Pallet jack
A pallet jack is a basic form of forklift which is used mainly to move pallets around a warehouse. It is also referred to as a pallet truck, jigger or pump truck.
Pallet jacks consist of wheels, forks and hydraulic jack. The jack is steered using a lever that also acts as the pump handle for raising the jack. The forks are lowered by releasing the hydraulic fluid, controlled by a small handle on the lever.
As the hydraulic jack is raised, linkages force the wheels down, raising the forks vertically above the front wheels. This allows the load to be lifted off the floor to enable easy movement.
The fork lengths generally match standard pallet sizes, and jacks are available that can handle different terrain and wide loads. In order to avoid overloading, some jacks are fitted with a scale to monitor loads.
Electric pallet jacks lift the pallets and move without manual effort, and may include a small platform for the operator.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Conserving the Hilda Besse Building
Improving facilities, accessibility and overall appearance.
BSRIA IAQ topic guide published
Free download of TG 12/2021 available.
Electrotechincal mentors wanted
TESP works with The Youth Group to form skill sharing network.
OpenBuilt supply chain technology in development
Big tech collaborates on platform for the built environment.
Concerns raised over Future Buildings Standard
Letter signed by 21 organisations sent to MHCLG.
The infrastructure planning process
A look at the Government's strategic approach.
Steps to help reduce the spread of infection inside buildings.
Urban exploration and construction
This social media-centred hobby can be both dangerous and illegal.
Millwork wall treatment with a long and illustrious history.
Weekly workplace noise estimator tool
HSE introduces cumulative exposure calculator.
The Edwardians and their houses.
Cut off from civilian life for over 900 years.
Can net zero and levelling-up align?
Gaining green support from the carbon giants.
Receive the Designing Buildings newsletter
Click the button to subscribe.