Electric Pallet Jack Maintenance Guide

If you own an electric pallet jack, you probably paid anywhere from $2000 to $10,000 for it. Or maybe your boss did. Either way, that's a lot of money to spend on one piece of equipment. So to make sure that the it serves you for as long as possible, it's important to think about electric pallet jack maintenance.

In this article, we put together a complete eletric pallet jack maintenance guide, and also answered the most common questions on this topic. Keep reading to learn more!

Electric Pallet Jack Maintenance Guide & Tips

Here's a simplified step-by-step guide on how to best maintain your electric pallet jack:

1. Daily Inspection: Conduct a visual pallet jack inspection every day before using the jack. Check for any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or loose parts, especially on the forks and wheels. 
   By doing so, you're making sure that any issues are resolved immediately instead of making them worse by continued use. Read our article on daily electric jack inspections to learn more about this.
2. Check Controls: Make sure all the buttons, levers, and controls on the jack are working as they should. This includes checking if the jack moves and stops smoothly and if the lifting and lowering mechanisms are working correctly.
3. Maintain the Battery: The battery is an essential component of an electric pallet jack. Make sure it's fully charged before use. Regularly clean the battery terminals to prevent corrosion. If your battery requires it, check the electrolyte levels and top up with distilled water if necessary.
4. Protect the Wheels: Ensure the jack is used on smooth surfaces and the path is always clear of debris. Otherwise, the wheels might chip or break. Damaged wheels can make handling the jack more difficult and unsafe.
5. Hydraulic System Inspection: The hydraulic system is responsible for the lifting and lowering operations of the jack. Check for any leaks or damages. If you notice any issues, get them repaired immediately.
6. Lubrication: Regularly lubricate all moving parts according to the manufacturer's instructions. This helps to reduce friction and wear.
7. Check for Unusual Noises: If you notice any unusual noises when operating the jack, it could be a sign of internal damage. Get the jack inspected by a professional if this happens.
8. Regular Cleaning: It's essential to regularly clean your electric pallet jack. Dust, dirt, and grime can cause damage over time. By keeping the jack clean, you ensure its parts can move freely and work as intended.
9. Regular Servicing: Depending on the frequency of use, have the jack serviced by professionals every six months to a year. They can perform a comprehensive inspection and address any potential issues.
10. Proper Storage: When not in use, the electric pallet jack should be stored in a secure and safe environment, away from the elements. This prevents unnecessary damage and wear.

By following the above guidelines, your electric pallet jack should stay in optimal condition for a long time. You'll also stay as efficient and safe as possible.

Also, keep in mind that there are many types of electric jacks out there. Adapt the tips in this article to fit the model that you are personally using it.

Electric Pallet Jack Parts

For effective maintenance, you'll first need to uderstand the different parts of the electric pallet jack. Let's take a look at the main components:

• The Forks: These are the long, flat parts that slide under the pallet to lift it.
• Hydraulic Pump: This is responsible for raising and lowering the forks.
• Control Head: When using an electric pallet jack, the control head is essentially the 'brain'. The control head contains the buttons and levers you use to control the movement, lifting, and lowering of the jack.
• Emergency Disconnect: This important safety feature allows you to quickly disconnect the power in case of an emergency, halting the jack's operation instantly.
• Battery Indicator: Just like the fuel gauge in your car, the battery indicator lets you know how much power you have left. It's crucial to ensure the battery doesn't drain completely.
• Key Switch: This is the jack's ignition system. It works just like a car's key ignition - you need to turn it on to start the pallet jack.
• Load Wheels: These are the wheels that bear the load when the pallet jack lifts an item. They must be regularly inspected for wear and tear.
• Drive Wheel: The drive wheel is powered by the motor and allows the pallet jack to move. Ensure it's in good condition for smooth operations.
• Battery Compartment: This houses the battery that powers the jack. It should be kept clean to prevent corrosion and ensure optimal battery performance.

What Maintenance is Needed for a Pallet Jack?

Routine maintenance includes cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of various components for wear and tear. It is also necessary to:

• Check and tighten any loose nuts and bolts.
• Inspect for and repair any hydraulic leaks.
• Check and maintain the battery.
• Test the lifting and lowering mechanism.
• Inspect the wheels for wear and replace as necessary.
• Keep the forks clean and free of debris.

How often should a pallet jack be serviced?

The frequency of servicing a pallet jack largely depends on its usage. If the electric pallet jack is used daily and in a heavy-duty environment, it is advisable to have it serviced approximately every six months. If the usage is less frequent or less demanding, a yearly service might be sufficient.

However, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding service intervals as the specific recommendations can vary based on the model and design of the pallet jack.

Why is my electric pallet jack not lifting?

If your electric pallet jack isn't lifting properly, there could be a few potential reasons:

• Low hydraulic fluid levels
• Leaking seals in the hydraulic system
• A worn-out hydraulic pump
• A blocked release valve
• Damaged or obstructed lifting mechanism
• Overloaded weight beyond the jack's capacity

If you're unable to resolve the issue, consult a professional or your jack's manual.

What is the Lifespan of an Electric Pallet Jack?

With regular and proper maintenance, an electric pallet jack can last up to 7-10 years. However, this lifespan can vary depending on the frequency of use, the environment in which it's used, and how well it's maintained.

Remember, consistent maintenance isn't just about prolonging the life of your electric pallet jack. It's also about ensuring safety and efficiency in your operations.

P.S: Be sure to browse our selection of electric pallet jacks. Available to ship across Canada, our pallet jacks are affordable and made out of high quality materials. Customers love them, and so will you. Shop now!