Forklifts are very useful equipment for loading, unloading, or moving your pallets. However, if you don’t have one at your disposal or can’t use one in your warehouse, you need other options. That’s why, in this article, we’ll show you how to move pallets without a forklift.
Top 10 Ways to Move Pallets Without a Forklift
When you’re moving pallets without a forklift, you must know what equipment or method to use. Below are the 10 best methods you can use to move your load without using a forklift.
Manual Pallet Jacks
Manual Pallets Jacks are mechanical devices you can operate with your hands to carry between 1000 and 2000 kg. First you need to push the forks underneath the pallet and lift it a couple of inches off the ground. You can use the lever controller on the handle to do that. The lever controller is connected with a hydraulic pump that moves the forks. After securing the pallet, you need to pull and steer the wheeled jack manually to your desired location.
You can use manual pallet jacks in small warehouses or tight spaces like a retail store. You can only use these devices for moving pallets as the forks cannot lift the goods high enough to stack. You should be careful around sloped paths as you pull the jack with your own strength. Just a small mishap can cause a big accident if you’re not careful.
Pallet Dollies
These devices are very similar to pallet jacks but offer better support and security. They have flat surfaces instead of forks and you can use the belts to secure the load. To move your loads, simply put the dolly under the pallet and use a lever to lift the goods up. Pallet dollies are also good for smaller spaces where you can’t use a forklift. Compared to pallet jacks, dollies are easier for you to operate on uneven surfaces.
Roller Crowbars
Roller crowbars are especially helpful to move heavy loads. These are just long metal bars with wheels attached. You can just put it underneath the pallet and use the crowbar to lift the edge of the load. After securing it, you can either put the pallet on a dolly or roll it with the crowbar if possible. These devices can cost you more than pallet jacks but the ability to move heavy cargo makes it worthwhile.
Lever Systems
Lever systems use simple laws of physics to help you lift your pallets off the ground. Both the pallet jack and the roller crowbar use this mechanic to lift goods. However, if you’re using a dolly, you might need a manual lever mechanism to load pallets onto a dolly. When using levers, it’s good to use the help of a co-worker to avoid accidents.
Powered and Manual Stackers
You can use stackers to lift pallets into higher places but these devices are not suitable for moving goods. For manual stackers, you need to operate the hydraulics with your hands to lift the load. All you need to do is place the forks under the pallet properly and then lift them up to load, unload, or stack the goods.
Electric stackers can lift heavier objects than manual ones. There is a motor to lift the goods for you. Also called walkie stackers, these devices are more reliable and easier to use. Powered stackers can also cover a little more distance compared to manual ones. However, moving long distances can be risky whether you use an electric stacker or a manual one.
Gravity Rollers
These are comparatively longer devices used to move or roll your pallets from higher to lower places. These are made with a series of cylindrical stainless steel bars called rollers. You can use gravity rollers to offload your cargo from the delivery truck. You’ll also find these useful if your warehouse needs pallets moved to a lower ground. Gravity rollers save the manual labor you might need to move goods without them.
Tilt Tables
These are mechanical devices you can use to tilt your pallet in the angle you need. Tilt tables are extremely useful if you need to unload goods from your pallet. By tilting your cargo, you can offload with minimal efforts as you don’t have to bend over to get an item. This also increases your personal safety and the safety of your goods. A tilt table can usually carry only a single pallet.
Sliding and Rolling Techniques
This is a DIY method where you use plywoods and pipes to create a rolling path. You can slide your pallets with minimal friction and effort with this technique. This is very useful if you need to create a temporary pathway in your warehouse. It will give you a massive advantage if you need to move heavy cargo.
Ropes and Sheets
If you don’t have any mechanical device at your disposal, you can use heavy duty ropes or sheets to move pallets. You just need to tie your cargo with the ropes properly and slide the pallet. You might need help from your coworkers as this method needs heavy manual labor. It’s a great way to move heavy loads without using a forklift.
Using sheets to move pallets is quite similar to moving them with ropes. You need to put your pallet on the sheet and then drag it on the floor. You’ll need multiple people to use this method, too. Both of these methods are very cost-efficient but you can only cover a short distance. That’s because you need to use your own strength to move the pallets. You also need to make sure that your goods are secure while moving.
Team Lift Techniques
If the worst comes to pass and you don’t have a forklift or any device to move your cargo. You can just manually lift the pallet with the help of your co-workers and move it yourselves. This is extremely hard as you need to carry a lot of weight and the team needs to be in sync.
If the cargo is too heavy to carry you need to break down or depalletize your goods and carry them yourself. Manual lifting is by far the hardest method to move pallets without a forklift. You also need to make sure everyone is trained in proper lifting techniques and that the weight is evenly distributed.
Safety Tips for Moving Pallets Without a Forklift
Moving pallets without a forklift is a very tough job, so you must prioritize safety. Below are a few tips to stay out of danger and move your load safely.
- Always check your device’s operational condition before using them.
- Make sure you’re not exceeding the weight capacity of the device.
- You should ensure the jack or dolly is appropriate for the size of your load.
- You must always lock the wheels of your device when loading or unloading.
- Always secure the pallet before you start moving it.
- Make sure that the movement path is safe and free of people or obstruction.
- You should wear gloves and protective equipment when necessary.
Conclusion
All of these methods of moving pallets without a forklift are quite cost-effective. However, they can sometimes be very tough and time-consuming. Sometimes you might need to use your own strength. Most importantly, you should always make sure that all the necessary safety measures are in place.
