A pallet jack is the most basic form of forklift and is intended to move pallets in a warehouse or trailer.
Pallet jacks (manual) have existed since at least 1918. Early types lifted the forks and load only by mechanical linkages. More modern type uses a hand-pumped hydraulic jack to lift.
It is steered by a tiller-like lever that also acts as the pump handle for raising the jack. A small handle on the tiller releases the hydraulic fluid, causing the forks to lower. As the hydraulic jack at the tiller end is raised, the links force the wheels down, raising the forks vertically above the front wheels, raising the load upward until it clears the floor. The pallet is only lifted enough to clear the floor for travel.
Many times, they are used to move and organize pallets inside a trailer, especially when there is no forklift truck access or availability.
What is a manual pallet jack?
A manual jack is a purely mechanical/pump-operated hydraulic system in which the prongs of the jack are manually rolled into a pallet, then the jack is “pumped up” and manually pushed or pulled. A jack typically has steering wheels in the front, while each fork usually has either a single wheel or two bogie wheels.
What is an electric or powered pallet jack?
Powered pallet jacks, also known as electric pallet trucks, walkies, single or double pallet jacks, or power jack, are motorized to allow lifting and moving of heavier and stacked pallets. Some contain a platform for the user to stand on while moving pallets.
A powered pallet jack is generally moved by a throttle on the handle to move forward or in reverse and steered by swinging the handle in the intended direction. Some contain a type of dead man’s switch rather than a brake to stop the machine should the user need to stop quickly or leave the machine while it is in use.
Others use a system known as “plugging” where the driver turns the throttle from forward to reverse (or vice versa) to slow and stop the machine, as the dead man’s switch is used in emergencies only.
Used Pallet Jacks For Sale.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? We have access to hundreds of lifts to fit your needs, contact us today for a custom quote!
Pallet jack dimensions.
The North American industry has standardized pallet jacks in several ways:
The width of each of two forks: 7″
Fork Width: Available as 20¼” and 27″ (i.e. The dimension between the outer edges of the forks)
Fork length: Available as 36″ (91.4 cm), 42″ (106.7 cm), 48″ (122 cm)[5] Lowered height:2.9″ (7.5 cm)[5] Raised height: At least 7.5″ (19.1),[5] but some will rise higher
Do you push or pull a pallet jack?
Push, don’t pull for safety reasons. Using both arms to pull a pallet jack behind you can cause you to be run into by the pallet if you have to stop suddenly. When pushing, keep your back straight and bend your knees. Do not twist at your hips, but rather keep your core tight and use your legs and body weight to move the machine.
Do you need a license to operate a pallet jack?
As with most machinery you do not need a driver’s license to be able to operate a pallet truck. However, the company that is requiring you to operate a pallet jack should provide you with the necessary training.
How do you use a pallet jack?
- Find the release lever
- Push inward on the drop lever to lower the prongs
- Put the prongs underneath the skid or pallet
- Use the handle to jack up the pallet jack
- Check to make sure that the pallet jack is not on the cross wood of the skid, and make sure the front wheels are on the floor
- Move the pallet jack
We always advise getting fully trained before attempting to use any forklift. Read these OSHA Hazards.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? We have access to hundreds of lifts to fit your needs, contact us today for a custom quote!