A pallet truck is a common sight in industrial, manufacturing or even construction environments. You can see them in any business that uses a warehouse or even has a stockpile of pallets. Companies more commonly use them to transport loads to different warehouse locations. They are an electric ride-on type, and the more common one is hands-on.
It is especially useful for small businesses and warehouses. This is because they are more affordable than forklifts. Also, they don’t require a special licence for operation. Pallet movers are fairly easy to use after a quick tutorial. Therefore, we created this guide to help you operate a manual pallet truck safely and effectively.
What is pallet truck?
A pallet truck is a manual or powered tool used to lift and move pallets within warehouses, distribution centres, and retail environments. It is used for efficient material handling. It utilises a hydraulic pump and two forks to lift and transport pallets. People call manual trucks because they require no electricity, and someone steers them by hand.
On the other hand, battery-powered electric trucks require a battery or a charge before use. The difference from manual trucks is that they need a licence to operate as they can carry much more weight and move faster. If you own a warehouse or fulfilment centre, these tools are essential for loading, unloading, and storing pallets.
Manual vs electric
The main difference between the two types of pallet trucks is that the manual relies solely on manpower to push or pull the load instead of a battery. It takes physical forces and strength to move those pallets. Therefore, this adds the labour cost involved. Moreover, it brings other benefits as well, especially for smaller warehouses with less inventory.
These kinds of places won't need the power and range of the electric ones. Manual trucks can be more convenient than electric trucks because all workers can operate the equipment. However, according to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), any power-operated equipment requires certification before use, and this includes electric trucks and forklifts.
Therefore, if you operate a large and high-volume business, an electric pallet truck might be a better choice because it cuts down on labour. This truck will lead to better efficiency for your whole operation. However, it can add to the initial costs that you will incur, especially the electric ones that are more expensive. For small warehouses, construction sites, and even grocery store stockrooms, a manual truck is a convenient option.
Parts of the truck
Before learning how to master and operate the manual pallet truck, you need to be familiar with all the key parts of a truck. Knowing the role and what each component does, like the forks, handle, and wheels, makes you a better and more efficient operator. Here are the key parts you have to know when operating this tool.
- Control Lever - A small bar located on the pallet jack to handle moves into the up, down, or neutral position.
- Handle - Users steer and raise the pallet jack forks with the handle.
- 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 manoeuvre the pallet truck 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.
How to operate one
Imagine stepping into a bustling warehouse where pallets with goods are laid out all throughout the vast warehouse. Every moment counts as these palettes are important to ensure the supply chain flows smoothly. No matter if you are a seasoned logistics professional or just a brand-new team member, having mastery of the simple yet powerful pallet truck is essential. It can be a game changer for overall efficiency and safety.
Having a low-profile fork and being easy to handle, this humble tool transforms heavy lifting into a breeze with a dance of control and balance. Therefore, maintain warehouse safety by following our step-by-step instructions to operate a manual truck. However, before diving into operating this tool, let's explore the operation guides.
Learn how to use the control lever
Understanding how to use the control lever is the key to learning how to move a pallet and is the core part of using this machine. No matter if it's electric or not, you will find the control pretty much the same. Find the lever on the handle and familiarise yourself with the three control positions:
- Neutral Position - When the lever is not active, set it in the neutral position. Put the lever into the 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
Now, after understanding the basics of how to use the control level on the truck. Let us move on to moving the truck into position. Firstly, put the control level in the neutral position, and steer the truck directly in front of the pallet you want to move. Ensure that the prongs line up with the opening. Next, 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 centred 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 a 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 centre 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 a neutral position and pull the forks free of the pallet. Before you move the truck 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 it in a secure location
If you are finished using this machine, make sure to store it in a secure location. When not in use, keep the forks lowered to the ground. Pallet stoppers can be installed in your parking area to prevent the equipment from rolling or shifting. Notably, safety consideration is a top priority; ensuring it is saved in the right place can safeguard everybody.
Pallet truck safety
Just because a manual pallet truck can be operated without certification, it doesn't mean there aren't potential dangers. Always try to refer to the operating manual for your equipment and train employees to use the truck safely and reduce risk. Here are some truck safety tips to keep in mind:
- Inspect and test the truck before use: Check all the important areas of the truck before operating it. If there is an issue with the equipment, it's best to know before possibly losing a loaded pallet or damaging merchandise.
- Move slowly and carefully: Injuries often occur when the operator tries to whip or turn the truck too quickly.
- Don't exceed load capacity: Make sure that you aren't exceeding the capacity by lifting pallets that are too heavy.
- Steer clear of slopes and inclines: Trucks are not meant to be used on slopes.
- Keep the control lever in neutral position when moving: You can prevent the forks from accidentally shifting up or down by keeping the control lever in neutral position when you're moving on the pallet truck.
- Always store the truck with forks down: After parking your pallet mover in a safe place, always lower the forks to the ground. Raised forks are a tripping hazard.
- Move the pallet truck with forks up: While you're moving a truck with no load, keep the forks raised off the floor an inch to avoid hitting any obstacles.
Final thoughts
Operating and mastering a manual pallet truck gives amazing efficiency and safety for all those around. By knowing yourself and your parts, you can control and use proper operating techniques. You can minimise risk and streamline material handling. Regular checks and following the safety guidelines will ensure longevity and prevent accidents. Applying these practices confidently contributes to a productive work environment.
If you’re looking for a trusted training provider, the College of Contract Management offers flexible and high-quality courses. Their training helps you gain the skills and qualifications you need to succeed in the industry. Start your training today and take the next step towards your career in this great industry!
