Manual pallet trucks have a very interesting history. The Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century saw the need for specific equipment to safely handle heavy goods. Thus in 1887, a basic hand pallet rack was invented to manually lift pallets a few inches from the ground. However, this pallet could not move goods from one location to another.

Though a new model was fabricated in 1909 to move goods, pallet trucks we know today were designed in the 1920s. From then on, they became:

• Much more prevalent;
• Quickly popular as they increased efficiency in a workplace and factories.

These days, pallet jacks /trucks are one of the most versatile material moving equipment in the industry. These can:

• Easily move smaller and bigger goods from one location to another.
• Stack goods on top of another.

As effective methods of handling various heavy goods, these are used in:

• Manufacturing plants
• Specialty and retail stores
• Factory floors
• Warehouse facilities

Types of Pallet Trucks

Normally, pallet trucks are divided into 2 categories:

1.    Commonly called pump jacks, manually operated pallet trucks:

• Are cheaper;
• Are not very sophisticated;
• Depend on an operator for movement with a steering control mechanism.

Also, these trucks are used:

• In warehouses where pallets are stored at ground level.
• For lifting comparatively small pallet stacks.

2.    With the other category, electric or powered pallet jacks:

• Score over manual ones;
• Are comparatively sophisticated;
• Require experienced operators.

These trucks are used:

• Extensively in warehouses where pallets are raised and stacked in multiple layers.
• For lifting and moving bigger quantities of pallets.

In addition, pallet trucks with scales come with attached weighing scales.

• Located on the pallet truck;
• That displays a pallet’s weight.

A printer can be attached to the pallet jack to print weight and other specifications.

Other pallet trucks are high lift pallet trucks, ones designed to:

• Lift pallets to a safe working height;
• Reduce injury complaints in the workplace;
• Greatly assist packing and assembly workers.

Uses of Pallet Trucks

Bigger facilities have both the manual and electric models. In a warehouse, the right material handling equipment is extremely important. Available pallet trucks can easily move loads from 500kg to 2000kg.

Manual pallet trucks are the most commonly used materials handling equipment where single pallets are moved over short distances.

a.    For example:

• A small workshop
• Small manufacturing business or a warehouse

All these require at least one pallet truck to assist production. Larger warehouses or factory floors usually have multiple pallet jacks.
b.    Hand pallet trucks:

• Are comparatively easy and safe to operate.
• Can be safely handled by apprentice workers.

c.    To use the pallet truck, you need to:

• Move the blades inside the pallet;
• Push the handle to lift the pallet from the floor;
• Pull the pallet truck wherever.

As mentioned, some pallet trucks come with integrated weighing scales and other accessories.

d.    These pallet trucks need to be extremely strong and functional as most carry heavy loads. Preferred in industries that deal with heavyweight equipment such as:

• Retail stores
• Food service industries
• Warehouses
• Chemical factories

e.    Usually made from stainless steel, some pallet trucks are galvanised to make them resistant to moisture. These are also used in:

• Laboratories
• Clean rooms
• Handling corrosive material
• All kinds of terrain and environment

In a warehouse, the right material handling equipment plays an important role in the overall working efficiency in these ways:

• Affects productivity;
• Minimises downtimes;
• Prevents injuries by safely moving goods.

These pallet trucks allow operators to move load volumes in a relatively short time which means:

• Workers don’t easily tire;
• No slowdown in production.

As they’re ergonomically designed, operators need not bend in uncomfortable positions to work the pallets.

Advantages of Using Pallet Trucks

A.    Increased Efficiency – In the 1930s, almost 72 hours were required to unpack a box car. Today with pallet trucks, this can be done in less than 4 hours.

In warehouses or factories, simple tasks such as lifting and organizing goods consume a lot of time. However, with high-quality pallet trucks in various sizes and load handling capacities:

• Time is saved;
• Heavy goods are efficiently moved and organised.

B.    Come with Accessories – There are pallet trucks that come with:

• Integrated weighing scales, where you can easily weigh goods on the pallet truck.
• Small printers which can be included to print out the load’s weight.

C.    High Lift Pallet Trucks – These can lift goods to a certain height to ease handling. Also:

• Goods can be effortlessly stored in a warehouse on high shelves.
• Extremely helpful when loading goods in a truck or a van.

D.    Not Enough Space – In a warehouse with not enough space for bigger material handling equipment or forklifts, pallet trucks (also known as walkies or walk behind trucks) come in handy. Their hydraulic system has these features:

• Can be operated manually or by battery;
• Extremely safe;
• Have built-in safety features.

E.    Worker Safety – Pallet trucks keep workers safe from injuries. Statistics show that most workplace injuries are due to handling heavy loads which can be avoided with:

• A few pallet trucks;
• The right sized trucks;
• Trucks with the right capacity to safely move goods.

Also, these pallet trucks:

• Can be  easily operated by anyone;
• Never cause noise (almost silent operation);
• Very easy to pull;
• Require minimum maintenance.

How to Safely Use Pallet Trucks

Although even an apprentice can use a pallet truck but if operated incorrectly, it can be a dangerous equipment. Even without goods, these trucks are entirely:

• Made of steel
• Quite heavy

Therefore, an operator can cause great damage and injury while moving, especially when loads in hundred kilograms are on the blades.

Hence, you should follow some basic safety guidelines. With this in mind, here are a few tips for a safe pallet operation:

1.    Well-Trained Operators – Correctly using these pallet trucks will prevent potential worker injury. Thus, an experienced operator should train a beginner:

a.    In the correct pallet truck use before allowing independent operations.
b.    To adhere to specified truckload capacity at all times.

2.    Load Limits – Most pallet truck manufacturers:

a.    Provide an attached information plate;
b.    Specify load limits in addition to other safety standards.

Remember, you should never put more weight than the specified load.

3.    Never Ride a Pallet Truck – Some beginners ride pallet trucks for fun which can be very dangerous as:

a.    You can lose truck control while riding;
b.    Feet can be caught in blades, so keep them clear from the blades at all times.

A separate spotter should:

• Accompany the operator when the latter’s view is obstructed.
• Abruptly instruct the operator to stop for passersby.

However, with heavier loads that have huge momentum, give the operator some time to halt.

4.    Manual vs. Electric Pallet Trucks – Injury probability is higher in manual pallet trucks than electric ones, since the former are manually operated. Therefore, you should adhere to loading specifications at all times.

5.    Consider Load Size – The size of the goods should be adequate for the blades. When loads are too long or too wide, these can happen:

a.    Destabilise the pallet truck during transport;
b.    Lead to pallet slippage and pallet truck as well;
c.    An operator can lose truck control;
d.    Potentially turn into a dangerous situation.

6.    Maintain Steady Speed – While transporting palettes, we recommend:

a.    To always use an experienced operator for handling pallet trucks.
b.    Pushing pallet trucks as it’s safer in corners or manoeuvring in limited spaces.

7.    Electric Pallet Trucks –  An operator needs to be well trained to understand this equipment’s capabilities. They should:

a.    Be very careful while loading;
b.    Always gradually start and stop the pallet truck to avoid any kind of slippage.

Electric pallet trucks require special attention when moving palettes:

• Up and down inclined surfaces;
• Through narrow spaces.

For over 70 years, pallet trucks have proven to be one of the most efficient equipment for material handling. Extensively used worldwide, they can potentially increase warehouse efficiency when used correctly.

Source : mhaproducts.com.au