Which is better: a pallet jack or a forklift? The pallet jack vs. forklift debate is ongoing, but it is important to note that both have their respective pros and cons. Now, let’s look at forklifts and pallet jacks in detail.
- Pallet Jack Forklift En Francais
- Pallet Jack Forklift
- Electronic Pallet Jack Forklift
- Pallet Jack Forklift Combo
From pallet jacks to full size electric and LP forklifts; industrial shelving, workbenches, lockers, and cabinets and on up to massive pallet rack storage systems; single-section of gravity conveyor to fully functional package and sortation systems - we have it all. An alternative for a pallet truck with scale is to use an industrial floor scale for pallets in combination with a standard pallet jack or forklift. But this solution is more expensive. It also takes more time to weigh the material because the operator needs to lift, load, and unload the pallet on the pallet. A hand pallet jack is used to easily move pallets and is a required tool for material handling in the warehouse and organizing pallets inside small spaces such as a truck trailer. Hand pallet jacks are often referenced as a manual pallet jacks, hand pallet trucks, pump trucks, jiggers, hand trucks, or manual forklifts.
How Does a Forklift Differ from a Pallet Jack?
Forklifts are larger in scale and have more lifting, loading, and moving capabilities than pallet jacks. Because of their ability to extend vertically, they’re used to stack and retrieve loads of heavy goods. As the workhorse of material handling, forklifts perform a variety of indoor and outdoor functions, which include:
- Lifting and moving inventory and materials
- Loading items onto trucks for transporting them and unloading trucks when shipments are received
- Lifting workers to carry out overhead tasks
- Loading and unloading ships, trains and railroad cars
- Specialty jobs, such as wet or dry sweeping of warehouse and dock floors
Forklifts are much bigger than pallet jacks, which allows them to lift heavier loads and move more materials at one time. Their ability to reach high shelves for placing or retrieving goods means more efficient use of warehouse space. Forklifts are also good at moving heavy pallet loads through narrow aisles and around tight corners.
The three basic sources for powering forklifts are electric, diesel and gas. Because they’re quiet and don’t emit noxious exhaust fumes, electric forklifts are used indoors to transport goods throughout a warehouse, distribution center or similar facility. Diesel forklifts are used outdoors for transporting heavy loads over both level and rough terrain. Gas-powered forklifts can be used both indoors (provided there is adequate ventilation) and outdoors. They cost less to buy, but fuel and maintenance costs usually offset any savings over the long term. Forklifts have two or three axles, depending on the make, model and intended uses.
Forklifts are the best choice for lifting large, heavy loads to spots high overhead. They’re also good when lifting loads of different sizes. If your company handles materials outdoors, a forklift’s sturdy wheels and power capabilities make it safer and easier to work on rough terrain. In warehouses where heavy products are stored on high racks or shelves, a forklift may be the only material handling equipment you need.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Forklifts
A forklift is a great option for those who require maximum height and load capacity. It can be easy to maneuver, and operators typically won’t have to worry about fatigue if they use a lift for an extended period of time.
Comparatively, a new forklift usually costs anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000. Ongoing maintenance is also required to keep a lift running at peak levels.
If you are considering a forklift, consider why you need a lift in the first place before you purchase one. Those who know how a forklift is used in a warehouse or other industrial work environments can determine if a lift is the best option.
What Is a Pallet Jack Used for?
When compared to forklifts, pallet jacks are much smaller and simpler material handling machines. They’re designed for moving pallet-sized loads through a warehouse. Pallet jacks can carry a maximum weight of 3,500 kg (7,717 lbs.), and come in both hand pumped or powered models. The main difference between the two is the ease of using a powered jack and the cost of the equipment.
To operate a pallet jack, a worker stands either on the ground directly behind the lift or on its forks or footings. The worker slides the forks underneath the pallet before lifting, then pumps the handle to raise the forks and pallets off the ground. The final step is to transport the load to where it needs to be. Forklifts can move and lift loads to high areas, while pallet jacks are designed to raise the forks just far enough above the ground to move loads.
Pallet Jack Advantages and Disadvantages
An advantage of pallet jacks is that they don’t need to be fueled or recharged. They can also be stored in smaller spaces. Pallet jacks can’t, however, handle the heavier loads or carry out the same types of jobs as forklifts. For those who need more power than a pallet jack offers and have the storage space, forklifts are well worth the additional cost.
Pallet jack uses vary. A pallet jack can be used to move pallet loads that are too heavy to lift or carry by hand. It can also work well in a small space or when moving lighter weight materials. Other conditions or situations for using pallet jacks include lifting a load just far enough above the surface to be able to move it when working indoors on smooth concrete floors. They’re not suitable for working on rough terrain or when a load needs to be raised to reach an overhead shelf or rack.
