Some Basics about Forklifts

Used or new forklift? Training? OSHA?

When do my forks NOT meet OSHA standards?

When 10% of the fork heel is worn – results in 20% loss of capacity. And while checking the wear,  always check for cracks and deflection too!

When do I buy a used forklift vs. a new one?

Rough guideline: If you use a forklift 3-4 hours a day, you may be better-served with a used one. More than 4 hours a day, buying a new forklift would be most beneficial. 
Keep in mind, environment, hours used, emission restrictions, and general application may require the purchase of a new forklift.

What kind of training is required to operate a forklift?

You’ll need a valid state driver’s license and on the job operator training. In addition, OSHA requires that each forklift operator completes forklift safety training. OSHA may even conduct surprise inspections and penalties for non-compliance can go up to $7,000. 

Visit www.osha.gov for more information on training compliance.

Where do I get quality replacement parts?

That one is easy. On our website 24/7 

We have replacement parts - like Mast Chains, Seats, Lights, Horns, Backup Alarms, Starters, Alternators, and more  - for all major brands. 

Call us if you don't find what you need!

What do you mean by "bleeding" your jack?

A manual pallet jack is usually bled by pumping the handle up and down the hydraulics with the jack unloaded and the control in the lower position until all air is purged and the lift becomes firm.

Why would I need to do this?

Air can seep into the hydraulic system. This could be caused by improper handling, such as tilting the pallet jack. When air gets into the system, it hinders the hydraulics from working and the pallet jack won’t lift anymore. Bleeding your jack releases the air.

And how do I bleed my jack?

Safety and prep

Park the pallet jack on a flat, stable floor and block the wheels so it won't roll.
Remove any load.

Bleeding

This is the procedure for most standard jacks (no opening screws):

• Set the operating lever to “lift.”
• Push the handle all the way down until it stops.
• Move the lever to “lower.”
• With the lever held in “lower,” pump the handle up and down vigorously 10–20 times.
• Return the lever to “neutral” or “lift” and test lifting the empty forks. If lift has improved, test with a light load.

Repeat the sequence several times if the first cycle only partially improves lift.

What do I do if the jack still will not lift?

Set the lowering valve to its lowest setting, remove or open the reservoir fill plug, and verify the fluid is up to the correct level; top up if low.

After refilling, cycle the handle 10–20 times with the control in “lower” to purge any remaining air.

If it still won't lift, you may have worn seals, a faulty valve, or internal damage that requires a new seal kit or professional service: Email your pallet jack brand and model, and an outline of your problem, to csinfo@genericparts.com and we will provide technical help.

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Why inspect my pallet jack regularly?

Why indeed?

• To avoid injury
  
  
• To avoid downtime

• To avoid damage to your pallet jack

• To avoid damage to your inventory

• To avoid damage to your floors

We recommend performing this inspection every 6 months:

1. 

Test raise & lower function. If unit will not lift, bleed hydraulic unit by pumping handle 10 times with control lever in release position.

2.

Once you have verified that the pallet jack will raise and lower, inspect both steer wheels and load wheels. Replace wheels if any points below apply:

● Wheel diameter is worn 0.25" from new.

Use calipers to measure.

Examples:

3" diameter load wheel worn to 2.75".

7" diameter steer wheel worn to 6.75".

● Excessive debris embedded in wheel tread or chunks of the polyurethane tread material are missing.

● String or other material wound around the axle prevents the wheel from turning freely.

● Visible cracking of the steer wheel hub around the bearing.

Here you find a How-to video on replacing the steer wheels.


3.
Inspect the load rollers. If they do not turn freely or are visibly damaged, replace.

Here you find a How-to video on how to replace load wheels.

Note:

Always replace both load wheels or steer wheels even if only one wheel meets the criteria for replacement.

Go to our website to find the wheels you need, and more.