Are your Forklifts and Pallet Jacks ready for the Holiday Season?

 

Are your Forklifts and Pallet Jacks ready for the Holiday Season?

Plan ahead: It might sound elementary, but basic planning and preparation of your physical space will ensure that warehouse efficiency is maximized for the holiday season. Having a well-organized, clean, and safe warehouse environment should be the no-brainer of any warehouse operations, but it’s even more important during the holiday season when the pace is frenzied.

Be Proactive in making Service & Repair to Equipment

Unexpected downtime in the warehouse could create a backup in the operation of receiving, storing, picking, packing, and shipping products. Although preventative maintenance should be conducted regularly throughout the year, it’s important to make sure that necessary equipment is properly operating before the peak of the holiday season.

Service All Your Equipment

Eager to prepare your warehouse for the holiday season? 

Make sure that all of your forklifts, hand lifts, and other essential warehouse equipment are serviced and in great condition before you head into the holiday season. Also, make sure that all of your operators know how to properly check their equipment for issues.

OSHA provides a standard forklift maintenance checklist that can prove especially useful this time of year. Creating, maintaining, and updating your own checklist can help you keep up with ongoing maintenance required to keep lifts in good working order. This isn’t a step you’ll want to skip – poorly maintained equipment can lead to accidents, injuries, and OSHA violations. By staying ahead of the service requirements, you minimize disruptions. 

Put Safety First

Finally, but maybe most importantly, make sure that all of your employees are properly trained in safety procedures. This includes all of your regular employees and temporary employees. Make sure they know proper equipment operation and understand the flow and traffic patterns of the warehouse. And, don’t forget to provide the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to all employees. PPE can make the difference between a safe and productive warehouse and lost time due to injuries.

Check out our website - www.genericparts.com 

Call us at 800- 331-0839

Email us at csinfo@genericparts.com 

4 Simple Safety Precautions around your Pallet Jack

Though relatively simple machines, pallet jacks can cause serious injury and damage to goods if not used and stored safely.

Implement these 4 points to keep everyone, and your equipment, safe:

1. Always inspect the pallet jack before use

Before operating a pallet jack, always look and ensure everything is in working order. You want to look for things such as loose prongs, unbalanced wheels, debris in wheels, or oil leaks. 

You might want to ensure that your jack lifts and releases properly. If it doesn't, try to bleed it. 

If your wheels are worn, or any other parts are broken or missing, make sure to call right away and get your replacement parts. We have more than 200,000 parts in stock and an order fill rate of 98%.  We ship same day if you order before 6 P.M. EST. In addition, you can watch our step-by-step videos on how to do basic repairs on your pallet jack.

Though it may seem like a waste of time, it’s worth it to take the extra couple of minutes to make sure you don’t accidentally drop your pallet due to a faulty pallet jack.

2. Make sure your path is clear

The second step is to make sure that the route you will be taking to the pallet, and then with the pallet, is clear of obstacles and reasonably clean. Look for stray construction materials and electric cords, and take note of the ground surface. If the ground is too rough, find another route.

3. Keep Machine Access Restricted

You will want to make sure that only authorized personnel are able to operate. You could keep access restricted with a security code needed to use the machine, or with something as simple as a sign-in and sign-out sheet which will allow you to keep track of who is using each one. This might also prompt a check to make sure to leave the jack in good condition after using it.

4. Store Pallet Jacks in a Secure Area

This is especially important if you are working on a site that non-workers can easily access. Make sure that the pallet jacks are kept in an area that is not easily accessible by customers or civilians, and that the machines are kept out of the way so other workers can easily move around the site.

Did you know we also sell toe guards for some pallet models?

Check out our website - www.genericparts.com 

Call us at 800- 331-0839

Email us at csinfo@genericparts.com 

 

ValuJack2 - the best choice pallet jack

• In stock right now
• Cast iron pump with a galvanized finish for superior corrosion resistance and long term reliability

• Poly/steel steer wheels; solid nylon load wheels with options for other wheel materials. 

• Ergonomic rubber grip handle w/3-function hand control and foot release
• Reinforced handle base
• Options are available for backrests and brakes

• Comes with a three-year limited warranty covering manufacturer's defects
• Replacement parts always in stock.

