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To ensure best performance of a hand pallet truck, regular oil changes are required. You do not need to visit a specialist for this and like other maintenance and service work, it can easily be done yourself. Our guide shows you which tools are required, what to be aware of and how to proceed when it comes to changing the oil in your pallet jack.
How to change the oil in a hand pallet jack: a 12-step guide
It is not necessary to hire a specialist in order to change the oil in a pallet jack. All you need is the following equipment: a flathead screwdriver, a collection container and a pivot wrench. Follow these step-by-step instructions for how to proceed.
- Lower the pallet jack
Check the ground is level and firm, then fully lower the pallet jack using the operating lever. - Loosen the screw
Using a flathead screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the oil filler cap in place. - Remove the handle lever
Unhook the handle chain, then remove the lever by pushing out the dowel pin with a pin punch. - Rotate the tow bar
Rotate the tow bar until it stops. The lowering valve should now be accessible. - Collection container
Place the collection container under the lowering valve. - Drain the oil
Using a pivot wrench, fully unscrew the lowering valve and let the oil drain out. Make sure that all the oil goes into the collection container. If some oil spills, you must bind it to prevent it from seeping into the groundwater.
- Check the sealing ring
Check potential damage to the O-ring (sealing ring) belonging to the lowering valve. If there are cracks or holes, you may need a seal replacement for your pallet jack. - Reinstall the lowering valve
Reinstall the lowering valve and tighten it by hand, then carefully drive in the handle lever pin with a hammer. - Hook in the handle chain
Hook the handle chain back into the lever. - Refill with oil
Carefully refill with oil until the desired oil level is reached – approximately to the lower edge of the drain cap or 1-2 centimetres below it. The recommended oil level may depend on the pallet jack model. Be careful not to spill any oil or overfill the equipment. Precise information on the type of oil and the required amount can be found in the operating instructions for each model. - Secure the screw
Secure the screw in place with a flathead screwdriver. - Test the function
Test the lifting function of the pallet jack by pumping the tow bar 10-15 times. If the machine is not lifting, the problem may lie with the hydraulic system and you may need to bleed the pallet jack
FAQ on hand pallet truck oil changes
It is not necessary to visit a specialist when changing the oil in a pallet jack. Like other maintenance and service procedures, such as wheel replacement, you can change the oil in your hand pallet truck yourself.
In addition to the correct type of oil for your pallet jack model, you will need the following tools: a flathead screwdriver, a collection container and a pivot wrench.
Take particular care that no spills occur when draining or refilling pallet jack oil. If, despite all precautions, some of the oil spills onto the ground, you must bind the oil to prevent groundwater contamination.
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