X PALLET LIFT EQUIPMENT - THREE MAIN OPTIONS By Ernest Jarquio

MOVING pallets around can put strain on the worker. This strain can lead to physical injuries. Unloaded pallets can weight as much as 50 pounds to 80 pounds. Imagine the weight of the pallets when a load has been added. It is for this reason that equipment should be used when dealing with pallets. There are several types of pallet lift equipment on the market that can be used.

Pallet Jacks

One such equipment is a pallet jack that can come in either manual or powered. Pallet jacks are small and allow for use in areas where there is not enough space for bigger equipment to safely operate. Pallet jacks have limited lift heights so storing or loading the pallets will have to be at shorter heights. With the manual, you will have to move the handle up and down to achieve lift but with the powered pallet jacks, the lifting is done for you. The powered pallet jacks remove all forms of physical strain from the operator.

The Pallet Stacker

Another option that you have is a pallet stacker. These are best used in a powered form and give higher lift options than the pallet jacks. Usually these will run on batteries and can be acquired with a built in charger to ensure optimal performance. Another great feature of pallet stackers is the ride on platform. This means that loads get moved quicker than a walk-behind equipment option. They can operate in almost the same small vicinities that pallet jacks can, thus allowing them to be a great choice in pallet lift equipment for small workspaces.

The Forklift Option

The other heavy-duty option is the forklift. The forklift can lift larger load capacities than the pallet jack and pallet stacker as well as achieve higher lift heights. Forklifts require more space to move around than the other two options though. Also unlike the pallet jack and pallet stacker a forklift requires training and certification to be able to operate. Forklifts also are able to operate better on multiple types of flooring and outdoor conditions. This is not a very good option though for places that has limit spacing for operating the forklift.

Safety In The Workplace

All of these options do pose some risks and for that reason safety precautions need to be taken. Pallet jacks and pallet stackers need to have weight capacity plates placed on them and visible to the operator. Exceeding the weight capacity can damage the equipment and cause bodily injury to the worker. All operators should be shown how to properly handle the pallet jacks and stackers prior to use. Additionally a pre-operation inspection should be performed prior to usage.

Forklifts pose a number of safety hazards and therefore all operators are required by OSHA regulations to go through a training session and become forklift certified. These safety precautions and OSHA regulation are put into place to ensure the safe usage of pallet lift equipment to reduce damage to the equipment and harm to the operator and other workers in the vicinity.

Ernest Jarquio is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Forklifts-n-Pallets.com. He provides more resources on topics such as pallet lift, self propelled stackers and Toyota forklift parts that you can research on his website even while lounging in your living room.

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Know Your Electric Pallet Jack


ELECTRIC pallet jacks make quick work of moving loads around the workplace. Pallet jacks protect your back from strains and injuries by moving heavy and awkward loads and objects that would be unsafe to lift manually. But, as with any powered tool, if used improperly, electric pallet jacks can become a safety liability.

If you operate an electric pallet jack on the job, get training on the use of the equipment from an experienced worker. Your training should include practical, hands on application exercises to ensure that you can safely operate the specific equipment at your worksite. Only operate the pallet jack if you have been authorized to do so by your employer.

Be familiar with the electric pallet jack that you will use on the job. Review the manufacturer’s operating instructions and details on the jack’s capacity. A lift rating capacity plate should be mounted on the jack; never exceed the manufacturer's load rated capacity. Know how to use the power controls and brakes properly. Use the forks and attachments correctly. Always inspect the equipment prior to each use; never operate an electric pallet jack if it is malfunctioning. When charging the jack, use a GFCI outlet and ensure that you use precautions to avoid electric shock.

Learn and follow the general safety rules for electric pallet jack use. Load the jack securely to prevent materials from shifting during movement. Gradually start and stop the jack to prevent the load from slipping. Use extreme caution when you are pulling the jack; ensure that your pathway is clear and that you will not trip backwards or run into obstacles. Keep your body and your coworkers clear of the pallet jack to avoid being crushed by the machine. Never ride on a pallet jack and avoid horseplay when you are using one.

Watch for coworkers and obstacles at all times when you are using an electric pallet jack. Give people the right of way instead of expecting them to get out of your way. Slow down and proceed cautiously when you are at a crosswalk or obscured throughway in the workplace. Try to stack and move loads in a manner that will not block your line of vision. Always use a spotter to assist you if you cannot see around the load.

Use extra caution in narrow aisles, on slopes and inclines, and other restricted areas where your maneuverability will be limited. If you are authorized to use the jack in an elevator, always enter it with the load first; do not back up into the elevator. Use the same technique when entering any constricted space with a pallet jack. Ensure that trucks and railcars that you are authorized to enter are properly blocked from movement.

Know the basics of electric pallet jack safety and keep up the good work!

Training for Safety

and Efficiency

ANY warehouse or loading dock can benefit from the addition of an electric pallet jack - they make heavy lifting tasks far easier. When employees use electrical pallet jacks they will not have to handle the heavy lifting, so increasing productiveness while decreasing injuries. It need hardly be emphasized that there are risks on injury if an electric pallet jack is incorrectly used.

