Used Pallet Jack
A quality pallet jack can last for years, which means the used market offers opportunities to acquire capable equipment at a fraction of new cost. But not every used pallet jack is a bargain. Some are worn out, damaged, or require expensive repairs that wipe out any savings. Knowing what to look for separates good deals from costly mistakes.
Whether you are considering a used manual pallet jack or a pre-owned electric pallet truck, this guide helps you evaluate the equipment, understand fair pricing, and decide if used equipment makes sense for your situation.
When used makes sense
Buying used pallet jacks is a reasonable choice when:
- Budget is tight: Used equipment costs 40-70% less than new
- Usage is occasional: Light use does not justify new equipment cost
- Equipment is simple: Manual pallet jacks have fewer parts to fail
- You can inspect before buying: Seeing the actual unit avoids surprises
- Reputable seller: Dealers who stand behind their equipment reduce risk
- Common brand: Parts availability matters for repairs
Used may not be wise when:
- You cannot inspect the equipment first
- The seller cannot provide history or documentation
- The price is so low it suggests hidden problems
- You need immediate reliability for critical operations
- The brand is obscure with limited parts availability
Used manual pallet jacks
Manual pallet jacks are mechanically simple, which makes them good candidates for used purchase. A well-built manual jack from a quality brand can provide years of service even with significant prior use.
What to inspect
Forks
- Check for bends or twists - sight down the length of each fork
- Look for cracks, especially at welds and stress points
- Examine fork tips for excessive wear or damage
- Verify both forks are the same height when raised
Hydraulic system
- Pump the handle - jack should raise smoothly
- Load should hold without slowly dropping
- Release valve should lower load in a controlled way
- Check around pump housing and cylinder for leaks
- Look for oil on the floor under the jack
Wheels
- Check load wheels for flat spots, chunks missing, or excessive wear
- Spin wheels - they should rotate freely without grinding
- Check steer wheels for same issues
- Verify wheel bearings are not loose or noisy
Handle and linkage
- Handle should not be bent or cracked
- Pivot points should not be excessively worn
- Control lever should operate smoothly
- No excessive play in the handle connection
Manual pallet jack pricing
| Condition | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| New (budget brand) | $250-400 |
| New (quality brand) | $400-700 |
| Used (good condition) | $150-350 |
| Used (fair condition) | $75-150 |
| Used (needs work) | $25-75 |
Given that a decent new manual pallet jack costs $300-500, used only makes sense at significant discounts. A $200 used jack that needs a $100 seal kit is not a bargain compared to a $350 new one with warranty.
Used electric pallet jacks
Electric pallet jacks represent larger investments where used equipment offers more substantial savings. A new electric pallet jack costs $4,000-15,000+ depending on type, so used prices of $2,000-8,000 can be attractive.
What to inspect
Battery
The battery is often the most expensive single component. Check:
- Battery age - most last 5-7 years with proper care
- How long it holds charge under load
- Charging time to full capacity
- Any bulging, corrosion, or damage
- Water levels (on flooded lead-acid)
- Charger condition and compatibility
Replacing a battery can cost $1,000-3,000, so factor this into your evaluation.
Drive system
- Drive motor should run smoothly without noise
- Acceleration should be consistent
- Braking should be reliable and smooth
- Check drive wheel condition
Hydraulic and lift system
- Lift and lower should operate smoothly
- No visible leaks
- Forks should hold position when raised
- Lift motor should not strain or overheat
Controls and electronics
- All controls function correctly
- Display or indicators work
- No error codes or warning lights
- Horn, lights, and safety features operational
Hour meter
Most electric pallet jacks have hour meters. Lower hours generally mean less wear:
- Under 2,000 hours - relatively low use
- 2,000-5,000 hours - moderate use
- 5,000-10,000 hours - significant use
- Over 10,000 hours - high use, more wear likely
Electric pallet jack pricing
| Type/Condition | Typical Used Price |
|---|---|
| Walkie, low hours, good battery | $3,000-6,000 |
| Walkie, moderate hours | $2,000-4,000 |
| Walkie, high hours or needs battery | $1,000-2,500 |
| Rider, good condition | $5,000-12,000 |
| Rider, needs work | $2,500-6,000 |
Where to find used pallet jacks
Material handling dealers
Forklift and material handling dealers often sell used pallet jacks. They may offer reconditioned units with limited warranties. This is generally the safest option as dealers have reputations to protect.
Online marketplaces
- eBay - wide selection, variable quality
- Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace - local pickup, negotiate in person
- Equipment Trader - focused on commercial equipment
- GovDeals - surplus from government and institutions
Auctions
Industrial auctions from facility closures can offer good deals. You can inspect beforehand but usually cannot test under load. Bidding requires discipline - set a maximum and stick to it.
Direct from businesses
Companies upgrading equipment or closing operations sometimes sell directly. This can offer good value if you can verify the equipment's history.
Questions to ask sellers
Before committing to a purchase:
- Why is it being sold?
- How old is the equipment?
- What is the hour reading (electric jacks)?
- What has been replaced or repaired?
- Are maintenance records available?
- What is the battery age and condition (electric)?
- Is there any warranty?
- Can I test it with a load before buying?
- Are parts readily available for this model?
Refurbished vs. as-is
Refurbished/reconditioned
Some dealers refurbish used equipment before resale. This may include:
- Complete inspection
- Replacement of worn parts
- New or reconditioned battery
- Fresh paint or decals
- Limited warranty (30-90 days typical)
Refurbished units cost more than as-is but reduce risk.
As-is/where-is
Equipment sold without warranty or guarantee. Price is lower but all risk is on the buyer. Thorough inspection is essential.
Red flags to watch for
- Price too good: Significantly below market suggests hidden problems
- Seller resistance to inspection: Should not be a problem if equipment is good
- No history available: Cannot verify how it was used or maintained
- Visible damage: Bent forks, cracked welds, obvious neglect
- Missing parts: Controls, covers, safety features removed
- Non-functional hydraulics: Won't lift, won't hold, leaks badly
- Dead or dying battery: On electric jacks, this is expensive to fix
- Unknown brand: Parts may be impossible to find
Repair costs to consider
Factor potential repair costs when evaluating price:
| Repair | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Wheel replacement (pair) | $50-150 |
| Seal kit (manual jack) | $50-100 parts + labour |
| Pump rebuild (manual) | $150-300 |
| Battery (electric walkie) | $1,000-3,000 |
| Charger replacement | $300-800 |
| Drive motor (electric) | $500-1,500 |
| Controller (electric) | $800-2,000 |
A used electric jack at $2,500 that needs a $2,000 battery is really a $4,500 purchase.
Brands that hold value
Quality brands retain value better and have better parts availability:
- Crown - excellent resale value, parts readily available
- Raymond - premium brand, strong used market
- Toyota - reliability reputation supports resale
- Yale - solid mid-range, good parts network
- Jungheinrich - European quality, parts may be harder
Related topics
- Pallet jack types to understand options
- Pallet jack sizes and dimensions specifications guide
- Pallet truck repair to evaluate needed work
- Pallet jack maintenance to keep used equipment running
- Pallet jack alternatives other equipment options
- Electric pallet jacks buying considerations