Safely turn over a jack

Sometimes we encounter a question like "Is routine maintenance really needed on a pallet jack?" The simple answer is yes, routine maintenance is important when it comes to getting the most out of your pallet jack.  Depending on the size of your operation a pallet jack may be replaceable or it may very well be an integral part of the the livelihood of your whole company.  Where ever you may land in the spectrum we can all agree throwing money away through lack of maintenance can negatively impact the bottom line. 

Most of the parts you'll need to keep an eye on are found in the underbelly of the unit. We want to give you practical instructions on how to safely to get to the underside of your pallet jack for two reasons.  First,  let's get rid of a potential excuse to put off the inspection for lack of know-how.  Second, because the breaking toes, twisting of wrists or damaging of the pallet jack defeats the goal to support your bottom line. (No one wants a Worker's Comp Claim).

The best way to turn over your pallet jack and expose the undercarriage keeps you and your equipment safe. We've created a line of instructional 'How To' videos and below you'll find a link to one on safely flipping over a manual pallet jack.  


YouTube - How to flip your jack.

Once you have it turned over and still have full use of all your fingers and toes the next question is "What should I be looking for?"

Start with the Pallet Jack Wheel Inspection (Load and Steer)
Measure the Wheel diameters. Are they worn down 0.25” or more from new?  (I.e. 3” diameter load wheel worn to 2.75” or 7” diameter steer wheel worn to 6.75”)

Is there excessive debris embedded in the wheel tread or chunks of the polyurethane tread material missing?

Are there strings or other material wound around the axle preventing the wheel from turning freely?

Do you see visible cracking of the steer wheel hub around the bearing?

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

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

We recommend performing the above inspection every 6 months


Be sure to check out Generic Parts Service YouTube channel for more 'How To' Videos:

Remove load wheels 

Install load wheels

Replace the load wheels on a pallet jack

Turn the manual jack back upright

Replace the steer wheels on a manual pallet jack

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