Buyer Guide

Manual Pallet Jack Buying Guide: Hand Pallet Trucks for Canada

Manual pallet jacks, also called hand pallet trucks, move palletized loads across flat warehouse, dock, and retail floors without power or charging. This buyer guide compares five manual pallet jack models available in Canada across load capacity, fork width, wheel type, and specialty design. For most operations moving standard 48x40 pallets on smooth concrete, a 5,500 lb hand pallet truck with 27-inch forks and polyurethane steer wheels is the right default; narrow, high-lift, and all-terrain models cover the cases a standard jack cannot.

Last updated: June 2026
10 min read
5 models reviewed
Canada

How This Buyer Guide Evaluates Manual Pallet Jacks

This guide applies consistent criteria to each manual pallet jack, focusing on the factors that determine operational fit and durability in Canadian warehouse, dock, and retail environments. No manufacturer sponsorship or affiliate relationship influences these assessments.

Load Capacity

Rated load in pounds and kilograms, and whether it clears your heaviest routine pallet with margin rather than only the occasional maximum.

Fork Width & Pallet Fit

Outside fork width and length, and whether the forks enter your pallets cleanly. Standard 27-inch forks fit GMA pallets; 21-inch forks fit narrow and Euro pallets.

Wheel Type

Polyurethane or nylon, single or tandem load rollers, and steer-wheel material, matched to floor surface, noise tolerance, and load weight.

Build Quality & Duty Cycle

Frame and fork reinforcement, weld quality, hydraulic pump seals, and whether the unit is rated for occasional, daily, or multi-shift use.

Specialty Capability

Whether the application needs a standard jack or a specialty design: narrow forks for tight pallets, a high-lift scissor for work height, or pneumatic tires for outdoor ground.

Models were evaluated against manufacturer specifications and standard material handling requirements. Configuration and quantity affect pricing.

Quick Comparison: Manual Pallet Jacks for Canada

This comparison focuses on decision variables rather than full specifications. For detailed specifications, refer to the individual model breakdowns below.

Model Load Capacity Wheels Fork SizeRaised HeightPrice (CAD)Positioning
SH25+
Daily and multi-shift heavy-duty handling
5,500 lb (2,500 kg) Poly steer + nylon load rollers 27" outside, 48" longStandard ~7.9" (200 mm)From $450.00 Premium
SH25
Everyday heavy pallet handling
5,500 lb (2,500 kg) Poly steer + nylon load rollers 27" outside, 48" longStandard ~7.9" (200 mm)Heavy Duty
SH20N
Narrow-entry and Euro-style pallets
4,400 lb (2,000 kg) Poly steer + nylon load rollers 21" outside, 47" longStandard ~7.9" (200 mm)From $350.00 Value
SHL15+
Ergonomic work height and assembly
3,300 lb (1,500 kg) Quick-lift scissor pump Scissor forks31.5" (800 mm)From $1,600.00 Specialized
SAT12
Gravel, dirt, and outdoor ground
2,756 lb (1,250 kg) Pneumatic (air) tires Adjustable 10-26" wideStandard ~7.9" (200 mm)From $2,900.00 Specialized

Pricing varies by configuration and current availability. Contact for current quotes.

SH25+ Premium Manual Pallet Jack

Reinforced 5,500 lb hand pallet truck for daily and multi-shift handling

Best For
Warehouses and docks running daily or multi-shift heavy pallet handling
Load Capacity
5,500 lb (2,500 kg)
Wheels
Polyurethane steer wheel, nylon load rollers
Fork Size
27" outside width, 48" length

Overview

The SH25+ is the premium hand pallet truck in the Sumachay range, rated to 5,500 lb (2,500 kg). It uses 100 percent robotic-welded construction and reinforced forks that add roughly 400 kg of static load capacity over a standard jack, so it holds up to the repeated full-capacity cycles of a busy warehouse or shipping dock. A smooth three-position hydraulic pump (raise, hold, lower) and hardened load rollers keep it moving pallets shift after shift.

Strengths

Reinforced forks and robotic welding give it the highest duty cycle of the manual range. The 5,500 lb rating covers fully loaded standard pallets with margin. It ships with an 18-month warranty, the longest on the manual jacks. Polyurethane steer wheels run quiet and protect smooth concrete.

