How to Operate a Workmate’s Pallet Truck
A pallet truck is a piece of industrial equipment that lifts and transports heavy loads like pallets. It has a control lever or handle that operates in three positions.
When in the drive position it moves the forks around and when in the down position it closes a valve to prevent hydraulic oil from flowing back into the storage tank.
Weight capacity
The weight capacity of a pallet truck is a critical factor that needs to be taken into account when selecting one. You want to ensure that the truck you select is capable of lifting and transporting your products without breaking. Otherwise, you may end up damaging your pallets or causing injuries to employees.
Different types of pallet trucks have different weight capacities. Some are more suited for rough terrain, while others are designed for use in conventional environments. The type you choose will depend on your facility’s needs and budget. A few of the most popular choices include a manual or electric pallet truck, a high-lift pallet truck, and a weigh scale pallet truck.
A manual pallet truck uses hydraulic pumps to lift and lower heavy loads, while an electric pallet truck uses a battery-powered motor for power. Some models have the option of using a single or dual drive wheel, while others feature an adjustable fork width. You can also find a model that offers a range of fork lengths to suit various pallet sizes.
The wheels of a pallet truck come in a variety of materials, including nylon, polyurethane, and rubber. The smaller wheels are under the forks and do not rotate, while the larger wheel is located on the chassis and rotates. Some models also have a jog button and a coast mode.
Lifting capacity
The lifting capacity of a pallet truck is an important factor to consider when purchasing one. If the load is too heavy, the pallet truck may break under the strain. This can lead to injuries and costly repairs, so it is crucial to choose a pallet truck with the right lifting capacity for your needs.
The WORKMATES range of pallet trucks includes models with different lifting capacities to suit your application. WORKMATES pallet truck For example, the Rough Terrain Pallet Truck is ideal for use on rough ground in timber yards and brick yards, while the 5 Tonne Heavy Duty Pallet Truck has a maximum load capacity of up to 5000kg.
A high lift pallet truck is a useful tool for moving loads between storage areas and into waiting lorries. It features a scissor lift system that helps to lift and lower heavy loads. Some also come with an extendable fork for handling recessed warehouse racks. The WORKMATES high lift pallet truck is available in various models, including a manual and an electric model.
An electric pallet truck uses an electrical motor to power the hydraulic pump. This eliminates the need to use a foot pedal and is more ergonomic for the operator. These are often used in warehouses and distribution centers because they can handle heavy loads quickly and efficiently. They can even lift and transport multiple pallets at once. These trucks are also available with a weighing scale, which is an extremely useful feature for dispatch centres.
Stability
With the actuating lever in the down position, push it towards you and pump it in a smooth and even motion to “jack up” the pallet. Once the forks are raised off the floor, move the control lever back to neutral position. This way you’re ready to transport the load from one location to another. Be careful when travelling on slopes or ramps and always take care not to raise the forks too high off the ground, as this could affect the centre of gravity and cause instability.
A pallet jack is a powerful piece of equipment that requires the right amount of skill to operate. In addition, proper use can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, and prevent damage to merchandise. Before each shift, inspect the pallet jack for any damages or issues that may interfere with safe operation. This includes checking the tires, forks, and hydraulic pump. If you notice any issues, report them to your supervisor immediately.
Also, make sure the unit is clean and free of oil or other liquids. This will ensure that the controls, steering wheel, and horn work properly. Finally, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of injury while operating the pallet truck. This includes safety goggles, gloves, and steel-toed shoes. This will keep the operator comfortable and help them avoid injuries such as whiplash.
Ergonomics
One of the biggest challenges that warehouse workers WORKMATES pallet truck face is dealing with palletized loads. These heavy and cumbersome loads require multiple motions that strain the back, legs, arms and shoulders. Using good ergonomic practices ensures that these movements are done properly, while also increasing efficiency. This is a crucial step in avoiding workplace injuries and boosting productivity.
Investing in ergonomic equipment is a smart move for any company, but this investment doesn’t necessarily have to be huge. Smaller companies can avoid investing in pricey automated systems and instead choose solutions that help their workers lift, position or rotate the materials they are working with. These tools reduce bending and reaching, which helps to alleviate muscle stress.
In order to keep workers safe, pallet jacks should be positioned at an ergonomically friendly height. Ideally, the load should be accessed at 30’’ height, which is the average distance between the ground and a person’s knuckles. If a worker needs to reach higher or stoop lower, it will cause them to be stressed and may lead to musculoskeletal disorders.
In addition, a manual pallet truck should be equipped with a power assist feature. Using a powered pallet jack requires less physical effort than pushing it. However, it is still important to make sure that the load is not too heavy for a manual pallet truck. If it is too heavy, an electric or counterbalanced walkie stacker should be used.