A pallet is very useful when there is a need to move pallets in tight spaces, inside a truck, or across short distances. Learning what a pallet jack is helps teams avoid common material handling problems and costly safety hazards. At RDS, we help customers choose equipment that fits the space, the load movement, and the day-to-day use so the job stays efficient and safe.
What is a Pallet Jack?
A pallet jack is a walk-behind piece of material handling equipment used to move palletized products. It is designed to lift a pallet slightly off the ground and move it from one place to another.
It is not a racking machine. A pallet jack helps with ground-level movement, transport, and positioning in work areas where a forklift may not be the best fit.
How is a Pallet Jack Used in Daily Operations?
In day-to-day work, pallet jacks are used to move product through tight spaces and short routes. They are especially useful when the operator needs simple pallet movement without overhead placement.
Common uses include:
- Moving pallets in tight, confined spaces
- Transporting a product inside a box truck
- Moving loads from the front of a truck to the back for unloading
- Handling product movement between work areas on the floor
How a Pallet Jack Moves a Load
A pallet jack uses hydraulic lifting to raise the pallet off the ground enough for transport. Depending on the type, movement may be manual or powered.
The basic process is simple:
- Position the forks under the pallet
- Lift the pallet using the jack’s hydraulic function
- Move the load by pushing, pulling, or powered travel
- Lower the pallet into place
Key Takeaway: A pallet jack is best for ground-level pallet movement, not placing loads into racking.
Types of Pallet Jacks and How They Work
There are several types of pallet jacks, and the right one depends on your application. The main difference is how the unit travels and how much operator assistance it provides.
Manual Walk-Behind Pallet Jack
A manual walk-behind pallet jack is one of the most basic options. It hydraulically lifts a pallet off the ground, but the operator manually pushes and pulls it to move the load.
This option works well when:
- Travel distances are short
- Space is tight
- Load movement is simple
- Powered travel is not necessary
Power Jack and Walkie Rider Options
A power jack also hydraulically lifts and lowers the product, but it adds powered travel. It helps push forward and pull in reverse with the operator walking behind the unit.
A walkie rider gives the operator the option to walk behind or ride on the equipment. On this type, lift, lower, and travel functions are all hydraulically powered.
Pro Tip: Choose the pallet jack style based on the application first, not just the price. Travel distance, space limits, and workflow matter.
Choosing the Right Pallet Jack for Your Application
The best pallet jack depends on how and where you plan to use it. We always recommend matching the equipment to the actual job conditions.
When a Pallet Jack May Be Better than a Forklift
A pallet jack may be more beneficial than a forklift in very tight areas with limited room. It can maneuver and turn more easily in confined spaces.
It is also a strong choice when you are not placing loads into racking. If the work only requires ground-level movement, a pallet jack may be the better fit.
Where Pallet Jacks Commonly Fit Best
A common example is moving product inside the back of a box truck. If you need to move product from the front of the truck to the back for unloading at another facility or customer location, a pallet jack can be a practical tool.
Need expert help with your pallet jack? Contact RDS Equipment for a free consultation.
Safety Tips For Using a Pallet Jack
Safe operation starts with familiarity. Operators need to understand how the equipment works before moving the product.
Learn the Controls Before Moving Product
If the pallet jack is manual, understand how it lifts, lowers, and functions. If it is electric, take time to learn the powered lift, lower, and travel controls.
Practice Without a Load First
Before moving the product, use the pallet jack with no load to get comfortable with the controls. This helps the operator prepare for real work and reduce mistakes in potential scenarios.
If you need help selecting the right equipment for your space and workflow, contact RDS Equipment to talk through your options and get matched with the right solution for what a pallet jack is.
