Pallet trucks are hand-driven or motor-powered, means for transporting loads placed on pallets in a horizontal plane by lifting the hydraulic pump inside. There are two forks in front of them and these forks enter the spaces on the pallets. The forks are then lifted upwards to load. In fact, it's like a jacked wheel.
The transport system of the pallet trucks is suitable for pulling, not pushing. The pallet trucks, designed to carry loads, are available in different versions in parallel with the intended use and the weight and dimensions of the pallets. For example, standard type hydraulic pallet truck, cordless hydraulic pallet truck, heavy tonnage hydraulic pallet truck, narrow and wide hydraulic pallet truck, short and long hydraulic pallet truck, galvanized and stainless hydraulic pallet truck, scissor hydraulic pallet truck, hydraulic pallet truck with scales.
They are generally used to transport pallets up to one meter high. In order to avoid misuse in practice, the carrying capacity of the pallet trucks must be indicated on a label. If the load exceeds the load capacity, the pallet truck and its loads may be damaged. Essentially the center of gravity of the load and the pallet truck must be aligned.
The pallet trucks are used for stacking loads in warehouses or for placing products on store shelves or for transporting a small number of loads, which are not too heavy, from one place to another, since they do not take up much space and are more flexible.
Pallets are the vehicles that allow the load on it to be transported together and at once. Pallets enable fast and safe handling and stacking. They are usually transported with the help of pallet trucks. They are generally made of wood but plastic pallets and corrugated board pallets are also used. In recent days, the use of wooden pallets has been decreasing, since the companies are more sensitive about environmental approaches and hygiene. Moreover, corrugated cardboard pallets are also more advantageous in weight.
Control and Inspection Principles of Pallet Trucks
The load capacities of pallet trucks may differ in size and weight of the pallets. There is always the possibility of an accident if the load on the pallet trucks is loaded above the load it can carry, if the loads are not properly loaded to the pallet, or if the motor pallet trucks are used by unqualified persons. In addition, pallet trucks are vehicles belonging to the lifting and conveying equipment group and are designed for heavy loads. If regular shipments are not made on time, there is always a risk of encountering unwanted situations.
It is the employers' responsibility to ensure that the pallet trucks used in the workplace are selected in accordance with the work performed and that they do not pose a danger to the health and safety of the employees in accordance with the Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Therefore, employers have to have the pallet trucks checked and examined at least once a year.
The standards to be taken into consideration during the inspection and inspection of pallet trucks are as follows:
- TS EN 280 + A2 Mobile work platforms that can be upgraded - Design calculations - Balance criteria - Construction - Safety - Inspection and tests
- TS EN 1495 + A2 Platforms - Columnar work platforms
- Steel wire ropes - Safety - Section 12385: Operation and maintenance information
- TS EN 13157 + A1 Cranes - Safety - Hand-driven lifting equipment
- TS EN 818-6 + A1 Short link chain - For lifting purposes - Safety - Section 6: Chain slings - Technical specification for use and maintenance information to be supplied by the manufacturer
our organization TÜRCERT Technical Control and Certification Inc.has a competent manager and employee staff and a strong infrastructure. It provides quality, reliable and fast inspection services of pallet trucks of all sizes and capacities.