Moving heavy loads in and out is one of the primary storage facilities and warehouse operations. Since it involves shifting a heavy load, it is impossible to do it with manual labor. Fortunately, there are ways to effectively move bulky goods more efficiently with the help of equipment like pallet jacks.

Pallet jacks allow you to lift and transport goods across the facility and reduce the required manual labor and time. Whether new or used, pallet jacks stay in top condition for years because they are made with durable materials designed to withstand heavy loads. In addition to pallet jacks, it is important to Install Pallet Racking in a warehouse, as it provides a safe and efficient way to store and transport goods. With a combination of pallet jacksand pallet racking, warehouses can maximize efficiency and reduce the amount of manual labor and time it takes to move goods around the facility.

A used Crown pallet jack will be a great addition to your warehouse equipment if you are a warehouse owner or operator. But how do you purchase the proper pallet jack? Here are four factors that you need to consider while buying pallet jacks.

pallet racking

1. Used vs. new

Many warehouse owners and operators often choose a used Crown pallet jack over new ones to save big money on the cost. Pallet jacks are made with durable materials like high tensile steel. That means they can lift heavy loads for years without suffering significant damage.

2. Fork Length

Fork length is an essential factor to check while buying pallet jacks. It would be best if you did not buy a pallet jack with short forks that cannot reach beyond the pallets. A short fork cannot lift the pallet or goods safely and can cause accidents. Most pallet jacks have a standard fork size of 27×48,” and the wooden pallets are 40×48” in size. To lift 40” wooden pallets, you need a pallet jack with a 27” wide fork.

It is essential to know that you should purchase a pallet jack with longer forks than necessary. Longer forks can maneuver the jack through aisles in the warehouse challenges. It would help if you stuck to the right fork length for the pallet jack.

3. Capacity

Most warehouses and storage facilities deal with heavy goods. Moreover, industries like automobiles and manufacturing deal with loads that can weigh several thousand pounds. You need to purchase a pallet jack that can lift heavier loads without breaking or bending. Most pallet jacks can lift up to 5000 pounds, typical for manual, industrial pallet jacks. Having a good idea about the weight of the goods in your warehouse can help you find the right jack. If you choose a jack with lower weight lifting capacity, it can be challenging to move it with manual labor, plus it can also cause severe accidents if the jack breaks during loading and unloading the goods.

4. Price

Price is an essential factor in making the purchase decision. You don’t want to overpay for the jack while wanting a high-quality machine in top-notch condition.

The price of the pallet jack can vary on different factors like brand, size, lifting capacity, used or new, and electric vs. manual. The price of manual pallet jacks can range from $300 to $1000, depending on the previously-mentioned factors. If you want to save cost, you can also prefer used pallet jacks that are way cheaper than new ones in good condition.

It’s essential to buy high-quality pallet jacks for your operations. They will reduce the transport time and improve workplace safety and productivity while saving costs.