With regard to the way pallet trucks work, a distinction is made between manual and electric pallet trucks. The operation of a pallet truck always depends on the specific vehicle model. The following description illustrates the typical operation of a manual pallet truck.
1
Position correctly . Find the release lever and stand behind the pallet truck. The pallet truck lowering lever is often a small lever in the middle of the rounded handle on the tiller.
2
Operate the lever . Push the lowering lever inward to lower the forks. If the forks are already fully lowered, you will not see any further movement. The forks should be only one or two centimeters from the ground.
3
Pick up the pallet . Place the forks under the pallet. Just before you go under, you will see whether the forks fit underneath or not. If they don't fit, the pallet truck has not been lowered sufficiently. Then try pressing the lowering lever again so that the forks are lowered further.
4
Raise the pallet truck . Lift the pallet truck using the handle. With the forks under the skid, pull the handle towards you in a diagonal motion, away from the pallet and towards the ground. You should feel the pallet truck (and pallet) slowly lift against the pressure of gravity.
5
Move the pallet truck . If the pallet does not drag, it is sufficiently raised. Pull the pallet truck handle to move the raised pallet in any direction. Alternatively, push against the pallet to lift the pallet through a lift gate or onto a truck.
The smallest form of industrial truck, the pallet truck, is available on the market in various versions. One distinguishing feature is the drive, which is either manual or electric.
A manual pallet truck does not have an electric drive. The pallet truck operator must apply the force to raise and lower the forks, as well as to carry out the process itself. Most hand pallet trucks are designed for pallets weighing up to 3 tons.
The load-handling device on manual pallet trucks is attached to a lifting frame. The operator either moves the tiller or presses a foot pedal to raise the forks. The movement takes place along the lifting frame to the desired height.
An electric pallet truck requires less effort to operate. The energy required for driving and for lifting and lowering comes from a battery. The drive is via an electric motor. The operator must therefore be familiar with the special way the electronics work. This is also necessary because the drawbar on electric pallet trucks is not only used for steering. It also allows acceleration and braking. There is a toggle switch or a rotary handle on the drawbar for this purpose. Most pallet trucks are designed so that the operator walks behind the pallet truck. Other variants are equipped with their own driver's station. Both variants are relevant for logistics.
With a pedestrian-operated pallet truck, the employee walks behind the vehicle. His hands are on the drawbar, which he uses to guide the vehicle.
There are also models that are equipped with a driver's stand . The driver's stand is only found on pallet trucks with an electric drive. The platform for riding is either permanently mounted or can be folded down. This principle of pallet truck operation is an advantage for the staff, especially on long distances. The driver's stand allows for higher driving speeds and work safety. It is used primarily in larger warehouses. When riding on the low-lift truck with a driver's stand, there is no danger for the operator of accidentally driving on their feet when maneuvering.
Only suitable and trained employees are allowed to operate industrial trucks . The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) prescribes a nationwide, standardized and mandatory test for driving industrial trucks. Those who pass the test receive an industrial truck license or forklift license.
This is necessary for pallet trucks, for example, at higher speeds and when riding along. The proof is intended to ensure that the driver is familiar with the specific features and functions of his industrial truck and can operate it safely and efficiently. He should be able to correctly assess and avoid existing dangers for himself and others.
With this version of a pallet truck, the employee walks alongside the vehicle and is therefore used as a synonym for pedestrian. The hands are on the tiller, which he uses to guide the vehicle. This is one of the main differences to front loaders, in which the operator always rides along.
Pallet trucks that are equipped with a driver's stand are connected to the class of front loaders. The driver's stand is only found on pallet trucks with an electric drive. The platform for riding is either permanently mounted or can be folded down. This principle of pallet truck operation is an advantage for the staff, especially on long distances. The driver's stand allows for higher driving speeds and work safety. It is used primarily in larger warehouses. When riding in the driver's stand, there is no risk for the operator of accidentally driving on their feet when maneuvering. A forklift license is required when using the driver's stand!
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