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Pallet jacks are common warehouse equipment used to lift and transport loads. They can be manual or electric and have two forks that fit into pallets. A hydraulic pump at the base of the handlebar provides the pumping action that raises and lowers the forks. The jacks are moved by large steer wheels located below the handlebar.
Safety
Pallet jacks are equipped with several safety features that make them safe to use. There is a manual lever to raise and lower the forks as well as a brake to stop the wheels once they touch the floor. Some models have a sensor that prevents the operator from driving against a wall or another fixed object. An electric pallet jack has an additional feature that automatically stops the forks when they reach a full stop.
Employees should always follow basic manual safety procedures when using pallet jacks, such as keeping the back straight and bending the knees before getting up from a seated position. They should never stand on or ride a pallet jack, nor use it as a step ladder. In addition, employees should carefully inspect a load before pushing it into place to ensure that the dimensions are appropriate and the weight is evenly distributed.
Lifting Capacity
Pallet jacks lift and transport loads, without stacking. They are perfect for narrow aisles, small storage areas and other places where larger forklifts won’t fit. The lifting height of a pallet-jack and the weight that it can lift determine its capacity. Choosing the right one for your needs minimizes risk of injury and damage to goods.
Each pallet jack is equipped with a hydraulic pump that is located near the handlebar. This pump provides the power needed to raise and lower the forks. As an operator pumps the handle lever, a piston rises in the pump, which in turn causes linkages that are beneath the forks and attached to the load wheels to articulate. This articulation raises forks to desired working height. To lower the lift forks, move the control lever into the down position. This reverses articulation to lower the forks.
Most pallet jacks also have a neutral position, which isn’t activated and lets the forks lie flat on the floor. This lets operators maneuver the jacks in tight spaces and cuts down on space used for storage. Some models have an adjustable fork, which can be readjusted to accommodate different-sized pallets.
Some pallet jacks are equipped with large steering wheels, which allows them to move more quickly. Some pallet jacks have solid rubber or foam-filled tires that can handle rough terrain. They are ideal for outdoor work, such as landscaping and moving construction materials.
Weight Capacity
Pallet jacks allow workers to move heavy loads between warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and loading bays. However, the way a pallet jack handles its load depends on the type of work it’s designed for. Most pallet jacks have maximum load handling capacities up to 2,500kg.
Manual pallet jacks are generally less powerful and have a lower lifting capacity. This is because manual models require laborers to physically press on a hydraulic pump to raise and lower forks. This model requires manual locomotion and braking as well as turning, which can lead to fatigue with repeated use.
Electric pallet jacks are powered by a motor that controls the hydraulic system. The forks are automatically raised and lowered without the need for operator input. This model is more convenient and cost-effective than a manual pallet truck, but requires periodic battery replacement or recharging.
Some pallet jacks come with forks designed to fit inside the standard pallet gap. These models are called double fork pallet jacks and have a higher load capacity than single-fork models. They are available in manual or electrical versions and can be utilized to move pallets of goods within trailers, shipping docks storage facilities and other warehouse areas.
Maintenance
Maintaining the safety, performance and longevity of a pallet jack/truck begins with routine inspections. These can be performed by in-house personnel or a professional service technician. By adding these tasks to your maintenance schedule, you can ensure that they are completed regularly. This will reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns while increasing operational efficiency.
A hand pallet jack requires an operator to pump the handle up and down in order to raise a load. The upward motion of the handle shifts the operating lever to an elevated position, which allows hydraulic fluid to flow into a piston that elevates the forks and load wheels. The downward motion of the handle then releases pressure, which causes the forks and load wheels to lower back to the ground.
A lubrication regime should be in place for hand pallet jacks, which involves applying a grease or liquid lubricant to pivot points and moving components, as specified by the manufacturer. Regular lubrication reduces friction, enhances equipment performance and extends its lifespan.
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