Put the lever in the release position and pump the handle. About 10 times. That will cycle any air bubbles out of the valve.
If there is still no lifting, check the oil level in the pump. Unscrew the fill plug and check. You should see oil in there, but only to about an inch below the top—not all the way full!
Disconnect the lifting link from the lever and pump the handle: if the pump is lifting, your problem is with the lifting link in the handle. If it is not lifting, your problem is in the pump.
Now you isolated the problem, you can check with us to see if we have a replacement pump or you may decide to rebuild your hydraulic unit with one of our seal kits.
We have how-to videos to help you.
We break the process down into 3 parts: 1) Remove from pallet jack 2) Take the unit apart and drain 3) Rebuild with new seal kit
Did you know we offer Heat Eater Casters designed specifically for bakery carts and other high-temperature applications?
Heat Eater Casters for Bakery and Oven racks are among the most frequently used and abused casters. In many businesses, these wheels are used all day and night, 7 days a week. We recommend rotating oven racks, so the wheels are not used 24/7. But of course that depends on the number of racks at your disposal.
We carry the Green High-Temperature Epoxy Resin Wheels that outperform any other high-temperature wheel on the market, specifically for bakery and oven applications.
Once your jack is turned, remove the hubcaps on each wheel.
Next, use a small six-inch pair of snap ring pliers to remove the snap ring., then slide off the washer.
At this point, the handle will need to be pivoted from one side to the other, allowing for the wheel to slide off the axle. Now we'll install the new wheels in reverse order: Place the wheel on the axle, add the washer, and secure with the snap-ring. Finish placing the hubcap. Same on the other side of the axle with the second wheel.
Now we turn the jack back upright. You want to lower the jack with the handle in the release position. Pump the handle five or six times which will bleed out any air that may have floated into the valve area.
Find new steer wheels for your pallet jack on our website.
We recommend always having an extra set of wheels to avoid downtime.
We also offer convenient Complete Wheel Kits that contain a set of steer wheels, a set of loads wheels and all the hardware needed to replace them.
If the caster is not aligned correctly it will cause wobbling, and over time, squeaking.
It might be the age of the casters - shopping cart wheels have an average life span of 2 years - improper installation, or usage of the caster at high speeds.
So how do I fix this?
Regularly clean your carts. Remove large debris by hand, then wash with hot water. Power washers are recommended. This also helps reduce rusting and prolongs the life of your carts. After cleaning inspect your carts and repair minor problems like a damaged bumper or a loose handle.
If your casters are still squeaky after you wash them, lubricate them.
If your casters are rusty or broken beyond repair, replace the wheels. Shopping cart wheels and casters have an average lifespan of two years.
Generic Parts offers a wide range of quality casters. Here is a guide on how to measure your wheels to make sure you order the correct replacements:
Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team is always ready to assist you with your order or answer any technical questions.
Here is more information on our selection of Casters.
If your jack is not lifting, the first thing to try is to bleed the pump: hold the lever in the release position like you are lowering the jack, and pump the handle about 10 times. This will recycle any air that is still in the hydraulic unit out of the valve and back into the reservoir where it should be.
Bleeding should resolve most lifting problems.
If the jack is still not lifting, the second thing to do is check your oil level. Carefully remove the fill plug to be able to see your oil level. For most brands of pallet jacks, the reservoir shouldn't be filled. The oil level should be about an inch to an inch, i.e., a half below the top.
Are you still having problems? To determine whether the problem is in the pump, or the handle, disconnect the lifting linkage from the lever. Make sure the lever moves freely and it's not sticking to anything. Now try to pump your handle. If the jack raises, you know your problem is in the handle or the linkage. If the jack does not raise, and you have confirmed that the problem is in the pump, most likely the valve.
Here we show a valve replacement
If the trouble is in the handle, here you can follow along on how to adjust a handle
If your problem persists with the pump, you might have to rebuild the hydraulic unit. This is a more involved process, which you can follow (shown on a Crown PTH) here.
And finally, if you need parts for your pallet jack, but need to know what brand or model it is, take a picture of the side view of the hydraulic unit like we show you here, and text us the picture. We'll identify it for you!
And remember, your jack is your workhorse! Always inspect your jack regularly, never exceed the load capacity, and wear proper hand and foot protection, to name a few basic safety precautions.
And, of course, always visit Generic Parts Service for your replacement parts. We recommend always having an extra wheel kit on hand. And we always ship the same day (if ordered before 6pm EST).
Load wheels are the most worn - and easiest replaceable - part on your jack
Ensure your load wheels are in top working condition, otherwise, you risk damaging your jack, the load, and even yourself! To ensure even movement of your jack we recommend always replacing both rollers.
Next, remove the worn rollers: Drive out the locking pin on both sides of the rollers, using your 3/16" pin punch. Then, with your 3/8" pin punch, drive out the axle. Remove the old wheels.
Now slide the axle through the bracket, so you can place a washer on it. Line up the hole for the locking pin with the hole on the bracket. Hold the new load wheel between the brackets and slide the axle through. Just before the axle reaches the second bracket, slide on the second washer, and drive your axle the rest of the way through. Tap with the hammer to get it all the way through.
Take your 3/16" pin punch and block the hole on one side with the pin punch. This will hold the axle in place when you install your locking pin. Hold the pin with the pliers and drive it in place with the hammer. Take the pin punch out and place the 2nd pin. Repeat on the other fork.
That's it!
Here is the video
We offer convenient load wheel kits for most brands and models.
Or you can get a complete wheel kit with load wheels, steer wheels, and all necessary hardware.
On both kits, you get the hardware for free.
Make sure to visit our website for any other parts you might need, also for
Everyone wants to know - what is the best load wheel to use for their pallet jack or electric lift truck.
Polyurethane (Poly)
Ideal for display floors, carpeting, and warehouses. They mark floors the least while rolling easily and quietly.
Ultra-Poly
They are longer lasting and they roll more easily than regular poly. Ultra-poly is very hard and won't shatter if too cold and they are also non-marking.
Nylon
A harder material that is best for cold storage applications. It is also the material of choice for use in environments that may cause rust or corrosion like poultry processing, and working with seafood.
Steel Wheels
These are best for use on factory floors where there may be metal shavings or hard debris on the floor, and where noise is not an issue.
One or two?
Replacing the whole load wheel bracket is more time-consuming and expensive than choosing two wheels during regular maintenance.
Because we so strongly advocate changing both at the same time we created wheel kits, and they are priced at a substantial discount.