Pallet Jack

One equipment that warehouse personnels use when they want to move pallets of cargo/shipment/materials during operations in distribution centres (picking, packing, staging and shipping areas) is pallet jack.

What is a Pallet Jack?

The picture shows an example of a standard pallet jack. 2

"A pallet jack, also known as a pallet truck or pump truck, is a tool used to lift and move pallets. The front wheels are mounted inside the end of the forks, and as the hydraulic jack is raised, the forks are separated vertically from the front wheels, forcing the load upward until it clears the floor. The pallet is only lifted enough to clear the floor for subsequent travel." 1

There are 2 types of pallet jacks:

1. Manual pallet jack

- Pallet + walk + no stack + manual

- Manual lifting and/or travel 5

- Hand-powered jack (mechanical). 1

2. Powered pallet jack 1
- Pallet + walk + no stack + powered


- Powered lifting and/or travel

- Motorized jack, to allow lifting and moving of heavier and stacked pallets

- Generally contain platform for user to stand while hauling pallets around warehouse or loading/unloading trucks


- Generally moved by throttle on handle to move forward or in reverse and steered by swinging handle in intended direction

- Some contain type of deadman's switch rather than brake to stop machine should user need to stop quickly or leave machine while it is in use

- Sometimes referred to as a "(walkie) pallet truck"(Pallet + ride + no stack), where control handle typically tilts to allow operator to walk during loading/unloading 5


While there are only 2 types of pallet jacks, there are various models available in the market, which differ in fork width, fork length, lowered height and weight capacity. Hence, warehouses can purchase pallet jacks that fit their general usage or for their specific operation use.

Two examples of different modeled manual pallet jacks are shown below:


1. Non-Corrosive Pallet Jack 3


- Galvanized, Zinc and Chrome Plated: Designed for corrosive or wet environments these full featured pallet trucks were designed for chemical, pharmaceutical and wash down

- Stainless Steel and Stainless Steel Frame & Forks: Ideal for sanitary, pharmaceutical, medical, food and wet environments


Capacity: 5500 lbs.
Fork dimensions: 27"W x 48"L
Service range: 2-7/8"H - 7/34"H Weight: 327 lbs.





2. Lo-Profile Pallet Jacks 4


- Feature a lowered fork height of 2 inches


- Hydraulic system on this pallet jack is the result of years of research and development, including a load limiter that prevents premature wear resulting from overloading


-Special design of lowering valve permits gentle lowering of heavy loads, also no moisture can get into the unit and it is leak proof


- Lifting - Neutral - Lowering. No foot pedal means extra safety. Neutral allows pumping at the most convenient angle to the operator and free handle movement when the truck is in motion. Handle returns automatically to the vertical position


Capacity: 4400
Fork dimensions: 27"W x 48"L
Weight: 220 lbs.


In the next "Pallet Jack" post, we will give you more examples on existing models of pallet jacks in the current market and their specific uses.=)

Sources:
1-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallet_jack
2-http://www.materialflow.com/Wesley-Pallet-Jack-All-American.htm#SHPJ
3-http://www.materialflow.com/Vestil-Pallet-Jacks-2.htm#SPJ
4-http://estore.sjf.com/sjf.nsf/vwLevel3Lkup/5E96E0B3438246D38625689C00657863?OpenDocument&Count=5&EndVars
5-http://www.ise.ncsu.edu/kay/mhetax/TransEq/IndusTr/index.htm#Pallet%20jack