What is a Pallet Jack and How Does it Work?

Used pallet jacks are one of the most useful and commonly used warehouse tools, and they are used to transfer thousands of pounds of inventory with ease, and can be used to unload trailers as an alternative to forklifts.

Pallet jacks are a tool for lifting and transporting wood pallet that can be either hydraulic (manual), or powered. Manual and hand powered jacks have forks that are separated from the wheels, allowing them to move upwards while the wheels stay firmly planted on the ground. The forks are hydraulically lifted enough for the pallet load to be raised just off of the floor.

Powered or electric pallet jacks are motorized, allowing them to lift moderate sized loads. This style will allow you to move the device with a throttle-control for forward and backward motion, and a handle for steering. Some models of electric jacks contain a platform for the user to stand on while operating.

What are your Width, Length, and Weight Requirements?

To determine the width required for the forks of your used jack, measure the width of the forklift openings on the pallet. The forks on the jack should have one inch of space on either side when inserted into the openings of the pallet. So subtract two inches from the width of the pallet openings when selecting your used jack.

The length of the forks should typically be the length of the stringers, which are the parallel pieces of timber on a pallet. If you have different sized pallets, it is recommended that you get pallet jacks that are fitted to the largest size you have.

Electric or Hydraulic?

Both electric and hydraulic used pallet jacks can hold a considerable amount of weight, but the standard hydraulic lift capacity is 5,500 pounds, with some models that can hold more. Used electric jacks usually range from a 3,000 lb. capacity to 6,000 lb. capacity. When purchasing a used or new one, be sure to check the weight restrictions specific to that model, as they can vary widely.

Hydraulic pallet jacks require you to manually transport the load once it is raised off of the ground, but they also require little to no maintenance and no external power source. Electric pallet jacks are easier to maneuver, but also require charging and some upkeep when used over an extended period. Both are extremely useful, so it is determining which is more appropriate for your application.

Pros and Cons of Buying New vs. Used

The main advantage to purchasing a used pallet jack over new is it costs less, because a new one can cost several thousand dollars over the cost of used. Lead time is a bigger factor when purchasing new, because typically lead time for buying used equipment is much less (depending on the company and product). On the other hand, buying used can be risky if you aren’t dealing with trustworthy vendors. If the hours of usage aren’t accurately recorded on a used electric jack, the battery will need to be replaced sooner than expected. This can cost as much as the jack in some cases.

How to Purchase a Reliable Used Pallet Jack

There are certain things that you must look out for when trying to find a trustworthy and reliable reseller of used pallet jacks. Ask the vendor for pictures of the specific used pallet jack that you are considering buying, and ask for up-to-date usage logs. The picture will be able to tell you the current condition and how or where it was being stored. You should also look for some sort of guarantee that allows you to return the product if it isn’t working properly. For example, here at ASI we provide a 30 day ASI guarantee on our used electric jacks. This allows the customer to inspect and test the equipment to ensure it is working properly.