The Benefits of Using a Hand Pallet
A hand pallet is a handy piece of material handling equipment. It allows you to lift heavier loads than bare hands, reducing injuries and lowers the cost of labor.
They are also smaller, making them easy to use in tight spaces that a forklift may not fit. They can also ease through winding spaces easier than a powered pallet truck.
Easy to operate
Hand pallet trucks are easy to use and versatile. They are especially useful for narrow aisles or tight lorry loading areas. These pallet trucks are designed with an hydraulic pump and steer wheels at the base, which allow you to maneuver your load quickly and easily. These trucks are also very economical, as they eliminate the need for a separate power source, such as a gas or diesel engine.
To operate a hand pallet truck, press the control lever down to engage the hydraulic pump. Then, move the handle in a pumping motion to raise the forks up to the desired height. When you are finished, simply release the handle and the forks will lower back to the floor.
Once the pallet jack is on the ground, position it on top of the load you want to lift. Locate the plastic release lever, which is usually attached to the center bar of the metal handle. Then, push the metal handle downwards until you feel some resistance. Once the forks are lowered to the ground, they will not be able to move unless the control lever is moved to the raised position.
Always make sure to wear steel-toed hand pallet shoes when operating a hand pallet jack. The load may shift, and the forks could end up breaking your toes if you don’t wear appropriate footwear. Also, never operate the hand pallet jack on inclines. The truck will be unmanageable if you try to use it on an incline, and it could tip over.
Versatile
The hand pallet is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used in many different types of applications. Its relatively small size makes it easy to maneuver through narrow aisles and tight lorry loading areas, and it is also useful in warehouses where space is at a premium. In addition, it can be easily positioned in the corners of a warehouse where a forklift would not fit.
The most important factor in selecting a new hand pallet is determining its maximum load capacity. Most models are designed to accommodate standard-sized pallets, but there are some that can handle larger loads. However, these pallets tend to be more expensive than other models. For this reason, you should only purchase a hand pallet with a maximum load capacity that matches your needs.
A quality hand pallet should be able to withstand a wide range of temperatures and chemicals, including corrosives and food-grade solutions. It should also be able to withstand impacts from forklifts and other heavy machinery. For best results, you should choose a model with a sturdy chassis and a set of wheels that can swivel.
Another way to ensure that your hand pallets last is by regularly cleaning them. A simple soap solution or bleach and water is an effective way to scrub the wood and remove any dirt, mold, mildew, and lifting equipment manufacturer other contaminants. You can also sand the wood to smooth it and remove splinters. Then, allow it to dry in the sun before using it again.
Easy to maintain
In the hands of a skilled operator, hand pallets can be used to move large loads over long distances. They have a hydraulic pump and two steer wheels to maneuver them where they need to go. They can lift and lower a load of up to 2500kg with ease.
Before operating a manual pallet truck, you should inspect it to make sure that all of the components are working properly. Look for leaks, broken parts, and signs of wear and tear. It is also a good idea to check the fluid levels in the hydraulic system. If the fluid level is low, you will need to refill it with long-life oil.
While a hand pallet is simple to operate, it can put a lot of stress on your back. To reduce this stress, you should avoid lifting heavy loads over long periods of time. Instead, consider using a battery-powered machine to handle these tasks.
Before moving a load, ensure that the hydraulic pump is in the neutral position. This will allow the lift handle to be free of hydraulic resistance and will keep the forks in the raised position. It is also important to keep the load wheels on the ground when transporting a load. Doing so will minimize tripping hazards and prevent damage to the load and the pallet jack.
Safe
Many companies use hand pallets to transport heavy materials that are too laborious to lift manually. However, these materials handling devices can be dangerous if not used correctly. Injuries to workers can be costly and reduce productivity. They can also result in worker’s compensation claims and lost revenue. Implementing manual pallet jack safety protocols can help companies avoid these problems and improve their bottom line.
Pallet jacks should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good condition and safe to operate. Workers should also inspect their work environment to determine whether there are any hazards that could affect the safe operation of a pallet jack. For example, they should remove obstacles from the work area to prevent tripping or falling and should barricade any large drop-offs, such as those by loading docks. They should also look for oil spots on the floor and leaks. In addition, they should be aware of the load capacities of their equipment and should never exceed them.
In addition, employers should make sure that employees are trained on how to operate a hand pallet truck and how to properly handle it. For instance, they should be taught not to push or pull the pallet jack unless it is clear of obstructions. Moreover, they should be instructed to keep the device away from areas that need to be accessed such as doors and fire extinguishers.