Pallet Mover

Moving pallets around can be a demanding job, especially when the pallets are loaded. However, you can make this task easier, faster and safer for your workers by using a pallet mover, which is also called a pallet truck or a pallet jack. It is a tool used to lift and move heavy loads like stacks of pallets within the facility. It is more fondly referred to as the workhorse of materials handling.

The Construction of a Pallet Mover

Pallet movers can come in different configurations. However, no matter the type or design you’re looking at, some of the features remain the same. Some of the key parts of the pallet mover include the following:

Handle

Pallet movers have an ergonomic handle attached to the equipment that allows you to control the pallet mover. From the handle, you can push, pull or steer the mover in the direction you want it to go. The handle is height adjustable in most of the pallet movers to accommodate users of different heights.

Hand lever

This is a small part of the pallet move that allows you to control the lifting and lowering of the forks. You can use the lever to raise, lower or simply move the load depending on the position of the lever.

Tow bar

The tow bar connects the pallet mover’s base to the handle. Its main role is to control the mover. When you pump the tow bar, the hydraulic system activates, lifting the forks and making it easier to move heavy loads.

Steering wheels

The pallet mover has steering wheels that sit at the base of the tow bar. These help you manoeuvre the mover around tight spaces. The wheels are designed to turn smoothly and allow precision when operating the equipment.

Load or fork rollers

The load or fork rollers are small wheels that are located at the end of the forks. They support the weight of the load and allow the pallet truck to move backwards and forward easily.

Fork arms

The fork arms are the long metal pieces that slide under the pallets. They carry the load and play a crucial role in the picking, lifting and moving process. Without them, the pallet truck wouldn’t be able to pick up or transport anything.

How Pallet Movers Work

There are different functions that a pallet mover can complete depending on the application in question:

Lifting the load

When lifting a load sitting on a pallet, the mover first positions the fork arms under the pallet. Then, you push the hand lever to lift the load. When you operate the lever, it closes the lowering valve and locks the hydraulic oil in the lifting cylinder. When you pump the tow bar, the oil is forced into the cylinder, raising the forks and lifting the load off the ground.

Moving the Load

Once the load is lifted, you set the lever in the neutral position. This keeps the forks at their current height, allowing you to move the load. You can also push or pull the pallet mover to move the load to its new location.

Lowering the load

Once you reach the new destination, you can lower the load by pulling the hand lever up to the lowering position. This opens the valve and allows the hydraulic oil to return to the tank. As the oil flows back, the fork arms lower slowly, bringing the load to the ground and marking the end of the task.

Types of Pallet Movers

Depending on the type of application and the nature of your work environment, there are different types of pallet movers that you can consider for your operations. These include the following:

Manual pallet movers

This is the most common type of pallet mover on the market. It relies on human effort to operate the hydraulic pump and move the equipment once the load is up. It’s simple, efficient, and perfect for light and moderate lifting tasks and operations.

Electric pallet movers

Electric pallet movers, on the other hand, use a battery-powered motor to lift and move loads. They are ideal for heavier tasks and longer distances. Unlike their manual counterparts, electric pallet movers don’t rely much on human effort, which helps to reduce the physical strain on the operator.

Specialty pallet movers

These are designed for specific tasks. Some have built-in scales for weight loads, while others are made from stainless steel to meet the requirements of their environments, such as clean rooms and other sensitive environments.

In addition to the highlighted features, the different types of pallet movers have other features that distinguish them from each other. When making the selection, it is important to consider these features and how they will affect your operations.