One may well refer to the humble manual pallet truck, to others also known as a pallet jack or pump truck, as the true workhorse of any warehouse or stockroom. Found in almost every warehouse across the globe, these seemingly simple contraptions really form the backbone in efficiently moving palletized goods around.
How They Work:
Basically, a manual pallet truck is a small platform on wheels with forks on the front. These slide under a pallet and the operator can lift it using hydraulics using a hand pump. The pallet is then moved by pushing or pulling on the handle.
It really is brilliant, the hydraulic system. When the handle lever is pulled, it works a piston that pressurizes hydraulic fluid. This activated hydraulic fluid pushes another piston, lifting the forks. To lower the forks, the pressure is released by opening a valve.
Manual Pallet Truck Types
The basic design is similar for most, but there are different configurations of manual pallet trucks to suit various types of needs:
Standard Pallet Truck: This is the usual type of truck used. It’s of about 2.5 to 3 tones capacity. It is pretty fit for general-purpose movement of palletised goods.
Low-profile Pallet Truck : Pallet trucks are used in a low-profile design also. The Argos low-profile is made for those pallets with lower sequencing entry points. They are used in double stacked pallets or uneven floor conditions.
Straddle Pallet Truck : Hand trucks these kind of pallet trucks have wider forks. They can carry oversized pallet or uneven loads.
Stainless Steel Pallet Truck: Built for corrosion-resistant applications like food processing plants.
Scissor Lift Pallet Truck: Offers additional utility by lifting pallets to a higher working height.
Selecting the Right Pallet Truck:
The selection of proper manual pallet truck depends upon several factors:
Capacity: The weight of heaviest pallets you would want to move.
Pallet Type: Will you be moving regular pallets, double stacked pallets or larger than normal pallets.
Environment: There could be a need for stainless steel in corrosive environments.
Lifting Requirements: Standard lifting height or scissor lift to increase the height.
Advantages of Manual Pallet Trucks:
Saves Money: Very little investment in comparison to the electric pallet truck.
Easy of Use: Requires very little training to use.
Saves Space: It is excellent for use in narrow aisles and compact spaces.
Long Lasting: “It will last a very long time with minimal maintenance”.
Universal: Works well with a wide range of palletized products.
Safety Tips:
Overload the truck: Never more than rated capacity.
Keep a safe distance: Keep hands and feet clear of moving parts.
Watch your surroundings: Pedestrians and other vehicles.
Use proper technique: Good posture, no back strain.
From whence they came, this concludes the manual pallet truck (hand pallet truck)remains a stalwart for any efficient and safe warehousing operation, understands its types, applications, and safety considerations that ensure this workhorse continues to play its invaluable part in moving the world’s goods.