PALLET TRUCK
SELECTION GUIDE
A pallet truck or jack is a hydraulic piece of equipment designed to lift and transport materials. Used primarily with pallets
or skids, it is also useful for moving equipment, bulk containers, and other heavy or large loads. Most pallet trucks are
manually operated but self-propelled and fully powered models are also available. This guide will provide basic
information regarding the many pallet truck styles and features and will assist you with identifying the proper model to
suit your application. Please call for more assistance.
How to Order
What size are your pallets?
Pallet trucks are classified by the size of their cargo area. The most common size
pallet truck is 27x48". This means that the width of the cargo area is 27" as
measured between the outside edges of the forks. 48" refers to the length of the
forks. The most common size wood pallet is 40x48". For pallets with a width of 33"
to 40", a truck with an outside fork dimension of 27" should be used. If the pallet
width is 26" to 32", use a truck with an outside fork dimension of 201/2 to 21". Also
available are pallet trucks with adjustable-width forks.
What is your total weight capacity?
Most pallet trucks have a load capacity of 4500 to 6600 lbs.
As with any other lifting device it is best to chose a capacity
that is in excess of your heaviest planned load.
Glossary of Terms
Capacity: This refers to the maximum weight that can be lifted by
the truck, be sure to include the weight of any pallets, fixtures, or
other items when calculating capacity. While 5500 lbs. is the
industry standard, higher-capacity models are available. Loads
must always be centered.
Fork Size: The most common fork size is 27x48" (WxL), which is
designed to fit most of the common 40x48" pallets in the
industry. Additional fork sizes are available to accommodate
various other sizes of pallets or loads. For example, 33x48" lowprofile models are designed to handle 4-way entry pallets.
Four-way entry
pallet is usually
40"Wx48"L.
Lift Height: This is the vertical travel of the forks. The industry
standard ranges from approximately 3" lowered height to 73/4" raised
height. Low-profile models for lower-height pallets are available with
13/4" and 2" lowered heights. The pallet truck with a 13/4" lowered
height can also be used with four-way entry pallets. Make sure the
lowered height of the truck allows the forks to fit under or into the
pallet and that the lift height is sufficient for any unusual
requirements.
Load Rollers: The load rollers are at the tip of the forks. The standard
material is polyurethane—nylon or steel load rollers are available on
some trucks. Also available are trucks with tandem load rollers for
ribbed or uneven floors.
Steering Wheels: The steering wheels are located on the back of the
truck under the handle. The standard material is polyurethane—nylon
or steel steering wheels are available on some trucks.
Types of Pallet Trucks Available
Manually Operated Pallet Trucks
Standard manual pallet trucks combine manual push with
manual lift/lower operation. The most common 3-function
control lever works like this: Push the lever to the lowest (lower)
position and pump the handle to raise the forks; place the lever
in the middle (neutral) position to move the handle without
raising or lowering the forks; raise and hold the lever in the top
(lift) position to lower the forks.Releasing the lever returns the
forks to their neutral position. The spring-activated pump handle
will return to the upright position automatically.
High-Lift Pallet Positioners
High-Lift versions of pallet trucks are also available for applications
where loads need to be lifted higher than a standard pallet truck. These
units operate on scissor legs and commonly offer a raised fork height
ranging from approximately 31" to 48". Due to the scissor leg design,
capacities are decreased and are most often in the 1000 lb. to 3000 lb.
range. High-lift pallet positioners are designed to lift open pallets,
however you can set closed pallets on top of forks. These units are
available in two lifting configurations: manual push/manual pump lift
operation, or manual-push/battery-lift operation.
Power-Operated Pallet Trucks
Self-propelled and fully powered pallet trucks are available. They
are normally 24-volt systems. Self-propelled models combine
battery-powered travel with manual pumping operation. Fully
powered models feature battery-powered travel and batterypowered lift operations.
Also available are specialty pallet trucks in many different styles to suit
your specific applications
1• Galvanized and stainless steel models for corrosive or clean room
applications
2• Low-profile models for applications where the forks require a lowered
fork height of less then 2.9”
3• Heavy-duty models for applications with loads greater than 5500 lbs.
4• Scale models that enable the operator to easily lift, transport, and
weigh loads
5• Rough-terrain outdoor models that are designed to straddle the pallet
and can be operated on grass or uneven ground
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