly $1,000 for a pallet jack weighing in excess of 1,000 pounds.

If you're running a business that involves moving merchandise in a warehouse, chances are you're using pallet jacks. As with any type of machinery, anyone using or working near a pallet jack should know about pallet jacks safety. Whether you're using electric pallet jacks, a power pallet jack, a used pallet jack or a hand pallet truck, safe operation of this piece of equipment is essential.

From specific safety guidelines for your particular pallet jack to preventive measures to avoid injuries when using a pallet jack, there are several resources you can use to obtain pallet jacks safety information. Before you begin looking for pallet jacks for sale, take the time to learn about pallet jacks safety:

1. Review guidelines for pallet jacks safety to prevent any possible injuries.
2. Get information about pallet jacks safety whether you're using manual or power pallet jacks.
3. Find helpful videos that will train your employees in pallet jacks safety.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look over standard safety guidelines for any type of pallet jack

While the guidelines of safely operating different types of pallet jacks may differ from one manufacturer to another, there are some basic safety guidelines that apply to all types of pallet jacks. From wearing proper footwear and clothing while operating a pallet jack to proper storage procedures, it's a good idea to become familiar with these safety tips.

I recommend: SafetyXChange gives safety instructions about pallet jack maintenance, storage, operation and even proper operator clothing and footwear that should be worn while working with pallet jacks. AboutSafety.com provides some basic, but useful, safety tips regarding pallet jack use.

Know how to safely operate all types of pallet jacks

You might be working with manual pallet jacks, electric pallet jacks or ride-on power pallet jacks. Whatever the case, you should know all about the safety guidelines regarding your particular type of equipment. From how to handle manual pallet jacks on inclines to safely maneuvering electric pallet jacks, you'll be sure to keep you and your employees safe when you learn specific operation safety rules.

I recommend: The Florida Municipal Association for Safety and Health offers free safety seminars, including one on warehouse safety that covers operating pallet jacks. Training-Classes.com offers online training for powered pallet jack safety, covering everything from pre-use inspection to placing a load.

Get safety videos that will teach you and your employees all about pallet jacks safety

There are many pallet jacks safety resources available on the Internet. Videos can be purchased and downloaded and then made available to your employees. From safety tips to safe operating instructions, videos are one way to ensure your employees are receiving pallet jacks safety information.

I recommend: Preview an online video about powered pallet jack safety supplied by Safety Advantage. See a preview and read an excerpt from a video about electric power jack safety available from Black Mountain Safety & Health.