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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-01-15 Origin: Site
If you work in a warehouse, retail backroom, or shipping dock, the humble pallet jack is likely your most used tool. But when it comes to navigating tight aisles or fitting specific pallets, one crucial question arises: How wide is a pallet jack?
Knowing the precise dimensions of your material handling equipment isn't just about trivia—it's about efficiency and safety. A jack that is too wide won't fit your pallets, while one that is too narrow might be unstable. Furthermore, if you are planning a warehouse layout, understanding the standard widths of a Hand Pallet Truck or electric alternatives is essential for determining aisle width and turning radius.
This guide explores standard pallet jack dimensions, variations between manual and electric models, and how to choose the right width for your specific needs. Whether you are sourcing a China Electric Pallet Jack or a standard manual model, we’ll help you measure up for success.
While pallet jacks come in various shapes and sizes, the industry has settled on a few standard measurements to accommodate the most common pallet types (specifically the standard 40" x 48" GMA pallet).
The vast majority of standard pallet jacks found in North America and many parts of the world have an overall fork width of 27 inches. This dimension is designed to slide perfectly into the fork pockets of a standard wooden pallet, which are typically spaced to accommodate this width comfortably while providing maximum stability.
For smaller pallets or tighter spaces, the "narrow" pallet jack is the industry runner-up. These typically measure between 20.5 and 21 inches wide. These are often used for "Euro pallets" or smaller skid types found in retail environments where a full-sized standard pallet might be too bulky.
Dimension Type | Measurement (Inches) | Measurement (mm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Width | 27" | ~685 mm | Standard 40" x 48" GMA Pallets |
Narrow Width | 20.5" - 21" | ~520 - 540 mm | Euro Pallets, Narrow Skids |
Fork Length | 48" (Standard) | ~1220 mm | Most common applications |
While the fork widths generally stay consistent to fit pallets, the overall width of the machine can vary significantly depending on whether it is manual or electric.
A manual Hand Pallet Truck is the most compact option. Since the lifting mechanism is hydraulic and operated by the handle, there is no bulky battery compartment or motor housing.
Overall Width: Usually matches the fork width (e.g., 27").
Maneuverability: Extremely high. You can turn these in very tight circles, making them ideal for the back of delivery trucks or crowded staging areas.
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When you move to powered equipment, specifically a China Electric Pallet Jack, the dimensions change slightly. While the forks must still be 27 inches wide to fit the pallet, the power unit (the body of the machine containing the battery and motor) might be wider or longer.
Overall Width: Often slightly wider than the forks, though modern "mini" electric jacks are designed to be as compact as manual ones.
Turning Radius: Electric jacks generally require a larger turning radius due to the length of the battery unit behind the forks.
Using the wrong size jack isn't just inconvenient; it can be dangerous or impossible. Here are the most common issues warehouse managers face regarding width.
If you attempt to use a standard 27-inch jack on a narrow Euro pallet or a custom skid, the forks physically won't fit into the openings. This is a common frustration in international shipping hubs where pallet standards vary.
Using a narrow (21-inch) jack on a standard wide pallet is physically possible, but risky. Because the forks are closer together, the load is less stable. If you turn a corner too quickly with a heavy, tall load, the pallet is much more likely to tip over.
Even if the jack fits the pallet, does the jack fit your aisle? Standard 27-inch jacks carrying standard 48-inch pallets require significant clearance to turn around. If you are designing racking systems, you must account for the "Right Angle Stack" requirement of your equipment—which is heavily influenced by the length and width of the pallet jack.
If you aren't sure what equipment you currently have, or you need to measure a pallet to see what jack to buy, here is how to do it correctly.
Outer Width (O.W.): Measure from the outside edge of one fork to the outside edge of the other. This is your primary width measurement (e.g., 27").
Fork Length: Measure from the tip of the fork to the back of the vertical shank (the metal part that goes up to the handle). Standard length is 48 inches.
Inner Width: Measure the empty space between the two forks. This is usually around 14-15 inches for a standard jack.
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Fork Pockets: Measure the width of the openings where the forks go.
Stringer Spacing: Measure the distance between the solid wood blocks or stringers inside the pallet. Your jack’s "Outer Width" must be smaller than the total width of the openings, but wide enough to sit on the slats securely.
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When sourcing new equipment, perhaps from a supplier of a China Electric Pallet Jack, keep these four factors in mind to ensure you get the right fit.
Are you moving standard GMA pallets, CHEP pallets, or Euro pallets?
GMA/CHEP: Go with Standard 27" width.
Euro: Go with Narrow 20.5" - 21" width.
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If you have very narrow aisles, a standard electric jack might be too long. Look for compact electric models (often called "Li-ion pallet trucks") which mimic the footprint of a manual hand truck.
Don't forget the facility itself. If you are moving pallets through standard pedestrian doors, a loaded pallet jack (roughly 40-48 inches wide with the load) might not fit. Standard commercial doors are 36 inches wide, meaning you often cannot move a fully loaded standard pallet through a single door.
Always choose the widest jack that fits your pallet. If you use oversized custom pallets, you might even need a "wide" pallet jack (33 inches or more) to prevent the load from wobbling during transport.
So, how wide is a pallet jack? The short answer is usually 27 inches. However, in the world of logistics, assumptions cause accidents. Whether you are operating a manual Hand Pallet Truck or a modern China Electric Pallet Jack, verifying dimensions against your specific pallet inventory is the only way to ensure smooth operations.
If you are looking for reliable material handling solutions, companies like Guangdong Maihui Machine Co.,Ltd. specialize in a wide range of logistics machinery. From standard manual trucks to advanced electric options, selecting the right width ensures safety, efficiency, and productivity in your warehouse.
