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3rd Jun 2019
One of the most common material handling equipment in the warehouse today is the pallet jack. It has a simple design compared to other heavy equipment that serve the same purpose making them very easy to use.
Since they are usually heavily applied for some operations,like every other equipment they need maintenance to ensure they are always fit for operations.
In this article, we look at some of the most common problems that can face due to improper maintenance and simple solutions you can take.
Low Oil levels
The pallet jack uses a hydraulic system that sees to it that it is capable of lifting pallets efficiently. For this hydraulic system to function properly it uses hydraulic oil to generate lift pressure.
However, the hydraulic system is always exposed to malfunctions especially if the hydraulic oil levels are not optimal enough to generate lift pressure. Luckily this problem can easily be solved by refilling the hydraulic oil to the recommended levels.
A great way to avoid experiencing these problems is to ensure you refill the oil once after every 6 months.
Poor Lubrication
Even though the pallet jack is very simple it comes with moving parts that need to be provided with proper care. One of the common issues normally faced with the moving parts of the pallets jacks is accelerated wear and tear resulting from poor lubrication.
Granted the moving parts like the wheels, axle and bearing usually come lubricated with life-long grease, it is important that you lubricate them on a monthly basis to keep them in good shape.
Damaged Wheels
One of the parts of the pallet jack that needs keen attention at all times is the wheels. There are several ways in which the wheels of your pallet jack can get damaged.
One of them is when metallic litter like wires on the warehouse floor get stuck in the wheels. When the pallet jack is mobile these wire cut though the wheel damaging them. You can easily prevent this by either keeping your warehouse clean or inspecting the wheels every time before an operation commences.
Another way that the wheels normally get damaged is through overloading. When the pallet jack is loaded beyond its capacity the wheels bear most of the tension leading to the development of defects like flat spots. Therefore, the pallet jack should be loaded within its capacity at all times.
Air Pockets
As we saw earlier the hydraulic system normally uses hydraulic oil to generate lift pressure. However, the lift pressure intensity can be affected by the presence of air pockets in the hydraulic system.
One of the potential ways that air can seep into the hydraulic system is due to a damaged or worn out valve cartridge. If this is the case then you need to replace the o-rings lining the valve.
On the other hand, if the air pockets are due to other reasons you should set the control lever in the lower position, squeeze the handle and pump the jack up and down 10-15 times until all the air escapes from the hydraulic system.
Therefore, you should take the maintenance of the pallet jack very seriously. Frequently check the oil levels and make sure that it is filled to optimal levels and with the right oil. Ensure the moving parts of the pallet jack are properly lubricated. Preventative measures should be taken to prevent damage to the wheels. You should also ensure the valve cartridge is in good shape to prevent air pockets from developing in the hydraulic system.
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