• Protect your feet and order your ValueJack2 with the DuraGuard Toe Guard installed! 

 Call us at 800-331-0839  or email today to order yours. 
                Find more details and specifications on our website.

Generic Parts, Inc.

• Quality replacement parts for electric lift trucks and manual pallet jacks
• Pre-packaged wheel kits for manual  pallet jacks
• Pre-packaged wheel kits for electric lift trucks
• Free online parts catalog with detailed drawings
• Step-by-step How To Videos

www.GenericParts.com  

Which Steer Wheels are the Best?

Steering wheels, like load wheels (also called roller wheels), come in different materials. Which kind do you need? That depends on where you use your pallet jack:

Nylon Steering Wheels

Ideal for hard surfaces.

The easy-to-clean rims are great for indoor applications requiring high levels of hygiene (eg. the food industry).

Hard but brittle (they are less impact resistant than the alternatives).

Low rolling resistance.

Create more noise when traveling than Rubber or Polyurethane.

Polyurethane Steering Wheels

Suitable for all applications.

Recommended for heavy loads.

Crosses obstacles (such as expansion joints) with ease.

Almost silent during travel.

Low rolling resistance.

Ultra-Poly Tread on Aluminum hub

When available, these wheels are longer lasting and they roll more easily than regular poly, also a chemical bond on a steel core. Ultra-poly is very hard and won't shatter like nylon if too cold (i.e. in and out of a freezer). They are also non-marking with the possibility of flat-spotting, as mentioned above.

Solid Steel Wheel 

When all else fails you may need solid 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. What they lack in their ability for use in a sneak attack (they’re pretty loud) they make up for in sheer durability. These are also a good choice if you need to work outside on rough asphalt. *** These wheels can damage nice floors, so avoid use on floors you want to remain "pretty".

One Wheel or Two?

Now that you've got an idea of which type of wheel is best for your specific uses you are faced with another sometimes tough decision. One wheel or two?
First, most pallet jacks have two steer wheels. They are located on the main body of the jack, attached to the hydraulic unit, and therefore the handle. 

Unless a pallet jack is brand new, we always recommend replacing both steer wheels at the same time. There is a legitimate benefit:   
Steer wheels wear down and get shorter the longer you have used them. Steer wheels (like pallet jack load wheels, or the tires on your car) do not act independently but are a portion of a larger machine. Even a small difference in diameter causes stress on the mating (aka connected) parts which then causes issues down the line. 

We recommend having extra wheel kits on hand. This will reduce downtime, and our kits contain quality wheels, and the necessary hardware comes for free! We have kits for all major brands in stock.

Not sure how to replace the wheels?

Watch our step-by-step videos on 

- how to replace the steer wheels

- how to replace the load wheels

- and more 

You can find any parts you might need on our website or call us 800-331-0839.

 Email us at csinfo@genericparts.com 

ValuJack2 is the pallet jack that will get your business rolling!

 

ValuJack2 - the best all around pallet jack available 

• In stock right now - call 800-331-0839 for a quote.
• Cast iron pump with a galvanized finish for superior corrosion resistance and long term reliability

• Poly/steel steer wheels; solid nylon load wheels with options for other wheel materials. 

• Ergonomic rubber grip handle w/3-function hand control and foot release
• Reinforced handle base

• Comes with a three-year limited warranty covering manufacturer's defects
• Replacement parts always in stock.

• Protect your feet and order your ValueJack2 with the DuraGuard Toe Guard installed! 

Quality replacement parts for

electric lift trucks and manual pallet jacks 

When the time comes for replacing parts you can refer to our step-by-step video instructions.

You can find any parts you might need on our website or call us 800-331-0839.

 Email us at csinfo@genericparts.com 

Which Load Wheels Are the Best?

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

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.  

Quality replacement parts for

electric lift trucks and manual pallet jacks 

When the time comes for replacing parts you can refer to our step-by-step video instructions.

You can find any parts you might need on our website or call us 800-331-0839.

 Email us at csinfo@genericparts.com 

Pallet Truck Toe Guard

Reduce the risk of foot injury

Some pallet jacks are capable of carrying 4400lbs (2000kg) and this weight creates a risk of injury. The majority pallet jacks, electric or manual, require the operator to walk along with them, and many operators will be lifting goods on and off the forks.

