Manual vs. Electric Pallet Jacks

When it comes to moving heavy pallets of materials over short distances within your warehouse, pallet jacks play a critical component of your day-to-day operations. For a fraction of the cost of a new or used forklift, pallet jacks are not only a cost-effective solution, they’re also more adaptable to surroundings.
 
Choosing the right pallet jack for the job can be tricky as every work environment is different, but the selection process can be simplified by taking a few key factors into consideration before investing in either a manual or an electric pallet jack.

Facility Size

Larger facilities generally require electric pallet jacks. Moving heavy pallets manually over a longer distance can be tiring for the operators, which make electric pallet jacks the perfect choice for the job. On the other hand, if you’re working in narrow aisles, manual pallet jacks may be a better option as maneuvering or stopping suddenly can be challenging with an electric pallet jack.

Pallet Stacking Needs

Electric pallet jacks are generally better designed for easy lifting and moving heavy pallets to an elevated position. Manual pallet jacks require more operator effort to lift weighted pallets off the ground and can contribute to worker fatigue and a loss of productivity and efficiency.

Operating Costs

Let’s face it. Electric pallet jacks cost more than their manual counterparts and this investment takes time to pay off. To determine whether you should make the investment, factor in the cost of personnel and time compared to the potential productivity gains of electric pallet jacks.
 
While both pallet jack options have their pros and cons, we’ve listed some benefits and trade-offs for consideration in your decision-making process.
 

Manual Pallet Jacks

Pros:

• Lower cost means more widely used in the logistics and materials handling industry
• Lower maintenance costs as manual pallet jacks have no electrical components
• Manual pallet jacks are more reliable and highly durable due to their rugged design
• By design, manual pallet jacks can transport heavy loads smoothly without damaging pallets
• Varying fork dimensions are available to better serve different applications and usage

Cons:

• Manual pallet jacks can be strenuous to the user compared to electric pallet jacks
• Operating a manual pallet jack can be challenging due to its nature of design
• Manual pallet jacks are less beneficial if loaded close to its weight capacity
• Capacity is limited to how much the operator can handle

 

Electric Pallet Jacks

Pros:

• Electric pallet jacks have less probability of operator injuries with automated power to lift heavy weights
• Electric pallet jacks are available in light, medium and heavy-duty categories so you will always have equipment available depending on your business requirements
• The electric nature of these pallet jacks means day-to-day tasks such as lifting and moving around can be carried out easily
• In a busy work day, this translates into more work being completed in a short span of time
• Electric pallet jack forks can be raised higher than manual counterparts with electric powered forks

Cons:

• Electric pallet jacks are more expensive than their manual siblings
• Repair and maintenance costs can be significant on electric pallet jacks since electrical components are required for operation
• Stopping an electric pallet jack on short notice can be tricky as these machines are built to carry heavy and high pallet stacks
• Employees require additional training to operate electric pallet jacks seamlessly
• Warehouses with a space constraint might not be able to utilize the benefits of an electric pallet jack completely

 
Choosing between an electric and a manual pallet jack can take some time. Taking your facility size, stacking needs and operational costs into consideration along with the pros and cons of each option will help you make the right decision for your business.
 
Brandt Material Handling carries both electric and manual pallet jacks in stock. Check out our available pallet jack options and see our latest promotions.