Pallet Truck
Why Choose Us?
Reliable Product Quality
Shandong Match Machinery Co., Ltd is specialized in Aerial Work Platform and Material handing equipment, we are one of the leading manufactures of lifting equipment in China. With great experience in manufacturing and exporting.
Wide Product Range
Our products covers 10 categories, more than 80 kinds of product, including stationary scissor lift, self propelled scissor lift, mobile scissor lift, mini scissor lift, order picker, aluminum work platform, dock ramp, electric stacker and many kinds of lifting equipment.
Advanced Production Equipment
With high and new technologies, the Company has advanced and award-winning processing equipment such as automatic bending robot and laser cutting machine imported from Germany, Hamada NC punch press imported from Japan, large automated surface coating production line and general assembly production line, etc.
Wide range of applications
Our products are widely used all over the world. In the initial stage, marked by the successful manufacturing of series of aerial working platforms and entering main countries in Europe, America and Asia, the enterprise pursued the transformation from China quantity to China quality.
Professional Service
We have professional pre-sales, sales and after-sales services, pre-sales will fully understand the needs of customers, customize on demand, provide OEM services, sales will provide visual services, daily update production completion, so that customer satisfaction rest assured, after-sales to provide online technical support and free parts support within 2 years, fully maintain new and old customers.
What is Pallet Truck?
A pallet truck, sometimes known as a pallet jack or a pump truck, is a trolley designed to be used for lifting and transporting pallets. It works by using tapered forks that slot beneath pallets, then workers use the pump handle to raise or lower the pallets. For this reason, this piece of equipment is commonplace in stockrooms, warehouses and other environments that use wooden pallets frequently.
Advantages of Pallet Truck
Pallet Trucks are Cost-efficient
Pallet trucks are equipment used to maneuver heavy loads safely. There are manual pallet trucks and electric pallet trucks. Some of these pallet trucks also have ride-on features, allowing you to mount and move the pallet truck smoothly. Operating a pallet truck requires the user to use force and maneuver the forks into a pallet or underneath a skid. The jack on the pallet truck then raises the pallet off the floor to your required height. Pallet trucks are cost-effective equipment you can invest in for your warehousing operations. The cheaper initial cost of a pallet truck is much better compared to a forklift. Pallet trucks can save a lot of money as they require less maintenance compared to the aforementioned equipment. Using a pallet truck allows you to use it more with less downtime. You don’t need fuel either if you choose a manually operated pallet truck. In the long run, these are much cheaper to operate and are an optimal choice if you’re on a budget.
Pallet Trucks Optimize Operations
Pallet trucks are suitable for short distances for loading and unloading different materials. It can handle a variety of weights which can make your operations more efficient. If you desire to increase your productivity level with one tool, the pallet truck should be your choice. Your employees will utilize the equipment to handle materials directly which saves a lot of energy. They can work with less fatigue with the help of a pallet truck. It’s very easy for your employees to save time when loading and unloading. This equipment will make sure that your employees are taking on tasks with less fatigue, allowing them to do more per day. Heavy goods can be easily handled with a pallet truck. It’s much easier to organize and move various heavy items using this efficient tool. Some pallet trucks have accessories to further increase their ease of use. Some models include integrated weighing scales, so you can weigh goods on the go. All you need to do is set it on the pallet truck and take the weight of the item. Pallet trucks can also include a small printer to print out the load weight. Even though pen and paper can do the trick, having this on hand can save a lot of time.
Pallet Trucks Are Safer
There are tons of statistics that show that workplace injuries happen because of handling heavy loads. You can avoid this by having a few pallet trucks on hand with the right size and capacity. Be sure to choose a pallet truck that can be easily operated by anyone. It should be easy to pull and require little maintenance. As long as these pallet trucks are being operated correctly, your employees will be safe.
Pallet trucks are safer than using bare hands. Employees can safely do any heavy lifting with ease using one. The safer your employees are during work, the less likely they are to suffer injuries. It’s still mandatory to train and use safety briefs when handling heavy equipment, but the risk of injury will be reduced using the pallet. You’re not only saving money on excess costs but you’re ensuring that all your employees have access to safe equipment.
