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Is your pallet jack not lifting? This is likely because you haven’t let the air out from inside the pallet truck itself. This process of releasing air from the internal hydraulic system is called “bleeding” and it’s a vital part of pallet jack maintenance. It’s easy to do yourself if your appliance isn’t electronic. You can learn how to bleed a pallet jack as well as what to look out for and the reasons behind it in this guide.
Why should you bleed a pallet jack?
Pallet trucks operate using hydraulics. The pump piston is activated by moving the tow bar up and down, causing pressure to build up within the hydraulic system. This fluid then compresses into the tubes and lifts the pallet with every crank.
Despite great care taken in construction, air can still seep into the hydraulics system. This is often caused by improper handling, such as tilting the pallet jack at an angle. When air gets into the system, it stops the hydraulics from working and the pallet jack won’t lift as a result. If you find your pallet truck doesn’t work, there’s probably air in the hydraulics system.
Attention: Take care when operating pallet jacks. Avoid tilting it or setting it down at an angle, as this can cause air to find its way inside the hydraulics. A pallet truck that’s not lifting likely has too much air inside.
Instruction guide: How to bleed a pallet jack
If the forks on your pallet truck are not lifting, there’s likely air in the hydraulics system. Luckily, you don’t need to contact a specialist to repair the pallet truck. Simply read the following instructions to learn how to fix a pallet jack that’s not lifting:
- Unload the pallet jack and prepare to pump it
Make sure that there’s nothing on the pallet jack, then set the operating lever to the “lift” position. - Bring the tow bar down
Push the tow bar down completely until it comes to a stop. - Lower the pallet jack
Standing behind the tow bar, set the operating lever to the “lower” position.
Caution: Do not loosen or remove the oil cap. - Pump up the pallet jack (with the operating lever set to “lower”)
With the operating lever in the “lower” position, squeeze the handle and pump the jack vigorously several times. This allows the air in the hydraulics to escape. - Repeat the process
: Repeat the first four steps several times.
- Test the pallet jack with a load
Load up the pallet jack and try pumping to test if it works. - If this doesn’t work
If the pallet jack still doesn’t work even after bleeding, set the lowering valve to its lowest setting and remove the oil cap to check the oil level.
FAQs for bleeding a pallet jack
Bleeding (releasing air from) a pallet jack is necessary because air can get into the hydraulics system, causing the device to malfunction. By bleeding the pallet jack, you can easily repair the hydraulics yourself.
If the forks still don’t lower on your pallet jack even after bleeding, you should see a specialist. Don’t try and fix it yourself.
Air can enter the hydraulics in a pallet jack due to improper handling or mistreatment. You should avoid tilting the pallet truck or setting it down in an angled position.
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© Jungheinrich AG
