What Is a Pallet Truck?
A pallet truck (also known as a pump truck or a pallet jack) lifts and moves loads in warehouses. It consists of two steer wheels, a control lever and a hydraulic pump.
They are the most common type of pallet truck used in a warehouse environment. They have a higher maximum load capacity than hand pallet trucks and can also reach a much greater height when lifting.
Compact chassis
A pallet truck is a basic form of forklift and has a central wheel for transporting loads. It is powered via a battery and has a handle to control lifting, lowering and driving. It is ideal for small distance transport within a warehouse.
There are various types of pallet trucks that are available to suit different needs. For instance, there are rough terrain pallet trucks designed to work on uneven ground and construction sites where ordinary hand or power pallet trucks cannot operate; printer’s pallet trucks designed for use with half size pallets and used in the printing industry; and low profile pallet trucks that can fit under lowered pallets.
The chassis is the main component of a pallet truck and it can be made of steel or galvanised for extra protection. It also consists of load wheels, steer wheels and a hydraulic pump. The steering wheels are usually made of polyurethane or nylon and can be a single or tandem wheel. The load wheels are attached to the jack forks and can be pallet truck either fixed or adjustable. The hydraulic pump is located below the steer wheels and is controlled by a handle that has an up and down button.
The chassis is what makes it easy to drive a pallet truck. Electric pallet trucks, like the TCM LLS, run on advanced lithium-ion batteries and require minimal maintenance. They are also more environmentally friendly than other machines as they produce no harmful gases.
Easy to operate
A pallet truck (also known as a pump truck or a lift truck) is a must for any warehouse that needs to move loads over short distances. Their compact chassis means they can access narrow aisles and lorry loading areas without blocking them or creating traffic problems. They are also ideal for outdoor locations that are difficult to access with a regular forklift or forklift trailer.
To operate a manual hand pallet truck, the operator stands behind it with their feet on either side. They grasp the metal steering handle with both hands, positioning their feet firmly to guide it in the direction they are travelling. The hydraulic pump is located at the base of the handlebar and this provides the pumping action that raises and lowers the forks. The two large steer wheels below the handlebar help maneuver the pallet truck where it needs to go. Finally, the load wheels, which are usually longer than the forks themselves, are designed to fit inside pallets so they can be lifted.
Once the pallet truck is loaded, the actuating lever is placed in neutral. This disengages the lifting mechanism but still keeps the forks raised. This is pallet truck essential when transporting loads up or down slopes or ramps, so they don’t slip. Once the load is safely in place, the actuating lever is put back into the neutral position to allow the forks to be lowered to the floor.
Easy to maintain
Although the pallet truck is not as complex as a skid steer loader or a motor grader, it still requires regular maintenance. Over time, the heavy materials the pallet trucks handle will damage the wheels, hydraulic system components and other parts. The best way to prevent this is by regularly checking the pallet truck.
A good maintenance schedule should include lubricating the bearings and fittings on a monthly basis. This will ensure that they are working properly and that the pallet truck runs smoothly during operation. It is important to use the right lubrication; something too thick could lead to clogging instead of smooth operation.
Ideally, the pallet truck should be inspected on a daily basis to check for signs of wear and tear. These are easy to spot and can be fixed straight away before any further damage is caused. Another important thing is to train your employees on how to operate the pallet truck. Investing a little time in this will save you a lot of money in the long run.
The hydraulic pump in the base of the pallet truck provides the pumping action that raises and lowers the forks. The two large steer wheels below the handlebar maneuver it where needed. The loading wheels are underneath the forks and are designed to fit on a pallet.
Safety first
It is important to keep safety in mind when operating a pallet truck. This equipment can cause serious injuries if not used properly. Following best practices for loading, maneuvering, parking, and operating in challenging environments like incline areas helps reduce pinning and collision risks. Fostering a harmonious workplace where pallet trucks and pedestrians coexist safely also boosts productivity by eliminating the need to make last-minute adjustments.
Before using a pallet truck, inspect it to ensure that it is in good working condition. Check the steering, controls, and forks for damage or wear, and verify that the maximum load capacity is not exceeded. If any problems are detected, they should be reported to the maintenance department before use.
When loading a pallet truck, always be sure to evenly distribute the load to prevent it from becoming unstable during transport. It is also advisable to stand behind the pallet and firmly grip the handle. When moving a load up or down inclines, never drive with the forks uphill; this can cause them to fall off the ramps and potentially injure workers. On slopes, always travel straight up or down.
Keeping lines of sight clear is essential to safe operation. Whenever possible, have another person spot you when moving heavy loads. A spotter can help you avoid dangerous blind spots and improve your visibility.