Renting a Pallet Jack
A pallet jack, also called a hand truck or a pump truck, allows workers to lift and transport loads that are too heavy for a manual cart. Renting a manual or electric pallet jack is an economical way to temporarily expand your material handling capacity without the investment of purchasing equipment that may not be needed year round.
Lifting
A pallet jack lifts and moves loads in industrial settings like warehouses. Depending on the type, it can haul stacked boxes or other cargo on pallets, move them along conveyor belts, or move construction materials around a worksite. A manual or hand pallet jack uses human-power, while electric models use battery power. The basic components are a handle, control lever, hydraulic pump, steer wheels, and load wheels. Before moving a load, be sure to put the control lever into neutral position and lower the forks until they are an inch off the ground.
The handle is used to maneuver the pallet jack in various directions and to control the lifting and lowering of the forks. It can also be locked into place for transporting a load over long distances. Two large steer wheels below the handlebar move the pallet jack where it needs to go. There is also a pair of smaller load wheels beneath the forks, which help them slide into place when loading or unloading.
When the load is positioned where it needs to be, push the jack over to it and engage the hydraulic pump lever to raise the forks. Then, steer it to where you want to place it. It is a good idea to have a spotter to help with heavy loads. Keep in mind that a pallet jack is not designed to carry people.
If you are using an electric pallet jack, it is important to check the machine before and after every use to ensure that nothing is wrong with it. For example, look for stray wires or charging cords that aren’t stowed properly and ensure the pathway is clear of bumps or other obstructions. In addition, always operate the pallet jack within its load capacity and get trained to use it if you aren’t already certified.
Moving
Before operating the pallet jack, check that all controls pallet jack stacker are in place and operational. Also, look for things like stray construction materials or electric cords that haven’t been properly stowed. If you see anything that could potentially cause harm or damage the equipment, get it fixed right away. Lastly, take a quick walk around to make sure the pallet jack is in good working order and that its wheels are free of debris or damage.
Start by standing behind the pallet jack and finding its metal steering handle, which is usually attached to the center bar. Located in the middle of this handle is a plastic release lever, which looks similar to a brake pedal on a car and may be marked with a different color to stand out. Press this lever down, which activates the hydraulic pump that lifts and lowers the forks. Then, push the jack toward the pallet or load you want to move. Once the prongs are positioned underneath the load, pull the control lever into the “down” position to lower them to about one inch off the ground.
When you’re ready to stop moving, slip the control lever back into the “neutral” position and steer the jack back into position where it belongs. You can then use the steer wheels to maneuver it into the place you need to drop it off. If you have a multidirectional manual pallet jack, which is more commonly used in trailers, docks and storage areas, you can also use the steer wheels to maneuver it sideways as well.
There are also powered pallet jacks, which are motorized to reduce operator strain for easier movement over long distances. These are often used in retail and foodservice operations, but can also be found in warehouses and industrial environments. These jacks typically have two large steer wheels on the bottom and load rollers underneath, which help them roll into place. They can also be equipped with a battery-powered power drive for more efficient transport over long distances.
Loading
If you’re looking to increase your warehouse productivity while keeping equipment storage, insurance, depreciation and maintenance costs low, consider renting a Manual or Walkie Pallet Jack. Talk to your material handling reprehensive about the options available for renting a pallet jack that is right for your business’s current needs and future growth.
When loading a pallet with a manual pallet jack, start by positioning the pallet jack in pallet truck manufacturer front of the load. Stand behind the jack and grab the metal steering handle. Move the handle to a position where the rounded prongs of the jack are parallel with the floor. Push the handle to lower the prongs until they rest one to two inches from the floor. Then steer the jack and load towards your destination.
With a motorized pallet jack, the operator stands on a small platform at the rear of the cab. A hydraulic pump on this type of pallet jack supplies fluid pressure to a piston in the jack’s base that raises the forks. This lift is called a stroke, and some models can achieve a stroke up to a few feet high.
Before using a pallet jack, examine it for any damage that might affect its ability to safely transport the load. Also, make sure all employees know how to operate the machine properly. This will reduce the risk of injury and help you keep OSHA compliance.
When transporting a load with a pallet jack, always use pushing force instead of pulling. Pulling forces the operator to strain their back muscles and increases the chance of injury. Pushing, on the other hand, uses the operator’s larger leg muscles and keeps their spine straight. Also, never transport a load on an inclined plane and do not move the pallet jack over bumps or debris on the floor.