Electric and Manual Pallet Jacks
A pallet jack is an essential piece of material handling equipment that lifts and transports loads on pallets and skids in warehouses and other work areas. There are two main types: manual and electric.
Manual pallet jacks have a control lever that you pump to raise the forks. They do not have brakes, so you must move slowly to prevent accidents.
Hydraulic Pump
Pallet jacks have a hydraulic pump that is powered by a piston. When the control lever is pressed down, it activates the hydraulic pump and raises the forks. This allows the pallet jack to pick up and transport loads. The forks can be lowered when the handle is pulled up. This is necessary for moving the pallet jacks through narrow aisles, trailers and other areas where there are obstacles. It is important to inspect the hydraulic pump, steer wheels and handle regularly for any signs of damage or wear that could affect safety or performance.
The hydraulic pump also contains a bearing assembly that helps to keep the pallet jack shaft rotating continuously. However, if this assembly fails then the pump might fail as well. To avoid such problems, the bearings are sealed to protect them from coolants & contaminants.
Another important feature of a pallet jack is its lift height. This is the maximum height that the forks can be raised. It is important to know this information so you can select a model that can safely lift the loads you plan on transporting. Pallet jacks can tip if they are lifted to high of a height, so it is important to check them and make sure they are not at risk for falling over.
Electric pallet jacks can be used in place of manual ones to reduce operator strain and speed up work. They can be driven in crowded docks and manufacturing floors, but they require an electrical outlet to operate. Some models use sound-deadening materials, quieter steer wheels and load rollers to reduce noise levels and are suitable for hospitals, retail stores, food outlets and other public spaces where noise must be kept to a minimum.
Forks
Manual pallet jacks are used to transport wooden or plastic pallets of materials over short distances in warehouses. They lift and lower the load using a hydraulic system with a handle or tiller that lets the operator maneuver them. They typically have a capacity of up to 5,500 pounds.
The operator stands behind the pallet jack and uses the control lever to turn, request travel, and raise and lower the forks. They then guide the swiveling forks underneath or through openings on a pallet and then crank the handle to move the jacks in whatever direction is needed. When finished, the operator moves the jacks to another location and slides it out from under the loaded pallet. When not in use, the operator plugs the jack back into its charger.
Some jacks have options that make them more useful in particular applications, such as roller forks that let the operators roll the load instead of lifting it. Others have swiveling load wheels that can take the jacks in directions other than forward and back. They’re commonly used in narrow aisles where the space between the forks would be too tight to fit a standard pallet.
Other pallet jack variations are designed for more specific purposes, such as a built-in scale to weigh the load. Still, the most common variant is the simple manual pallet jack.
Load Wheels
The pallet jack’s load wheels, found underneath the forks, enter the openings of a pallet to lift it. The wheels are usually small, about 3 inches in diameter, and don’t need to swivel. They are supported by a Lifting Equipment Suppliers pair of larger steer wheels located near the base of the handlebar. By swinging the handle in an arc, you can maneuver the pallet jack.
Load and steer wheels are typically made of polyurethane, a material that resists abrasion and impacts. They also have a soft tread that reduces the force you need to exert, which can help reduce back strain. Polyurethane wheels are designed to be non-marking, so they won’t leave marks on floors, which makes them ideal for environments like retail or grocery stores.
You can use a manual or electric pallet jack to move materials, but the type of wheel you choose depends on your environment. For example, if you work in a cold storage area, nylon wheels will likely break down quickly. Polyurethane wheels, on the other hand, will last longer, and they are less likely to mark floors. Regardless of which kind of wheels you choose, it’s important to routinely inspect them for damage and wear, and to replace them whenever they get down to about a quarter inch in diameter. It’s also best to replace them in pairs, so both steering and load wheels are of the same size.
Control Lever
The control lever, usually a handlebar, allows you to maneuver the pallet jack in the direction you want to go. It also controls how you raise and lower the forks. The neutral position disengages the pump and lets you easily move your load from place to place, while the down position activates the hydraulic system that lifts or lowers the forks.
When you’re ready to put your load on a pallet, use the actuating lever to lower the forks until they rest flush with the bottom of the skid or wooden pallet. Then, gently slide the prongs into openings in your pallet. Once the forks are in place, reengage the actuating lever and pump it down to rise the forks back up.
While you’re moving your loads, remember to drive slow and steer clear of slopes or inclines — pallet jacks aren’t designed to travel on uneven surfaces. Also, don’t exceed your pallet jack’s maximum load capacity rating.
If you’re looking for a more efficient way to transport heavy loads, consider electric pallet jacks. They’re a great solution for long-distance transportation and can reduce worker fatigue by eliminating the need to manually lift or pull your load. They’re available with several engine options and features, including a weighing scale for improved accuracy. If you’re not sure which type of pallet jack is right for your business, connect with our in-house product experts for help.