Hand Pallet Jack
A hand pallet jack—also known as a manual pump truck—moves and transports loads in warehouses and distribution centers. They’re typically less expensive than electric models and simpler to maintain.
Before using your hand pallet jack, check the load’s weight capacity to ensure you don’t exceed it. Also, make sure your pathway is clear of obstructions and doesn’t obstruct emergency exits or fire extinguishers.
Lifting
The lifting capabilities of a hand pallet jack help users safely transport loads around warehouses or similar work areas. Typically, they’re able to raise loads up to a maximum capacity of 2,500 kilograms. The varying capacities of our models allow you to select the right pallet jack for your specific needs.
A hand pallet jack’s lift capabilities are determined by its forks or prongs, load wheels and handle. Its prongs are shaped to fit inside hand pallet jack the fork openings on most standard pallets. A hydraulic pump at the base of the handlebar supplies the pressure needed to lift or lower the forks. A control lever located in the handlebar allows you to easily control the lift and lowering process. When the control lever is in a down position, you simply need to pump it to raise the forks and when in an up position, the pallet jack automatically lowers the forks to the ground.
When selecting a hand pallet jack for your business, consider the environment it will be used in. For example, will it need to go up and down stairs? Will it be traveling over rough terrain or in freezer conditions? If so, there are special models available for these environments. Likewise, if you need to move large reels and spools of materials, there are also pallet jacks with adjustable fork lengths.
Transporting
Unlike forklifts, which use hydraulic lift to transport heavy loads, hand pallet jacks simply roll on their wheels. They have a tiller arm handle that workers pull to move them and a control lever that they flip to change directions. They’re used to move and stack pallets of merchandise in warehouses, distribution centers and loading docks.
The steel frames of most hand pallet jacks are shaped to fit a standard 40″ x 48″ pallet. The size of your pallets should influence what kind of a jack you purchase. Higher capacity models typically cost more, so avoid paying for extra lifting power unless you know that your team will need it.
Load wheels, located under the forks of a pallet jack, help you to ease loads onto the forks. Depending on the type of pallet jack, it may have two to four load wheels. If you need to transport heavy loads, consider buying a low or ultra-low pallet jack that allows the forks to lower down as far as 1.75″ or 4″, respectively.
Pallet jacks are available in several fork length and width options, too. Choosing a model that fits your material and pallet sizes can help to minimize damage while in transit. You can also find adjustable hand trucks that allow you to widen or narrow the forks as needed.
Maneuvering
Pallet jacks can’t move on their own, so they use large steer wheels and a control lever to maneuver where they need to go. The handle on the top of the rounded pallet jack control lever can be rotated left and right to adjust the direction the wheels are facing, so the hand pallet jack operator can steer the machine around corners. The control lever can also be pumped up and down to raise or lower the forks. When the forks are lowered, they rest about an inch above the ground, allowing the machine to move over any product or pallet that’s lying on the floor.
If you need to transport a load over longer distances, consider investing in a powered electric pallet jack or walkie pallet jack. They require more training and cost more to operate, but they can travel at a much quicker pace than manual pallet jacks.
Before using a hand pallet jack, ensure the route to your pickup and drop-off locations are clear of obstacles like construction materials, loose cables and wires, and other machinery. Consider how you’ll be using the machine—if you’re working in an environment where stair climbing is common, you might want to consider models designed for stair climbing. Some manufacturers offer special models for cold environments and rough terrain, too. You can find hand pallet jacks at some big-box stores and equipment dealerships, or you can connect with a material handling dealer to explore all of your options.
Safety
Pallet jacks have the ability to transport loads up and down inclines, but this capability can pose safety risks. It’s important for employees to understand the limitations of this equipment and use it only when it is appropriate to do so. Using the pallet jack to lift materials above the recommended height can result in tip-overs and other accidents that could hurt or even kill employees.
Whenever a worker is using a hand pallet jack, it’s crucial to keep it moving at a slow speed that allows them to react quickly to changing conditions. Rushing can lead to erratic driving and a higher risk of accidents. It’s also important to plan ahead when moving a load with a pallet jack and remove any obstacles or hazards from the intended path.
When it’s time to move a load, the operator must alert coworkers to stand back and use the pallet jack’s drop lever to lower its forks. It’s important to be sure that the forks are completely lowered before proceeding, as an unstable load can cause serious injuries.
Like any equipment, pallet jacks need regular maintenance to function properly. This includes a thorough inspection before every use to identify potential issues, such as hydraulic leaks or worn-out wheels. Employees should also receive formal training on the safe operation of their specific model of pallet jack.