The weight limit for a particular make and model should never be exceeded. And any employee who may operate the electrical pallet jack must be given the total weight capacity that it can handle.

One of the simplest methods of ensuring this is to post it right onto the equipment. Any load that weighs more than three thousand pounds should be lifted using the electric pallet jack. Anyone who is going to use the electric pallet jack will need coaching on how it use it safely, and the training should cover all of the basics of operation, safety and daily upkeep tasks.

Obviously the kit must be properly maintained to function in a safe way. The gear should go through a safety inspection prior to each use, and all operatives made aware of how to operate the appliances safely when others are in the area. The electrical pallet jack owner’s manual for your model must be read and understood before the appliances is used.

Each make and model is dissimilar and staff should be conscious of the correct operation procedures for the specific model in use. The best way to lift heavy loads is with an electrical pallet jack, and coaching in safe operation is critical. By following the steps listed here you can help to extend your productivity and reduce injuries.

Strategy and Safety

There are various strategies for loading and moving supplies about a storehouse, but if you choose to do it by hand then expect a large amount of intense work and time spent. And while a manual pallet jack will make it a little easier, it will still mean lots of time and physical work.

But with electrical pallet wagons you can move more materials with a touch of physical labor and perform the task of three manual pallet jacks saving both time and work costs.

Whatever variety of electrical power pallet truck you choose, you will need to look at the data accompanying the different models and brands to determine which makes the most sense for you. An electric pallet van will use either two 12-volt or one 24-volt batteries. When the batteries are fully charged they will give you roughly 8 hours of use.

The easy to operate controls of an electric pallet van are push buttons. You will have various speeds on hand for both forward and reverse. There are optional ride on platforms presented with some makes of electric pallet lorry.

Both types operate in an analogous fashion. The operators comfort is the major disparity between the 2 models. An electric pallet lorry will have many different security features including the vital ones of reverse button alert and a horn. This alerts people working in the area when the pallet truck is being operated to stop accidents and injuries.

All staff who will be operating the electric pallet truck should get coaching which is in compliance for the appropriate OSHA rules. As well as that the employee operating the apparatus should familiarize themselves with the owner’s manual for your particular pallet truck. Each electrical pallet wagon will operate differently and it is crucial the manual be thoroughly read and accepted.

Electric Pallet Jacks ...

Power plus Speed




DESIGNED to make moving pallets and heavy loaded pallets easier, pallet jacks are found in just about any warehouse. And the electric pallet jack does its job very well while still allowing the pallet to be moved in tight and confined areas.

It is most commonly used to load and unload palletized cargo. Very similar to a fork lift in its use but except without the expense. what we like about the electric pallet jack most of all is its ability to move heavier pallets and products.

Any warehouse or loading dock can benefit from the addition of an electrical pallet jack. They make heavy lifting jobs much faster. When workers use electric pallet jacks they will not need to handle the heavy lifting. This increases productiveness and reduces wounds. There are risks on injury if an electrical pallet jack is wrongly used.

The weight limit for a selected make and model shouldn’t ever be exceeded. Any employee who may operate the electric pallet jack must be given the total weight capacity that it can handle. One of the simplest paths to make this happen is to post it right onto the hardware. Any load that weighs more than 3k pounds should be lifted using the electrical pallet jack. Anyone who’s going to use the electric pallet jack will need coaching on how it use it safely. The training should cover all of the basics of operation, required daily maintenance tasks, and safety concerns.

The kit must be properly maintained to function in a safe way. The appliances should bear a safety inspection before every use. Anyone that will be operating the electrical pallet jack needs to find out how to operate the appliances safely when others are in the area. The electrical pallet jack owner’s manual for your model must be read and accepted before the hardware is employed.

Capacity-Busting

Pallet Trucks

a Major Hazard.

A must for anyone that works around a storehouse or plant, pallet trucks make it so much easier to transport heavy loads. With a pallet truck moving those massive and heavy items is a piece of cake.

There will be a few things you wish to consider before you choose a pallet truck. First you will need to choose if you need a power or a manual pallet truck. Making this choice can help to narrow down your choices. A power pallet wagon will be way easier to control than brands which are operated manually .

They will be easier to maneuver round the warehouse floor. The main downside to a power pallet lorry is their higher cost. Prior to choosing a pallet van you must work out the weight and dimensions of your largest loads. Most warehouses and factories move items of the same weight and size on a regular basis.

Measure and weight your heaviest loads to find the pallet truck that can securely manage them. You’ll also need to determine the size of the pallets you may be moving around. The pallet wagon you select will have to be ready to accommodate that size.

Another helpful thing to understand is how high you will need to lift the pallets. Most pallet trucks are engineered to lift pallets a maximum of ten inches off the ground. Previous to selecting a pallet truck determine the space from the ground to where the pallet must be found.

Using a pallet truck to raise loads higher than it is meant to lift them is a serious safety hazard. If you’ll be using the pallet lorry in a small space you must know the turning radius of the pallet truck. In restricted spaces you will need a pallet truck capable of a high degree of turning.