How to Use Pallet Jacks and Some Tips on Maintenance?

Answer 1

Pallet jacks are an indispensable part of warehouse work equipment. These devices are two pronged, wheeled, hand pushed and pulled machines that have hydraulic lifting action similar to floor jacks for automobiles. They allow workers to move loaded or unloaded pallets quickly and easily from one place to another without having to gain access to a forklift vehicle. They are safe and effective if used properly and well maintained. Here is how they are used in a specific sense:

1.The worker wheels the pallet jack so that its prongs are aligned with the two open corridors of the pallet (the spaces between framed sections). He pushes the pallet jack into these corridors, making sure it rolls over the edge of the pallet frame.

2.Next, the worker pumps the control arm which creates hydraulic pressure, raising the prongs and with them, the palette. He does this until the palette rises off the floor to a height of around 4 to 6 inches.

3.When he has the palette elevated to a reasonable height, the worker pulls the entire load by the control arm, which now lowers and acts as a hauling arm.

4.When the worker has the palette in its new location, he operates the release, which lets go of the hydraulic pressure and lets the palette sink to the ground.

There are also electric palette jacks. These are often larger and capable of lifting heavier loads. They are also wheeled around in the same ambulatory fashion, but the lifting, turning, and speed are all controlled electrically by levers. These jacks perform much the same function as forklifts (as well as mechanical palette jacks) but do not take up as much space and require less training to use.

Palette Jack Maintenance

Since palette jacks are used so frequently in warehouses, they often accumulate a lot of dirt and moisture. This can lead to rust or improper functioning over time. So it’s important to keep palette jacks clean and well maintained. Here are some tips for doing that:

Fully look over the palette jack to find the areas where dirt and grease may have accumulated. Wipe them off with a damp rag. To further loosen dirt, spray lubricant (such as DW-40) onto the palette jack - both on the upper surfaces and the undersides of the forks if possible. Let it work to loosen dirt, grease, and rust for a while, and then again wipe the jack down. Finally, you can use a scouring pad to loosen more stubborn areas and wipe them clear of debris. Again wipe/buff the machine with a dry rag. Allow whatever lubricant may remain on the device to stay there and dry. This forms a protective coat that is lubricating and rust preventative.

Always store palette jacks indoors so that they do not get rained and snowed on. Palette jacks are handy tools and will satisfy every expectation if they are well taken care of. Also, it is important to know the safety rules and to use pallet jacks responsibly.