Furthermore, pallet jacks are affordable and require very little maintenance, which makes them a great tool for carrying out everyday tasks. They’re easy to maneuver, can speed up daily tasks, and improve the overall efficiency of a warehouse. They’re not, however, as versatile as forklifts and their uses are limited.
It often helps to consider how and where you will use a pallet jack. If you need to lift large loads in outdoor settings, you may want to consider a forklift in lieu of a pallet jack. Or, if you are handling small loads indoors, a pallet jack may be the right choice.
The Easiest and Best Way to Get Forklift and Pallet Jack Training
Choosing the right machine for the job can improve workplace safety and productivity, and can also help reduce the time needed to complete tasks, improve productivity and lower the overall cost of operations. Regardless of the type of lift you use in your business, OSHA requires all operators, including pallet jack operators, to be properly trained and certified before your workers can use them.
The reason behind OSHA’s requirement is that forklift and pallet jack training teaches the proper way to operate the equipment, which will help reduce accidents and improve overall workplace safety. Accidents or injuries involving workers who haven’t been properly trained and certified can result in severe penalties and fines being imposed by OSHA.
ForkliftCertification.com offers OSHA compliant forklift and pallet jack training that can teach your workers everything they need to know about safely operating pallet jacks and forklifts. Our training will also teach them the difference of forklifts vs. pallet jacks, along with how to:
- Conduct inspections
- Perform basic maintenance
- Recognize and avoid potential hazards
- Prevent accidents and injuries while operating the equipment
Various OSHA studies indicate operator error is the number one cause behind most forklift accidents. The best way to ensure the safety of your workers while they’re on the job is through OSHA compliant forklift and pallet jack training. FLC’s online training covers everything required. Here are some of what our training programs include:
- Operating forklifts, pallet jacks and order picking equipment
- Driving forklifts on rough terrain
- Written guides for conducting forklift and pallet jack training and evaluation
- All quizzes and tests
- Downloadable and printable proof of training
- Courses are available in both English and Spanish versions
- Lifetime free renewal training
Our complete Training Kit costs just $299 and covers everything your workers need to know about operating forklifts and pallet jacks in one easy-to-use program. Our online training is 100% OSHA-compliant and takes only about an hour to complete. Your workers can take the training using a smartphone or other digital device any time that’s convenient and anywhere there’s an internet connection, so there’s no need for them to spend time away from work traveling to and from an offsite training facility.
In less than an afternoon, your workers can complete forklift and pallet jack training and receive their certifications, so why wait – enroll them today!
FAQs
Still need more information? Below are some questions we’re frequently asked, along with our responses.
Is a pallet jack a forklift?
According to OSHA, pallet jacks, which are also known as pallet trucks, pump trucks or scooters, are the most basic type of forklift, and as such, pallet jack workers need to be properly trained and certified to use them.
Do pallet jacks have brakes?
Although there are pallet jacks equipped with brakes, most basic models, known as hand pumps, usually don’t. The forks are raised by the operator manually pumping the hydraulic system. When it’s time to place the load, there’s normally a small lever on the steering tiller to release the hydraulic fluid and lower the forks. There are, however, electrically powered pallet jacks that can only be slowed or stopped by reversing the throttle, while others have a “dead man’s switch” that stops the lift.
Can a pallet jack lift be used to lift a car?
A pallet jack can be used to lift a car. To do so, a pallet jack operator must proceed cautiously to avoid damaging the jack or the car or putting others in danger. Pallet jacks are generally not used to lift cars in garages and other automotive facilities. For those who want to lift a car using a pallet jack, they should take appropriate safety measures to avoid putting themselves or others at risk.
Do you need a license to operate a pallet jack?
Yes. OSHA’s requirement for training and certifying lift equipment operators extends to persons who work with pallet jacks.
What is the life expectancy of a forklift?
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for, and forklifts are no exception. The average forklift has a useful lifespan of 10,000 hours, and is operated 2,000 hours per year, which implies a lifespan of five years. Other factors determining a forklift’s life include the types of loads it typically carries and how well it’s maintained. Electrically powered forklifts normally outlast those with internal combustion engines.
Sign Up for Forklift and Pallet Jack Safety Training
Have other questions about training requirements for your forklift and pallet jack operators? Give us a call at (888) 278-8896 or click here to reach one of our OSHA experts online. If you’re ready to enroll your workers in an FLC training class, sign them up today! Thanks for visiting ForkliftCertification.com and considering us for all your forklift operator training and certification needs!