Considerations

It carries a premium over the standard SH25 for the same rated capacity; the difference is build grade and warranty, not lift. The 27-inch forks are sized for standard GMA pallets and will not enter narrow or Euro pallets, which need the SH20N.

Price (CAD)
From $450.00
On sumachay.com
Availability
In stock, ships from Ontario

When NOT to Buy This Model

Do not select the SH25+ if your handling is occasional rather than daily, where the standard SH25 covers the same 5,500 lb at lower cost. Operations moving narrow or Euro pallets need the SH20N, and any work above smooth, flat, hard floors needs a specialty model such as the SAT12.

SH25 Manual Pallet Jack

Dependable 5,500 lb hand pallet truck for everyday handling

Best For
General warehouse, dock, and stockroom pallet handling
Load Capacity
5,500 lb (2,500 kg)
Wheels
Polyurethane steer wheel, nylon load rollers
Fork Size
27" outside width, 48" length

Overview

The SH25 is the everyday workhorse hand pallet truck, rated to 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) on standard 48x40 pallets. It pairs a reliable three-position hydraulic pump with 27-inch forks and durable load rollers, covering the great majority of indoor warehouse and dock handling without the premium build of the SH25+.

Strengths

It delivers the full 5,500 lb rating at a lower cost than the premium SH25+. The 27-inch forks fit standard GMA pallets. Wear parts such as wheels, seals, and the pump assembly are stocked in Canada and replace on-site with basic tools.

Considerations

It carries a 12-month warranty rather than the SH25+ 18 months, and does not include the reinforced forks or robotic-welded frame built for multi-shift duty. For the heaviest continuous use, the SH25+ is the more durable choice.

Availability
In stock, ships from Ontario

When NOT to Buy This Model

Do not select the SH25 for multi-shift, full-capacity duty where the reinforced SH25+ lasts longer, and do not select it for narrow pallets, high work-height tasks, or outdoor ground, which need the SH20N, SHL15+, or SAT12 respectively.

SH20N Narrow Pallet Jack

21-inch narrow-fork hand pallet truck for Euro and narrow-entry pallets

Best For
Narrow-entry pallets, Euro pallets, and tight-aisle work
Load Capacity
4,400 lb (2,000 kg)
Wheels
Polyurethane steer wheel, nylon load rollers
Fork Size
21" outside width, 47" length

Overview

The SH20N is a narrow-fork hand pallet truck built for the pallets a standard 27-inch jack cannot enter. Its 21-inch outside fork width slips into Euro-style and narrow-entry pallets, while the 47-inch fork length still supports a full load. Rated to 4,400 lb (2,000 kg), it handles the same hydraulic pump and load rollers as the standard jacks in a narrower frame.

Strengths

The 21-inch fork width fits Euro and narrow-entry pallets that wide forks will not enter, and the narrow frame maneuvers in tight aisles. It carries a strong 4,400 lb rating for a narrow jack and uses the same field-serviceable wheels and seals as the rest of the range.

Considerations

The 4,400 lb capacity is below the 5,500 lb of the SH25 and SH25+. On standard 48x40 GMA pallets, the narrow forks leave more deck overhang, so a 27-inch jack is the better fit for standard-pallet operations.

Price (CAD)
From $350.00
On sumachay.com
Availability
In stock, ships from Ontario

When NOT to Buy This Model

Do not select the SH20N if your operation runs standard 48x40 GMA pallets, where the wider 27-inch SH25 or SH25+ gives better deck support and higher capacity. Narrow forks are an advantage only when your pallets actually require them.

SHL15+ High Lift Pallet Truck

Quick-lift scissor pallet truck that raises loads to 800 mm work height

Best For
Order picking, assembly, and packing at ergonomic height
Load Capacity
3,300 lb (1,500 kg)
Lift Mechanism
Quick-lift scissor hydraulic pump
Lift Height
Scissor-lift forks

Overview

The SHL15+ is a high-lift, or scissor, pallet truck. Where a standard jack lifts a pallet only enough to clear the floor (about 200 mm), the SHL15+ raises the load to 800 mm, turning a full pallet into a mobile work surface at waist height. A quick-lift pump reaches full height in fewer strokes to reduce operator fatigue. It is rated to 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) and ships with an 18-month warranty.

