When it comes to moving large or heavy items in a warehouse, it’s important to have an efficient way that won’t become an obstacle. While manual jacks still remain a feasible option, an electric pallet jack has numerous advantages to offer over these more traditional choices. When it comes to picking up an electric pallet jack for your warehouse or facility, you need to understand what factors to keep in mind. This buying guide shares everything you need to know about equipping your facility with a new pallet jack.
Understanding The Different Types Of Electric Pallet Jacks
One of the first things that you have to understand when you want to get an electric pallet jack for a warehouse is the different types that are available. Each type has specific features that make it fit for particular tasks. You have to ensure the type of electric pallet jack you opt for fits the requirements at your warehouse.
- Walkie (Pedestrian) Electric Pallet Jack: A very basic option when it comes to electric pallet jacks. A control level is found at the rear side of the jack, where the operator will walk. It’s a good option for shorter distances and smaller types of pallets.
- Rider Electric Pallet Jack: This type of jack comes with a seat that allows the operator to ride on the device while it is moving. It’s a good choice when you need to move pallets over longer distances.
- High-Lift Electric Pallet Jack: Pallet Stacker: These jacks are useful in cases where you require vertical movement of the pallets. It can be used to transfer pallets from the ground level up toward a shelf.
In addition to these options, you should also familiarize yourself with reach trucks and pallet stackers. They can also be useful in cases where you have a large warehouse and need to move pallets within the environment.
Important Features To Consider
Once you know the type of electric pallet jack you need, it’s important to turn your attention to the features that these machines offer. The specific features you need depend on your situation, so you’ll first need to take a closer look at your facility, what you need to do with the jack, and what it will transport.
Here are some of the most important features that you should consider:
● Capacity: The capacity of these machines tells you how much load they can take. If you exceed the maximum, it may cause problems with the jack. Keep in mind the pallets that you need to move, and ensure you opt for a jack that can handle the weight.
● Fork Design: The design of the fork on the jack is another important thing to take a closer look at. In particular, you want to focus on the length of the fork. This will give you an idea about the pallet sizes that you can load on the device. For larger pallets, choose a jack that has a longer fork length. For smaller pallets, you may also need a jack with forks that sit closer together.
● Battery: An electric pallet jack runs on a rechargeable battery. This ensures it can be used within the warehouse without having to carry several wires around. It’s important to take note of the battery that comes with these jacks and to consider how long it will last. In addition to battery capacity, also consider how long it takes to recharge the battery.
● Noise: Some of these jacks can make quite a lot of noise, which is another thing to keep in mind when buying one. You might want to look for a jack that has a low noise level if you want to avoid the machine from becoming a nuisance in your warehouse.
● Wheels: Many of these jacks will come with a set of wheels that help them move freely around the warehouse. You have to take into consideration the type of terrain they will be used on, then make sure the wheels that the jack is equipped with can work on this particular type of terrain.
● Safety: Take note of any safety features that each electric pallet jack you consider has. The safety features can help to prevent hazards and ensure the machine can be turned off easily in case of an emergency.
These are all important factors that you should take into account to help you identify the right electric pallet jack to buy. You should, however, also know what budget you are working with. The prices for these jacks can range from under $1,000 to thousands of dollars. Decide how much money you are able to spend on the jack before you set out to find one. This will help you filter through the available options to those that are a good fit for the budget you can work with.
Choosing The Right Manufacturer And Vendor
Apart from considering the capabilities, quality, size, and other features related to a specific electric pallet jack, it’s also crucial that you carefully pick a manufacturer that won’t disappoint. By looking at different manufacturers, you have an opportunity to find ones that are trusted among other warehouses and facilities.
BMH is a trusted supplier of electric pallet jacks and prioritizes both safety and efficacy in the construction of these machines. With locations across the North East and Midwest, BMH has the ability to deliver high-quality products across the United States. Apart from electric pallet jacks, BMH also offers access to shelving solutions, mezzanines, forklifts, conveyors, and much more. They have a growing inventory of items that they manufacture locally in the United States to ensure customers gain access to top-quality equipment for their facility.
Conclusion
An electric pallet jack plays an important part in various types of facilities, warehouses, storage facilities, and more. Picking the right one for your requirements is important, which is why careful research is something you should do before you choose a jack. There are a lot of different options on the market, but many businesses and facilities can attest to the fact that electric pallet jacks from BHM deliver a superior level of performance.
