Monday, September 21, 2009

Manual & Powered Pallet Trucks

A pallet truck is a material handling device that is used to lift and move pallets. The basic design of a pallet truck is simple, consisting of a frame, two rear wheels, and two forks with wheels located at the front of each fork. A hydraulic jack toward the rear of the unit is attached to the forks. When this jack is elevated, it separates the forks from the front wheels. As the forks continue to rise off the ground, the pallet is lifted off the floor. A locking mechanism is then activated to hold the forks in place during transport.

There are two basic categories of pallet trucks: manual and powered. Within these categories exists a myriad of individual forms whose variations exist to accommodate different operations, different sized loads, and special environments. There is no absolute advantage that one category offers over another. The relative applicability of a manual unit versus a powered unit depends on the environment in which it is used, the application at hand, and the subjective preference of the operator.

In spite of engineering and operational variances, however, there are several attributes that are common to all Easy Rack pallet jack trucks. Safe operability is the most important of these. Because these devices were originally invented to prevent the need to manually lift and carry heavy loads, it is imperative that the hydraulic jack on every type model we sell be quality assurance certified to perform reliably as expected. Jacks must lift pallets to the necessary height and secure the pallet in position with a sure locking mechanism that will not jostle loose if the wheels roll across debris, pass over an uneven surface, or find themselves outside on uneven terrain.

It is also necessary that all types of electric pallet trucks be easily maneuverable in all directions. The operator should be able to push the unit forward in a straight line without the wheels veering off to the left or toward the right. This requires some models to be manufactured with wheels that feature special traction and it means that all units, regardless of model type, are built with steering mechanisms that are responsive to operator movements and easy to turn on command.

Many newer models now feature special ergonomic startup mechanisms as well, such as the power drive accumulator that allows the worker to begin moving the pallet jack just by tilting back the handle. Other models feature special other specialized attributes such as galvanization for heavily polluted or salt-air environments, scales that allow workers to weight the pallets they are moving, gasoline motors built to move heavy loads of up to 4,000 pounds, and tubular design frames built especially for all terrain mobility.

When choosing a tilting pallet jack truck for a particular facility or operation, cost should not be the first factor considered. The cost of using the wrong tool for the right job can often be far greater than making the initial investment in the best tool for the job and improving material handling efficiency and employee safety in the process.

To make the best choice, talk to an Easy Rack account manager today about the many models and customization options now available to your organization.

Contact us today at 1-888-776-3720 and let a friendly Easy Rack quote specialist help you determine how best to save money, save time, and add space without wasting profits.

Our material handling headquarters is situated in Houston, Texas with regional vendors located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including New York NY, Los Angeles CA, Miami, FL. Chicago, IL. Denver CO., El Paso, Texas, Dallas TX, San Antonio, TX, Austin, TX, Boise ID, Atlanta GA, Albuquerque NM, Raleigh-Durham NC, Washington DC, Albuquerque NM, Huntsville AL, Fayetteville AR, Norfolk VA , Madison WI., Corpus Christi, TX, Plano, Texas, Garland, TX, Laredo, Texas, Lubbock, TX.

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