How to replace the load wheels on a manual pallet jack

This is probably the most common maintenance repair on a manual jack. It's easier than you think!

Here is a step-by-step guide to follow for most standard models:

Tools needed

Hammer

3/16" Pin punch

Pliers, helpful for handling and inserting pins.

New load wheel assemblies.

Flip or lay the pallet jack securely on its side, ensuring stable access to the wheel area for safety.

Here is a video how to safely flip the jack.

Removal:

Remove the load wheel axle fastener with 3/16” pin punch and hammer driving out axle roll pin.

Slide or tap out the axle and remove the old load wheels from the fork bracket. 

When removing a badly rusted or damaged axle use a 1/2" pin punch and hammer to drive the axle out. If wheels are corroded or stuck, a hacksaw may be used to cut between the bearing and bracket.

Clean the axle and surrounding bracket, removing any accumulated dirt.

Always replace both wheels!

Installation:

Install sleeve into load wheel bearing and position washers on sleeve - one on each side of the wheel.

Place load wheel, sleeve, and washers inside bracket assembly in line with holes in the bracket with sleeve.

Insert axle through bracket, securing load wheel. Install lock nut and tighten. Same on the other fork.

Secure the axle by driving the spring or tension pin back through its hole with the hammer and pin punch.

Repeat the process for the second fork.

You can also watch 

our step-by-step video on how to replace the load wheels.

Additional Tips

Use load wheel kits for best results, as these include new axles and fasteners.

And if you need new steer wheels too, order the pre-packaged wheel kits:

you get high quality wheels, and the hardware - axles, washers, etc. - comes for free. 

We recommend to have an extra kit on hand to avoid costly downtime.

Regularly inspect wheels to prevent future issues.

Proper replacement will keep the pallet jack running safely and extend its service life.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING

Get your jacks ready for the busy season with this checklist

Here are five important items for your checklist to make sure your warehouse is prepared.

1. Check your warehouse floors and outdoor loading areas to make sure the workplace is clean and clear of any obstacles. Make sure that debris and spills are cleaned and swept up so that your operating environment is safe for your equipment to operate in. Debris and spills can ruin or shorten the life of your wheels or get in the way of your loads. 

2. Inspect the wheels on your pallet jacks and forklifts regularly to make sure that they are rolling easily and that there are no flat spots or delamination. Over time, the poly or rubber on your wheels can crack or wear unevenly resulting in unstable and unsafe loads. This can cause additional stress on your machine and on your workers' hands and arms due to vibration and rolling instability. We offer convenient wheel kits for manual pallet jacks and electric lift trucks. 

3. Have you looked at the forks lately?  Make sure there are no cracks or damage as the forks bear the brunt of the load. Using a damaged jack can cause a load to shift and fall and may damage products or cause injuries to your workers.

4. Check the hydraulic pump for leaks and make sure that it is operating properly. Does it pump up and hold your load? Does it lower safely? 

5. Test the handles, levers, controls, and horn where applicable, so that you are confident everything is working properly before you add a heavy load. 

Check our website for replacement parts you need, and contact us for any technical support.

Here is a list of instructional videos of the most common pallet jack repairs:

How to bleed the hydraulic unit

How to remove corroded or rusty load wheel axles

How to replace load wheels

How to replace steer wheels

and more  How To Instructional Videos

Why ID your pallet jack?

Why bother to Identify Your Jack?

One of the most common calls we receive in customer service goes like this...

Me - Thank you for calling Generic Parts, this is Nicole how can I help you?

You - Hey, I've got this pallet jack, don't know the brand but I need the load wheels. Can you help me with that? Is there a generic (no pun intended) wheel I can use?

Me - We carry wheels for most jacks out there. Can you send me a picture of the hydraulic unit? I can use that to identify what you have and then I'll know what wheels you need. You can e-mail or text a pic to our Customer Service. Can I give you that info?

Now at this point the conversation can go one of many ways. Some simply ask where they can send the picture. Some become very confused as to why a pic of the pump will get the wheels. Then some just decide it's too much work and they don't want to mess with it. 

If you fall into the 2nd or 3rd category there's no need to be confused, frustrated or feel the task is too great my wheel replacing friends!

With so many different types and styles of manual pallet jacks, you may be thinking it's a hassle when you can just buy a new one (we have those too by the way - and they have a 3 year warranty).

I have a secret to tell you -based on a photo of your pallet jack pump, we can quickly and accurately determine the make/model of your pallet jack 99% of the time. It is really that easy.

Why spend $300+ on a pallet jack (and have to figure out what to do with the "dead" one you are replacing) when the remedy can be much less expensive and we do most of the heavy lifting (pun completely intended)

Here's how the process works:

1. Text a side view of the hydraulic pump to (503)523-8990 (include your contact info)- Or - E-mail a side-view photo of the hydraulic pump to CSinfo@GenericParts.com

2. In-house technician ID's unit based on photo submission

3. We call you up with a quote (or send written quote via e-mail)

4. You order replacement parts online or call (800)331-0839



What is a "side-view photo" you ask? Here is an example. It's the most helpful view for us to see the pump body and some of the features that may determine a specific factory variation.

That's it! Once we know what you have we have tools like exploded view breakdowns and videos to guide you through an efficient repair process.

Running low on time or unable to send the photo...? I'm going to share with you a resource we created so you can identify the jack. It's called the hydraulic unit identification sheet so you can identify what you have also.

Pretty neat what a single, clear and correctly positioned photo can accomplish.

Your customer will be happy with right parts the first time. Your bottom line grows with new resources to increase business and support to customer relationships. The landfill is one pallet jack lighter.

We hope you found this blog post helpful! Have an idea or topic for us to cover in the future? Send them over to CSInfo@Genericparts.com !

Raymond 101 Electric Pallet Truck Parts Support

For your Raymond 101 electric lift truck we have replacement load wheel assemblies, axles, drive tires and more. Wheel assemblies include bearings.

Did you know...

Although not technically a forklift, the tructractor paved the way for forklifts by introducing a new way to move heavy materials around.

Part # RA 632-016-001-A

Load wheel assembly

Part # RA 632-095-001

Poly drive tire, smooth flat

What type of equipment do you repair?

Identify Your Mystery Pallet Jack

Manual Pallet Jacks are used to lift small stacks of pallets in areas where most of the pallets are stored, at ground level.

You have a broken down pallet jack... and you're in need of replacement parts. The hard part is over, right? Wait a minute... what parts do I need? How do I determine what brand and model I have when all the labels are worn off?

The only way to correctly determine your specific brand of pallet jack is by taking a close look at the hydraulic unit. 

Use our handy hydraulic unit identification sheet for pump comparison and you should be on your way to get the correct parts you need to get your equipment moving again !

Yale MPW 045E Electric Pallet Truck

For your Yale MPW 045-E electric lift truck we have prepackaged load wheel kits available. Every kit contains all the necessary hardware for wheel replacement.

Did you know...

Some of the newer forklifts are using hydrogen fuel cells, liquid propane and clean diesel as alternative energy sources.

Part # GWK-MPW045E-LW

Load wheel kit

Part # YL 580029671

Battery charger, 24V Micro Control
Before SN# B827N52279L

What is your most time consuming lift truck repair?