Pallet jack release valve

Table of Contents

Summary

A release valve is an essential part of a pallet jack. When the valve is functioning correctly, it allows the hydraulic fluid to escape slowly from the lifting cylinder, preventing the jack from jumping up when released. If you require a new pallet jack release valve, shop around and compare prices before purchasing. You can find release valves from various manufacturers here at Pallet Jackson.

What is a release valve?

This small device allows you to move a pallet jack fork down. It is also known as a lowering valve or hydraulic valve. This prevents pressure from going over a limit that can't handle the equipment and relieves the pressure or vacuum in a pallet jack hydraulic system when the pressure reaches a predetermined value.

The piston-cylinder of a pallet jack is in charge of moving the fork upwards. The purpose of the release valve is to drain all the hydraulic oil located in the piston cylinder, lowering the fork. A release valve is found on various hydraulic devices, such as pumps and tanks. 

Pallet jack release valve adjustment

Most people with a pallet jack will eventually need to adjust the lowering valve. This is because there are two main reasons for adjustment: first, if you don't use it enough, the fluid might leak out over time; second, if you use it too much or in an extreme situation (like lifting something heavy), the pressure inside can build up and cause damage to your pallet jack. This lowering valve is vital, and a good adjustment of it permits the pallet jack works in its three positions: drive, raise, and lower.

To adjust the release valve, you need to turn the release valve bolt or screw clockwise or counterclockwise as required. For reference, check the below video:

When does my pallet jack release valve need to be adjusted? 

• If the pallet jack fork goes up or down while you are pumping in the drive position.
• If the pallet jack fork doesn't go up or down while you are pumping in the raise or lower position.

The pallet jack fork descends without the release valve working

The fork should descend when you release the lever if you have a pallet jack. If it doesn't, something is likely wrong with either your release valve or another part of the hydraulic system. 

It is not uncommon for the fork to descend without the release valve working. In some cases, this can be due to impurities in the oil, causing it to become unable to close tightly. Other times, a cracked or boring part of the hydraulic system can allow air into the system and affect proper sealing. 

Depending on which is the cause of this problem, the solution can be:

Replace the dirty oil with a new one

When replacing lube oil, it is important to use a quality fluid that also has the same viscosity as the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) specification. Otherwise, it will cause severe damage to the unit. This type of fluid varies with temperature, so it can break down the additives and turn into an emulsion if it gets too hot. If this happens, there is no way to remove all water, and you must replace it again.

Replace pallet jack parts

This includes waste parts and worn or broken parts that might be affecting the regular operation of the release valve. If the release valve is completely damaged, you must replace it with a new one.

Cleaning the release valve

The process of cleaning the release valve is typically more involved than that of any other of the three primary components. The process typically consists of unloading the forks, raising them to their maximum height, performing an up-and-down motion with the lever to flush out old air and dirt, and lowering the forks so that you can clean them on all sides.

Here are some tips to clean this device: 

• Pump the handle quickly while raising the pallet jack to the full extent. Pull the lever up to lower the fork while pumping the handle. 
• There is no exact quantity assures you that the cleaning is done. For that reason, you must evaluate the operation of the pallet jack and decide when it's time to stop. As a final result, your pallet jack can be operated smoothly.
• To avoid this happening again and for general safety reasons, always check that there's no debris or other obstructions before lowering your forks onto any surface or object with which they come into contact- even with light pressure as when loading/unloading cargo from a trailer.

Pallet jack release valves available at Pallet Jackson

Pallet Jack release valves are a great way to ensure that your Pallet Jack works correctly. A release valve ( lowering valve)  installed on your Pallet Jack makes it easy to quickly release the pressure built up in the lift arms. This can help prevent damage to the Pallet Jack, and it can also help keep you safe while you are using it.

There are a variety of Pallet Jacks release valves available at Pallet Jackson, and we have something for everyone. We have a variety of different sizes and shapes to choose from. We know that finding the correct valve for your needs can be tough.

Takeaways

• A pallet jack release valve is a small device that allows you to move a pallet jack fork down. It is also known as a lowering valve or hydraulic valve.
• If your pallet jack does not descend when you release the lever, something may be wrong with the hydraulic system or the release valve.
• The release valve adjustment is essential for the pallet jack to work at its best.
• The problems related to the pallet jack release valve can be fixed by replacing the oil, damaged parts, or cleaning the valve.