How Hand Pallet Jacks Work

Manual hand pallet jacks are an essential tool for many warehouse and distribution center applications. Understanding how they work can help you get the most out of them.

A standard hand pallet jack has a hydraulic pump, steer wheels and forks. These components are accessed through the control lever handle.

Hydraulic Pump

The hydraulic pump of a manual pallet jack is responsible for raising and lowering the jack’s forks. It includes a hydraulic cylinder, piston, and valves. The cylinder extends when the handle is pressed down, pushing the forks upward. The pump is responsible for supplying hydraulic oil to the cylinder, while the piston and valves control the flow of hydraulic oil in and out of the cylinder.

The control lever is located on the front of the jack near the wheels and controls the movement and steering of the vehicle. The neutral handle position releases tension on the control lever to make turning easier, which can reduce operator fatigue. The wheels of a pallet jack are typically made from durable polyurethane or nylon for smooth movement and stability. They are also easily repaired and replaced, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

While hand pallet jacks are simple to operate, they can still be complicated pieces of equipment. To avoid injuries and damage, follow these tips when using them:

Fork Length

The fork length used in hand pallet trucks is crucial to getting the most out of your truck. If you’re using a standard size pallet, choose a fork length that matches the width of the outer pallet stringers. A longer fork can allow you to move heavier or bulkier loads. If you’re using custom sized pallets, a shorter fork can help protect them from damage during transport.

If you’re in a corrosive or sanitary environment, look for hand pallet jacks with special materials and finishes. These can be galvanized, zinc, chrome plated or stainless hand pallet jack steel to ensure they last. These jacks are ideal for food, pharmaceutical and other sanitary environments.

Some hand pallet jacks have a snub nose or wheel that can be turned to steer them in other directions, which makes it easier to position them in tight spots and navigate corners. They also can be equipped with a Debris Diverter that helps prevent foreign objects from getting under the steer tires for easier operation and more precise, predictable travel.

Unique size hand pallet trucks are available with varying frame and fork widths to fit your specific handling requirements. Some have reinforced fork designs that provide the strength and rigidity needed to handle non-standard pallets and skids, with capacities up to 5,500 lbs evenly distributed. These trucks can be equipped with a variety of options and accessories, including a scale that allows you to weigh loads on the fly.

Control Lever

When used properly, manual pallet jacks make moving loads across warehouses faster and more efficient than carts or dollies. hand pallet jack However, it’s important to remember that these pieces of equipment are still heavy machinery that can cause injuries if not operated correctly.

Hand pallet jacks have two large steer wheels at the base that maneuver them where they need to go. They also have a hydraulic pump and a control lever that raises and lowers the forks. When the control lever is pushed down, it causes a piston in the hydraulic pump to rise. This in turn raises the forks, allowing the operator to lift loads onto or off of pallets. The control lever is easily identifiable by its “lift,” “lower” and neutral positions.

Before using a hand pallet jack, the handle should be shifted to the neutral position. This ensures that the jack doesn’t accidentally shift into a position where it could be damaged or pose a safety hazard. It’s also helpful to check the load capacity before moving a pallet jack. This way, you can ensure that you aren’t exceeding the jack’s maximum capacity and risking damage to your material handling equipment or workplace.

For environments that may require a little more extra care for pallet jacks, consider specialized models designed to accommodate the needs of each environment. These include a stair climbing pallet jack that can travel up and down stairs with ease.

Wheels

The wheels used in pallet jacks are either nylon or polyurethane. The choice depends on your facility’s floor conditions. Nylon wheels are less likely to mark up your floors, but they don’t offer as much traction on rough surfaces. Polyurethane wheels, on the other hand, provide more traction and resist penetration from debris such as nails, screws, wood chips or metal scraps.

Both types of wheels must be routinely inspected for damage, deterioration and wear. If the steer or load wheels are worn down more than a quarter inch, they should be replaced. When replacing them, choose wheels made of a material that can withstand the environments where your employees work. For example, if you have to move your pallet jacks from a warehouse onto a dock board and then into a freezer, consider using wheels that are specially designed for the cold environment.

Other important features to consider are the lowered height and maximum lifting capacity. Standard-sized hand pallet jacks typically lower to 3 inches and lift up to 7 or 8 inches. Higher-capacity models are available, but they generally cost more and require more maintenance due to their heavier frames. If your facility regularly moves loads over long distances, an electric pallet jack may be a better option for you. Its small electric motor reduces operator fatigue and requires less maintenance, but it will need to be recharged periodically.