Any business that receives shipments can probably benefit from having a pallet jack around. A pallet jack is a device with a manually operated hydraulic lift and wheels that allow you to lift and move wooden, plastic and metal pallets and skids. Occasionally something goes awry with these useful devices, so it's good to know repair them.
Wheels and Axles
The easiest parts of a pallet jack to inspect, repair or replace are the wheels and axles. There are two sets of wheels, the load wheels and the steer wheels. The load wheels are beneath the fork. These wheels should be inspected regularly for wear and damage. Any size reduction more than a quarter of an inch, or flat spots, warrant replacement. Pump the roller handle to expose these wheels. Then turn the jack on its side. The axles are usually held in with roller pins. Punch these out with a pin punch and hammer. Replace the bushings, which are the tubes of brass or copper separating the axle from the wheel.
The steer wheels are under the pump handle. Inspect these wheels for wear, and replace if necessary. The axle to these wheel is usually held in with a snap ring; you'll need snap ring pliers to remove it and install a new one. These pliers are available at mechanic supply shops. As with the load wheels, replace the bushings any time you get a chance. Bushings are meant to be expendable.
Push Rods and Lifting Links
The push rods and lifting links are the parts that connect the hydraulic unit to the load wheels. Inspect them for bends, cracks and out-of-round holes, and replace if these conditions exist. These parts are typically held in with roller pins; punch out the pins with a pin punch and hammer.
Hydraulic Unit
Test the hydraulic unit by placing the jack under a load and pumping the handle to lift it. If the jack does not lift, check the handle linkage to the hydraulic unit. If the jack lifts, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. The load should not have dropped in that time. If it has, you may have a leaky hydraulic unit. Check the fluid level and refill it by lowering the jack and pouring in hydraulic oil via the filler plug. Do not overfill, as this will cause leakage and damage to the pump.
Some manufacturers sell seal kits so you can rebuild the pump yourself, or you may wish to exchange your damaged pump for a rebuilt or new one.
Tags: pallet, jack, repair, hydraulic unit, load wheels, held with, pallet jack, held with roller, held with roller pins, punch hammer, roller pins, snap ring, steer wheels, usually held