Pallet Trucks Are Versatile
Pallet trucks are much more versatile than forklifts. The size of a pallet truck compared to a forklift ensures that you have the ability to maneuver around small spaces and corners. It’s easy to move around and use the pallet truck efficiently with its compact size. Pallet trucks come in different designs to suit your needs. If you need different lengths and sizes, you can easily find the one you need from your trusted supplier. This equipment makes it ideal for various industries. The maximum load of a pallet truck can be up to 1000kgs and can easily fit a wide range of requirements if you desire it.
Types of Pallet Truck
Standard hand pallet truck
Most standard pallet trucks lift between approximately 85 and 200 mm off the ground. A variety of fork lengths and load capacities are available. If you are looking for a pallet truck for day to day handling of standard UK or EUR pallets in a warehouse environment then this type of truck will probably cater for your needs.
Specialist hand pallet truck
These include rough terrain pallet trucks designed for use outdoors on construction sites, farms, etc. to deal with the uneven ground; printer's pallet trucks designed for use with the half size pallets common in the printing industry; low profile pallet trucks to fit under pallets that are lower to the ground; and stainless steel or galvanised hand trucks for use in more demanding environments.
Electric pallet truck
Electric pallet trucks require less manual effort from the operator than standard hand trucks. The lift and drive mechanisms are controlled electronically. Heavy-duty models can handle heavier loads than a hand truck.
High lift pallet truck
High lift pallet trucks (also referred to as scissor lift pallet trucks) help to prevent repetitive back strain when loading or offloading pallets by hand. The scissor lift mechanism raises pallets to a more ergonomic working height.
Pallet truck scales
Pallet scales have all the same features as a standard hand pallet truck with the addition of in-built scales, allowing the user to lift and weigh loads in a single operation. This helps to save time and maximise warehouse efficiency when weighing palletised goods prior to shipping or storage.
Rough terrain pallet truck
Designed to move palletised goods over rugged and uneven ground, rough terrain pallet trucks are ideal for farms, work sites, plant nurseries and other outdoor locations too challenging for ordinary fork lifts or hand pallet trucks. The ergonomic design makes it easy to move pallets and outsize, irregularly shaped loads smoothly.
Pallet truck is a tool used to transport palletized goods. It is widely used in logistics and warehousing, manufacturing, ports, supermarkets and other fields.
In the logistics and warehousing industry, pallet trucks can quickly and efficiently complete the loading and unloading tasks of goods and improve the efficiency of warehouse logistics operations. In the manufacturing industry, pallet trucks can quickly and safely transport goods to different production lines or storage areas, reducing the danger and time costs caused by manual handling. At port terminals, pallet trucks can quickly transport palletized cargo to designated areas, reducing manual handling.
In addition, pallet trucks are also widely used in the processing, use, loading, unloading and storage industries where flammable and explosive dangerous goods exist, such as petroleum, chemicals, textiles, papermaking, paint, etc. During these processes, pallet trucks can ensure safe and efficient cargo handling. Although some operating accidents sometimes occur, the design and operation of pallet trucks are to minimize these risks.
Control Lever : The control lever is a small bar located on the pallet jack handle that can be moved into the up, down, or neutral position.
Handle : The handle is used for steering and raising the pallet jack forks.
Hydraulic Pump : The hydraulic pump is located at the base of the handlebar and provides the pumping action that raises and lowers the forks.
Steer Wheels : Two large steer wheels below the handlebar maneuver the pallet jack where it needs to go.
Forks or Prongs : Two long forks are designed to fit inside pallets so they can be lifted.
Load Wheels : The load wheels underneath the pallet forks help them slide into place.
What Type of Wheels or Rollers Should You Choose for Your Pallet Truck?
Each pallet truck has two types of wheels (or rollers): smaller ones under the forks and a larger one under the drawbar. The smaller wheels have a diameter of about 7.5 cm maximum so that they can easily be slid under the pallet. These do not rotate. The large wheel is the guiding wheel and has an average diameter of 18 to 20.5 cm (7 to 8 inches). It rotates in order to be able to maneuver the machine. The hub can be made of plastic, steel or aluminium. If you have level floors, you can opt for simple rollers. Wider than they are high, rollers are available with or without bearings. For uneven floors and in order to pass through ramp doors, a bogie is particularly suitable. The load is distributed over several rollers (the bogie), which reduces wheel wear.
For the hub covering, you can choose between different materials:
● Rubber: Very low noise, good grip, marks the ground, can leave traces. Anti-static option.
