Manual Pallet Jack
The manual pallet jack is a simple piece of material handling equipment. But it must be operated correctly to prevent crushes, trips, smashed knuckles and back injuries.
Ensure the handlebar is in neutral. Never operate with the forks elevated off the floor. This can cause tipping. Be observant of your surroundings and avoid inclines as the jacks can quickly become uncontrollable.
Less Expensive
Manual pallet jacks are a cost-effective option to other types of pallet jacks. They’re a solid piece of equipment that can handle loads up to 5,500 lbs. They’re ideal for small warehouses and are easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Some even offer multidirectional movement, which is perfect for tight corners in trailers and docks.
In addition, a manual model doesn’t have any electrical components and is simpler to maintain in general. As a result, it costs less to purchase, repair and replace parts than electric models. You can also find them in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some models have a flat, rectangular top that fits a standard 48×40 pallet, while others have a more distinctive, rounded shape.
The downside to a manual jack is that it puts more physical strain on operators and may lead to fatigue over time. It’s also not the best choice for long-range moves in a facility as it can take longer to get loads from one end of the warehouse to the other.
On the other hand, motorized pallet jacks can move loads much faster than a manual model and are ideal for mid- to long-range runs in a large facility. They are much easier to maneuver than a traditional pallet jack and can help manual pallet jack increase your company’s productivity. In addition, they’re more affordable than a forklift and don’t require any special certification to operate.
Tougher
If your warehouse needs a pallet jack for moving heavy loads around, you can find different models to suit your specific application. There are also accessories that make it safer and easier to use, such as a foot guard or toe guard that keeps the operator’s feet away from the wheels in case they roll over while moving. A hopper or bin attachment helps you store tools, pens, paperwork, tape and other supplies in close proximity to the pallet jack for easy access.
If you need a model that can go over rough or uneven floors, consider an all-terrain manual pallet jack. These are built with larger wheels and shock absorbers that allow them to move over bumps and rough terrain without damaging the truck or its load. Some even have a hydraulic pump with a greater capacity, so it takes less pumps of the handle to reach full lift height.
Another option is a high-lift or counterbalanced walkie stacker, which has a heavy mast and uses its back end as a weight to prevent it from tipping over. This type of pallet jack can lift heavier loads, up to a rated capacity of around 5,000 pounds. However, it’s important to note that manually transporting such a heavy load would put undue strain on your workers. It’s better to stick with a standard or electric model for heavier loads, unless you have an extremely large warehouse that can accommodate a manual lift.
More Versatile
Whether your warehouse needs to be able to move large loads over long distances or simply lift and transport smaller pallets within the facility, there is a manual pallet truck supplier pallet jack to suit your requirements. Some options are designed specifically for specific environments and industries, such as all-terrain jacks with large wheels that handle rough surfaces. These are ideal for outdoor projects, while standard models work well in most indoor facilities. Some are also stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized to resist corrosion and water damage. They’re available in a variety of fork widths and lengths, and some feature adjustable forks to accommodate different sizes of load.
If you have a lot of tight spaces in your facility, you might want to consider an electric walkie pallet jack. This type is twice as wide as a standard model, and its motor provides power-assisted lifting and driving so that your employees don’t have to exert themselves as much to operate it. It’s important to note, however, that these models have lower maximum loads than manual jacks.
If your warehouse needs to be able to lift heavy loads over long distances, you should consider an order picker pallet jack. These are typically equipped with a mast, enabling them to reach higher areas of your warehouse that other models can’t. They’re also ideal for crossdocking, loading, and unloading.
Less Maintenance
A manual pallet jack can be powered by the user, so it requires less maintenance than electric models. It also uses less energy, so it can save your company money on electricity costs.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when working with this equipment, but it is easy to stay safe and productive when using one. Start by reading and understanding the manufacturer’s operating and maintenance manual. This will help you identify and address potential safety issues before they become serious problems.
Also make sure your workers wear the proper foot protection and safety gear. Inspect your jacks regularly to make sure all controls are working properly and the wheels don’t have any obstructions or damages. Check the hydraulic jack’s fluid level and refill it when needed using only the manufacturer-recommended type of hydraulic fluid. Lubricate the moving parts of your jack regularly, such as the steer wheels and the handle joints, and replace worn out components like the wheels and forks.
Finally, make sure your workers plan and walk their route before driving the jack to ensure they can maneuver it without hitting or running into anything. This will reduce tripping hazards and prevent injuries. Also be aware of the weight limitations of your jacks so you don’t overwork your workers.
