Retail

This course covers the different types of pallet jacks commonly used in the retail industry and how you can safely use and take care of them. 

A pallet truck, also known as pallet jack  is a storage tool used to lift and move pallets.


In the retail industry, they can often be seen around storage areas or warehouses where they are used to lift various type of items.


They are considered as an affordable alternative to forklifts and other similar equipment.


In this lesson, we'll cover different types of pallet jacks that you can encounter in our stores and the different variations of manual pallet jacks.


By positioning the two forks under a pallet that you need to move, you can raise it off the floor through the jack.


After lifting the pallet, the pallet jack can be pulled and steered using its handle in order to take the load to its destination.


Electric walkie behinds, also known as walkie pallet jacks are twice the size of a manual pallet jack.
Most of them are powered by industrial battery packs in order to work.
Since the operator has to walk alongside or behind it when moving loads, the term "Walkie" was coined for it.
Along with its 4500 to 6000 lbs. lifting capacity, it also provides electrical assist for moving and lifting!
Pros
• Easier lifting and lowering of loads in a press of a button so there's no pumping needed
• Its small size makes it easier to manuever
• Low collision risk compared to other pallet jacks due to its low maximum speed
Cons
• It needs to be charged regularly since it's battery-operated
• It needs more maintenance due to its several moving parts such as lift pumps and drive motors
• Also not ideal for moving load over long distances since the operator still has to walk


What is the main difference between a walkie pallet jack and a rider pallet jack?


Different Types of Pallet Jacks 

**Proper Pallet Jack Care and Maintenance **


Preventive maintenance of the pallet jacks used in our stores is important to maintain a safe working environment.


Through daily inspection, you can act in time when a pallet jack needs repair which prevents accidents from happening and prolong the pallet jack's lifespan.


In this lesson, you will learn about the points you can pay attention to during inspections in order to use your store's pallet jack longer and be able to repair it yourself!


Step 1: Place the forks in the lowest position and turn the pallet jack on its side.
Step 2: Place the drain plug of the hydraulic cylinder at the top.
Step 3: Remove the screw plug.
Step 4: Add the hydraulic oil, until the level of the oil reaches the bottom of the filler opening.
Step 5: Install the screw plug and place the device upright.


Replacing your pallet jack's oil


What is the recommended period to check and change a pallet jack's oil?


Adjusting Your Pallet Jack's Lowering Valve


Proper Pallet Jack Care and Maintenance

Aside from damaging the loaded products, pallet jacks may also cause serious injuries if not used safely.


That is why it is important to practice safe use every time that you operate the equipment!


Hit that continue button to see what safe use of your pallet jack can help you avoid!


This lesson covers the best practices that you can use to safely operate our store's pallet jacks.


Avoid moving loads up or down slopes
This may cause your jack's load to slide off the fork which may cause product damage or hit a person causing them injury.


Center the forks evenly
Centering the forks equally under the load helps ensure stability, reducing the risk of your pallet jack's load from falling.


Pull, don't push
Pulling rather than pushing loads increases the jack's maneuverability and lets you see what's up ahead your path.


Go neutral when moving
Put the actuating lever in a neutral position to reduce the risk of operator fatigue. Doing this disengages the lifting mechanism, allowing the pallet jack to move better.


Don't rush it
Avoid running or pulling the jack too fast when moving loads. It is highly recommended to operate your jack at a controllable speed since they don't have brakes!


Remember that unused pallet jacks are a major trip hazard so it is also important to know how to keept them away.
Here are some tips to avoid incidents related to pallet jacks that are not in use:
**1. **Roll the pallet jack into an area that does not have pedestrian or equipment traffic
**2. ** Park the pallet jack on a level surface and keep its forks lowered
**3.  ** Leave the handle in an upright position to reduce tripping hazard
**4. **Do not store pallet jacks in any area where they can block fire extinguishers or other emergency equipment and exits


Storage


Do not steer pallet jacks onto steep inclines and avoid driving it through uneven surfaces when moving a load.


Never stop a moving pallet jack with hands or feet as this could cause serious injuries, especially with a heavy load.


Always watch for clearance on both sides of the load.


New

free course

Electric and Manual Pallet Jacks

Electric and Manual Pallet Jacks Lessons

Course overview

The full course includes

Explore more

EdApp is easy to use and free for you and your team. No credit card required.