Troubleshooting Prevailing Manual Pallet Jack Issues In The Warehouse

In a warehouse setting, the tools that you use to move supplies around the facility are easily some of the most crucial to daily production. This is especially true when it come to the manual pallet jacks that your employees use to maneuver heavy pallet loads during loading, unloading, or stowing. Even though pallet jacks designed for industrial and warehousing purposes will likely give you years of service without problems, occasionally, they will have issues and need a little attention. Here are a few of the most prevailing manual pallet jack issues that can come up and what you will need to know in order to make repairs.

Problem: The pallet jack will lift a load but gradually loses pressure and falls.

Cause and Solution: The manual pallet jack operates with a small hydraulic pump that give a user the ability to raise a great deal of weight with little effort. If the jack seems to be losing pressure when you are holding a load, there is a good chance that the hydraulic cylinder of the pump is damaged, allowing air pressure to slowly leak out. Look for signs of damage at the base of the handle where the cylindrical housing rests and if you notice anything, you will need to order replacement pump housing from the manufacturer.

Problem: The pallet jack will not roll smoothly.

Cause and Solution: There are two sets of wheels on a pallet jack: one set is on the end of the forks and one set is of course, at the front of the jack beneath the handle. Both sets of wheels are made of solid steel to make sure wearing is not a big issue. However, if something gets embedded in the steel or the wheels get excessively dirty, they will have a difficult time rolling smoothly. You should remove both sets of wheels and clean them thoroughly, while also looking for any signs of damage.

Problem: The pallet forks will not slide straight into a pallet.

Cause and Solution: It is not uncommon for the forks of a manual pallet jack to take a lot of stress from daily use and occasionally, the forks will become worn or even warped. Make sure that the pallet you are trying to lift is not damaged. If not, get a level and make sure the forks are still situated evenly. If not, they will have to be manually readjusted by a technician with a steel press that is capable of providing enough force to straighten the forks.

By understanding a little about the common problems that can come up with manual pallet jacks, you and your employees will spend much less time trying to deal with faulty material handling supplies. Talk to a sales and service center for more information about pallet jack problems that you cannot diagnose on your own.

To learn more, contact a company likeIndependent Lift Truck Of Alaska.