Material Handling Equipment

Collection: Material Handling Equipment

Warehouse Material Handling Equipment: Pallet Jacks, Stackers, Rolling Ladders, and Platform Trucks

Material handling equipment moves pallets and stock across the floor and gets workers safely up to the top shelves. This collection includes manual and electric pallet jacks, a powered straddle stacker, steel rolling ladders, and folding handle platform trucks from Ballymore, Wesco, and Heli.

Pallet jacks and stackers handle palletized loads from 2,200 to 4,500 lbs. Ballymore steel rolling ladders range from 4 to 10 steps, with top step heights from 40" to 100" and a 450 lb capacity, and platform trucks carry 275 to 400 lbs of loose cartons and supplies.

Outfitting a warehouse or replacing a fleet?

Our team can help you match equipment to your loads, aisles, and racking. Request a quote or call 800-637-9508.

Manual or Electric?

Manual vs. Electric Pallet Jacks

Both move standard pallets across the floor. The difference is whether the operator pumps and pushes the load or the jack drives and lifts it with battery power.

Choose a Manual Pallet Truck When:

  • Pallets move short distances on flat floors
  • You want equipment with no battery to charge
  • You need to enter pallets from all four sides
  • Loads stay at or under 4,000 lbs

Choose an Electric Pallet Jack When:

  • Operators move pallets often or over longer distances
  • You want to reduce pushing and pumping strain
  • Loads reach up to 4,500 lbs
  • Work happens in narrow aisles and tight spaces

Need to lift pallets onto racking, not just move them? The powered straddle stacker lifts loads up to 138" high.

Comparing Pallet Jacks and Stackers

Capacity, lift height, and fork size are the main differences between the pallet handling equipment in this collection.

Equipment Capacity Lift Height Forks Power
Heli Lithium Ion Pallet Jack 3,300 lbs 7.4" max 45"l, 21.3"w overall 24V lithium-ion, about 6-hour runtime
Ballymore Electric Pallet Jack 3,300 lbs 4.5" max 45"l, 21" or 27"w overall 24V lithium-ion
Ballymore Electric Pallet Jack 4,500 lbs 4.5" max 45"l, 21" or 27"w overall 48V lithium-ion
Ballymore Straddle Stacker 2,200 lbs 138" max 45"l, adjustable 18" to 39.5" apart Two 12V batteries with built-in charger
Wesco 4-Way Pallet Truck 4,000 lbs N/A (transport only) 48"l, 33"w overall Manual pump

The Ballymore electric jacks include PIN control to limit use to authorized operators, and they can be driven with the tiller upright for work in confined areas.

Measure Your Pallets and Aisles Before You Order

Fork length and overall fork width need to fit the pallets you use, so check the pallet opening and length against each jack's fork dimensions. The straddle stacker's legs adjust from 38" to 50" inside, so confirm your pallet width falls in that range.

Also check aisle width and turning room. The Heli jack lists a 53.3" minimum turning radius, and the Ballymore electric jacks list maximum grades of 5% to 7% when loaded. Rolling ladders need floor space too, from 35" deep for the 4 step ladder to 74" deep for the 10 step.

How to Choose Material Handling Equipment

Match the equipment to what you move, how far, and how high.

Check these before you order:

  • Load type: Pallets call for a pallet jack or stacker; loose cartons and supplies fit a platform truck.
  • Load weight: Choose equipment rated for your heaviest load, from 275 lbs up to 4,500 lbs.
  • Lift height: Pallet jacks raise loads a few inches to move them; the stacker lifts up to 138".
  • Pallet and fork fit: Compare fork length and width to the pallets you use.
  • Aisles and floors: Check aisle width, turning room, and any ramps or grades.
  • Reach height: For ladders, choose the top step height that puts workers safely in reach of the top shelf.

Material Handling Equipment FAQs

Answers to common questions about rolling ladders, electric pallet jack batteries, and platform trucks.

How do rolling ladders stay in place while in use?

The 4 and 5 step Ballymore ladders have spring-loaded swivel casters that retract under the user's weight, so non-marring leg caps grip the floor. The 6 to 10 step ladders use a foot-pedal lockstep that restricts movement while the ladder is in use. All of the ladders have perforated anti-slip steps and 30"h handrails, and they are listed as complying with applicable OSHA and ANSI standards.

How are lithium-ion pallet jacks charged?

The Heli Lithium Ion Pallet Jack has a battery pack you can remove by hand for charging or swapping, and it recharges in as little as 2 hours with the included charger. Ballymore electric pallet jacks can be recharged with the battery in the truck and include a battery discharge indicator.

What should I use for loads that are not on pallets?

Wesco steel folding handle platform trucks carry 275 or 400 lbs on a non-skid vinyl deck with non-marking rubber casters. The handle folds down flat for storage.

Can electric pallet jacks be used on ramps?

Within limits. The Ballymore 3,300 lb jack is rated for a 5% grade loaded and the 4,500 lb jack for a 7% grade loaded, both up to 16% unloaded. Check your ramps against these ratings before ordering.

When should I contact Shelving.com before ordering?

Call if you are equipping several shifts or buildings, are not sure which jack fits your pallets, or are planning equipment alongside new racking. We also offer free site visits and consultations for larger projects.

Warehouse Picking Resources

More on safely picking and moving stock in your facility.

How To Safely Pick Items From Pallet Racks

Safe practices for picking stock from upper rack levels.

Read the Article →

Safe Picking for Heavy Items on Pallet Racks

How to handle heavy items safely when picking from racking.

Read the Article →

Five Safety Installations No Warehouse Can Live Without

Safety products that make the biggest difference in a busy warehouse.

Read the Article →

Need Help Choosing Material Handling Equipment?

Tell us what you move, how much it weighs, and the size of your aisles, and our team will help you pick the right jacks, stackers, and ladders.

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Material Handling Equipment

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Let Us Install For You

We don’t just sell stellar shelves. We design custom organized spaces that fit your needs, large or small.

We Can Help You