5 Things To Consider Before You Buy a Pallet Truck
A pallet truck (also known as a pump truck or pallet jack) is a trolley with forklift-like attachments that may be used to lift and transport pallets. The tapered forks of the truck fit between the pallet and the load, while the pump handle can be utilized to raise and lower it.
There are many types of pallet trucks – all designed to lift and transport pallets.
Basic Functionality of a Pallet Truck
- Pallet loading capacity
- Allows for easy manoeuvre
- Requiring little to zero maintenance
If you are planning to buy a pallet truck, there are certain factors that should be considered beforehand. Pallet trucks are available in a wide range of designs and features. Some have self-powered hydraulics whereas others work with hand pumps. Here is the list of key points that should be kept in mind before you decide on which pallet truck you should get.
(1) Loading Capacity (Don’t pay for more than what you need)
Understanding your company’s pallet jack application is critical. Are your pallets usually 500 LBS or less? 4,000 LBS or less? Or 10,000 LBS or more? Pallet jacks with a maximum lifting capacity of between 3 and 5,500 pounds are standard.
Hand pallet jacks with higher capacities will usually be more expensive as they have higher loading capacity.
(2) Determine the pallet jack width, length, and lift height needed
The same logic may be applied to the width and length you’ll need for your jack. A pallet jack’s typical form is 27″ wide by 48″ long. However
If you have especially wide or long pallets that need to be moved around, you may want to consider looking for models with greater width and length capacities.
As far as lift height goes, this will depend on the specific application of your pallet jacks. Some models are designed to move goods only a few inches off the ground.
The pallet jack’s capability of lifting and lowering in height will impact its price. A typical jack lowers to 3″ and lifts up to 7.75,” however there are Low & Ultra Low hand pallet jacks that drop heights down to 1.75″ if your application demands it.
These pallet jacks will naturally cost more.
(3) Determine the frequently that you will be using your pallet truck
You must also consider the typical usage of your new hand pallet jack. Will you use it only once a day? Or will it be used continuously for the duration of your shift? How often will this machine be operated?
Pallet jacks have a few key components that must be of good quality to endure frequent use. The load rollers and steer wheels on a hand pallet jack are the difference between high- and low-quality versions.
(4) Know your pallet jack manufacturer
The pallet jack’s logo isn’t always on the pallet jack itself. Instead, a material handling company will affix its logo to the jack to conceal the fact that it was made by a different firm.
The manufacturers of these jacks know how to make a good product that will last for years, so it’s important to find out who made your pallet jack.
(5) Understand your warranty and the value of what it offers
Having a solid guarantee on your pallet jack is the only way to ensure that your purchase expectations are met. You will never be in this awful scenario of having to take or carry an order without the appropriate tools if you have a warranty you can trust.
Also, before you buy it, look at the warranty to be sure it’s good. Many businesses provide a broad guarantee that covers minor damage and flaws.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a pallet jack that will last years, be sure to search for the following factors: warranty and pump mechanism. You may trust your purchase to provide you with years of dependable service if you consider these elements.
Still unsure of which pallet truck to get for your needs?
Head on over to Springwell marketing today and let our consultants recommend to you a suitable pallet truck for your company.