5 Of The Best Manual Pallet Jacks & Pallet Trucks
What are Manual Pallet Jacks?
The manual pallet jack is the simplest of all the different types of pallet jacks, with a load capacity of 5500 lbs. The manual pallet jack is composed of a steel machine with a hydraulic pump, and the handle is operated by pumping it up and down. In operating the pallet truck, the two forks under the pallet to be moved should be positioned properly and then raising it off the floor through the jack. It is steered with the handle to take the load to its destination. Manual pallet jacks have single load wheels with entry and exit rollers, offering easy and efficient maneuverability for the operator. The design of manual pallet jacks allows it to have easy operability and maintenance.
What are the Features of a Manual Pallet Jack?
Manual pallet jacks have single load wheels with entry and exit rollers, offering easy and efficient maneuverability for the operator. The design of manual pallet jacks allows it to have quiet operation and accurate steering control. Handles are in a curvilinear position, allowing for a large diameter hand grip. In addition to this, a neutral position is added, making the handle equipped with three different positions in total. This pallet jack’s durable structure is composed of a steel frame with high tensile strength and adjustable push-rods. Its wheels are made to have shock resistance and low rolling resistance. Options and accessories for manual pallet jacks include various fork widths (20.5″ and 27″), fork lengths (36″, 42″, and 48″), steer wheels, parking brakes, and a load backrest.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Manual Pallet Jack
A manual pallet jack can easily fit in a back of a van because it is lightweight and has a small size. It is also low maintenance and has no electrical components. Repairs for this type of pallet jacks are quicker than electric pallet jacks and the parts are more accessible. Manual lift pallet jack is highly durable and easy to maintain over the long term. Having a basic design enables the manual pallet jack to fit various kinds of pallets. The main disadvantage for this type of pallet jack is that it cannot be used for moving load over long distances because it can cause operator fatigue. It is also not beneficial is the manual pallet jack is loaded anywhere near its load capacity. It is ideal for use in small spaces wherein lift height is not important. Examples of applications are in grocery store aisles, warehouses, forging and casting, and general manufacturing.
Manufacturers of Manual Pallet Jacks
Yale YA55-PT Series
| Model | YA55-PT-20.5 | YA55-PT-27 |
| Load capacity (lbs) | 5500 | 5500 |
| Chassis Width (in) | 20.5 | 27 |
| Weight (lbs) | 180 | 180 |
| Fork length (in) | 48 | 48 |
Blue Giant Manual Pallet Jacks
| Model | EPT-55 | EPT-33-4W Four Way Pallet Truck | FPT-55 |
| Load Capacity (lbs) | 5500 | 3300 | 5500 |
| Chassis Width (in) | 20.5 or 27 | 33 | 27 |
| Weight (lbs) | 165 | 220 | 180 |
| Fork Length (in) | 48 | 48 | 48 |
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Crown PTH Series
| Model | Standard | Scissor Lift | Powered Scissor Lift |
| Power | Manual | Manual | Manual/ Electric |
| Load capacity (kg) | 2300 | 1000 | 1000 |
| Max lift height (mm) | 200 | 800 | 800 |
| Width (mm) | 450 – 685 | 540 | 540 |
| Fork Length (mm) | 795 – 1150 | 1150 | 1150 |
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Toyota
| Model | HPT28U |
| Load capacity (lbs) | 5500 |
| Overall width (in) | 27 |
| Weight (lbs) | 167 |
| Fork length (in) | 48 |
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Raymond
| Model | LCS55 Unique Fork Frame Sizes | LCM50/ LCU50 Low/ Ultra-Low Profile | LCM4W/ LCU4W 4-Way Entry/ Low Profile | LCS80/ Heavy Duty Load Capacity |
| Fork length (in) | 36/ 60/ 72/ 96 | 48 | 48 | |
| Frame width (in) | 18/ 20 ½ / 27 | 33 | 27 | |
| Load capacity (lbs) | 5500 | 5500 | 5500 | 8000 |
| Lowered fork height (in | 2 or 1 ¾ | 2 or 1 ¾ | ||
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| Model | RJ50N Hydraulic Pallet Truck | RJ50P Hydraulic Hand Truck |
| Fork length (in) | 36/ 42/ 48 | 36/ 42/ 48 |
| Frame width (in) | 20.5 or 27 | 20.5/ 27 |
| Load capacity (lbs) | 5500 | 5500 |
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Sources: www.bluegiant.com/http://www.yale.com/north-america/en-us/our-products/pallet-trucks/ya-55pt-hand-pallet-trucks/https://www.toyotaforklift.com/forklifts/hand-pallet-jack http://www.crown.com/content/dam/crown/pdfs/en-uk/brochures/pallet-truck-pth50-brochure-GB.pdfhttps://www.raymondcorp.com/lift-trucks/hand-pallet-jacks