During a busy warehouse, when you need to move that urgent pallet, your old manual pallet truck has let you down. Don't panic. Most of the time, these problems aren't so simple that they don't require service and can be resolved in minutes with a few simple steps. Here are the most common manual pallet truck malfunctions and practical solutions you can try before calling for professional help.
Pallet Truck Won't Lift at All, Pump Runs Idle
This is the most common problem. No matter how much you pump the handle, the forks won't move even an inch. There are usually two main causes. The first, and most simple, is that the trigger on the control handle is in the wrong position. In a hurry, you may have forgotten to move the trigger to the "Lift" position. The second, and more likely, is that air has entered the hydraulic system. This is evident when the pump handle feels spongy and lacks resistance. The solution is simple: Set the control handle to the "Lower" position and, while still in this position, pump the pump handle at full speed 10-15 times. This process will release trapped air from the system.
Lifts Load but Lowers Slowly
You've successfully lifted the pallet, but when you turn around, you notice the forks slowly lowering. This symptom most likely indicates an internal leak in the hydraulic system. It's usually caused by a gasket or seal in the lowering valve wearing out over time and failing to hold the pressure. While this usually requires professional repair, sometimes a small particle of dirt stuck in the valve mechanism can also cause this problem. Raising and lowering the valve several times can dislodge this dirt.
Wheels Won't Turn or Are Very Difficult to Move
If the pallet truck feels stuck to the ground when you try to pull it, the first thing to look for is the wheels. Pieces of plastic wrap, rope, and duct tape that become tangled around the axles of the load wheels over time can completely lock the wheels. Tilting the pallet truck on its side and carefully removing these foreign objects with a utility knife usually solves the problem. If the wheels are clean, the problem could be rust or deterioration of the bearings.
Hydraulic Oil Leak
If you notice a small puddle of oil where you park your pallet truck, this is a clear sign of a leak. The source of the leak is usually the seals around the pump body or piston, which have hardened and cracked over time. First, ensure the oil fill plug is securely closed. If the leak persists, this indicates a seal kit needs to be replaced, and it's best to seek professional assistance.
Load Performance Decreases
If your pallet truck operates normally under load but struggles under load, the first thing you should check is the hydraulic oil level. Small leaks or evaporation over time can lower the oil level. Check the pump's oil level by opening the plug. If it's low, add only hydraulic oil of the specified specification (such as ISO VG32). Using engine oil or a different type of oil can seriously damage the system.
If these simple steps don't fix the problem, the problem is likely mechanical. Contact Izmir Demir Lift's experienced technicians immediately.
Our team is just a phone call away to quickly identify and resolve the issue on-site.
