Last Updated on February 16, 2026

Pallet jacks are essential for moving pallets around warehouses and construction sites quickly and easily. Also known as a hand jack lift or manual skid jack, pallet jacks can be a cost-effective material handling solution for streamlining warehouse or storeroom operations, improving productivity, and reducing manual labor. They are great for small spaces and require less investment and training than more complex machines, like forklifts.

However, as with any material handling equipment, safety is of the utmost importance. Make sure you and your team understand the basics of safely operating a pallet jack before work begins. In this article, you’ll learn the fundamental best practices for using a pallet jack, enabling you to choose between the different types of pallet jacks all while transforming your operations.  

Types of Pallet Jacks and Their Uses

There are two main types of pallet jacks: manual pallet jacks and electric pallet jacks. Both play a vital role in material-handling operations across a variety of industries. They are relatively easy to use, less expensive than a forklift and require little maintenance. Both types of pallet jacks are designed for use on flat surfaces, such as indoor warehouses or paved pathways.

• Need more material handling and warehousing equipment? Read more about forklifts:
  • What Is an Electric Forklift and Is It Right for Your Project?
  • 3 Things to Know When Renting a Forklift

Manual Pallet Jacks

Manual pallet jacks do not have any type of battery or engine. Instead, the operator moves the handle to activate a hydraulic pump that lifts the forks, and then the operator pushes and steers the pallet jack to move the load.

Manual pallet jacks are best for:

• Small businesses or projects (e.g., grocery store stockrooms)
• Lightweight or a low volume of palleted loads
• Moving loads across shorter distances

Since manual pallet jacks are not powered, they do not require certification to operate. However, operators do still need to be able to push, steer and pull the fully loaded pallet jack. So, make sure all operators receive basic safety training to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.

Electric Pallet Jacks

Electric pallet jacks generally offer more lifting power than manual pallet jacks and are available in ride-on models that further reduce the physical strain of moving pallets. They can move heavy loads with enhanced efficiency, precision and speed.

Electric pallet jacks are best for:

• Large or high-volume business operations
• Heavy loads
• Moving loads across longer distances

Keep in mind that because they are battery powered, electric pallet jacks qualify as a Class III Powered Industrial Truck, according to OSHA. As such, OSHA requires all electric pallet jack operators to be trained and certified. Additionally, these pallet jacks need to remain plugged in while not in use to keep the battery fully charged.

How to Use a Pallet Jack

Both manual and electric pallet jacks move pallets in the same way: the forks are raised and inserted into the base of the pallet, the pallet jack is pushed or driven, and then the forks are lowered to place the load in a new location.

But it’s important to understand the differences between using a manual and an electric pallet jack so you can move materials safely and effectively. Use the following best practices when learning how to use a pallet jack.

1. Inspect the Pallet Jack and Clear the Path

No matter which type of pallet jack you use, safe operation starts with a thorough inspection of the pallet jack and the pathway you intend to use. This ensures that the machine is safe to use and reduces the risk of running into obstacles, damaging property, or causing injury to the operator or those nearby.

Before Using a Pallet Jack Follow These Safety Tips:

• Confirm that the wheels and hydraulics are working and that there is no visible damage to the pallet jack.
• Check the load capacity and size of the pallet jack to confirm that it can handle the job you plan on tackling.
• If it’s an electric pallet jack, unplug the machine, store the cord, and make sure the battery is fully charged.
• Inspect the path you’ll take for inclines or other hazards. Most pallet jacks can’t navigate inclines, so if the ground is uneven, choose another route. Move anything obstructing your path before you begin, so you don’t have to stop and start while the pallet jack is fully loaded.

2. How to Operate Manual Pallet Jacks

When using a manual pallet jack, start by familiarizing yourself with the operator’s manual and then begin with the handle and control lever. The control lever, found on the handle of every manual pallet jack, has three positions:

• Up: When the control lever is tilted up, the prongs of the pallet jack will lower to the floor.
• Down: When the control lever is tilted down, the handle of the pallet jack can be pumped to raise the prongs up off the floor.
• Neutral: Between the up and down positions is a neutral position that should be used at all other times. When in neutral, the pallet jack can be pushed or pulled.

Once you understand how the control lever and handle works, follow these steps to load, steer and place a pallet.

1. Position the Pallet Jack: While the control lever is in NEUTRAL, align the prongs of the pallet jack with the openings in the pallet. Lower the prongs all the way to the floor by pulling the control lever UP, and slide the prongs into the pallet. Make sure the prongs are centered and the load is stable before lifting.
2. Lift the Pallet: Push the control lever DOWN to engage the hydraulic pump, and pull the handle toward your body. Pump the handle until the pallet is raised off the floor and return the control lever to NEUTRAL. You need the pallet high enough to avoid dragging on the floor, but not so high that it makes the load unstable.
3. Move the Pallet: With the control lever in NEUTRAL, push the handle to move the pallet forward and steer the load to where you need it to go. Try to minimize pulling the pallet jack, as that can cause more strain on your body.
4. Place the Pallet: Pull the control lever UP to lower the prongs and the pallet to the floor. Return the control lever to NEUTRAL and remove the pallet jack from the pallet.

