Bleeding the pallet truck
Servicing and maintaining a pallet truck is easy. A pallet truck works on the hydraulic principle: the hydraulic pump is activated by pumping movements of the drawbar and pressure builds up in the hydraulic system. The incompressible oil is compressed and the pressure is passed on to the lifting cylinder. The forks are raised.
Nevertheless, air can get into the hydraulics, meaning that the forks can no longer be lifted or can only be lifted partially. The reason for this is often improper handling during use, for example if the pallet truck becomes inclined or tips over completely. In pallet trucks without an electric drive, air in the hydraulic system can be easily removed.
1
Lower the hand pallet truck. To lower the truck, stand behind the tiller as you would for normal use. Move the lever to the lowering position and unload the truck. Hold the lever firmly.
2
Hold the lever down and pump vigorously several times. Hold the hand lever on the tiller handlebar down and pump the tiller several times at the same time. The pumping process allows any air that has entered the hydraulic piston to escape. This process can be repeated several times. If the forks still do not lift, the oil could be the cause.
3
Check the hydraulic oil. An oil level that is too low or contaminated oil can become a problem. Therefore, check the level of the hydraulic oil via the sight glass. It is located directly on the pump housing of the lift truck. The next step involves either refilling the oil or changing the oil.
4
Check the seal. If the measures mentioned above have no effect, there must be a more serious defect in the pallet truck, such as a leak in the hydraulic system. However, you must proceed very carefully when replacing seals. Read on here to find out how to change the seal kit on your pallet truck.
5
Hire a specialist. Most problems with the pallet truck are usually quite easy to fix. However, don't take any risks if you are unsure. Hire trained specialists to do this - just as the regulations of the professional associations for the safe handling of industrial trucks require.
Questions & Answers
Forklift still doesn't work?
If the measures mentioned above do not help, we will be happy to take care of your TradeDrive pallet truck. Thanks to our spare parts warehouse, you can usually receive spare parts within a few days. Our own workshop can take care of larger repairs for you. Simply contact us by email, chat or phone.
