Electric Pallet Jack
An electric pallet jack is a battery-powered material handling vehicle designed to lift and transport palletized loads horizontally across warehouse floors, loading docks, and distribution facilities. Also known as powered pallet trucks, walkie pallet jacks, motorized pallet jacks, or power jacks, these machines eliminate the manual effort required with hand pallet jacks while providing greater load capacity and operator efficiency. Electric pallet jacks are classified as Class III forklifts under OSHA standards and represent one of the most common pieces of material handling equipment in commercial and industrial operations.

Cat classes
Choisissez une classe de taille — la capacité et la portée varient selon la gamme.
Fonctionnement
Electric pallet jacks use an onboard battery system to power both the lift mechanism and drive motor. The operator controls the unit via a tiller handle that includes controls for forward/reverse travel, lifting, and lowering functions. Forks slide beneath a standard pallet, and a hydraulic or electro-hydraulic pump raises the load several inches off the ground for transport. The electric drive motor propels the unit, with the operator either walking alongside (walkie configuration) or riding on a small platform at the rear (end-rider or rider configuration). Steering is accomplished by pivoting the tiller handle, which turns the drive wheel assembly located beneath the power unit. Most models include regenerative braking systems that return energy to the battery during deceleration. Load wheels attached to the fork tips and a drive wheel or caster system support the unit during operation, creating a stable three-point contact with the floor throughout the lift and travel cycle.
Types et variantes
- Walkie Pallet Jack
- Operator walks behind or alongside the unit, controlling it via tiller handle; most common configuration for dock work and short-distance moves.
- End Rider / Rider Pallet Jack
- Features a standing platform at the rear where the operator rides during transport; designed for longer distances and continuous operation throughout a shift.
- Center Rider Pallet Jack
- Operator stands on a platform positioned between the forks and power unit; provides improved visibility and maneuverability in tight spaces with better weight distribution.
- Low-Profile Pallet Jack
- Designed with reduced fork height to accommodate non-standard or custom pallets, skids, and low-clearance loads common in certain industries.
- Double Pallet Jack
- Extended fork length allows simultaneous handling of two pallets in tandem; increases productivity for high-volume operations with standardized pallet spacing.
- Straddle Pallet Jack
- Outrigger legs straddle the load for lifting pallets or loads without bottom deck boards; often used for specialty applications and custom material handling.
Spécifications clés
| Spécification | Plage typique | Signification |
|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 1,179–13,154 kg (2,600–29,000 lb) | Maximum weight the unit can safely lift and transport; most common models range from 3,000 to 6,000 lb for standard warehouse operations. |
| Lift Height | 4.5–27.1 ft (1.4–8.3 m) | Maximum vertical travel of the forks; standard pallet jacks lift only 4–8 inches for transport, while high-lift models can stack at elevation. |
| Fork Length | 42–96 in (107–244 cm) | Distance from fork tips to heel; standard 42- or 48-inch forks accommodate most pallets, while extended lengths handle double pallets or long loads. |
| Fork Width | 6.5–27 in (spacing 20–27 in) | Width of individual forks and adjustable spacing between them; must match pallet stringer or deck board configuration for stable lifting. |
| Travel Speed | 3–6 mph loaded | Maximum horizontal speed when transporting loads; walkie models typically slower than rider configurations to maintain operator safety. |
| Battery Voltage | 24V, 36V, 48V | Onboard battery system voltage; higher voltages generally provide longer runtime and greater power for heavier-capacity models. |
Comment l'industrie le dimensionne
The industry sizes electric pallet jacks primarily by load capacity, expressed in pounds. Units up to 5,000 lb serve as walkie jacks for dock and trailer unloading without the operator pushing the load. Models in the 5,000–8,000 lb range support heavier walkie or end-rider work including long trailer runs and double pallets. Units above 8,000 lb are rider trucks for continuous, long-haul warehouse moves all shift. Operator configuration (walkie vs. rider) and fork length represent secondary sizing considerations that determine suitability for specific operational profiles and facility layouts.
Applications
- Warehouse order picking and pallet transport between staging areas and loading docks
- Unloading and loading palletized freight from trailers and shipping containers
- Moving materials between production lines and storage locations in manufacturing facilities
- Distribution center cross-docking operations transferring goods between inbound and outbound shipments
- Retail backroom operations moving stock from receiving areas to sales floor replenishment zones
- Food and beverage operations transporting ingredients and finished products in climate-controlled environments
Sécurité et opération
- Operators must maintain awareness of pedestrians and other equipment, as electric pallet jacks operate quietly and may not be heard approaching
- Load stability depends on proper fork positioning fully beneath the pallet and centered load weight distribution to prevent tipping during turns
- Floor conditions including debris, uneven surfaces, dock plates, and inclines affect traction and braking performance, particularly with heavy loads
- Battery charging areas require adequate ventilation and compliance with electrical safety protocols to prevent hazards during the charging cycle
- Operators should avoid sudden stops and sharp turns at speed, especially when riding on end platforms, to maintain control and prevent load shifts
Normes et certifications
- OSHA · 29 CFR 1910.178
- Powered industrial truck standards classifying electric pallet jacks as Class III vehicles with specific operator training and safety requirements.
- ANSI/ITSDF · B56.1
- Safety standard for low lift and high lift trucks covering design, maintenance, and operation of powered pallet jacks and walkie stackers.
- NFPA · NFPA 70 (NEC)
- National Electrical Code requirements for battery charging stations and electrical systems in industrial battery-powered equipment.
Questions fréquentes
What is the difference between a walkie and a rider electric pallet jack?
How does load capacity sizing relate to actual operational needs?
What battery runtime can be expected from electric pallet jacks?
Can electric pallet jacks operate on inclines and loading dock plates?
Comparer les modèles populaires
Chercher par spécification →Normalisé aux mêmes unités. Un tiret signifie que la valeur n'a pas été publiée.
| Modèle | Capacité de charge | Hauteur de levage | Puissance moteur |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown CD100 | 29,000 lb (13,154 kg) | 21.3 ft (6.5 m) | - |
| Crown CG 15 | 3,501 lb (1,588 kg) | 19.7 ft (6.0 m) | - |
| Crown CG60 | 14,500 lb (6,577 kg) | 19.8 ft (6.0 m) | - |
| Crown CD60 | 16,751 lb (7,598 kg) | 21.4 ft (6.5 m) | - |
| Crown CG 20 | 5,501 lb (2,495 kg) | 27.1 ft (8.3 m) | - |
| Crown CD 20 | 5,501 lb (2,495 kg) | 27.1 ft (8.3 m) | - |
Équipements connexes
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Sources
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