repairing pallet trucks
Repair of a pallet truck
Pallet trucks are generally characterized by their robust construction, and pallet truck repairs are rarely required. However, with intensive use in warehouses or sales rooms, failures cannot be ruled out. This begins with limitations in maneuverability and extends to malfunctions in the lifting and lowering function and even complete failure.
Table of contents
Repairing the pallet truck yourself
Generally, the repair of the pallet trucks is carried out by a specialist company. However, minor damage can be repaired directly on site by the company. This is particularly the case with hand pallet trucks with hydraulic lifts. The following defects can be repaired yourself :
- basically all damage to mechanical components
- hydraulics
- seals
If the pallet truck is particularly badly damaged, such as if the forks are bent or if there are recurring defects, it is hardly possible or sensible to repair it. In order to always be able to guarantee the safety of the operator and the goods being transported, buying a new pallet truck is the best choice.
More complex defects often affect the electrical components of a pallet truck. For electric pallet trucks and electric high lift trucks , you should therefore visit a specialist workshop where trained and certified personnel will repair the damage. In general, it is important that electronic repairs are carried out in accordance with the regulations of the manufacturer and the professional associations.
Our high lift trucks are strong and powerful. Even in the long term. That's why you get a five-year guarantee on our high lift trucks (manual and electric) when you buy them from Pallit.de. Wear parts and batteries are excluded.
repair of the hydraulics
One of the typical failures of pallet trucks is that the truck can no longer be lowered or pumped up . In these cases there is usually a problem with the hydraulics. The following causes are possible:
- air in the hydraulic system
- foreign bodies that have penetrated
- contamination in the hydraulic system
- defective hydraulic pump/oil leak
venting
Often it is enough to bleed the hydraulic system to get it running again. To do this, the user moves the fork handle into the lowering position. If pumping several times is not enough to solve the problem, the bleed screw helps. This allows air to escape from the system. The bleed screw is mounted directly on the hydraulic cylinder. More on this: How do you bleed a pallet truck?
oil leak
If the problem is caused by leaky lines, oil leaking from the cylinder or a defective hydraulic pump , the repair can only be carried out in a specialist workshop. If the pump is defective, the component often has to be completely replaced. More on this: How do I remove a lift truck cylinder?
cleaning
If there is dirt or foreign matter in the hydraulic system's oil, the oil must be changed (see the following point). If the contamination has already caused damage, the only solution is to have it repaired in a workshop.
refill/change oil
An oil level that is too low is often the cause of malfunctions in the pallet truck. It is also possible that the oil is contaminated. This can be remedied by increasing the oil level according to the manufacturer's specifications. More on this: How do you refill hydraulic oil in a pallet truck?
If the amount of hydraulic oil is sufficient, it may be contaminated . Contaminants and foreign bodies in the oil get into the gaps between pistons and cylinders and damage them over time. In these cases, a complete oil change is required. This is done via the drain plug on the oil container. The user fills up with fresh oil up to the marked point. The drained oil is disposed of as used oil.
Replacing transport rollers
Defective or worn transport rollers have a variety of negative effects on the functioning of a pallet truck. They can make it difficult to store the load properly, affect stability or hinder maneuverability.
In these cases, a visual inspection is carried out first. The transport rollers are often worn on one side and therefore cause uneven running. Damage is also possible.
Exchange
In most cases, the repair is carried out by replacing the affected rollers . This is a measure that the company can carry out itself . The following points should be observed when purchasing replacement rollers:
- use of original parts
- sufficient load tolerance
- appropriate size
Only if the replacement rollers meet these requirements can trouble-free operation be guaranteed with the new rollers. Ideally, replacement rollers and wheels for pallet trucks are always available in sufficient quantity and quality.
At Pallit, we always have all the usual wear and replacement parts for pallet trucks in stock. We can send these to you within 1-2 days. We also offer our repair service in our own workshop for larger repairs. Please feel free to contact us about this.
Test
Companies carry out regular checks on all their pallet trucks to ensure that they are functioning properly. If problems arise, the defects and damage are rectified immediately to prevent further damage. This ensures that employees work with pallet trucks that are in perfect condition. Regular checks help to increase the service life of the vehicle in the company and reduce the need for pallet truck repairs.
It is also important to have an FEM (Fédération Européenne de la Manutention) inspection carried out by a suitably trained specialist. This is a legally compliant inspection that should be carried out once a year.
checklist
The following points must be checked at least once a week during each maintenance of the pallet truck:
- tightness of the cylinders and lines
- oil tank level
- time of the last oil change
- functionality of the seal
- degree of wear of the transport rollers
- condition of the electrical components
- externally visible damage such as cracks or deformations
