When you're managing warehouse operations, one crucial detail often overlooked is how high a pallet jack can lift. Whether you're transporting materials between shelves or loading trucks, understanding lift height helps prevent accidents and ensures you're using the right equipment for the job.

Standard Pallet Jack Lift Height

Most standard manual pallet jacks and electric pallet jacks are designed to lift a pallet between 7 to 8 inches (approximately 18–20 cm) off the ground. This elevation is just enough to safely clear pallet decks, move across warehouse floors, and roll into storage racks or truck beds.

Typical clearance from the ground: ~3 inches
Max lift height: ~8 inches
Ideal for: loading/unloading pallets, short-distance transport

While this height may seem modest, it's more than sufficient for horizontal movement and basic lifting tasks—especially when paired with durable pallet jack wheels designed for warehouse use.

High-Lift and Scissor Pallet Jacks

Need more vertical reach? High-lift pallet jacks, also known as scissor lift pallet jacks, offer significantly greater lifting range. These models use a scissor mechanism to raise loads to ergonomic working heights.

Lift range of high-lift pallet jacks:

Typically between 20 to 32 inches
Some specialized models may lift even higher

These jacks are ideal for:

Workbench-level loading
Light assembly tasks
Reducing strain during manual pallet processing

Note: While high-lift models offer increased reach, they usually have lower weight capacities compared to standard electric pallet movers or powered pallet trucks.

What Affects Maximum Lifting Height?

Although electric pallet jacks provide reliable performance, several factors can impact how high you can safely lift:

Weight distribution – Uneven or overloaded pallets can reduce lift efficiency
Load center – Poor placement affects stability and maximum height
Fork design – Heavy-duty forks may reduce ground clearance slightly
Jack type – Manual, electric, and scissor jacks all have different lift capabilities

Whether you're operating a compact pallet truck for tight spaces or a robust electric power jack for large-scale lifting, always consult the product specifications before use.

Final Takeaway

Standard electric pallet jacks for sale typically lift up to 8 inches off the ground. For tasks that require more vertical reach, high-lift pallet trucks are a better fit. If your workflow involves stacking above 32 inches, consider using a forklift or advanced material handling equipment built for extended reach.

Looking to Upgrade Your Pallet Jack?

At Raelon, we offer a range of reliable, ergonomic, and efficient pallet jack options. From 3300lbs electric pallet jacks to 4400lbs powered pallet trucks, our equipment is engineered for durability, safety, and performance.

Explore our electric pallet jack collection to find the right model for your warehouse—ready to ship across Canada, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and beyond.

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Let us help you move smarter, safer, and faster with the right electric pallet lifter for your operations.