3. How to Operate Electric Pallet Jacks

The basic principles of operating an electric pallet jack are the same as a manual pallet jack. The biggest differences are the controls. With an electric pallet jack, you will not need to pump the handle or move a control lever. Instead, you will rely on the buttons or other control settings on the top of the handle. Each electric pallet jack may be designed slightly differently, so be sure to review the operation manual or ask your equipment rental provider for training to familiarize yourself with the controls.

Once you understand the controls, follow these steps for using an electric pallet jack:

1. Unplug and Store the Cord: Electric pallet jacks need to remain plugged in and charging when not in use. When you’re ready to use an electric pallet jack, be sure to unplug and securely store the cord so that it doesn’t get tangled or pose as a trip hazard.
2. Position the Pallet Jack: Align the prongs of the pallet jack with the openings in the pallet. Lower the prongs (usually a “down” button) to the floor and slide the prongs into the pallet. Make sure the prongs are centered and the load is stable before lifting.
3. Lift the Pallet: Use the controls (usually an “up” button) to raise the prongs and pallet. You need the pallet high enough to avoid dragging on the floor, but not so high that it makes the load unstable.
4. Move the Pallet: Use the control buttons to steer the load to where you need it to go.
5. Place the Pallet: Again, use the controls (usually a “down” button) to lower the prongs and place the pallet. Remove the prongs, raise them slightly, and return the electric pallet jack to its storage location.

4. Store the Pallet Jack in a Secure Area

When you’ve removed the pallet jack from its load, raise the prongs enough to avoid obstacles while you relocate the pallet jack to its designated storage area.

The storage area should be a location that is out of the way and secure to ensure that the public or untrained employees can’t access it. Be sure to lower the prongs to the ground to avoid creating a tripping hazard.

If your pallet jack is an electric pallet jack, plug it back in so that the battery is fully charged for the next time it is needed.

Pallet Jack Frequently Asked Questions

When considering which type of pallet jack to rent, you may have additional questions. A reliable equipment rental provider like Herc Rentals will be able to answer all your questions and guide you to the best training or equipment solution for your use.

For example, the following frequently asked questions can help you determine if a manual pallet jack or an electric pallet jack is right for your project.

1. Do I Need a License to Operate a Pallet Jack?

Manual pallet jacks do not require a license or certification to use. However, it’s recommended that all operators receive basic safety training.

Electric pallet jacks do require training and certification. OSHA classifies electric pallet jacks as Class III forklifts. As such, all operators are required to be trained and certified.

2. How Much Weight Can I Put on a Pallet Jack?

Pallet jacks can have a maximum load capacity of up to 4,000 to 8,000 pounds. The operating manual of the pallet jack will indicate its max capacity. Ensure that all loads remain under the pallet jack’s maximum capacity to reduce the risk of damaging the pallet jack or causing injuries due to tip overs or unstable loads.

3. Is It Better to Push or Pull a Pallet Jack?

Manual pallet jacks require the operator to be able to push, pull and steer the pallet jack and load. Electric pallet jacks do the pushing and pulling for you.

With a manual pallet jack, operators can either push or pull the load. However, pulling is more likely to cause muscle strain or injury than pushing. To avoid injury, it is better to push a pallet jack and minimize the amount of times it needs to be pulled.

4. What Are the Pallet Jack Safety Precautions?

In addition to safe operation training, be sure to follow these safety tips when using a pallet jack:

• Make sure the pallet jack can handle the weight of the load before you begin.
• Make sure your route is clear of other objects and people, and avoid inclines and ramps.
• When moving the pallet jack, keep the prongs approximately 1-2 inches above the ground. This minimizes the risk of getting stuck on obstacles without sacrificing stability.
• Do not lift a load higher than necessary, as it may become unbalanced.
• Store the pallet jack with prongs all the way down so that it is not a tripping hazard.
• When using a manual pallet jack, keep the handle in the neutral position while moving it.
• When using a manual pallet jack, push instead of pull whenever possible.
• Before guiding the pallet jack into the pallet, make sure the prongs are lowered all the way down to the floor.
• Once inserted in a pallet, raise the prongs to lift the pallet slightly off the ground. It is important to watch the load as you do so to make sure that it is balanced and doesn’t topple over. Only lift the pallet as far as necessary to minimize the risk of it falling.

5. Can I Rent Pallet Jacks?

Yes! Renting pallet jacks is an ideal solution for several situations. For example, if you don’t have a high-volume of pallets to organize, it can be much more cost effective to rent pallet jacks only when you need them. This saves you the large upfront costs and ongoing maintenance requirements that come with purchasing equipment.

Plus, when you rent pallet jacks, you are not responsible for the maintenance or repairs that need to be done, nor do you have to worry about replacement costs for old models or recalls. By renting, you always have the best pallet jacks available at your disposal.

Rent High-Quality Pallet Jacks from Herc Rentals

Whether your store, warehouse, distribution center or project site needs to move one pallet or many, Herc Rentals is your one-stop-shop for high-quality pallet jack rentals, on-site support and safe operation training.

The equipment experts at Herc Rentals understand the importance of reliable pallet jacks to keeping operations running smoothly and quickly. With Herc Rentals you can be confident that you’re getting the latest technology and well-maintained equipment for your project.

Explore our extensive range of manual and electric pallet jack rentals or call 1-800-432-6215 to discuss options with an expert today.