04 · Lifting Equipment

Pallet Jack

Also called Pallet truck · Hand pallet jack · Pump truck

The most basic forklift: a hand-pumped jack for moving pallets short distances on smooth floors.

Manual / non-powered

Overview

A pallet jack is the simplest form of forklift: forks on wheels, raised a few inches by a hand pump, enough to lift a pallet clear of the floor and roll it.

It is for moving pallets short distances on smooth, level floors — around a warehouse or store, and on and off a trailer at a dock.

It will not stack, it will not climb a ramp, and it does not like rough or broken surfaces. Anything past moving a pallet flat and level is a forklift's job.

Push the forks fully under the pallet and centre the load, and lower the forks completely when the job is finished.

Catalogue specifications

  • Capacity: 6,000 pounds
  • MAX LIFT HEIGHT IS 6" OFF THE GROUND
  • UNIT DIMENSIONS : 63"L x 27"W x 47"H
  • PRONG LENGTH : 48" L
  • WIDTH OF EACH PRONG IS 6.25"
  • PRONGS ARE 2 7/8" OFF THE GROUND
  • Unit weight 186 lbs
  • Turning Radius: 200 degrees
  • Overload Protection ball valve prevents lifting loads past maximum capacity
  • Top-Stroke release valve prevents cylinder extension beyond maximum height
  • Chrome-plated pump piston and ram provide corrosion resistance in any industrial environment
  • One-piece cast iron pump has a built-in valve that lowers the material in a controlled decent
  • Poly over aluminum 7 x 2 inch steer wheels ensure contact with uneven floors
  • Steer wheels feature double sealed lubricated bearings

Best uses

  • Moving pallets in warehouses and stores
  • Loading and unloading trailers at a dock
  • Short moves on smooth, level floors

Not suited for

  • Ramps and slopes
  • Rough or broken surfaces
  • Stacking pallets

Troubleshooting

Forks won't lift when pumping

Checks to try, in order

  1. Set the handle lever to the LIFT position (not neutral or lower).
  2. Air in the pump: set the lever to lower and pump the handle 10–15 times, then try again.
  3. Check for hydraulic oil leaking from the pump.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Forks lower by themselves

Checks to try, in order

  1. Release valve may need adjusting, or seals are worn.

Tag it out for the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Hard to pull or steer

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the wheels for wrapped plastic film, strapping or debris.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Never ride on a pallet jack.
  • Don't use one on a slope — a loaded jack can run away.

For manual / non-powered

  • Inspect for damage before every use and never exceed the rated load.

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