Thread: Scored a Pallet Jack (Lifting/Moving Machines)

Meet my new best friend. The chalk shape on the floor is where the new lathe is going, and the yellow jigger is going to help me put it there.



I'd been watching ebay for a used pallet jack for maybe 6 months. You often see them for $100 or less but they're always in Melbourne and they always look flogged. So I was excited when this one came up locally and well chuffed to win it for $150. It's barely used. I tried it out on the shaper, which it handled with ease. The only fault I can find so far is the let-down is pretty sudden. Despite a few tries I couldn't get it smooth. Could it need bleeding or something? Maybe the valve will bed in.

this doesn't seem like rough handaling at all.

Originally Posted by Bryan

The only fault I can find so far is the let-down is pretty sudden. Despite a few tries I couldn't get it smooth. Could it need bleeding or something? Maybe the valve will bed in.

If you can't find an adjuster to control the speed that it drops, a thicker grade of hydraulic fluid or oil should slow it down. I've put engine oil in bottle jacks with no ill effect.

Jordan

Nice pick up Bryan.
I scored myself a little hydraulic scissor lift trolley the other day for $88. Its great, so far I've used it as an infeed support for my bandsaw and to move chucks between my mill and lathe.

As far as your problem goes. Was the handle up when you tried letting it down? If so try pulling the handle towards you and give it another go. I've no idea why this works but on some lift trucks it does.
Stuart

is there any hydralic external of the jack part of this lift?

Jordan, there is an adjuster down on the lever that presses the release valve. I backed it out till it barely worked but it was still very on/off with weight on. I will keep thicker oil up my sleeve if all else fails. Thanks for the suggestion.

Stuart, that looks a handy jigger. How low/high can it go? Weight rating? I made a simple trolley (ok, I put some castors on an old kitchen unit) for swapping the vise and rotab on the shaper. Of course the height is fixed, but that's ok cos the shaper table goes up & down. But having the lift on the trolley would have to give you more versatility. I will try your suggestion with the handle too, thanks.

Azzrock, sorry I don't understand your question. I can take a pic of the business end later if that helps.

Hi Bryan,
Its been handy so far. 900mm high, 200mm low, 150kgs.

Stuart

opps i left out the word "lines" after hydraulic . if there is hydraulic lines a flow restricting valve could be fitted

Originally Posted by Bryan

Jordan, there is an adjuster down on the lever that presses the release valve. I backed it out till it barely worked but it was still very on/off with weight on. I will keep thicker oil up my sleeve if all else fails. Thanks for the suggestion.

Stuart, that looks a handy jigger. How low/high can it go? Weight rating? I made a simple trolley (ok, I put some castors on an old kitchen unit) for swapping the vise and rotab on the shaper. Of course the height is fixed, but that's ok cos the shaper table goes up & down. But having the lift on the trolley would have to give you more versatility. I will try your suggestion with the handle too, thanks.

Azzrock, sorry I don't understand your question. I can take a pic of the business end later if that helps.

Azzrock, no lines or hoses are visible. Stuart, I think you're right - it's a little more controllable with the handle down. Maybe it adds some friction damping to the linkage.

Good score.
You will find it will come in handy for a lot of things. I built both my wood work bench and metal work bench so it could be picked up with the pallet jack. Anything else like my big shaper, mill, tig, etc I have blocks under it so it's easy moved.
Even my Alba is easy moved with one of these.

I got mine as new for free as it was bought to change truck tyres but my mates boss found was no good on gravel.
I just got a call and I have another one coming tomorrow that was laying in a corner unused and the mate asked about it, it's one of the ones that I have been wanting with closer together tynes and will come in handy where this on won't fit. So it is now on it's way to Newcastle from Brisbane on the back of his truck at the moment.

Dave

Good score to both Bryan and Stuart. The only problem with my pallet jack is that it has led to forklift lust. Sadly, my wife has drawn the line well short of forlifts. I'm going to make my case for a Hiab, but I don't like my chances.

i think its all about timing

Originally Posted by Greg Q

Good score to both Bryan and Stuart. The only problem with my pallet jack is that it has led to forklift lust. Sadly, my wife has drawn the line well short of forlifts. I'm going to make my case for a Hiab, but I don't like my chances.

I'd appreciate a reality check before I try and move a 1200kg lathe on my own. I plan to put the pallet jack under the headstock end, on a special pallet, and a dolly under the tailstock end. The lifting will be done with my 3T engine crane.



The castors are rated for 200kg each. The dolly will only be as wide as the base - about 400mm. (There are reasons for this which I will no doubt bore you with in due course.) The motor lives in the base under the headstock, so in terms of tipping sideways the weight is pretty well balanced I think. The path to the destination is uninterrupted concrete floor. It does involve a 90 degree turn and then some 'parking' at the end. I'm hoping I can persuade the whole plot to pivot around the front PJ wheels, amidships.

Does this scheme have any prospect of success, or is it doomed to painful and expensive failure?
Thanks for your interest.

Is there a weight rating on your pallet jack?

Cliff, yes, 2500kg.

Also, I forgot to mention the tailstock dolly will be bolted on.