● Powerthane: Very low noise, longer service life than rubber, low wear, doesn’t leave marks on the ground.
● Nylon: Noisier, low crushing rate, suitable for heavy loads on flat and hard surfaces.
● Polyurethane: Low noise, suitable for moderate loads, leaves marks.
● Iron/steel: Heavy industrial use, noisy, very robust, low wear.
How to Calculate the Dimensions of a Pallet Truck?
You will need to define the required capacity of your pallet truck (in kg). It should be noted that both electric and semi-electric pallet trucks offer a lower maximum load capacity than a manual pallet truck.
You will also need to take the lifting height into account. The average height is 200 mm. If you need to lift the load higher, you can opt for a high lift pallet truck, up to 1 m.
You will also need to know the dimensions of the load (length, width and possibly height), which will determine the length of the forks you need. If you opt for long forks, be aware that the lifting height of the pallet truck decreases.
What Is A Pallet Truck's Safe Maximum Handling Limit?
The average maximum handling limit of a pallet truck is again very dependent on these previously mentioned factors; unfortunately, there are no hard and fast, general rules on maximum handling limits to go off of. However, generally, the maximum handling limit of a manual pallet truck will average out at around 700kg, or 1500lbs. The average maximum handling limit of an electric pallet truck is much larger, at around 2300kgs, or 5000lbs. It is important to note that different brands or types of pallet truck will have slightly different weight limits to go off of, that will usually be provided when bought; in this instance, you would obviously go by the maximum handling limit supplied. For example, our Heavy Duty Pallet Truck comes with a maximum load capacity of 2500kg, and is stated clearly in the product. Always make sure that you're aware of the specific handling limit of each of your pallet trucks, to ensure that you're using the trucks as safely as possible. Other popular types of pallet truck that may have differing maximum handling limits include; manual pallet trucks, high-lift pallet trucks and weigh scale pallet trucks.
How To Use A Pallet Truck Safely
Check the truck is in order
Always inspect the pallet truck prior to use; look for any severe wear and tear and check that the hydraulics used to raise and lower the forks are in good working order. It is sometimes a good idea to get a second pair of eyes to look over the truck, in case you have missed anything.
Follow the load limit
Most pallet trucks have a load limit (and should have this clearly marked on the side) for a reason. This maximum capacity, ranging anywhere up to and around 2500kg, shouldn't be taken lightly. If you were to overload a pallet truck, it can overbalance and tip over, causing damage to surrounding equipment – or even harming another staff member. How to avoid this? Use a weighing scale or weigh beams, and ensure trucks aren't overloaded.
Avoid ramps
Pallet truck operators usually avoid moving heavy loads up or down inclines – this is to keep the truck (and the load) safely balanced at all times. If you find it is impossible to avoid a ramp in your workplace, keep the load ahead of the operator when navigating uphill so that the load is balanced. Remember to keep the forks about 4 – 6 inches above the ground so that they don't catch when going on or coming off the ramp.
Use your brakes
Some modern pallet trucks are fitted with brakes to ensure safe stopping. Others, however, still have to be stopped manually. If this is the case, make sure that you have plenty of stopping distance when slowing down, and take care to choose a stopping area away from any pedestrians. Pallet trucks carry momentum when holding loads, so take into account that slowing may take a while and some distance!
Pull, not push
A common misconception is that pallet trucks need to be pushed. In fact, it's always best to pull loads across a flat surface to create increased manoeuvrability for the operator. There are other benefits – this allows for the operator to check for hazards up ahead, such as pedestrians. Pushing from behind the load can become tiring – and the operator cannot look past the load for potential hazards such as objects on the ground, and obstacles that the forks could catch on.
Store safely
Once you have removed the load from the pallet truck, ensure that the forks are lowered and are not pointing outward at an angle, causing them to become a hazard. Always store the truck in the designated storage area – if this is not possible, make sure that the pallet truck is as close to a wall as is possible, and that the forks are not pointing out into any hallways or walkways.
Learn How to Use the Control Lever
Understanding how to use the control lever is the key to learning how to move a pallet. Find the lever on the handle and familiarize yourself with the three control positions:
Neutral Position : When the lever isn't activated, it's in the neutral position. Put the lever into neutral position before you move the pallet truck.