Strengths

The 800 mm lift brings the load to ergonomic work height for picking, assembly, and packing, reducing bending and strain. The quick-lift pump cuts the number of strokes to full height. It doubles as a mobile lift table and a transport jack in one unit.

Considerations

At 1,500 kg, capacity is below the 5,500 lb standard jacks. The scissor mechanism is for work-height lifting, not stacking to racking, and it is a specialty tool rather than a general transport jack for the longest runs.

Price (CAD)
From $1,600.00
On sumachay.com
Availability
In stock, ships from Ontario

When NOT to Buy This Model

Do not select the SHL15+ purely to move pallets across a warehouse; a standard SH25 transports more capacity at lower cost. Choose the SHL15+ only when raising the load to work height is the point. To stack to racking, use an electric pallet stacker instead.

SAT12 All-Terrain Pallet Jack

Pneumatic-tire pallet jack for gravel, dirt, and outdoor ground

Best For
Outdoor yards, gravel, dirt, grass, and uneven ground
Load Capacity
2,756 lb (1,250 kg)
Tires
Rugged pneumatic (air-filled) tires
Fork Width
Adjustable fork width 10-26"

Overview

The SAT12 is an all-terrain pallet jack built for the outdoor surfaces a standard jack cannot cross. Large pneumatic tires and a wide straddle roll over gravel, dirt, grass, and uneven ground where small hard wheels would dig in and stall. Adjustable forks span 10 to 26 inches to fit varied pallets and skids, and 180-degree steering maneuvers it in tight outdoor spaces. It is rated to 2,756 lb (1,250 kg) with a 1-year warranty.

Strengths

Pneumatic tires and a wide straddle handle gravel, dirt, grass, and rough yards. Adjustable forks fit a wide range of pallet and skid widths. The 180-degree steering maneuvers in tight outdoor areas. It is the right tool where a standard hard-wheel jack simply cannot move.

Considerations

The 2,756 lb capacity is the lowest of the manual range, reflecting its outdoor focus. On smooth indoor concrete, a standard 27-inch jack is faster and higher-capacity; the all-terrain design only pays off off-pavement.

Price (CAD)
From $2,900.00
On sumachay.com
Availability
Ships from Ontario

When NOT to Buy This Model

Do not select the SAT12 for indoor warehouse work on smooth floors, where a standard SH25 is faster and carries more. For powered off-road pallet handling, consider the electric off-road SEOR30 instead. The SAT12 is purpose-built for manual handling on outdoor ground.

How to Choose the Right Manual Pallet Jack

Selecting a manual pallet jack means matching capacity, fork width, and wheel type to the loads, pallets, and floors you actually handle. The following factors should guide the decision for any warehouse, dock, or retail back room.

1

Load Weight

Identify the heaviest load you move regularly, not the occasional maximum, and choose a rating that clears it with margin. The SH25 and SH25+ carry 5,500 lb, the SH20N 4,400 lb, the SHL15+ 3,300 lb, and the SAT12 2,756 lb. Sustained overloading wears any hydraulic pump early.

2

Fork Width and Pallet Type

Match fork width to your pallets first. Standard 48x40 GMA pallets take 27-inch forks (SH25, SH25+). Narrow-entry and Euro pallets need the 21-inch SH20N. The forks should enter the pallet cleanly without forcing.

3

Wheel Type for Your Floor

Polyurethane wheels run quiet and protect smooth concrete; nylon wheels are harder and shrug off rough docks and debris. Heavier loads and rougher floors favour the more durable wheel. For gravel, dirt, or grass, only the pneumatic-tire SAT12 will roll.

4

Standard, Premium, or Specialty

For everyday handling the standard SH25 is enough; for multi-shift, full-capacity duty the reinforced SH25+ lasts longer and carries a longer warranty. Choose a specialty model only when the job requires it: narrow forks (SH20N), work-height lift (SHL15+), or outdoor ground (SAT12).

