They often get overlooked by larger machinery, but pallet trucks are some of the most important tools in warehouse. Their small, efficient design makes moving heavy cargo through tight spaces a breeze. Plus, employees don’t need a special license to operate them.
Even though they’re warehouse workhorses, pallet trucks still require some basic maintenance to run their best. The good news is that it’s not that difficult. Continue reading to learn how to prolong the lifespan of your pallet truck:
- Check and top off the oil: A pallet truck’s hydraulic oil is its lifeblood. Without it, the forks won’t raise or lower as they should. Be sure to check your oil frequently to ensure it’s not low. You’ll also want to change the oil once a year or so.
- Lubricate all moving parts: Many components of your pallet truck are lubricated to ensure fluid motion. Part of your pallet truck maintenance includes checking all moving parts and lubricating them frequently with the manufacturer’s recommended grease.
- Protect the wheels: Debris on the ground can prematurely wear down your tires. Be sure to sweep and mop your warehouse floor to eliminate debris, and wipe down the wheels after each shift to extend the wheels’ lifespan.
- Inspect the chain: The chain responsible for raising and lowering the forks can become loose over time. Proper pallet truck maintenance includes checking the chain and adjusting it if it’s getting too loose.
- Follow correct operating procedures: Pallet truck misuse is a leading cause of premature failure. Ensure all employees know how to use the equipment and understand its weight limit.
Is it time for a new pallet truck?
Even if you follow our tips on how to prolong the lifespan of your pallet truck, it won’t last forever. These are a few signs that it’s time to buy a new pallet truck:
- Changing needs: Your needs will change as your business grows. That often means moving into a larger warehouse with more employees. If your current pallet truck isn’t meeting your needs, invest in new equipment that’ll help your company flourish.
- Frequent breakdowns: Even if you follow all recommended maintenance procedures, pallet trucks tend to fail more frequently as they age. Business can slow down or even come to a halt when that happens, which is frustrating and costly. If your pallet truck requires frequent repairs, consider investing in a new one.
- Expensive repairs: Dealing with a broken pallet truck isn’t just a headache—those repairs can put a real strain on your budget. You may notice that those repairs get a little bit more expensive each time you call the repair technician. This often is related to the growing expense of new parts. Stop paying for those costly repairs and invest in a new pallet truck.
Contact our pros at Lamberson Packaging Solutions if you’re in the market for a new pallet truck or need some tips on pallet truck maintenance. We have a vast inventory of warehouse equipment and supplies to keep your business up and running.