RECYCLE| Source separation
Weigh loaded pallets on the go with a scale pallet truck
A pallet truck with a digital weighing scale is an industrial tool to lift and move around heavy loads on pallets and weigh them directly on the go. There is no need to weigh your pallets separately on a static platform scale. A manual or electric pump truck is an ideal solution to transit and weigh cardboard bales or scrap metal at your facility.
Popular Pallet Jacks With Scale
Top 5 industrial pallet trucks with scale
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#1 | DoubleWin Scale Pallet Jack
The DoubleWin pallet truck comes with a built-in printer and has a heavy-duty construction.
- Lift capacity: 4,400 lb
- Type: Hand pallet truck
- Profile: Standard
- Integrated printer: Yes
- UL / NTEP approved: No
Check Price (Amazon)
#2 | SAGA Pallet Jack Scale
The SAGA is a sturdy heavy-duty weighing pallet jack with LB/KG convertor.
- Lift capacity: 6,600 lb
- Type: Hand pallet truck
- Profile: Standard
- Integrated printer: No
- UL / NTEP approved: No
Check Price (Amazon)
#3 | Global Industrial Pallet Scale Truck
Industrial hand pallet truck with UL / NTEP approved portable and high-quality scale / sensor.
- Lift capacity: 5,000 lb
- Type: Hand pallet truck
- Profile: Low
- Integrated printer: No
- UL / NTEP approved: Yes
Check Price (Amazon)
Weigh your waste material on the spot before selling it to a recycling company.
#4 | Pake Handling Tools Scale Pallet Truck
The Pake Handling scale pallet truck offers reliable mobile weighing with a +/-0.25% accuracy.
- Lift capacity: 4,400 lb
- Type: Hand pallet truck
- Profile: Standard
- Integrated printer: No
- UL / NTEP approved: No
Check Price (Amazon)
#5 | Pallet Truck Scale – TPR-688
The TPR-688 is a fast and easy-to-use hand pallet truck for instant weighing. The white LCD display is backlit.
- Lift capacity: 5,000 lb
- Type: Hand pallet truck
- Profile: Standard
- Integrated printer: No
- UL / NTEP approved: No
Check Price (Amazon)
More about pallet trucks with scale
What are pallet jack scales?
Pallet scale trucks are multi functional pump trucks for industrial use. The difference with a standard pump truck is that a scale pallet truck can weigh lifted pallets with an internal digital weighing scale. The pallet truck can also be equipped with an optional printer to print out a label with the calculated data.
Pallet trucks with weighing scales are available in two variants:
- Manual pallet jack: This is a hand pallet truck which is operated manually by hand with a hydraulic pump.
- Powered pallet jack: This is an electric motorized pallet truck which lifts and drives without any effort.
Electric pallet truck with weigh scales from Jungheinrich
How does it work?
When using a pallet truck with onboard weighing scale you can easily confirm the weight of the load as you are handling it. This is how it works:
- Make sure the weighing scale is calibrated carefully.
- Also make sure the pallet truck is on a level surface.
- If you don’t want to include the weight of the pallet, then first weigh an empty pallet and use the ‘tare function’ on the control panel from the display. This subtracts the weight of the pallet from the readout.
- Lift the pallet of the ground with the pallet truck to receive the weight from the weight indicator.
- The digital LCD display shows the weight of the product and is mostly accurate to one pound or half a kilogram. This is due to the surface where the pallet truck is standing on and the vibration and motion when the pallet jack is moving.
- Make sure you have selected the right metric system. Most pallet trucks with scale can show the weight in ounces, pounds or kilograms.
Pallet truck scale from Uline
What does a pallet truck with scale cost?
What is the price difference when comparing a standard pallet truck with a pallet truck with a weighing scale?
Pallet truck
- Lift capacity: ± 5,000 lbs
- Average price: ± $750
Pallet truck with scale
- Lift capacity: ± 5,000 lbs
- Average price: ± $1,500
The price of a pallet truck depends on various aspects, such as lift capacity, manufacturer, build material and features. Generally, a pallet truck with scale is more expensive than a standard pallet truck in the same class.
Why use a pallet jack with scale?
A weighing pallet truck is an excellent tool to transit heavily loaded pallets around through the aisles of your warehouse and limited space environments. Pallet jacks are known for their high maneuverability because of the large steering arc (about 200 degrees) and ease of use. Because of the built-in digital scale, you can weigh your loaded pallet on the pallet truck. This reduces the weighing time and increases productivity. The sensor load cells are located on the forks and are mounted flush to protect the loaded goods’ cells.
Weigh pallets on the pallet truck for maximum efficiency in your warehouse.
Forklift and pallet floor scales
An alternative for a pallet truck with scale is to use an industrial floor scale for pallets in combination with a standard pallet jack or forklift. But this solution is more expensive. It also takes more time to weigh the material because the operator needs to lift, load, and unload the pallet on the pallet weighing scale before weighing the product. The pallet has to be loaded again with the pallet truck or forklift to transit the material to its destination.
