How important is the pallet jack hydraulic oil

Table of Contents

Summary
Pallet jack hydraulic oil
Why does a pallet jack use oil?
What kind of oil does a pallet jack should use?
What happens if you don't use the correct hydraulic oil in your pallet jack?
Why is your pallet jack leaking oil?
How to check the oil of your pallet jack?
What benefits give hydraulic oil good maintenance to your pallet jack?
Tips to check the oil of your pallet jack
Find high-quality hydraulic oil for your pallet jack at Pallet Jackson
Takeaways

Summary

It is important to use the correct pallet jack hydraulic oil for your pallet jack. Using the wrong type of oil can damage your equipment and shorten its life. It is important to consult with a pallet jack specialist to ensure you are using the correct oil for your equipment. Pallet Jackson is here to help you.

Pallet jack hydraulic oil

This hydraulic oil is a type of lubricant that is used in hydraulic systems of a pallet jack. It is specially formulated to provide good lubrication and resist degradation in the presence of hydraulic fluids. Hydraulic oil can be made from various base oils, including mineral oil and synthetic oils. 

Pallet jack hydraulic oil
Pallet jack hydraulic oil

Why does a pallet jack use oil?

The hydraulic oil is used as a medium in the hydraulic systems to transfer force from one unit to another. It's basically an incompressible fluid that exhibits non-Newtonian behavior when put under pressure because it changes its viscosity (resistance to flow) under different conditions. Most pallet jacks work with a hydraulic system that is composed of four main parts: 

  • The oil tank.
  • The pallet jack pump which is controlled by the operator via a lever.
  • Valves that control what direction and how much fluid goes through. 

What kind of oil does a pallet jack should use?

The pallet jack should be filled with ISO VG 32 Hydraulic Oil, given this will assure the viscosity (thickness) of the oil at 30 cSt at 40°C, which is ideal for this vehicle. This type of hydraulic oil will ensure that all functions of the pallet jack, such as lowering and raising the forks, will work properly. 

What happens if you don't use the correct hydraulic oil in your pallet jack?

If the hydraulic oil is too thick, more power is lost to fluid friction, which will cause pallets to be lifted extremely slowly or not at all. On the other hand, When operating viscosity is lower than ideal, more power is lost due to the increased mechanical friction, and it causes internal leakage.

Why is your pallet jack leaking oil?

If your pallet jack is leaking hydraulic oil, you'll need to take some steps to fix the issue. Leaks can be caused by several different things, so it's important to troubleshoot the problem before you start making repairs.

One of the most common causes of the pallet jack leaking oil is a faulty seal. If the seal is not working correctly, it can allow the hydraulic oil to escape. Another common cause of leakage is a worn-out O-ring. If the O-ring is degraded, it can allow the hydraulic oil to leak out.

How to check the oil of your pallet jack?

If you use a pallet jack in your business, it's important to keep it well-maintained. One way to do this is to check the oil level regularly. To avoid any problems with your pallet jack, make sure to check the hydraulic oil often and clean it if necessary. It is also crucial that you keep these things filled up to date, so no issues arise while working on-site.

Here are some tips for checking the oil level of your pallet jack:

  • Park the pallet jack on a level surface. With the pallet forks lowered, place the handle in an upright vertical position
  • To change the hydraulic fluid in your lift handle, you need access to the pump and reservoir at the base of the handle assembly.
  • To remove the fill plug from your pump, use an end wrench.
  • When checking hydraulic oil levels, make sure it's at or very close to the fill plug opening. If the oil level is low, add hydraulic oil until it reaches the correct level.

What benefits give a hydraulic oil good maintenance to your pallet jack?

  • Improves the performance of the pallet jack.
  • Reduces the wear and tear on the pallet jack.
  • Increases the lifespan of the pallet jack.
  • Makes it easier to move heavy loads.
  • Reduces the amount of effort needed to operate the pallet jack.

Tips to check the oil of your pallet jack

If you use a pallet jack in your business, it's important to keep it well-maintained. One way to do this is to check the oil level monthly. To avoid any problems with your pallet jack, make sure to check the hydraulic oil often and clean it if necessary.

It is also important that you keep these things filled up to date, so no issues arise while working on-site. If the hydraulic oil is milky white, there is water in the hydraulic system. In this case, the hydraulic oil must be changed as soon as possible.

On the left, the hydraulic fluid is milky white
On the left, the hydraulic fluid is milky white

Here are some tips for checking the oil level of your pallet jack:

  • Park the pallet jack on a level surface. With the pallet forks lowered, place the handle in an upright vertical position
  • To change the hydraulic fluid in your lift handle, you need access to the pump and reservoir at the base of the handle assembly.
  • To remove the fill plug from your pump, use an end wrench.
  • When checking hydraulic oil levels, make sure it's at or very close to the fill plug opening. If the oil level is low, add hydraulic oil until it reaches the correct level.

Find high-quality hydraulic oil for your pallet jack at Pallet Jackson

Do you have pallet jacks and pallet trucks? And do you want to find a spare parts supplier with the best quality and the most affordable price?

Pallet Jackson is your best friend in this situation. Pallet jack components such as cylinders, valves, pistons, filters, O-rings, etc., are all available from us.

We supply pallet jack hydraulic oil at excellent prices, and we guarantee excellent service. If we don't have what you need in stock, we can obtain it for you as soon as possible at a cost that will surely please our customers' wallets.

Pallet Jackson offers a wide range of pallet jack components for several pallet jacks models from the most common pallet jack manufacturers such as Yale, Hyster, Crown, Big Joe, and many more. If you cannot find what you need in our catalog or online store, just contact us, and we will be happy to help you out with your specific needs.

Takeaways

  • Hydraulic oil is a liquid that changes its viscosity when under pressure, and it transfers force from one unit to another in the hydraulic system.
  • The type of hydraulic fluid that a pallet jack uses should be ISO VG 32 Hydraulic Oil, which will assure the viscosity (thickness) is at 30 cSt to work correctly.
  • If your pallet jack is leaking hydraulic oil, it could be coming from either a faulty seal or an O-ring.
  • It is important to check the oil of your pallet jack and keep it well-maintained.

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