Pallet jack

A small lever on the tow bar's steering handle releases the hydraulic fluid, causing the forks to lower.

Others use a system known as "plugging" wherein the driver turns the throttle from forward to reverse (or vice versa) to slow and stop the machine, as the dead man's switch is used in emergencies only.

Many manufacturers opt for watertight wheel bearings, a hydraulic elevator or a built-in pump to ensure their rough terrain pallet jacks are easy and comfortable to use, even in the harshest conditions.

Under most health and safety law, training is required in their use (particularly for powered pallet jacks) and, as the loads carried are heavy, there is a substantial risk of accidents resulting in injuries.

[5] In Eurasia the overall dimensions are similar, as modern container palletization has forced standardization in the dimensional domain globally.