Electric Pallet Trucks vs. Manual Pallet Jacks: A Complete Comparison

Purchasing a pallet jack can be very useful for many businesses. That’s because there are always situations when you need to move merchandise around a store, warehouse, and so on. With that in mind, there are different options to consider, and the most popular ones would be either a manual pallet truck or an electric pallet jack. Both of them have their own uses and benefits; however, it’s up to you to narrow down the best option. Here’s what you need to consider when buying either an electric or manual pallet jack.

What can they be used for?

A manual pallet jack is inexpensive, and it’s designed to carry smaller amounts of load. It’s also easy to move and store in tighter spaces. On the other hand, an electric pallet truck offers better strength and performance, it’s faster to operate, and it can be great for every facility, regardless of its size. A pallet jack electric unit is also very ergonomic, and it can protect operators from injuries.

Power capabilities

A manual jack is manually operated, and it usually comes with a small handle that lowers/lifts the forks. Some models have a foot pump for operating the hydraulics, although most of these manual units require you to use your strength to move the unit.

Thankfully, in the case of an electrical pallet jack, its motor will do all the work for you. There’s no physical labor involved, which helps increase workplace safety. Additionally, it’s a battery-powered unit that you can recharge overnight or when the electric pallet truck is not in use. Lithium-ion batteries tend to be preferred mainly because they charge faster and they are also lighter. Clearly, you have better comfort and productivity with an electric pallet unit, so keep that in mind.

Load capacity

Load capacity will vary usually between 2000 and 10000 pounds. While both units can technically support heavier weights, manual pallet jacks come with limitations right out of the gate. They involve manual work, and the operator’s strength is limited. However, the electric pallet hack is better here since it can help carry heavier loads. Based on our experience, manual pallet jacks are suitable for lighter loads that need to be moved up to 40 feet away. If you need to move items across larger distances and they are very heavy, an electric pallet lift is the best option.

Costs

Manual pallet jacks can be anywhere from $300 to $700, depending on the products, sometimes even a bit more. An electric pallet truck can cost around $1500 to $2000, maybe even more, depending on the option you want. Some of them might come with an extra battery, which could increase pricing.

If you choose a manual unit, you’re getting a lower immediate cost and not a lot of maintenance requirements. On the other hand, an electric pallet jack is an investment, it might require additional batteries down the line, maybe even a new motor. Yet at the same time, a pallet jack electric is not only easier to use, it enhances productivity, while protecting everyone from getting injured.

Certification

It’s also important to note that a manual pallet jack operator needs on-the-job training. An electric pallet jack operator will need to have a dedicated license, along with adequate training. One thing to note is that electric pallet units like this are similar to forklifts, hence the reason why they get classified within the same category. Getting a certification is not very difficult, you participate in a safety class and then go through an exam, along with a final evaluation.

Maneuverability

A manual pallet jack is good if you want to operate in small storage areas and tight spaces. That’s because it has a very short head length. However, if you want to maneuver any load with ease, regardless of its size and weight, an electric pallet truck is the better option to consider. It also has a very small turning radius, not to mention loading/unloading trailers or transporting items is a lot easier.

What’s the better option?

It always depends on what kind of loads you need to work with, their size and weight, but also operating distance. And, of course, pricing is always something to keep in mind. For a lot of people, an electric pallet jack is the right investment. It can help you lift heavy loads, boost productivity, and also prevent injuries that can happen on the job sometimes. If you want to enhance your workplace’s productivity and keep your team safe, investing in an electric pallet unit is the right option since it delivers the best return on investment!