Everything you want to know about Pallet Jack Brakes

Table of Contents

Summary

Sometimes, the most dangerous part of a warehouse job is getting your product to its destination. The best way to keep yourself and others safe are by investing in some pallet jack brakes that will do their job every time. The pallet jacks are an essential component of any warehouse or distribution center. Want to learn more about it? Check our blog. At pallet Jackson, you will find the best brake parts for your pallet jack.

What is a Pallet Jack brake?

A brake is a simple mechanism used in many different types of equipment to stop motion. A pallet jack is a valuable tool that can be used to move heavy objects safely. It consists of a disc brake that is easy to operate and helps the operator stop or lower down the pallet jack.

Importance of brakes in a pallet jack

Warehouses and factories can be dangerous places to work. That is why it is important to make sure that your workers are safe. Pallet trucks move around the warehouse, often with heavy or fragile things on them. One of the most vital moments a pallet jack operator faces in their job is when they have to face a dangerous situation. Most people don't think about what happens during these few seconds before hitting another machine, material, or person. The reason, most of the time, is that the pallet jack is easy to handle, and a neglect operator could not take the suitable prevision.

The pallet jack brake allows a person to control the speed of the machine at every moment during use. If there is any danger in the area they are moving around and you use the brake to stop the pallet jack timely, you will avoid an accident, loss of fragile material, etc. A defective or not working brake reduces safety and increases the hazard's chances.

Type of breaks in a pallet jack

Foot brake

The foot brake is an essential tool to have when you need to stop your pallet jack from rolling away. Its mechanism consists of a twist-pedal, and it is not found in all pallet jack models. It's also suitable for parking on slight inclines. 

The foot brake on the pallet jack is easy to use; just twist it from one direction. You'll know which side does what because of markings or symbols that are sometimes present on the foot pedal of the pallet jack. The below video shows an example of its use: 

How to install or replace a foot brake on a pallet jack?

Before starting this procedure, make sure to have the suitable tools and protective equipment to avoid accidents or injuries.

1. The first step to installing or replacing a Pallet jack foot brake is removing the steering wheel. It should be done so that you have access to all the components attached to the brake.
2. adapt the holding sleeve (b) at the bottom of the hydraulic pump (a)
3. Fasten the bolt (c) in the fixed hole of the hydraulic pump.
4. Put on the fixed seat the foot brake elements. Make sure to put them in the following order (one followed by the other): spring (d), brake plate (e), foot pedal (f), spring washer (g).
5. Put the locknut (h) over the spring washer and screw it on the fixed seat.
6. Insert the grease nipple (i) in a hole located on the brake plate.

Hand brake

The hand pallet jack brake is an innovative and helpful tool for controlling the speed of your load. Depending on operator needs, it can be used for slowing the pallet truck down or stopping it in its tracks. A brake that utilizes a hand-operated trigger is more common than those with foot pedals. This brake is composed of a brake lever (a), lock lever (b), a brake cable (c), and the adjusting nuts (d), as is shown in the following figure.

A pallet jack handle where  the hand brake parts are shown

If you want to stop your pallet jack, just pull the lever up by your side. If you're going to park it, do the same thing but slide the lock lever on the right, as is shown in the below image. It will keep the brake lever up, and you can leave the equipment in a safe position.

How to adjust the Pallet jack hand brake?

The hand brake can be adjusted by using the adjustment nut. To release tension in the brake cable, loosen the top and bottom nuts. Then tighten them one by one. Do this while pulling on the brake so you can see how strong it is. Keep doing this until you have the brake power desired.

Pallet Jackson is the best supplier of Pallet Jack parts

Pallet Jackson is your one-stop-shop for all types of pallet jacks. We have the best brands, including USA-made spares as well as those from abroad! If you need something that we don't currently stock, just contact us with what type of part it might be so our experts can get back to you real quick - because good service beats bad anytime.

Pallet Jackson provides all kinds of brakes for the pallets. These brakes are made from high-quality materials, which ensure that they will last for a long time and that there is no chance of them breaking down any time soon. 

Takeaways

• A pallet jack brake is a mechanism that stops motion or reduces the speed of a pallet jack while it is moving to move heavy objects safely.
• Warehouses and factories are dangerous places to work, but operators need to stay safe. For that reason, brakes give an extra point of safety to the staff.
• Commonly, a hand pallet jack uses two brake types: Foot brakes or hand brakes.
• Pallet Jackson offers a wide variety of pallet jack brakes for sale. This company sells high-quality spares from the best brands.