With non-powered pallet jacks, complete control over the movement must be supplied by the operator. 

The operator must keep control of the pallet jack at all times and be especially cautious on ramps and slopes. 

OSHA reports that from 2002-2016 a total of 56 major injuries occurred involving pallet jacks. 

So what can you do?

In addition to keeping your pallet jack in good condition, and observing all safety rules, you can protect your feet with a toe guard.

• Protects against foot injury by reducing the risk of pallet jack rolling over operators foot
• Self adjusting shroud adjusts to uneven floors and various pitches of dock plates and ramps
• Allows full range of steering motion
• One bolt installation on many pallet jack models
• Pallet Jacks available equipped with our Toe Guard.
• Available for these models. Call us if you don’t yet see your model listed.

We offer the toe guard already assembled to the steer wheels, or just the guard so you can install it onto your steer wheel.

Installation is easy! 

Just follow along our step-by-step videos:

How-to install the toe guard, already attached to the steer wheel assembly - easiest installation!

 

Or, if you use your installed steer wheels, how-to install the toe guard.

To order call 800-331-0839, or email us!

 

Often neglected: your essential manual pallet jack

Regular service and maintenance of your manual pallet jack not only helps to extend the life of your trucks, it also keeps your business rolling, prevents down-time, and protects your workers from accidents due to malfunctioning equipment.

Designed to move loads on pallets easier, safer and faster, manual pallet jacks – sometimes referred to as HPT’s, pump trucks, hand pallet trucks or pallet lifters – play a key role in most warehouses, retail outlets and manufacturing sites.

Remember the frustration and stress because the handling equipment broke down? And now you are dealing with delays to the production process or hold-ups in the supply chain. When essential tools, that are constantly in use, malfunction, your company won't be able to meet deadlines.

Pallet jacks must be routinely inspected and maintained to comply with OSHA regulations. Regular maintenance is essential for the safety of your workforce and a regular service program will identify any potential issues. You want to make sure your equipment is in the best possible working condition.

Most repair and service on a manual pallet jack is fairly fast and easy enough to do yourself. The most frequent maintenance repairs are replacing the load rollers or the steer wheel. If you have not replaced these yourself, take a look at our step-by-step video tutorials. You can also find directions to more involved repairs, like replacing the seal kit in the hydraulic pump.

Make sure to order your quality replacement parts from Generic Parts Service. You can conveniently place your order online, and if we receive your order before 6:00 P.M. PST your parts ship the same day.

Taking truck maintenance seriously means that any potential problems can be identified before they become more serious. Fixing small problems - before they become large problems -  helps to extend the performance and life of your jacks.

When the time comes for replacing parts you can refer to our step-by-step video instructions.
And you can find any parts you might need on our website.

Need Help Identifying your pallet jack?  Email us a close-up, side-view photo of the hydraulic unit on our pallet jack.  The pump is the main ID point and we help you identify your mystery jack. If you are looking for wheels, be sure to include the diameter and width.

Send your photo and request to:  csinfo@genericparts.com 

ValuJack2 is in stock and ready to roll

ValuJack2 - the best choice pallet jack

• In stock right now - call us for a quote at 800-331-0839 
• Cast iron pump with a galvanized finish for superior corrosion resistance and long-term reliability

• Poly/steel steer wheels; solid nylon load wheels with options for other wheel materials. 

• Ergonomic rubber grip handle w/3-function hand control and foot release
• Reinforced handle base

• Comes with a three-year limited warranty covering manufacturer's defects
• Replacement parts are always in stock.

• Protect your feet and order your ValueJack2 with the DuraGuard Toe Guard installed! 

 Call us at 800-331-0839 or email csinfo@genericparts.com today to order yours. 
                Find more details and specifications on our website.

Generic Parts, Inc.

• Quality replacement parts for electric lift trucks and manual pallet jacks
• Pre-packaged wheel kits for manual  pallet jacks
• Pre-packaged wheel kits for electric lift trucks
• Free online parts catalog with detailed drawings
• Step-by-step How To Videos

www.GenericParts.com