Down Position : Move the lever down to activate the hydraulic pump. You can now pump the handle towards you to raise the pallet forks. Use this position when you pick up a pallet.
Up Position : Pull the lever up to lower the pallet to the ground. Use this position when you need to drop the pallet into position.
Move the Pallet Truck Into Position
With the control lever in the neutral position, steer the pallet truck directly in front of the pallet you want to move. Make sure the prongs line up with the fork openings of the pallet. Pull the control lever up to lower the prongs all the way to the floor and guide them inside the pallet. Make sure the forks are centered and the pallet is stable before lifting.
Pump the Handle to Raise the Pallet
With the pallet truck forks inside the pallet, engage the control lever by pressing it down. Now you can pull the handle towards you in a pumping motion to “jack” up the pallet. Once the pallet is raised off the floor, move the control lever back into neutral position and you are ready to transport the pallet. Be careful not to raise the pallet too high off the ground because this will affect the center of gravity and make the pallet unstable.
Transport the Pallet
Push the pallet wherever you need it to go. Pushing is easier than pulling, but you may need to pull the pallet truck at times to get it into the correct position. When you are ready, pull the control lever into the up position to drop the pallet to the floor. Slip the control lever back into neutral position and pull the forks free of the pallet. Before you move the pallet jack again, put the lever into the down position and pump the handle to raise the forks slightly off the ground. This will help you avoid any obstacles.
Lower the Pallet and Store in a Secure Location
If you are finished using the pallet truck, make sure to store it in a secure location. When not in use, keep the forks lowered to the ground. Pallet jack stoppers can be installed in your parking area to prevent the equipment from rolling or shifting.
How to Choose a Pallet Truck
You should consider the load capacity when choosing a pallet truck. Pallet jacks are specifically designed for use with pallets. Therefore, they can handle a lot of weight. But they still have a load capacity. The load capacity is the maximum amount of weight that a pallet jack can safely support. A typical load capacity for a pallet jack is between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds.
While they all feature wheels, the quality of a pallet truck's wheels may vary. Some pallet trucks have higher quality wheels than others. You can find these wheels on the bottom of the forks and the bottom of the tow bar. Most pallet jacks have two small wheels on the bottom of each fork as well as a set of larger swiveling wheels on the bottom of the tow bar. High-quality wheels will allow you to easily push, pull and maneuver the pallet jack.
How high can you lift the pallet jack? Most pallet jacks have a maximum lifting height of about 7 to 8 inches, meaning you can lift them about 7 to 8 inches off the ground. Other pallet jacks, however, have a shorter maximum lifting height.
Brakes are an invaluable feature to look for when choosing a pallet jack. When engaged, brakes will lock the wheels while subsequently immobilizing the pallet jack. Even if the pallet jack is placed on a sloped surface, it won't move. Some pallet jacks feature a built-in hand brake. You can depress the hand brake to slow down or stop the pallet jack from rolling. With that said, not all pallet jacks feature a brake. For greater control, as well as enhanced safety, you should consider choosing a pallet jack model with a brake.
Our Factory
Shandong Match Machinery Co., Ltd is specialized in Aerial Work Platform and Material handing equipment, we are one of the leading manufactures of lifting equipment in China. With great experience in manufacturing and exporting.
Ultimate FAQ Guide to Pallet Truck
Q: What does a pallet truck do?
Q: What is a Palletized truck?
Q: What is the difference between a pallet truck and a pump truck?
Q: Why is pallet so expensive?
Q: Do you need to be trained to use a pallet truck?
Q: What is another name for a pallet truck?
Q: Is a pallet truck a forklift?
Q: What class is a pallet truck?
Q: When would you use a pallet truck?
Q: Do pallet trucks use hydraulics?
Q: What is a hand pallet truck called?
Q: What size pallets are worth money?
Q: What are the problems with pallets?
Sagging deck boards and bowed stringer boards.
Defects such as notched areas, including splits, decay and excess knots.
Splits in the wood, especially around fasteners and stringer feet.
Broken or missing wood exceeding allowable limits.
Q: What should you never do when pulling a hand pallet truck?
Q: What is the difference between a pallet stacker and a pallet truck?
Q: What is another name for a pallet truck?
Q: Do you need to be trained to use a pallet truck?
Q: What is the difference between pallet and pallet?
Q: Does OSHA require training for manual pallet jacks?
Q: How long is pallet jack training?