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Manual pallet lifts
Also called manual pallet trucks, these pallet lifts need some human effort to lift the pallets. They come with a hydraulic pump that one operates by hand. Manual pallet lifts work best when the lifting and moving needs are not many or are of small scale. They are easy to use and offer some control over the speed and lifting height.
Electric pallet lifts
These pallet lifts use electric power, so the user does not have to do any lifting or moving. With a motor, they can lift and move large loads, especially in large warehouses. Electric pallet lifts are great when the operations need a lot of lifting and transporting because they lower fatigue and increase work speed.
Semi-electric pallet lifts
Semi-electric pallet lifts use hand-operated pumps and electric pumps to lift pallets. One can use the lift manually or power it to lift the pallets using an attached pump. They give a good balance between manual and electric pallet lifts, making them versatile for most pallet handling needs.
Correspondence pallet lifts
These pallet lifts resemble manual lifts in how they work but are designed for lifting pallets. The lift can go up and down as the operator sits on it, making it suitable for moving loads quickly from one place to another. Their design enables easy movement, even in tightly closed spaces.
Lift capacity
This is the maximum weight a pallet lift can lift. Every pallet lift platform is designed for a specific weight range. Operating a pallet lift at over its capacity will cause damage to the machine and make it unsafe to use. Seek out pallet lifts whose load capacity matches the payload and type of pallet users have.
Fork dimensions
The fork size should match the pallet type. The size of the forks affects how well the lift can work with different pallet sizes. The standard pallet has a 48 x 40-inch dimension, so the forks should be long enough to slide into the pallet each end fluently.
Lifting system
The lifting system works either manually, electrically, or semi-electrically. It helps to determine the system's operation based on the needs of the users and environmental factors. Electric lifts are preferred for bulk use, while manual lifts work for low demand.
Battery life
Battery life is important when choosing electric pallet lifts. Long battery life limits the time employees spend charging pallet lifts. Check the charging time to see if it does not interfere with the pallet lifts' operating hours.
Braking system
Brake systems ensure the safety of electric powered pallet lifts, mainly on ramped surfaces. An electronic brake system increases stability and will not allow the load or lift to roll away unintentionally. Other brakes include the hand brake and four rugged wheels.
Handle design
This design provides easy maneuverability of the lift. Wraparound handles give stability when turning the lift, while straight handles improve easy operation in tight corners.
Following proper and wide usage of pallet lifts in different industries helps get the most out of these tools. Here are some common uses of pallet lifts people apply in their daily operations:
Warehouse operations
Manual and electric pallet lifts are used widely in warehouses to move pallets. It enables the swift movement of products from one location to another to optimize the workflow. They help arrange stocks in spaces in the warehouse to allow for optimum utilization.
Retail environments
Retail stores receive large shipments of stocks occasionally. That is why they need pallet lifts to move these stocks from storage areas to selling floors. Pallet lifts help preserve products' value by ensuring they are delivered without damage to the lift and minimizing their handling.
Manufacturing facilities
In manufacturing industries, raw materials and parts need to be moved to various production machines. Pallet lifts help transport these items, making the production process faster. They are also used to move finished products for storage and shipment.
Shipping and logistics
Pallet lifts are used to load and unload trucks and containers at shipping and logistics companies. They help manage the flow of palletized products throughout the shipping process. Electric pallet lifts, which are suited for high-traffic areas, are ideal for this job.
Hospitals
Pallet lifts are used in hospitals for moving medical supplies, equipment, and furniture. They help manage the heaviest items while ensuring the safety of the lift operators and the transported products. Pallet lifts enable easy movement through narrow corridors and elevators.
Agriculture
Agricultural industries rely on pallet lifts to transport feed, tools, and other materials within the storing barns and silos. They help with the handling of bulky and awkwardly shaped items to improve efficiency.
As buyers consider these factors, they will be able to make informed decisions that lead to better pallet lift performances and longer lifespans:
Load capacity
The first thing buyers should consider is the load capacity of their pallet lifts. The lift should support the heaviest weight in their workplace. The needs for height determine the lift type. Manual pallet lifts work best for short and occasional lifts. Powered pallet lifts are essential for frequent heavy and high lifts.
Lift height
Lift height decides the type of pallet lift to use for the users' operations. If users need low storage racking, then a lift with a minimal height is able to suffice. Electric pallet lifts work best when high lifts are needed. These lifts enhance the effectiveness and safety of stacking the pallets as required by the users.
Fork size and material
The fork size should be long enough to allow them to comfortably fit between the pallet slats. Custom metal hydraulic pumps last longer, but they weigh down the machine. The lift's fork material should match the material of the pallets to enable smooth handling.
Power type
Operating systems of pallet lifts are manual, semi-powered, and fully powered electricity. Manual lifts need the workers to operate them physically. Powered lifts have powerful batteries that enable them to lift and move loads. Semi-powered lifts combine both operating mechanisms. Determine the power type according to the customers' pallet-handling frequency and load weight.
Maneuverability
The lift design should suit the customers' working area. Narrow aisle lifts have slender frames that can comfortably fit in narrow aisles. Large turning radius lifts are suitable for large warehouses. Choose a handle type that is comfortable to hold for easy push, pull, and maneuvering.
Budget
The operating and ownership costs of the pallet lifts should be reasonable within the customer's budget. Manual lifts are cheaper, while electric lifts are costly initially. Consider the cost of maintenance and the replacement of the batteries, as this impacts the lifetime cost of electrically powered lifts.
Buyers can maintain and repair pallet lifts by doing the following:
Daily checks
Check electric pallet lifts daily to prepare them for the day's work. Confirm that the forks are straight and there are no bends or cracks. Look out for any signs of damage on the hydraulic pump. Check the wheels and brakes to ensure smooth turns. Review the handle to confirm it's in good condition. Ensure that the battery is fully charged before use.
Proper cleaning
Prevent potential damage from dirt buildup by properly cleaning pallet lifts. Use a moist soft cloth to wipe the lifts. Do not use any strong chemicals that could corrode the material. Remove any material that may be stuck on the forks to prevent burdening the hydraulic system.
Lubrication
Ensure all the movable parts, such as the wheels, handle, and pump, are always lubricated. Use a suitable lubricant as recommended by the manufacturer. Proper lubrication reduces friction and ensures ease in maneuverability and lifting.
Hydraulic fluid
Check the hydraulic fluid levels regularly, especially before long operating hours. Low hydraulic fluid hinders the operation of electric pallet lifts. It may also cause damage to the hydraulic system. Make it a routine to refill the fluid as prescribed by the manufacturer.
Battery care
For electric pallet lifts, ensure the batteries are charged correctly and often. Clean the battery terminals often to prevent corrosion. Avoid leaving the battery in a discharged state for too long to avoid its loss of functionality.
Inspection
Conduct periodic inspections based on the pallet lifts' frequency of use. Pay more attention to likely worn-out parts like wheels, forks, and brakes. Replace worn-out parts before they cause more significant issues and affect operations.
Manual pallet lifts are suitable for average load lifting. However, a skilled operator is required to apply manual force when moving heavy objects.
Minimize electrical pallet lifts' use to conserve energy. Use energy-efficient lifts that require less power.
Narrow aisle pallet lifts are best for small warehouses with limited spaces.
Avoid using outdated or foreign hydraulic fluid. Always replace the fluid as prescribed by the manufacturer.
Generally, electrical pallet lifts have less noise than internal combustion ones. They operate smoothly without causing disturbance.