#1 | Prime Scales Floor Pallet Scale
The pallet scale with SFL indicator comes with a 15″ cable and wall mount bracket. The pallet weighing scale with 4 alloy steel shear beam load cells is calibrated in the USA by certified technicians.
- Weight capacity: 10,000 lb
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 6.0 inches
- UL / NTEP approved: No
Check Price (Amazon)
#2 | Scale Anything Floor Pallet Scale
The platform scale with RS-232 port has a built-in rechargeable battery. Via the RS-232 port, you connect the scale with a computer. The pallet scale can also print tickets with an optional printer.
- Weight capacity: 5,500 lb
- Dimensions: 4 x 6 inches
- UL / NTEP approved: No
Check Price (Amazon)
#3 | Optima Scale NTEP Floor Pallet Scale
The pallet floor scale is made for industrial use. The indicator is lb/kg selectable. Because of the NTEP approval, the pallet weighing scale is legal for trade.
- Weight capacity: 10,000 lb
- Dimensions: 4 x 8 inches
- UL / NTEP approved: Yes
Pallet Jack Forklift En Francais
Check Price (Amazon)
A pallet scale truck is a economical solution to determine pallet weights.
Weigh your recyclables
A pallet jack with a weighing scale is essential to use for weighing your recyclables, such as cardboard waste and scrap metal. When you have a cardboard baler in your facility, you can use the pallet truck to lift the pallet with the cardboard bale and immediately weigh the material on the go. When you have an optional label printer attached to the scale, you can print the cardboard bale’s weight on a label. This label tells you exactly how much the bale is worth when selling it to a paper mill and reading more about cardboard prices. You now also have better insight and understanding of the amount of cardboard that is separated and sorted for recycling at your facility, which can be used to measure and achieve recycling targets for your business.
Important Features Checklist
What are the features to look for when buying a mobile pallet jack with a digital scale?
- Maximum load capacity: What is the maximum lifting capacity of the pump truck? On average a pallet jack can lift and transport around 5,000 Lb or 2,250 kilograms. Make sure that the pallet truck is able to lift your desired materials.
- Is the scale pre-calibrated: Make sure that the manufacturer of the pallet scale truck has pre-calibrated the weighing scale. Also please note that the scale needs to be calibrated at least once a year for accurate measurements.
- Accuracy: How accurate is the weighing scale? Most pallet truck scales aren’t 100% accurate. The weight can deviate by one or more lb. For the highest weighing accuracy look for pallet jacks which are officially approved by UL or NTEP.
- Approved electric scale: Please be aware that generally scale pallet jacks are not trade approved. For the most accurate weighing data look for scales that are UL approved or NTEP approved. Ask the manufacturer for an official certificate of compliance.
- Metric system: Do you want to read out the weight in pounds or kilograms? Most weighing pallet trucks can change between different metric systems to change and convert the weight.
- Manual or powered pallet truck: You can buy a pallet jack that operates manually by hand or fully electric. The electric-powered pallet jacks are easier to operate for the user but are also more expensive.
- Label printer: You can add an optional printer to the scale to print out the readout data from the integrated weighing indicator.
- Connectivity ports: Some scales can be connected to printers, modems, PCs, or portable terminals. Look for the addition of RS-232 ports on the digital scale to connect the scale to other hardware.
- Standard or low profile: A low profile pallet truck is manufactured to operate with low clearance pallets and low profile skids.
- Wheels and rollers: Most wheels from pallet jacks are made of (non-marring) polyurethane with a steel wheel center. But there are also nylon rollers or rubber wheels available.
- Power supply: What type of batteries does the scale use to operate? How many hours can the scale operate on a single charge and are the batteries rechargeable? Can you also use the scale with a power cord?
- LED-backlit display: A backlit display improves readability in darker areas in and around the facility.
Pallet Jack Forklift
Low profile pallet truck with digital scale from Vestil
Pros and cons of using a pallet lifter
What are the pros and cons of using a pallet lift truck with scale?
Pros of pallet scale trucks
Electronic Pallet Jack Forklift
- No need to stop and place the pallet on a separate scale to weigh it.
- Easily move heavy loads and weigh the pallet on the go.
- Economical solution to determine the weight of loaded pallets.
- Move around loaded pallets in limited space environments, such as warehouse aisles.
Cons of pallet scale trucks
- Weighing data isn’t 100% accurate. Therefore it isn’t approved for legal trade.
- A platform scale is slightly more accurate.
- The scale has a maximum weighing capacity.
Pallet Jack Forklift Combo
Manufacturers of scale pallet jacks