Basics about manual pallet jacks

A manual pallet jack is a hand-operated tool designed to lift and move palletized loads over short distances in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and retail environments. It consists of forks that slide under a pallet, a handle for steering, and a hydraulic pump mechanism for lifting and lowering the load.

Key Components

• Forks: Long, horizontal arms that support the pallet and lift the load.
• Handle/Tiller: Used for steering, pushing, or pulling the jack; it also houses the hydraulic lever to lift or lower the forks.
• Hydraulic Pump: Allows the operator to raise or lower the forks by pumping the handle.
• Wheels/Rollers: Enable easy movement of the jack and load along the floor.

Basic Operation Steps

• Stand behind the jack and grab the handle.
• Use the lever to lower the forks near the ground.
• Slide the forks under the pallet until the wheels rest on the floor, not the pallet.
• Pump the handle to raise the forks and lift the pallet just enough for transport.
• Push the loaded pallet jack to its destination. Always push rather than pull except for small adjustments. Pushing uses stronger leg muscles and allows better control.
• Use the lever to slowly lower the forks and set the load down.

Uses & Safety

• Ideal for short-distance transport of pallets where forklifts aren’t practical.
• Very common in small warehouses, shops, and locations with tight spaces.
• Manual pallet jacks are simple, reliable, and relatively inexpensive.
• Proper training is crucial to avoid back strain or injury.
• Load capacity usually ranges from 1,000 to 5,500 pounds. Exceeding the load limit compromises stability and increases the risk of tipping or mechanical failure. Always verify the weight of your load before operation.
• Specialized versions exist for heavy loads, elevated lifting (scissor-lift jacks), food-safe environments, and integrated scales.

Maintenance

• Inspections. Routine inspections help identify issues like worn-out components. Handling minor problems as they arise extends the overall lifespan of your pallet jacks and helps prevent downtime and injuries. The most worn parts are usually the load and steer wheels. We recommend having an extra set on hand. We offer pre-packaged wheel kits, containing all the parts you need to replace worn wheels.

• The wheels, levers, joints, and other moving elements of your pallet jacks need to stay lubricated to prevent friction-related wear.
• Proper traction and maneuverability are important with pallet jacks, so regularly clean and inspect the wheel treads to extend the wheels’ lifespan and help prevent accidents caused by poor traction or maneuverability.
• When you are not using your pallet jacks, make sure they are stored in a protected area that helps shield them from harsh environmental conditions. Doing so reduces rust, corrosion, and other  damage.
• You can find easy to follow videos on basic repairs and how to replace parts on our YouTube channel.
• Trying to find out what make or model pallet jack you have? We’ll help you!

Manual pallet jacks remain a staple in material handling due to their simplicity, affordability, and ease of use, making them a practical solution for everyday pallet transport tasks.