Manual & Powered Pallet Trucks
Pallet trucks are material handling tools used to lift and maneuver pallets. The basic design of these devices is simple enough. It consists of a frame that supports two extended forks. The back of the unit rests on two rear wheels, and each fork also rests on a wheel located toward the front interior of the fork. A built-in hydraulic jack of some sort is attached to the forks and elevated, it separates the forks from the front wheels and lifts the pallet off the floor just enough to make it safely mobile. A locking mechanism of some sort exists on all models to ensure that the pallet is held firmly in place during transport.
There are two basic types of pallet trucks: manual and powered. Within each of these classification types exists a myriad of models engineered specifically for different operations, different load sizes, and different environments. Neither the manual category nor the powered unit category offers an absolute advantage over the other in every type of application. Instead, the relative applicability of a manual operability versus powered assistance depends greatly on the environment in which it is used, the application at hand, and in some cases, even the subjective preference of the operator.
Despite the many engineering and operational variances in this line of products, however, there are certain very key attributes common to all Easy Rack pallet trucks. Safe operation is the most important of these. Because these devices were originally intended to replace the manual lifting and carrying of heavy loads, it is absolutely imperative that the hydraulic jack on every model and unit we sell perform reliably and consistently. Pallets must be lifted to the desired height and locked securely in position to ensure that the forks will not collapse to the floor if the wheels pass through debris, roll over an uneven surface, or find themselves used on uneven terrain.
It is also essential that every pallet truck be easy to maneuver in all directions. Most importantly, it should move forward in a straight line without veering uncontrollably to the left or the right. This requires all models to be built with wheels that will turn freely without accumulating debris and locking up. Some wheels may also need special traction due to environmental or application demands. All units, regardless of operability or model type, must be easy to steer without strain to operator hands, arms, or shoulders
To accommodate this need, many newer models now feature special ergonomic startup mechanisms such as the power drive accumulator. This allows the worker to start moving the unit forward simply by tilting back the handle. Other models are constructed from galvanized zinc for heavily polluted or salt-air environments. Still others feature scales that allow workers to weigh contents on pallets. Gasoline power helps larger models to lift and move heavy loads of up to 4,000 pounds. All terrain pallet trucks often feature a tubular design frames to accommodate outdoor mobility in rugged environments.
When selecting a particular model a particular facility or operation, cost should never be the first factor considered. The price of using the wrong tool for the right job can be far more expensive than the initial investment to obtain the best tool for the job, improve material handling efficiency, and better ensure employee safety.
To make the best decision, talk to an Easy Rack material handling expert about the many models and customization options that will ensure the highest return on investment in terms of improved process flow and more rapid time-to-market.
Easy Rack carries a wide variety of used pallet racks, commercial shelving, material handling equipment, commercial lighting, used pallet racking and modular prefab buildings installed nationwide. If you can not find what you are looking for call us toll free at 1-888-776-3720 and we will find it for you. Our home office is located in Houston, Texas with warehouses located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states |