How To Use A Pallet Jack: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pallet jacks are some of the most essential tools found in warehouses and construction sites. Cheaper and easier to operate than forklifts and safer than manual labor, pallet jacks are used to transport small loads over short distances. Both can be good options depending on the size and scope of the project. If you’re thinking of investing in one of these tools but are wondering how to use a pallet jack, check out the step-by-step guide below.
How to operate the Manual Pallet Jack
Contents
Manual pallet jacks are simpler and more affordable than electric pallet jacks and also require less maintenance. They can be a good choice for small to medium sized warehouses or construction sites. Here are four simple steps to using a manual jack.
Locate release leverage
Stand behind the pallet jack with your hands on the metal handle, towards the prongs facing out. The prongs are two horizontal pieces of metal that will actually lift the pallets. Locate the plastic lever on the handle; this is usually attached to the middle bar. It can be a different color to make it stand out, but if not, it should still be clear.
Move to Pallet and press lever
Move the pallet jack to whatever you want to move and pull the lever to lower the prongs. Next, push the pallet jack to the pallet you want to move. Press the release lever up and inward to lower the prongs about an inch off the ground. If the prongs have been lowered, they will not move when you press the lever.
Slide the prongs under the pallet to load
Once the prongs are fully lowered, you can slide them under the pallet you want to move. If they are still too high to easily slide under the pallet, they may not be fully lowered and you should press the release lever again. Make sure you push the prongs all the way through the underside of the pallet so the wheels are on the floor and not on any part of the pallet.
Jack on Pallet
The animation shows the pallet being raised by pushing the handle down. Once the prongs are positioned underneath the pallet, pull the metal handle and the entire center bar toward you at an angle. You should feel some resistance and notice the prongs slowly lift the pallet. Repeat this a few times so that the prongs are far enough off the floor to not pull.
How to operate the Electric Pallet Jack
Electric pallet jacks can be even more convenient to use than manual pallet jacks, as the manual movement of lifting the prongs is done electronically. Many even have a “carrying” feature that can make it easy to get around a large warehouse.
Unplug and store cords
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Unplug the electric pallet jack when you are using it. Your first step to operating the electric pallet jack is to unplug the charging cord and store it inside the machine. Since they run on electricity, they need to be plugged in and charged when not in use. There is usually an obvious place to insert and store the length of the wire.
Identify the controls and lower prongs
On the handle of the pallet jack, there should be buttons to control the direction of movement. Press the “down” button to lower the prong to the floor. Again, they should be about one to two inches off the ground.
Download Pallets
Next, use the controls to move the pallet jack to your destination. When you get to the front of your pallet, use the buttons to maneuver the prongs below and throughout the pallet. Then, press the “up” button to lift the pallet and prongs off the ground.
Once you have safely loaded your pallet, you can use the controls to navigate to your destination. When you arrive, press the “down” button again to lower the prongs and pallets to the floor.
Charger for Electric Pallet jack
When you’re done, put the electric pallet jack back as you found it. You will need to unplug the charging cord from its storage area in the machine and plug it back in so that the electric pallet jack is ready to use the next time you need it.
Do you Push or Pull a Pallet Jack?
You can push and pull the pallet jack, depending on how you need to maneuver it. However, humans can push much larger volumes than they can pull, and excessive pulling can lead to injury.
Safety Precautions for Pallet Jack
Although they are relatively simple machines, pallet jacks can still be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken.
Check Jack Pallet before use
One of the most important steps before operating the pallet jack is to check and make sure everything is ready and working. You’ll want to look for things like loose prongs, unbalanced wheels, or charging cords that don’t stack neatly. dropped your pallet due to a faulty pallet jack.
Make sure your path is clear
The second step is to make sure that the path you are going to take to your pallet and drop off point is clear of obstacles. Look for building materials and stray wires, and note the surface of the ground. If the ground is too bumpy, it’s best to find another path.
Keep machine access restricted
Especially for more powerful machines like electric pallet jacks, you’ll want to make sure that only authorized people can operate them. You can restrict access with a security code that must be entered to use the machine, or with something as simple as a desk with a login panel that allows you to keep track of who is using each one.
Store pallet jacks in a safe area
This step is especially important if you are working on a location that is easily accessible to non-workers, such as a retail warehouse or home renovation. Ensure that pallet jacks are kept in an area that is not easily accessible to customers or civilians and that machines are kept out of the way of other workers who need to move around the job site.
Do you need a license to operate Pallet Jack?
To comply with OSHA safety regulations, operators of both manual and electric jacks must complete a certification course. These are often offered by individual employers, and online certifications are also available.
How much weight can I put on a Pallet Jack?
Most manual and electric jacks can handle loads up to 3,500 kg or 7,700 lbs. This depends on the size and model of the machine you are using, as some are made to handle larger weights. Refer to the manual for the specific model you intend to use for accurate measurements. do all the heavy lifting by yourself. Take a look at our selection of pallet jack rentals to decide which would be best for you.
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