Manual Pallet Truck

Manual pallet trucks (also known as hand pallet trucks) are a basic and affordable piece of material handling equipment. These versatile stalwarts come in a variety of fork dimensions and can be used in operations of any size.

To operate a manual pallet truck, first ensure the path to the load is clear of obstructions like stray construction materials or electric cords. Then, slip the control lever into neutral and position the forks beneath the load.

Size and Weight Capacity

A manual pallet truck, also called a hand pallet truck, is the most basic type of forklift. It requires no electrical components or hydraulic pump and can be used by any warehouse employee who knows how to operate it. Hand trucks are smaller than electric pallet jacks and can fit into small spaces that forklifts and powered pallet jacks cannot. They also have single load wheels with entry and exit rollers that offer easy maneuverability.

The lift capacity of a manual pallet truck Manual pallet truck is a vital factor to consider when purchasing one. Most standard pallet jacks can lift up to 5,500 pounds, but you can also find models with higher lifting capacities. If you are planning to transport heavy loads over long distances, a high-capacity model is a good choice.

Another consideration is the height at which a manual pallet jack can lift the load. Most models can only lift three to eight inches off the ground, but you can find models with a higher lift height if your operations need it.

Lifting

Unlike other material handling equipment that requires an engine and complex hydraulics, manual pallet trucks are easy to maintain. Their simple design makes them easy to use and reduces operator fatigue. This is a benefit because it increases productivity and can help your company meet its sustainability goals.

When operating a manual pallet truck, it is important to always wear the proper safety gear, including steel-toed boots, before getting started. Also, never exceed the load capacity of your machine. This can be dangerous for both the operator and the load.

To use a manual pallet truck, slide the forks under a load and then press the control lever down to activate the hydraulic pump. Then, simply pull the handle in a pumping motion to raise the jack forks off the ground. Once the forks are lifted, move the handle back to the neutral position and steer the jack into place.

Some pallet jacks feature swiveling load wheels for greater maneuverability and other versions with adjustable forks that can be narrowed or expanded to accommodate different pallet sizes. Additionally, there are models with power scissor lifts that offer a combination of traditional pallet truck lifting and transporting capabilities with the ability to elevate loads to an ergonomic working height.

Loading

A manual pallet truck is a great tool for moving loads around your warehouse over short distances. If your load is too heavy to lift and navigate manually, consider an electric pallet jack. They take a lot of the labor out of transporting loads and have an automatic feature to lower the forks when they reach the end of their travel path.

Typically, the forks of the pallet truck slot into the openings on top of a wooden pallet. Once the prongs are in position, the handle can be pumped to raise them off of the ground and then lowered when the load is ready for transport. Using proper load restraint products such as lashing straps will reduce the strain on your workforce when transporting these heavy pieces of equipment.

Standard manual pallet trucks have a control lever that has three functions: drive, lower and raise. The lever automatically goes into the middle (neutral) position when released, allowing you to move the pallet truck from place to place without raising or lowering the forks. Then, to transport a load, push the pallet truck while pumping the handle.

It’s important to know the load capacity of a manual pallet truck before operating it. Surpassing this limit can damage the equipment and cause injury to your workers. Ensure that your Manual pallet truck operators know how to read the load plate and perform regular inspections of their equipment to make sure it is safe for use.

Transporting

Once a load is on a pallet and secured, the driver can use the handle to pump or hydraulically lift the forks of the pallet truck. Then they can use the steering wheels to gently move it from one location to another over short distances. Manual pallet trucks are easy to maneuver and can get around tight spaces. They’re also much less expensive than electric pallet jacks, which makes them a popular choice for small- to medium-sized material handling applications.

Electric pallet jacks are often used for higher-intensity shipping and receiving over longer distances. They can save time, allowing workers to move more inventory and make more shipments per shift. However, they require a greater upfront investment and are more complicated to maintain over the long run.

To keep your pallet jacks running smoothly, it’s important to inspect them regularly and test their functionality before each use. Checking the condition of their wheels, forks, and hydraulic pump will help you spot any issues before they become a problem for your operations. You can also use pallet jack stoppers to prevent them from rolling or shifting while they’re not in use. Make sure that you position them in a secure parking area to avoid losing a loaded pallet or damaging merchandise. Lastly, consider having an employee trained to operate them and conduct regular maintenance on the equipment.