Pallet jacks are the workhorse of warehouse and distribution. Manual hydraulic units move 5,500-8,000 lb pallets through pump-handle pressure; electric walkie units (corded or battery) handle higher-throughput operations and longer travel distances. Specifying correctly requires matching the pallet type (GMA, Euro, custom), floor surface, and shift throughput. Wesco and Vestil are the dominant brands in our Miami stock.
Specifications
| Manual capacity | 5,500–8,000 lbs (typical) |
|---|---|
| Electric capacity | 3,300–6,600 lbs (walkie), higher for ride-on |
| Fork sizes | 20.5"x36" GMA / 27"x48" standard |
| Lift height | 7.7"–8.5" (raised position) |
Common Applications
- Warehouse pick-and-pack and order-staging
- Truck-loading and unloading at dock
- Cold-storage and freezer (with corrosion-resistant variants)
- Food-grade washdown applications (stainless models)
- Light manufacturing material flow
When to Choose Pallet Jacks & Pallet Trucks
- Typical pallet load is 5,500-8,000 lbs (manual) or higher (electric)
- Travel distance per move is under 100 feet (manual) or up to 500 feet (electric walkie)
- Operator throughput is 30-100 pallets/shift (manual) or 100+ (electric)
- Floor is concrete or epoxy with no significant grade
Product Photos
Manufacturer photography from our distribution catalog. Click any photo for a larger view.
Recommended Brands
Brands in our Miami stock that perform best in this category.
Industries That Use Pallet Jacks & Pallet Trucks
We specify this material handling category across these verticals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Manual or electric pallet jack — what is the breakeven?
Rough rule: above 80 pallet moves per shift, electric walkie pays back within 12-18 months through operator productivity and reduced ergonomic injury. Below that, manual hydraulic is cost-effective. Above 200 moves per shift or travel distance over 500 feet per move, ride-on electric becomes the right tier. Tell us your shift throughput and we calculate the breakeven for your operation.
Stainless or standard pallet jack for food applications?
For washdown environments (daily wash with food-grade sanitizers), stainless construction (304 or 316) is required — standard painted-steel jacks corrode in months and become unsanitary. For dry food-warehousing without washdown (ambient ingredient storage, packaging), standard with epoxy paint is acceptable. We confirm at quote stage based on your wash routine.