The primary difference between rack pulls and deadlifts is the starting position. Deadlifts start from the floor. Rack pulls start just below knee height, which is why they are normally performed in a squat rack. Rack pulls target primarily the back muscles, including the erectors, lats, and traps. Traditional deadlifts work the entire posterior chain, including the glutes, hamstrings, erectors, lats, and traps. Rack pulls use a shorter range of motion and is more specific to back hypertrophy. Conventional deadlifts engage much more of the lower body and have a much larger range of motion. For all of the pros, cons, and differences between the deadlift and rack pulls, check out this article: Rack Pulls vs. Deadlifts: Differences, Pros, and Cons