Every day, pallets are moved successfully in warehouses, factories, distribution centres. Pallet lifter or pallet jack is a common terminology that many people use synonymously but both this equipment are not the same. They each serve a different purpose, and choosing the correct one can better enhance safety, productivity, and workflow.
The very first step you should take, however, if you are looking to invest in new material handling equipment in the near future is educate yourself on pallet lifter vs pedestal jack.
What is a Pallet Jack?
Pallet jacks are used mainly for lifting and moving palletised loads on flat surfaces. It lifts the pallet barely off the ground allowing it to roll from one spot to another safely.
The most common use of the pallet jacks is:
- Loading and unloading deliveries
- Moving stock around warehouses
- Transporting goods over short distances
- Organising inventory
Pallet jacks have a simple design and are generally low to the ground, so they’re ideal for standard transport jobs. Nonetheless, they are not manufactured for lifting loads to a convenient work level.
What is a Pallet Lifter?
Pallet lifter are used for at least one other applications. Unlike a standard pallet jack, it raises pallets at a higher elevation that allows workers to load and unload, pack or assemble products without having to bend down over and over again.
This added lifting capacity helps to improve workplace ergonomics and reduce the physical burden on repetitive tasks.
Most companies utilise pallet lifter in their packing stations, assembly lines, and production areas for changing pallets manipulating at a convenient working height.
The Main Differences
Both tools transport palletised goods, but they are very different in functionality.
Lifting Height
Pallet jacks only raise a pallet high enough to slide it out.
An example is a pallet lifter which lifts the pallet up to a much higher level and helps with dirt loading, as well as also handling easier on the part of operators.
Purpose
Pallet jacks focus on transportation.
Pallet lifters merge normal transportation with ergonomics. You can use pallet lifters stations that interact with your employees on any breathable palletised good.
Workplace Safety
By reducing the need for bending and lifting unnecessarily, this reduces the number of manual handling injuries. When it comes to practical solutions for workplace safety, a pallet lifter offers more long-term advantages for your business.
What Equipment Does Your Business Need?
Well, the equipment needed depends on how your workplace functions.
A pallet jack is typically the smarter option if you need:
- Moving pallets between storage areas
- Loading trucks
- Handling routine warehouse transport
If your team tends to choose a pallet lifter more often:
- Packs products onto pallets
- Performs assembly work
- Loads heavy cartons manually
- Requires adjustable working heights
Choosing equipment that integrates with your workflow enhances productivity whilst helping diminish employee fatigue.
Not Have Other Specialised Lifting Equipment
Most workplaces are dealing with more than just standard pallets. Various materials typically need machinery made for certain loads.
As an example, let’s consider the case of void-free bulk egg powders that are available in bulk bags. A bulk bag lifter is not just a cheaper version of pallet handling equipment; it has been designed to support suspended bulk loads and enhance stability when lifting them.
Choosing the right tools for each job will minimise excess risk and safeguard valuable inventory.
Final Thoughts
Pallet trucks and pallet trolley may appear to be alike but actually serve two different purposes. The pallet jack is perfect for moving pallets over short distances and a pallet lifter offers additional lifting height that can be used to facilitate safe working conditions when loading, packing or assembling.
For workplaces that also handle bulk containers, further safety improvements can be made with specific equipment such as a bulk bag lifter which offers a purpose-built solution for the task of lifting. Selecting the right equipment for each application gives a business an opportunity to enhance processes, increase efficiencies, and minimise manual handling risks, creating a safer work environment for their team members.
