Pallet trucks are an indispensable piece of material handling equipment in a warehouse environment. Whether it's the ubiquitous hand pallet truck or its advanced counterpart, the electric pallet truck, these workhorses play a vital role in maintaining operational efficiency in the logistics industry. With their help, tons of cargo are moved smoothly and swiftly, daily.

But just like any other mechanical tool, pallet mover require regular upkeep to ensure they perform at their optimal level. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide on pallet truck maintenance, presenting an array of tried and tested strategies to extend their lifespan and cut downtime. Remember, a well-maintained pallet truck means smoother operations, fewer repairs, and higher productivity. So, let's get started.

3 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Hand Pallet Truck

1. Protect the Wheels of Your Hand Pallet Truck

First and foremost, keeping your work environment clean can significantly extend the lifespan of your pallet mover's wheels. Dirty surfaces inevitably lead to the accumulation of dirt and debris on the wheels, hastening their wear and tear. Routine cleaning of the wheels and work surface can prevent such issues.

Also, beware of curbs and steps that can crack the wheels. It may take a bit longer, but choosing a detour over a shortcut to avoid such obstacles will save your wheels in the long run. Overloading your pallet truck also puts immense stress on the wheels. To mitigate this, make several trips with manageable loads instead of trying to transport it all in one go.

2. Adjust the Lowering Valve

If your pallet jack fails to lower its forks or pumps, the lowering valve might be at fault. The solution? Adjust the valve as per your needs. Tightening the lowering valve will lower the fork while loosening it will pump the fork. This simple act of tweaking the lowering valve can often solve common functional issues and keep your hand pallet mover parts in action.

3. Lubricate Your Hand Pallet Truck

A cardinal rule in maintaining any mechanical device is never to forget lubrication. Manufacturers usually use long-life grease to lubricate the bearings and axles of pallet movers. To ensure a smooth and efficient operation, apply this grease to the wheels, axles, grease fittings, and other lubrication points on a monthly basis or after cleaning.

4 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Electric Pallet Jack

1. Ensure Staff Receive Proper Training

Proper use is key to prolonging the lifespan of your pallet mover. As such, comprehensive training for all warehouse staff who operate the equipment is imperative.

The training should cover how to check the electric pallet jack's readiness for operation, how to assess the charge levels of batteries, and the correct procedure for changing a battery. Staff should also be trained in safely operating the pallet mover, including the starting procedure, speed control, and maneuvering.

2. Take Care of the Battery

Electric pallet trucks are powered by electric motors, and these motors run off a lithium battery. Therefore, taking care of the battery is an essential part of maintenance.

The battery must be handled with care, ensuring it's gently removed from the electric pallet jack and placed into the charging dock. Any damage can impact the battery's efficiency, or worse, cause it to stop working altogether.

If your electric pallet jack operates in wet or cold conditions, consider investing in weather protection sleeves. This can protect your equipment from weather-related damage, extending its operational life.

3. Check the Forks

Consistently inspect the forks for any signs of damage such as paint chipping, buckling, or bent tips. Addressing these issues immediately can prevent further damage, enhancing the durability and functionality of your electric pallet jack.

4. General Maintenance

Just as with hand pallet movers, general maintenance goes a long way in extending the life of your electric pallet jack.

Lubricating the truck’s wheels and axles monthly, ensuring the truck is operating on a smooth surface to prevent wheel damage, storing the truck in a dry, secure environment, and regularly cleaning it to rid of dust or debris are all best practices.

Also, remember to run daily checks on the truck to ensure it moves forward and backward smoothly without making unusual noises.

Conclusion

A well-maintained pallet truck, whether hand-operated or electric, is a boon to warehouse operations, reducing downtime and boosting productivity. By adopting these simple yet effective maintenance strategies, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your electric pallet jacks and ensure they deliver optimal performance day in and day out. And always remember, preventative maintenance is far less costly than repairs or replacements.

Ready to get truck pallets for your business? Visit Staxx and explore our range of truck pallets available. We have options for you, whether hand pallet trucks or electric ones, we can get them ready, just for you!