The braking system of a pallet jack is a critical component that ensures the safety and efficiency of material handling in various industries. This system allows operators to control the movement of heavy loads with precision and ease. By utilizing a simple mechanism, the braking system engages a set of pads or shoes that apply pressure to the wheels, creating friction that slows down or stops the pallet jack. Understanding the intricacies of this system not only enhances operational safety but also contributes to the longevity of the equipment.
In this article, we’ll discuss the primary braking mechanisms installed in pallet jacks, such as hand brakes and foot brakes. We’ll discuss their braking mechanism, purpose, and how they stop the pallet jacks.
Types of Brakes Installed in Pallet Jacks
Most pallet jacks have two main types of brakes:
- Hand Brake
- Foot Brake
In addition to these main braking systems, some newer models of electric pallet jacks may also have:
- Regenerative Braking
- Emergency Brakes
- Dead-man Brakes
We’ll discuss them in part 2 of this blog.
1. Hand Brakes
Hand brakes, typically located near the handle or control head of the pallet jack, serve as the primary braking system in them. These brakes utilize a lever-operated mechanism. It consists of a lever, a cable linkage mechanism, and a brake shoe or we can say brake pads.
This braking mechanism of hand brake is quite straightforward; when the lever is activated, it transfers a mechanical force through a system of linkages to the brake shoe. Hence, the brake shoe pushed towards the wheel circumference. The friction created between the shoe and the rotating wheel surface generates a braking torque, which opposes the wheel's rotational motion and brings the pallet jack to a controlled stop.
Generally, the brake shoe is constructed from a durable friction material, such as specialized composite or sintered metallic compounds, designed to provide consistent and reliable braking force. This allows the operator to lock the wheels when the pallet jack is not in use, parked on inclines, or during loading and unloading to prevent unintended movement.
2. Foot Brakes
Next, we have the foot brake. This type of brake allows the operator to control the speed and stop the pallet jack during operation. Foot brakes are pedal-operated. This brake pedal is usually positioned near the operator's footrest which activates a hydraulic system.
When you press the pedal, it forces hydraulic fluid through a network of hydraulic lines, ultimately pushing brake shoes against the wheels. This mechanism is similar to the hand brake but uses fluid pressure for activation instead of direct leverage. It's noteworthy that foot brakes cater to both forward and reverse motions which enhances pallet jack maneuverability and safety in diverse operational scenarios. This braking mechanism is particularly crucial when transporting heavy or fragile loads, as it allows for smooth deceleration and safe stops, minimizing the risk of load shifts or accidents.
Comparison of Hand and Foot Brakes
And, if you are wondering when to apply foot brakes or under which situation we should apply hand brakes. Let me summarize this for you quickly.
As we have discussed, both hand and foot brakes rely on friction to stop the pallet jack. However, their activation methods differ: hand brakes use manual levers, while foot brakes utilize a hydraulic system controlled by a pedal. Additionally, their purposes diverge. Hand brakes are primarily for parking and securing the jack. It is typically engaged when the machine is not in motion, such as during loading, unloading, or staging operations. The hand brake's primary function is to prevent unintentional movement and ensure the pallet jack remains stable, even on slight inclines or uneven surfaces.
On the other hand, foot brakes provide dynamic speed control during operation. It is used while the pallet jack is in motion, allowing the operator to regulate the speed and initiate controlled stops as needed. The foot brake is essential for safe and efficient material transportation, enabling precise control over the pallet jack's movements and ensuring smooth deceleration and stopping, especially when carrying heavy or delicate loads.
Therefore, operators should use the appropriate brake system based on the situation. Hand brakes should be engaged when parking or securing the pallet jack in a stationary position, while foot brakes should be used during an active operation to control speed and initiate stops as needed.