Pallet jacks come in two main types, manual and electric, and electric models split again by battery type. Which combination fits depends on how often you move pallets, how far, and how heavy.
This guide explains the two main categories of pallet jacks, manual and electric, and, within electric, the two main battery types you'll come across. For a practical framework on which specific model fits your operation, our how-to-choose guide covers capacity, aisle space, and warranty in detail. This article focuses on the types themselves.
In This Guide:
Why Choosing the Right Type Matters
Pallet jacks are essential for lifting and transporting palletized goods. But selecting the wrong type can lead to inefficiencies, safety risks, and unnecessary wear on both staff and equipment.
Simple Buying Truth
The best pallet jack is not always the strongest or the cheapest. It is the one that matches your load weight, route distance, aisle width, and daily usage pattern.
Manual vs Electric Pallet Jacks
There are two main categories of pallet jack: manual, which relies on the operator's own force, and electric, which uses an onboard motor for both driving and lifting. Electric pallet jacks are then split further by battery type, lithium-ion or lead-acid/AGM, which changes the charging routine more than it changes what the truck can do.
| Type | Best For | Main Advantage | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Pallet Jack | Occasional use, short routes, light daily workload | Low upfront cost, no charging needed | Higher physical effort |
| Electric: Lithium-ion | Daily use, long shifts, faster charging needs | Fast charging, no watering, lower daily upkeep | Higher upfront cost than lead-acid/AGM |
| Electric: Lead-Acid / AGM | Heavy-duty or all-terrain use, familiar charging routines | Often lower cost at higher capacities | Slower charging |
Manual Pallet Jacks
Best for: occasional use, tight spaces, small warehouses, and short-distance moves.
Manual pallet jacks are budget-friendly and require no electricity. They are a practical option for short-distance transport and lighter loads, especially when pallet movement is occasional rather than continuous throughout the shift. Raelon's current lineup is electric-only, so if a manual jack is what your operation needs, this is background context rather than something we currently stock.
- Easy to use and maintain
- No charging needed
- Lower upfront cost
- Not ideal for frequent, long-distance, or heavy-duty use
Electric Pallet Jacks: Lithium-ion vs Lead-Acid/AGM
Best for: mid-to-high volume material handling, daily pallet movement, loading docks, and heavier loads.
Powered by an onboard battery, an electric pallet jack reduces manual effort and increases pace. Within electric models, the battery type is the main thing that changes your day-to-day experience: not the core job the truck does.
Lithium-ion Electric Pallet Jacks
Lithium-ion is the most common battery type in Raelon's lineup. It charges faster than lead-acid, needs no watering, and holds up well across long shifts:
- Raelon F4: 3,300 lb
- Raelon F4 with Scale: 3,300 lb
- Raelon CBD15W-II: 3,300 lb
- Raelon F4-201: 4,400 lb
- Raelon CBD20W-II: 4,400 lb
- Raelon EPL205: 4,400 lb
- Raelon WPL202: 4,500 lb, with backrest
Lead-Acid and AGM Electric Pallet Jacks
A smaller part of the lineup runs on lead-acid or AGM (a sealed, maintenance-free type of lead-acid battery). These tend to show up on higher-capacity or all-terrain builds:
- Raelon EPT25-WA: 5,500 lb, lead-acid, with backrest
- Raelon MN-01: 6,600 lb, AGM, all-terrain
For a closer look at how the two battery types actually differ in daily use (charging time, weight, and cold-weather performance) see our lithium vs AGM comparison.
Narrow Fork vs Standard Fork Pallet Jacks
Fork size is easy to overlook, but it can affect whether a pallet jack works smoothly with your pallets.
- Narrow forks are designed for custom or smaller pallets, often used in compact retail, e-commerce, or specialty inventory spaces where turning room is limited.
- Standard forks are compatible with many common North American pallet sizes, making them a practical choice for general-purpose operations using pallet jacks across multiple areas.
If your team frequently struggles to insert forks fully under pallets, check your pallet dimensions and fork size before buying. Poor fork fit can create load instability, pallet damage, and unnecessary operator frustration.
Need Floor-Level Movement or Lift Height?
If you only move pallets across the floor, an electric pallet jack is usually the right tool. If you need stacking height, compare electric stackers. If you need higher racking work or heavier lift height, compare electric forklifts.
Not sure which type fits your operation?
Tell us your average pallet weight, daily usage, and aisle space. Our team can help you narrow down the right battery type and capacity.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between manual and electric pallet jacks (and between lithium-ion and lead-acid/AGM within electric models) is the first step to choosing the right equipment. Once you know which type fits your operation, the how-to-choose guide linked at the top walks through capacity, aisle space and warranty in detail.
Ready to compare models? Browse the full electric pallet jack lineup, or contact us for a recommendation based on your pallet weight, aisle width, and usage.
