What Is a Pallet Jack?
A pallet jack lifts and moves loads on skids or on standard pallets in industrial settings like warehouses. Also known as a pump truck, these portable material-handling units are less expensive than forklifts and don’t require licensing to operate.
Manual and electric pallet jacks vary by manufacturer, but all feature the same basic parts to maneuver and lift materials. Learn more about these key features to select the right model for your operations.
Handle and Control Lever
A pallet jack has handle and control lever at the top that are used to manually move, lift and lower the forks. The control lever has a neutral, drive and raise position. When the handle is slipped into the drive position, it engages the hydraulic pump to raise the forks off the ground. Then, the operator can move the pallet jack to where it needs to go.
You can find manual and electric pallet jacks for a variety of environments. Some examples are retail, cold storage and general warehousing. You can also find specialized models such as a scissor pallet truck and a weighing pallet truck.
Renting a pallet jack or multiple pallet jacks is a great way to increase your warehouse productivity without the expense of buying equipment that might not be needed year round. Plus, renting lets you avoid equipment storage, maintenance, insurance, depreciation and taxes. Talk to your material handling reprehensive about the different options available to you. They can help you determine if a manual or an electric walkie is the best option for your business.
Hydraulic Pump
A pallet jack is material handling equipment that lifts and transports loads of various sizes on pallets or skids in warehouses and industrial settings. The two main types are manual and electric (also known as a walkie).
The handle and control lever operate the steer wheels and hydraulic pump that moves the pallet jack around. The control lever has two positions: drive pallet jack and lower. When the control lever is in the drive position, squeezing it lowers the pallet jack forks proportionally with every stroke.
When the control lever is in the lower position, pushing it causes the lift cylinder to raise the forks proportionally with each stroke. This allows the operator to move the pallet jack over long distances with minimal effort.
The hydraulic pump also features a relief valve that prevents excessive pressure build-up by routing high-pressure fluid back to the tank when the system reaches a preset limit. This reduces energy loss and maintains the hydraulic system’s efficiency. Some models feature a multidirectional hydraulic pump that can roll in multiple directions when the forks are within certain height ranges, making it easier to maneuver the jack through trailers and other narrow spaces.
Steer Wheels
The steer wheels are 7-8 inches in diameter, located in the front of the pallet jack and attached to a swiveling base. They’re actuated by the control lever to drive the pallet jack in the desired direction. They’re made of polyurethane or nylon and are designed to last a long time when used on smooth surfaces.
The wheels should be replaced whenever they wear down to about 1/4 inch of their original size. Damaged or deteriorated wheels cause more resistance, making it harder to move the pallet jack and can create a safety hazard for employees.
You’ll want to decide whether the benefits of a longer-lasting polyurethane wheel outweigh the drawbacks. For example, if you work in a sensitive, customer-facing environment where marks on the floor could create a negative perception, nylon wheels may be the best choice. You should also avoid running the pallet jack over large cracks in concrete, significant drops or other obstacles that can easily damage or chunk the wheels. A dealer can help you choose the right wheels for your application.
Forks or Prongs
The forks of a pallet jack are the main component that allows the jack to lift and transport loads. They are positioned on the end of the handlebar and feature two prongs that can be lowered into or through openings on a pallet stringer.
To move a load, the control lever is shifted into the “lift” position and the operator pumps it up and down, which raises and lowers the forks. The two steer wheels below the handlebar maneuver the jack where it needs to go.
There are many different variations of pallet jacks, including manual and electric models. Some have options for entry and exit rollers that reduce the amount of effort needed to roll the jack into or out of a vehicle. Others have a type of weight indicator to provide an approximate total load capacity. If the jack will be used in a harsh environment, a rough terrain model is available with heavy-duty tires that can easily drive over uneven surfaces. Be sure to review any manuals or other documents provided with your specific pallet jack before operating.
Load Wheels
Located beneath the pallet forks, there are typically two load wheels. The control lever controls the lifting and lowering of these wheels and the steering Lifting Equipment Suppliers of the pallet jack by rotating it left and right.
Depending on your workplace conditions, you can choose from nylon or polyurethane pallet jack wheels. There are also steel caster wheels available for use on industrial equipment that requires high performance and durability.
Choosing the right wheels for your workplace is important because it determines how well and safely a hand pallet jack performs. For instance, if you’re working on a rough warehouse floor, polyurethane wheels are non-marking and will not damage floors. They are also tough and resist corrosion, making them an excellent choice for a food processing or cold storage warehouse. In contrast, nylon wheels are louder and may mark floors. They are also less resistant than polyurethane and degrade faster in environments with moisture or oil.