What is better for you to use, a pallet jack or a forklift? The answer lies in what kind of business you run and what practical needs you have. Your choice depends on the type of products you handle and the time for this operation.
Our Pick
A forklift might be a great option if you have a big business where you want to move a lot of heavy things in the least possible time. On the other hand, if you have some basic lifting tasks in your home garage, a pallet jack might be your best companion.
Each machine has its utility. You cannot go wrong with either if you are certain of your applications and needs. But let’s dive a bit into each and compare them.
About Pallet Jack
Do you have limited money and storage space but want something to help you with heavy lifting? A pallet jack or a pump truck is a trolley with wheels that can lift and carry moderately heavy things up from the ground. The forks under the handle lift and unload the items you use.
Features
- Pallet jacks are compact and easily maneuverable. Hence, they can be used easily and efficiently for loading and unloading.
- Pallet jacks can be easily used for small and lightweight objects in small areas like a home garage.
- You can easily pick up from low shelves up to around 8 inches.
- Pallet jacks are much easier and faster to carry loads for longer and longer distances.
- Pallet jacks are ideal for longer use as they require very little maintenance after very long periods.
- You can store a pallet jack in the corner of your garage or storage cupboards.
- Pallet jacks are ideal for small warehouses, restaurants, and home usage.
Pros
- Small and compact
- Low to no operating costs
- A very economical device when compared to a traditional small-scale forklift
- No real maintenance is required for manual pallet jacks
- Very low operational and maintenance costs for electric pallet jacks
- Highly versatile and durable
- Can carry weights up to 3000 lbs. depending on your model and type
- Very easy to maneuver and maintain by a single user
Cons
- Cannot lift heavy weights above 1000 kgs in some models
- Manual pallet jacks are slow and not ideal for bigger warehouses
- Loads cannot be lifted very high, unlike forklifts
- Manual pallet jacks can be fatiguing for some users when used for longer periods
- Can only use it on flat and smooth surfaces like marble or concrete
- Cannot lift and place items on higher shelves
About Forklift
A fork is generally an industrial load-lifting vehicle with a height-adjustable fork in the front. Forklifts come in every form. The standard and compact ones need the driver to stand while operating them. Advanced models allow the driver to sit and drive.
The traditional forklifts have a gasoline-powered engine. However, there are electric options available now as well. If you have a load weight over 4000 lbs., you should prefer a forklift over a pallet jack. If you master a forklift, you can lift more packets in less time and transport them more easily without injury.
Features
- If you are dealing with heavy loads and want to lift them to higher racks, a forklift can help you lift them to 35 feet.
- Forklifts offer more stability and power when lifting luggage, construction material, and even vehicles.
- Forklifts are more suited for irregular surfaces and offer more stability when working on uneven terrain and lifting heavy loads.
- You are most likely to see Traffic police, construction workers, carpenters, and even some lifeguards using forklifts. This shows how versatile a forklift can be.
Pros
- Item can be lifted from 25 to even 35 feet in height
- More suited than a pallet jack if you are on a road
- Engine-operated forklifts are fast and more powerful
- Reduces the chances of physical fatigue and injury for the operating individual
- Practical for heavy weights
- Do not require frequent maintenance
Cons
- Much expensive over a traditional pallet jack
- Experts required to operate the machine
- Spare parts cost more, hence expensive maintenance
Similarities Between a Pallet Jack and a Forklift
There are some similarities in both these apparatuses. Let’s compare them to help you make an even better decision before buying one.
- Cut Labor Cost
One thing is certain whether you choose a pallet jack or a forklift. Both make machines help you cut out the intermediary labor cost involved in heavy lifting anything. If you are a home user and require something to move your fridge, a small showcase, water tanks, or anything small yet heavy enough, a pallet jack can reduce your effort exponentially. You can even buy a small forklift for carrying things in and out of your house.
- Do Not Require a Lot of Space
Pallet jacks and even some forklifts can be used in small, congested places. Pallet jacks are very easy to store in small places. At the same time, some forklifts are also designed in a way that they can disassemble easily and be stored in a reasonably small corner of your garage without obstructing your car parking. If you have a standing forklift, it can be easily maneuvered in close spaces, just like a pallet jack.
- Can Use Them Indoor and Outdoor
A forklift and a pallet jack can be used for small, lighter loads to avoid fatigue and possible back injury. Both can be used in smooth indoor spaces. But a forklift might be better if you want something to work in hardcore, rough conditions. If you have small inclinations to move over, both can work. But on more aggressive inclines, a forklift might be better to work with to avoid injury.
- Easy to Use
Pallet jacks are super easy to operate. You only load the item and push the pallet truck to its desired location. A forklift is even easier. You only need to lower the forks under the item and raise them. Now, you put it into gear, take it anywhere you want, and put it on a shelf up to 35 feet high. You can also exponentially speed up the loading and unloading process using a motorized pallet jack or forklift.
Differences Between a Pallet Jack and a Forklift
- Size
Pallet jacks are much smaller in size than even the smallest forklift. The square loader frame is small, the wheels are small, and the maneuvering handle is slim and slick. On the other hand, a forklift has a much larger fork loader frame at the bottom. It takes more space in front and can sometimes be dangerous when used around other workers or helpers. Pallet jacks are also very easy to store in cupboards or storage spaces.
- Weight
Pallet jacks consist of a square metal loader frame to carry weight. This frame is mounted on small six to seven-inch wheels. This makes it an extremely lightweight apparatus when compared to a forklift. On the other hand, a forklift has large metal forks in front, mounted on a stable yet heavy tire assembly. Don’t forget the motor or engine that powers it.
- Mode of Power
You can manually power a pallet jack by pushing and pulling your body weight. A forklift uses a traditional gasoline engine, battery, and electric motor to do the heavy lifting and maneuvering. This makes a forklift much more reliable and versatile than a pallet jack.
- Loading Limit
You cannot load any weight over 4000 lbs. on a pallet jack. It becomes too difficult to maneuver and can potentially crush the frame. On the other hand, a forklift can easily lift weights to 10000 lbs. and even raise them to 35 feet.
- Maintenance Cost
A pallet jack requires practically no maintenance as long as the frame doesn’t break and the wheels are all ok. On the other hand, a forklift requires a certified operator to operate. On top of that, a professional can only do the maintenance. Don’t forget the spare parts, as they also cost a lot on top of the retail for the forklift itself.
Conclusion: What Should You Prefer?
You cannot go wrong with either of these lifting equipment as long as you are clear on your needs with both. Both these machines have their advantages and cons. Hence you should consider all the factors stated above before buying. The purpose is to lift, and you can do that with either. Nevertheless, you should consider investing in a forklift if you have frequent heavy liftings and loadings. Furthermore, a forklift might be your best option to invest in if you want to reduce time and labor costs.
