The Problem: Pallets Can Be HEAVY and HARD TO MOVE!
A fully loaded pallet can weigh thousands of pounds. Using a manual pallet jack to move a heavily loaded pallet can take a lot of work. There’s the effort of pumping the handle up and down to raise the load; the initial surge of work required to set the pallet in motion; the extended effort to keep it in motion, pushing and pulling as you move it across the floor; and the final effort to maneuver it into place at its destination.
And if you have to move heavy pallets, one after another, all day long . . . it can wear you out!
Wouldn’t it be nice if the pallet jack could lift the load off the floor for you? And then propel itself from one end of the building to the other – and all you had to do was walk along with it, occasionally steering with just a light touch on the handle? And if, at the destination, you could ease the pallet jack into position by tweaking buttons on the handle, instead of heaving your full weight against that handle?
Wouldn’t it also be great if the pallet jack could do all of this safely, with no danger to your self or to others?
The Solution: Self-Propelled Pallet Jack Trucks that Run on Electric Battery Power!
Over the last 150 years, electric power has gradually replaced muscle power, in one area after another. We are surrounded by examples in everyday life.
- Hand drills were replaced by electric drills with power cords – and now by drills that run on battery power
- Long flights of stairs were replaced by elevators, powered by electric motors
- Horse drawn vehicles were replaced by gasoline powered automobiles, which are now being supplemented – or replaced – by electric battery power
- We even have electric pencil sharpeners!
So why are we still using muscle power to move pallet jacks, straining to push and pull thousands of pounds from one end of a building to another?
The good news is we don’t have to anymore!
Douglas Equipment sells a full line of battery powered pallet jacks that can lift loads, propel themselves across the floor, and easily maneuver into position at the destination, especially in tight quarters.
We can even provide you with self-propelled pallet trucks that even weigh the pallet when you lift it as well as other pallet trucks that can raise palates for stacking more than five feet off the ground!
All of this at the touch of a button.
Categories of Electric Pallet Jack Trucks
Douglas Equipment’s electric pallet trucks use onboard batteries to provide power for self-propulsion, for lifting loads, for weighing loads, and for stacking.
Listed below are some of the different product categories that we stock, along with a link to an example of each. (Keep in mind, we have many more models available than just those shown in the links below!)
- Semi-Electric Pallet Truck: The name “semi” implies that electric power is used for only “half” the job; in this case, propelling the pallet truck across the floor, and entering or exiting a pallet. Lifting the forks to raise or lower the pallet is done by hand, by pumping the handle up and down.
- Powered Walkie Pallet Truck: The name “walkie” is used here to show that electric battery power is used for two functions: to propel the pallet truck across the floor and to raise and lower the load. You don’t need to pump the handle up and down with this type of powered pallet truck!
- Powered Walkie Scale Pallet Truck: This is an electric battery powered walkie, as described above, but it has one added feature. A scale has been built into the forks! You can weigh your load as you lift it by electric power, and then direct it across the floor with just a light touch on the handle.
- Pallet Truck Stacker: Similar to the powered walkie above, this pallet truck has the added ability to raise pallets many feet above the floor, for stacking.
Contact us for more information about these products, and for help in choosing the one that best suits your needs.
Safety Issues with Self-Propelled Equipment
Because a self-propelled pallet truck can move on its own, safety issues must be addressed. What happens if the operator lets go of the handle, while the pallet jack is in motion? Or if the pallet jack runs into the operator while he is backing up? How can the operator warn people he is approaching? And, of course, we want a good ergonomic handle, to make pushing the buttons effortless, and to keep the operator’s wrists healthy during long hours of operation.
Here are some of the safety features to look for when choosing a self-propelled pallet truck.
- Automatic “Dead-Man” Feature: If the operator loses his grip on the handle, we want the pallet truck to stop quickly. One way to accomplish this is to have electromagnetic disk brakes automatically stop the wheels when the handle is dropped or released.
- Belly Reverse Safety Button: If the pallet truck is moving toward the operator, we want it to stop quickly. This can be achieved by placing a large button on the end of the handle. If the button is depressed, as it would be if it runs into the operator, the disk brakes can automatically stop the pallet truck.
- Horn: A button to sound a loud horn should be located on the handle, within quick reach of the operator’s hand while he steers the pallet truck.
- Ergonomic Handle: The handle should provide a comfortable, solid grip. It should also minimize wrist movement, and allow the operator to maintain the best wrist angle.
Our experts can explain these and other safety features, and help you find a self-propelled electric pallet jack that will work safely in your facility.
We Can Help You Choose a Powered Pallet Jack Truck!
Douglas Equipment, in business for almost 60 years, specializes in material handling equipment and casters. We carry many self-propelled electric power pallet jack trucks. Our experts in customer service, who have broad experience working with customers from many different industries, will help you choose the best one for your needs! Contact us today for more information or guidance through the selection process.
