PALLET TRUCK SELECTION GUIDE
A pallet truck can also be known as a pallet jack, pump truck, pallet pump or jigger. A pallet truck is a hydraulic piece of equipment designed to lift and transport materials. Used primarily with pallets and skids but also for moving equipment, bulk containers and other heavy or large loads. Most pallet trucks are manually operated but fully powered models are also available. This guide will provide basic information regarding the many pallet truck styles and features that Red Forklifts Pte Ltd offer and will assist you with identifying the proper model to suit your application.
WHAT SIZE ARE YOUR PALLETS?
Pallet trucks are classified by the size of their cargo area. The most common size Pallet truck is 27” x 48”. This means that the width of the cargo area is 27” as measured between the outside edges of the forks. 48” refers to the length of the forks. The most common size wood pallet is 40” x 48”. For pallets with a width of 33” to 40”, a truck with an outsize for dimension of 27” should be used. If the pallet width is 26” to 32”, use a truck with an outside for dimension of 20.5”.
WHAT IS THE TOTAL WEIGHT CAPACITY TO BE MOVED?
Most pallet trucks have a load capacity of 2 to 3 Ton. As with any other lifting device it is best to consider choosing a capacity that is in excess of your heaviest planned load.
FORK SIZE:
The most common fork size is 27” x 48” (Width x Length), which is designed to fit most common pallets in the industry. Red Forklifts Pte Ltd offer additional fork sizes to accommodate various sizes of pallets or loads. For example, 33” x 48” low profile models are designed to handle 4-way entry pallets. Four way entry pallets are Usually 40” W x 48” L
CAPACITY:
This refers to the maximum weight that can be lifted by the pallet truck. Please remember to include the weight of and pallets, fixtures or other items when calculating the capacity. While 3 Ton is the standard capacity of most Red Forklifts Pte Ltd pallet trucks. Higher capacity models are available. Loads must always be centered.
LIFT HEIGHT:
This refers to the vertical travel of the forks. The standard Red Forklifts Pte Ltd pallet truck has a 3” lowered height and will raise to 7.75” height when fully pumped. Low profile and ultra low profile trucks are available for 2” and 1.75” lower height pallets. Pallet truck with a 1.75” lowered height can also be used the four way entry pallets. Make sure the lowered height of the truck allows the forks to fit under or into the pallet and that the lift height is sufficient for any unusual applications.
LOAD ROLLERS:
The load rollers are at the tip of the forks. The standard material is white nylon load rollers.
STEERING WHEELS:
The steering wheels are located on the back of the truck under the handle. The standard material is white nylon wheels.
TYPES OF PALLET TRUCKS AVAILABLE
MANUALLY OPERATED PALLET TRUCKS:
Standard manual pallet trucks combine manual push and manual lift/lower operation. The most common 3-function control lever works like this: Push the lever to the lowest (lower) position and pump the handle to raise the forks; place the lever in the middle (neutral) position to move the handle without raising or lowering the forks; raise and hold the lever in the top (lift) position to lower the forks. Release the lever returns the forks to their neutral position. The spring-activated pump handle will return to the upright position automatically.