Using Hand Pallet Trucks Efficiently
Hand pallet is a versatile piece of material handling equipment found in stockrooms and warehouses. They are agile and easy to operate, easing loads through narrow aisles or tight lorry loading areas that a forklift would struggle with.
For maximum efficiency, a quality hand pallet truck should have high-quality load rollers & steer wheels. They should also be able to lower the forks into a neutral position for maneuvering.
Hydraulic Pump
The hydraulic pump is responsible for the power needed to raise and lower a load. This is a mechanical device that uses a series of piston rods connected to push and pull hydraulic fluid through the system. This fluid flows through the cylinders and creates pressure that drives the forks up and down when a control lever is activated.
The control valve in a hand pallet truck uses a metering circuit to sense both the actual load and flow. This information is used to modify the compensator section of the pump. This reduces power losses by following both load and flow requirements with a single circuit, relating horsepower to maximum load pressure.
This type of hydraulic pump also needs a good filtration system to prevent cavitation, which happens when small bubbles form in the fluid. These bubbles create tremendous force that can damage internal components and cause a number of other problems. Cavitation can lead to many different symptoms, including a growling sound, increased pump temperature and a milky appearance in the oil.
A hand pallet is an essential piece of equipment for warehouses, stockrooms and construction sites. This versatile and durable tool allows workers to move loads quickly and easily. When choosing the best model for your facility, consider things like the hand pallet fork height, power, safety features and more. Ensure your employees are properly trained and certified to operate this piece of equipment to prevent accidents or injuries.
Steer Wheels
Hand pallet trucks are a versatile and affordable piece of equipment that is used throughout a supply chain. Using them efficiently requires knowledge of how they operate and the necessary safety precautions to take. It also requires knowing what parts to maintain and replace regularly, which will prevent the machine from malfunctioning or breaking down.
To maneuver a load, the manual hand pallet truck uses two steering wheels and a control lever. To move forward, the operator squeezes the handle with their hands, which moves the steer wheel in that direction. Pulling the handle backward moves it in the opposite direction.
This is done to maneuver the truck into position under a pallet or skid. Once in the right place, the operator moves the control lever into the lowered position and lowers the forks to the floor. Once the prongs are in the correct position, the operator can push the pallet to its destination and continue moving it until finished.
Linde offers a variety of manual hand pallet trucks that are suitable for nearly any application. Their low-intensity design makes them a perfect choice for transporting pallets over short distances. These trucks can be used almost anywhere and offer a durable, simple design that reduces downtime and maintenance needs. In addition, our ergonomic and easy-to-use controls make it simple for anyone to learn how to use them properly.
Forks or Prongs
Forks or prongs are the attachment that fits into a pallet to lift it. They are available in a wide range of widths and lengths to accommodate different types of loads. Some forks are specially designed to handle round objects such as rolls or reels, while others have an angled design that allows them to cradle the object so it doesn’t shift during transport. There are also special extending forks that let the pallet jack lift a load with low resting heights, as well as scale forks that allow you to weigh your cargo without having to stop at a stationary weighing station.
To maneuver the pallet jack’s forks under a load, first steer it directly in front of it and make sure the prongs line up with the fork openings on the pallet. Then press the control lever down to lower the forks. If the hand pallet forks are still too high to easily slide under the load, they may not be fully lowered and you’ll need to press the release lever again.
If you plan to use your pallet jack for loading non-palletized and stacked loads, like cardboard or steel sheets, consider getting forks with a fully tapered blade that’s polished and has no sharp corners. These forks will slide in between layers of materials and prevent them from dragging or jamming.
Control Lever
Using a control lever, located on the handle frame within the hand loop, you can put the pallet jack in either a lift, lower or neutral position. You can also adjust the hydraulic pump setting and fork height to accommodate various load sizes.
If the pallet jack is in the raised position, squeezing the handle lever upward causes the lift cylinder to raise and thus lift the forks. The forks can also be lowered by pushing down on the control lever, which reduces their height proportionally with each downward stroke. The handle can also be turned to move the pallet jack in the direction you want to go, but this isn’t typically recommended for transporting or moving heavy loads.
Load wheels, found beneath the forks, facilitate the movement of the pallet jack and help ease loads onto the forks. There are usually two to four load wheels, depending on the model of pallet jack.
With a minimal number of parts, hand pallet trucks are low maintenance and easy to use. To minimize the risk of injuries, always move slowly and carefully. It’s important to not exceed the load capacity rating, and steer clear of inclines or slopes. For more information about the right pallet jack for your business, contact our experts today. We offer a wide selection of Cat pallet trucks in different dimensions and capacities.