5

Frequency and Environment

Match the jack to how often and where you use it. Occasional indoor use suits a standard jack; daily multi-shift use justifies the premium build. Manual pallet jacks are designed for flat, hard, level floors. Steep grades, soft ground, and outdoor terrain call for the all-terrain SAT12 or a powered alternative.

General Recommendation

For most Canadian warehouses moving standard 48x40 pallets on smooth concrete, a 5,500 lb hand pallet truck with 27-inch forks and polyurethane steer wheels is the right default: the SH25 for everyday use, the SH25+ for multi-shift duty. Choose the SH20N for narrow or Euro pallets, the SHL15+ when you need ergonomic work height, and the SAT12 for outdoor ground.

Market-Specific Buying Considerations

Purchasing considerations vary by region. The following information applies to your market.

Showing information for Canada (sumachay.com)

Shipping & Delivery

Manual pallet jacks are in stock and ship from our Ontario warehouse, typically dispatching within 1 to 2 business days by freight carrier to any Canadian address. Toronto-area customers can arrange same-day or next-day pickup. Because manual jacks are lighter than electric equipment, freight costs are generally lower.

No Power or Charging Required

Manual pallet jacks are hydraulic, not electric, so there is no battery, charger, or electrical infrastructure to plan for. The operator pumps the handle to raise the load and releases to lower it. This makes them low-maintenance and ready to work the moment they arrive.

Service & Support

Manual pallet jacks include a 12-month warranty, with 18 months on the premium SH25+ and SHL15+. Wear parts such as wheels, seals, hydraulic pump assemblies, and handles are stocked in Canada and replace on-site with basic tools. Technical support is available during Canadian business hours.

Safe Operation

Operators should follow provincial workplace safety guidelines for manual material handling, including load-centering, rated-capacity limits, and safe pushing and pulling practices. Keep loads centered on the forks and within the rated capacity.

Market-specific information is provided for general guidance. Contact your regional sales representative for current availability, pricing, and support options.
Ready to Choose?

Find the Right Manual Pallet Jack

Browse the full range of manual pallet jacks and hand pallet trucks, or contact our equipment specialists for a recommendation based on your load weight, pallet type, and floor surface.

FAQ: Manual Pallet Jacks

Common questions about selecting and operating manual pallet jacks in Canadian warehouse, dock, and retail environments.

Yes. Manual pallet jack, hand pallet truck, hand pallet jack, and pallet truck all refer to the same equipment: a hydraulic, operator-powered tool that lifts a pallet just off the floor and moves it. The operator pumps the handle to raise the forks and releases a lever to lower them. There is no battery or motor.

Choose a rating that clears your heaviest routine load with margin. Sumachay manual jacks range from 2,756 lb (SAT12) to 5,500 lb (SH25, SH25+). For fully loaded standard pallets, a 5,500 lb jack is the safe default. Confirm the load is centered on the forks, as off-center loads reduce effective capacity.

Match fork width to your pallets. Standard 48x40 GMA pallets take 27-inch outside forks (SH25, SH25+). Narrow-entry and Euro pallets need 21-inch forks (SH20N). The forks should slide into the pallet openings cleanly without forcing. Using narrow forks on a standard pallet leaves more overhang and less deck support.

Polyurethane wheels are softer, quieter, and protect smooth concrete from marking. Nylon wheels are harder and more durable, better for rough concrete, dock areas with debris, and heavier loads. Most indoor warehouses prefer polyurethane; docks and rough floors favour nylon. For gravel, dirt, or grass, only the pneumatic tires of the SAT12 will roll.

A manual jack is ideal for short moves, occasional use, and lighter daily volumes on flat floors. Consider an electric pallet jack when operators move loaded pallets over long distances, up ramps, or for many cycles per shift, where manual pushing becomes a fatigue and throughput problem. Capacity, distance, and cycle count drive the decision.

Standard manual jacks work well on dock plates and inside trailers on level, hard floors, and handle mild transitions between dock and trailer. They are not built for steep grades, soft ground, or outdoor terrain. For gravel, dirt, grass, or uneven yards, use the all-terrain SAT12 with pneumatic tires.

For specific questions about your operational requirements, contact a material handling specialist for personalized guidance.