For those of you who are heavily involved in the warehouse and storage sector, you will certainly be familiar with what an electric pallet jack is. Electric hand pallet jacks are specially designed machines that can easily carry and move pallets around, available in both pedestrian and ride-on variants. They provide a cost effective alternative than traditional forklifts while also possessing greater manoeuvrability, especially in tighter and narrow areas such as racking isles.
While the benefits of these machines are many, some of you may be wondering ‘How to drive an electric pallet jack’. As such, this article will happily detail how you can operate these fine pieces of technology.
How to Drive an Electric Pallet Jack
As we have previously mentioned, there are two main types of electric hand pallet jacks. To start with, we are going to focus on how to drive the ride-on variant.
Electric Ride-On Pallet Jack
A ride-on electric pallet truck functions by someone standing on the platform to the rear of the truck where the operator is able to drive the machine using the control centre typically located on the handle of the vehicle. They are generally used for shorter distances throughout the warehouse/storage setting. The control centre situated on the machine will contain: directional and speed controls, lift and lowering buttons, T-bar support handle, horn, and brake controls.
Other aspects of the ride on pallet jacks consist of the battery, pallet forks, load reals and steering tyres. In essence, all of the functions needed to operate this type of machine are found on the handle and can be applied by the simple press of a button.
Electric Pedestrian Pallet Jack
The non-ride-on electric hand pallet truck, commonly referred to as the electric pedestrian pallet jack, is just like the ride-on variants but instead of having a platform for operators to stand on, it requires manual pushing/pulling in order for it to navigate. The electric pedestrian pallet jack is also equipped with a control centre located on the handle but because there is no platform, it allows for greater manoeuvrability for even better usage down narrow isles.
It also gives the operators greater freedom on where to move socks as if users decide to pull the load, the pallet jack will follow the exact route the operator takes. Again, like the ride-on version, the control centre will contain directional and speed controls, lift and lowering buttons, a T-bar support handle, horn, and brake controls.
**Side Note
To make surrounding operators aware that you are manoeuvring a pallet across the warehouse, a slight tap of the horn is advised to gain their attention. As a result, this simple, yet effective trick can minimise the potential for workplace accidents to occur.
Finally, the instruction manual that should always come with the electric hand pallet jack will enlighten you further when operating this piece of machinery and will detail all the necessary measures you need to take in order to successfully move the pallet jack.