 Justin Engel |
Justin Engel serves as the marketing manager at Stärke Material Handling Group, where he is responsible for content creation, marketing communications, social media and online promotions. Stärke Material Handling Group operates as a materials handling solutions manufacturer with a comprehensive lineup of forklifts, pallet jacks, straddle stackers, order pickers and more.
In our globalised society, it shouldn't come as a surprise to hear that the tools and equipment of the materials handling industry have acquired a wide variety of names and labels, depending on where they are encountered. Without this tendency, the world would be bereft of the kind of awkward cross-cultural mix-ups that we all secretly enjoy (for example, think of the surprise and confusion that would result if an American mechanic asks for a spanner and a muffler in the UK and a nerdy-looking chap holding a scarf shows up instead).
For our purposes now, let's just consider the simple pallet truck. Throughout the English-speaking world, it's not uncommon to find such a basic piece of materials handling equipment referred to by any number of unique names. These range from simple variations of 'pallet truck' such as pallet jack/lift/elevator/pump, to widely adopted pseudonyms like jigger and lifter, as well as an almost infinite number of combinations (including pump truck or jack, hand or wheeled floor jack, fork pump and manual forklift). While this is not an exhaustive list by any means, it does illustrate how our cultural preferences and industry-based needs tend to help us interact with and define the world around us.
The truth of the matter is, however, that the equipment doesn't care what you call it. Whether you refer to it as a jigger, pallet truck, hand jack or even "that red metal thingy with the forks", the basic purpose of the pallet truck remains the same: to lift and transport pallets and freight from one place to another. What you should not do, however, is think that all pallet trucks/jacks are created equal.
Over the years, pallet trucks have been modified and adapted for use in a wide variety of applications and operating conditions. In terms of size and load capacity, pallet trucks typically have a maximum rating between 1,000 and 5,500 lb. (450 - 2,500 kg), with forks that are 7 or 9 in. (18-23 cm) in. width, either 36, 42 or 48 in. (91, 106, 120 cm) in length, and are placed 21 in. or 27 in. (53 or 58 cm) apart. The reasoning behind these different capacities, fork sizes and widths is to accommodate variations in pallet sizes and a range of load weights.
To limit the hazards associated with different surfaces, a number of different wheel types have been introduced. For uneven surfaces, dual - also known as tandem - front wheel models were introduced to provide greater stability and increase the durability by reducing front wheel wear. On the other hand, a four-way pallet truck offers a greater degree of manoeuvrability and enables the operator to pick up a pallet from any direction. And, since pallet trucks are utilised in warehouses and docking bays, as well as for applications within the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food/beverage industries, pallet jacks can also be found with specialised coatings and finishes. With galvanised and stainless steel finishes, a pallet truck can be routinely cleaned and disinfected or operated in chemically hazardous or corrosive environments.
The point is that you can't judge a book by its cover, and the same principle applies to pallet trucks. Whether you call it a jigger or a pallet truck, do your research and understand the differences. Because a pallet truck by any other name might not smell as sweet if it breaks down with a load of manure on it in the middle of summer.