A pallet jack is essentially the most basic form of a forklift. It is intended to be used within a warehouse or trailer only to load, lift, and move objects. Usually, both manual and powered pallet jacks are used for the loading and unloading of trucks, while electric pallet jacks are most commonly used for short, horizontal transportation within warehouses. In order to operate an electric pallet jack, a license in forklift training Houston is required.

Why is an electric pallet jack preferred for warehouse use?

For heavy lifting and moving tasks in warehouses, electric pallet jacks and forklifts are both immensely helpful. However, the simpler electric pallet jack is a much more compact tool, useful for navigating narrow aisles and tight corners in the warehouse. The forklift comes with a broader use case, and it is heavier, so it cannot be too functional in small spaces like warehouses.

Forklifts can move around for a greater distance, but this is not necessary for tasks in the warehouse. Additionally, the electric pallet jack will lift the items just high enough for transportation. The low height avoids any disruption to the other stacks of items usually strewn about a warehouse. The smooth surface of a warehouse is also ideal for using the electric pallet jack.

Growth of the electric pallet jack:

With the popularization of the electric pallet jack, warehouse owners have been able to cut down on fuel expenses previously required for diesel-powered lifting and moving machinery. For operators with forklift training, the maintenance-free batteries and built-in chargers of an electric pallet jack became much more convenient.

Indoor storage and distribution centers prefer to use an electric pallet jack for its easy navigation. Its size is ideal for reaching nooks and crannies to retrieve pallet stacks. The efficiency of the electric pallet jack has led to its increased use in the American construction companies, creating far more job opportunities.

Learning how to operate an electric pallet jack

The operator stands on the footing of the electric pallet jack or the ground in the immediate area, called a ‘walkie.’ The forks of the electric pallet are carefully placed under the stacked pallets. With a handle, they are slowly lifted off the ground. An electric pallet jack can lift around 7000 lbs maximum.

An electric pallet jack operator is required to undergo training and receive a license certificate by the guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This is a concise course since forklift training Houston can be done in just a day. Undertaking the training will certainly open up more career prospects for interested workers and operators.

Conclusion:

Battery-operated and electric-powered vehicles are in high demand across the country. The electric pallet jack is one such useful vehicle in the warehouse. It reduces manual labor and saves a lot of time and energy by quickly clearing up the floor space.

Freight and storage spaces are constantly on the lookout for recruiting trained operators since the certification is necessary to avoid occupational hazards.