Essential Details you need to know about Pallet Jacks
Most of our daily activities involve walking, climbing, lifting, or moving objects, and this can be cumbersome. This is particularly true for those working in production companies or warehouses, where many strenuous activities are the order of the day. In that case, pallet jacks come in handy. This article will discuss what pallet jacks are, their types, advantages, and disadvantages.
What is a Pallet Jack?
A pallet jack, or a pallet truck, is a wheeled trolley used to lift and move pallets within a warehouse. Normally consists of a wheeled trolley, handle, hydraulic pump, load wheels, and forks.
Types of Pallet Jacks
There are three main types of pallet jacks. They include as follows;
- Manual Pallet Jacks
- Manual pallet jacks are usually hand-operated and commonly used in retail as well as personal warehouse operations.
- The devices are mainly utilized for lifting, lowering, and steering pallets from place to place.
- It uses a hydraulic spring to lift the pallets around 6 inches above the ground.
- It has a load capacity of 454 to 2500 kilograms.
- Electric Pallet Jacks
- The electric pallet jacks are utilized in the lifting as well as moving of heavier loads that are stacked together.
- Most have a platform for the operator to stand on while moving the pallet.
- A throttle operates the powered pallet truck on the handle that helps it to move towards any intended direction.
- Rough Terrain Pallet Jacks
- These jacks are specifically designed for use on uneven ground.
- Usually made up of heavy material with pneumatic tires, it makes it easy to navigate rough surfaces. These jacks are made up of customized materials to ensure they can withstand harsh conditions.
Advantages of Pallet Jacks
The following are the various advantages of pallet jacks;
- Ensures efficient workflow
It allows swift movement of heavy materials with a lot of ease.
- Reduced operation cost
Working in a warehouse without a jack may necessitate a lot of human capital because of the heavy lifting involved, which translates to a high wage bill. However, a pallet jack can accomplish a lot of work with only a few individuals, thereby spending less.
- Reduced traffic
The jacks are never bulky; therefore, the users can easily see each other and where they are going, thereby minimizing unnecessary congestion.
- Reduced injuries
Moving heavy objects can pose a great deal of physical injury to employees, and when the jacks are used correctly, the risk of injuries is significantly reduced.
- Improves productivity
Carrying heavy materials causes substantial physical exhaustion, which can impair productivity. The use of jacks makes it easier to carry out tasks.
- Flexible
Jacks come in different sizes and can easily fit in any industry. And so it is easy to get a pallet jack appropriate to your need.
Disadvantages
- Can only lift objects only to a certain height.
Conclusion
Heavy lifting can be frustrating. Having the right equipment will make your work run smoothly, which is what jacks or pallet trucks are meant for. Understand your needs, and then find the right pallet jack for you.
