Pallet Jacks

EASILY MOVE YOUR GOODS WITH A HANDY PALLET JACK

Thousands of Australian businesses benefit from the use of a convenient Pallet Jack to transport loads around their warehouses, stockrooms and store floors. Compared to a motorised forklift, a Pallet Jack is generally more affordable and easier to use.

But there are a number of considerations before you make the investment in a new Pallet Jack.

As an expert in both Manual Pallet Jacks and Electric Pallet Jacks, the team at Richmond Wheel & Castor Co has put together this handy guide on:

• The business benefits of a Pallet Jack
• How to choose the best type for your needs
• How to safely use a Pallet Jack in your business
• The latest innovations in Quick Lift Pallet Jacks

What are the main benefits of a Pallet Jack?

Reduce manual work and risk of injuries

A handy Pallet Jack significantly reduces the chance of injury to your workers and also protects your products from damage. Over 70% of workplace injuries are due to manual handling, making an accessible Pallet Jack even more important.

Saves time and speeds up transport

A Pallet Jack allows workers to quickly and easily manoeuvre heavy loads of palletised goods around warehouses or similar work areas. A great way to move goods onto trucks, fill orders quickly, and transport products onto your store floor!

Manual vs Electric Pallet Jacks – what’s better?

Manual

A Manual Pallet Jack obviously has no power costs to run, but they rely solely on manpower to push or pull the load. 

For smaller warehouses or stockrooms, a manual jack has its advantages, however it’s important to consider the repetitive use of them by staff while ensuring they understand how to use it safely (see below).

Electric

If you run or manage a larger warehouse or industrial facility then a power-operated Electric Pallet Jack will reduce labour and save time. Run on a battery, many businesses with a high-volume of products or inventory invest in an electric jack, including compact Walk Behind models for tighter spaces. 

Remember that any power-operated machinery such an electric pallet requires a Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) certification to use. 

Choosing between a Manual and Electric Pallet Jack basically comes down to its intended use: 

• If you operate a business with a relatively small footprint and inventory, then a manual jack will do the job. 
• If your business has a large footprint and inventory where speed and time are critical, then purchasing an Electric Pallet Jack offers a great long term return on investment.

A quick 5 step guide on safely operating a Manual Pallet Jack

1. Locate your jack’s Control Lever on the handle and familiarise yourself with the three typical control positions: Neutral, Down and Up. 
2. With the control lever in the neutral position, steer the Pallet Jack directly in front of the pallet you want to move, then centre the forks and ensure the pallet is stable before lifting. 
3. Now engage the control lever by pressing it down, then pull the handle towards you in a pumping motion to “jack” up the pallet before placing it into Neutral position.
4. You can safely transport your pallet by pushing or pulling, remembering to put the control level into the Up position when you want to drop the pallet to the floor. 
5. Finally, slip the control lever back into a Neutral position and pull the forks free of the pallet, then raise the forks off the ground to avoid obstacles before you safely store the jack. 

Follow these 5 rules for safely operating your Pallet Jack

1. Always inspect and test your Pallet Jack before use 
2. Move slowly and carefully, avoiding fast turns  
3. Never exceed the jack’s load capacity 
4. Keep the control lever in Neutral when moving 
5. Always store the Pallet Jack with forks down
   

Why a Quick Lift Pallet Jack could be the answer

The humble manual Pallet Jack has quickly evolved, with more advanced models now available for businesses of all types and sizes. The latest innovation includes the Quick Lift Pallet Jack – available from Richmond Wheel & Castor Co.

Ideal for high-volume, fast-paced environments, the easy-to-use Quick Lift Pallet Jack is designed specifically for Aussie hardwood pallets and has:

• High-quality hydraulics and a massive 2500kgs Safe Working Load
• Strong, reinforced steel construction to guarantee return on investment
• Ergonomic handle and simple release with easy access entry and exit rollers

Get help from your local Pallet Jack expert!

There are a wide variety of Pallet Jack designs, materials, lengths, widths and load capacities available – so take the time to understand how they will suit your business.

No matter what you end up using your new Pallet Jack for, ensure that it’s made to Australian standards with durable, well-tested materials, has a stable base to reduce the risk of injury and damage and is able to undergo constant use in your workplace. 

With over 60 years’ experience helping customers with their Pallet Jack needs, Richmond Wheel & Castor Co is sure to have a solution for your business!