Pallet jacks are wheeled pieces of equipment that lift and transport loads. They’re a common sight in retail environments like grocery stores and bookstores, but they’re also useful in warehouses and other industrial work areas.
When operators press the control lever to the “lift” position the pallet jack forks will raise. The operator can then steer them to their desired destination.
Lifting Capacity
Pallet jacks are different despite their similar looks. Their capabilities vary depending on their size and type. Pallet jacks can be either manual or electric. Manual trucks have lower lifting and load capacities than their electrical counterparts. In addition, they require more manual labor for maintenance and operation. They are also less expensive than forklifts and easier to maneuver. This makes them an excellent option for warehouses and outdoor worksites with limited space.
Pallet jacks are available in a variety of basic types. The control lever is used to raise or lower the forks, which fit into the openings at the bottom of the pallet. The handlebar also has two steer wheels that help maneuver the equipment and load it where it needs to go. Once the forks inside the pallet are in place, you can turn the control lever into pumping mode to “jack up” the pallet.
Using the hydraulic system or purge valve on the handlebar, you can lower the forks back to the ground after they have reached the desired height. This ensures the load remains stable, and that it is not raised to unsafe levels. Some pallet jacks have the ability to raise loads to strokes in feet. This feature is important when transporting goods which may need to be unloaded or loaded at various heights.
Fork Length
The fork size of a pallet jack is what determines whether it can safely transport loads. You can find out the required fork length by measuring the distance between the innermost stringer of a pallet and the center cross member. The longer the forks, the more easily you can pick up and transport the load.
In crowded warehouses, where narrow aisles are common, it is also important to think about the width of a pallet-jack’s forks. Standard pallet jacks feature forks that are 7″ or 9″ wide, but narrow models with shorter fork widths can be useful in a variety of applications. You can also find a few types that have adjustable fork widths to better suit specific loads.
It’s important to know the correct way to operate your pallet jack, in addition to knowing what size you need. Most pallet jacks are powered by electric motors, which eliminate the need for a driver to pedal, freeing up your hands for steering and other tasks. Before you use your electric pallet, make sure it is charged. Then steer the jack to the area where the load needs to be picked up. Use the controller on the jack to lower the forks. Then, push them under or through the openings of the pallet. Once you’ve lifted the load, slide the forks down to the ground level and drive away the jack.
Lift Height
The maximum lift height, or lift capacity, of a Pallet Jack refers to the highest it can raise a load. The higher the capacity, the more cargo it can transport and maneuver in tight spaces. It’s crucial to know your lift height and the equipment in your workplace before renting or buying a pallet-jack.
Most pallet jacks use hydraulic pumps to lift and lower the forks. When the operator shifts the control lever to the “lift” position, a piston in the hydraulic pump rises and causes the linkages, which are attached to the forks and load wheels, to articulate. This articulation lifts the forks, wheels and pallet jack off the floor. When the operator switches the control to “lower”, the hydraulic pump reverses the process and drops the pallet jack’s forks to the floor.
Single pallet jacks are the most common form of this material handling equipment and can fit through most standard-sized doorways and aisles. Double pallet jacks have longer forks that accommodate two loaded pallets end-to-end, allowing them to move larger loads more quickly and efficiently.
Some pallet jacks come with an integrated digital scale which displays the weight of the load. This makes it easy for warehouse employees to keep track of inventory and optimize load placement.
Weight Capacity
Some pallet jacks also come equipped with special components that improve their overall performance. Quiet-roll wheels or polyurethane load-rollers that are non-staining can help reduce noise. This can be an especially useful feature in areas where noise is restricted, such as medical facilities or retail spaces.
The swiveling wheels of the load jacks allow for lateral movements, which is useful when moving heavy loads over long distances, or around tight turns. Some models have an integrated scale that helps keep track of the jack’s loaded weight.
Some pallet jacks that are less common include collapsible jacks. These jacks fold up into the handle section when they are not in use. They are easy to transport and store. And finally, stand-on pallet jacks are designed for long hauls and have a small platform on which the operator can stand while using the machine. While they are not as common as regular Pallet Jacks, these can be excellent choices for long routes on industrial sites like construction sites and military installations.
