Q&A for How to Operate a Manual Pallet Jack

Very few are fitted with a brake. The easiest way to stop a potential runaway is to quickly squeeze the handle and drop the pallet to the floor.

It depends on the weight distribution of the load, the quality of the pallet jack, and the floor surface (particularly how smooth it is) with a good quality pallet jack, stable load, and flat, very smooth concrete. A 2000kg load can be sufficiently moved with some effort; however, with poor ground, a poor quality pallet jack, unstable loads, slopes, etc., it will be much more difficult for the pallet jack worker. For loads exceeding 2500kg, a motorized pallet jack, "walkie stacker" or Forklift is recommended.

There is no difference, it's just a different name.

A manual pallet jack is a pure mechanical/pump-operated hydraulic system in which the prongs of the jack are manually rolled into a pallet, then the jack is "pumped up" and manually pushed or pulled. An electronic pallet jack uses electronics controlled by the operator to do all of this, and usually has a ride-on feature, which is useful for navigating large warehouses quicker than a manual pallet jack.

The usual procedure is to ensure the "drop lever" is fully depressed (pallet jack prongs fully lowered) and then give a quick, forceful pull, which will usually release the stuck pallet jack wheels in a pallet.

It would depend on a number of factors. You would have to determine whether or not you are operating on a ramp, how heavy the load is, the kind of condition the pallet truck is in, and the distance you have to cover. A big aspect of safety would also be your personal health. Are you strong enough to move the load? Will you be able to have complete control of the load once it starts moving? Are you knowledgeable enough to operate the machine correctly? Are you wearing appropriate clothing to prevent foot injuries, or clothes from being snagged? All of these things determine how safe operating the machine will be. It's going to be as safe as you make it.

Yes, depending on how cold it is it can affect the pump working on the pallet jack.

Depends on the pallet jack type and capacity. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer.

The maximum safe slope greatly depends on the weight, size, and stability of the loads. Weight certainly does matter, as the main safety point is heavy loads cannot be pushed or pulled up or down steep ramps without risk of injury and damage to person or property. Your pallet jack/logistics suppliers should be able to give you advice in person and advise you of the best setup for your needs.

Generally, yes. Most pallet jack wheels are solid plastic/rubber, so they are prone to being stopped by even small pieces of debris commonly found in warehouses (such as wood from pallets). Simply clear the debris out of the path of the pallet jack and continue to your destination.

It is generally easier and requires less physical effort and dexterity to pull and maneuver a pallet truck than it is to push and maneuver one. That being said, it is very important to maintain proper posture/safe pushing or pulling techniques and never over-exert yourself - if the load is too heavy, get assistance to move it or get a forklift operator to move the load instead.

it is generally easier to pull a pallet jack than push a pallet jack; however, care must be taken to avoid overexertion leading to possible injury/muscle strains. If the load is too heavy, get assistance to move it or get a forklift operator to move the load instead.

The SWL (safe working load) will normally be found on the manual pallet truck in between the jack and the truck; this is the amount the jack can safely lift.

Yes, it is highly, highly recommended, as the heavy steel parts of a pallet jack can easily crush feet or toes if safety boots are not used, regardless of whether or not you're carrying a load.

Ensure the pallet rider forks are fully on the ground before trying to get out from the pallet. If still no good, ask a coworker or supervisor for some tips on the issue. Often you may have some trouble getting the forks out of an pallet if it isn't carrying a load, as there is no weight to keep the pallet in place.

Not usually, but check with your local health and safety regulator if you are unsure. If anything, your pallet jack would likely just be checked it is safe to use, the wheels are not damaged, the lifting cylinder not leaking, etc.