This isn't the bleed procedure in any of the pallet jacks we've had. Usually it states in the manual to remove the fill plug, hold the handle in the lower position, then pump the handle up and down several times, check the fluid and fill if necessary, then replace the plug. We've had about 8 pallet jacks at our two companies and I've tried this procedure many times and it never fixed them. I always had to pay a guy half of what a new jack costs to fix it. Around October 2023 we decided we're not paying to repair them again and bought a Franklin pallet jack at Harbor Freight for about $380. It's now April, 6 months later, and the Franklin has only been used twice a week, and it won't stay up. Hydraulic fluid was a little low so I filled it and bled it three times and it still won't stay up. Must be a seal on the piston or the safety needle valve thing in the pump. By the time you figure it out, buy the parts, and replace you might as well buy a new jack.
We find bleeding the pump with lever in the release position is best. This allows any air to be cycled out of the valve back into the reservoir and not into the pressure chamber under the lifting ram. We are not familiar with the Franklin pallet jack. If you would like help identifying parts, please send a side view photo of your pump to csinfo@genericparts.com
hello we have a pallet jack at our store that isn't going down all the way anymore. Its basically a brand new jack and it raises and lowers just fine but it needs to lower about a half inch or more. We did add more oil thinking that might be the problem but nothing has changed. Do you have any suggestions?
The release or lowering function can be increased by turning in the adjustment screw. Turn in increments of ¼ turn at a time and test after each adjustment. If you send me your email, I can email you a photo of a hydraulic unit and where to find the adjustment screw (I will not subscribe you to any emails) irisn@genericparts.com
Hi, there are several manual pallet jacks locked in the raised position here at my job. Also, the lever handle will not budge. Are there any other tips that I can pass on to maintenance to get the back to working properly?
I have an old one, haven't been able to undo the screw as yet to do this....mine wont go up when you pump it....but when I put the lever in the down position and come back a couple of minutes later, it works fine....then release and it goes down, then same all over again...air maybe?? or perhaps something else you know of??
Hi John! To be able to help further we need to know what model pallet jack you have. Size of screw and level of oil varies. You are welcome to email our customer service csinfo@genericparts.com with your details and we will help you resolve your problem.
A squeeze type oil bottle like this helps. (Our part number GW HO). For pumps with fill plugs located at the top fill to about 1” below full, with the unit completely lowered. Any further questions please refer to csinfo@genericparts.com
Thanks you just saved me hours of troubleshooting! 20 seconds and it's working again!
Glad to help
Thanks for this, great easy to follow vid and fixed my issue!
Glad we could help!
Works perfectly again, thanks!
This isn't the bleed procedure in any of the pallet jacks we've had. Usually it states in the manual to remove the fill plug, hold the handle in the lower position, then pump the handle up and down several times, check the fluid and fill if necessary, then replace the plug. We've had about 8 pallet jacks at our two companies and I've tried this procedure many times and it never fixed them. I always had to pay a guy half of what a new jack costs to fix it. Around October 2023 we decided we're not paying to repair them again and bought a Franklin pallet jack at Harbor Freight for about $380. It's now April, 6 months later, and the Franklin has only been used twice a week, and it won't stay up. Hydraulic fluid was a little low so I filled it and bled it three times and it still won't stay up. Must be a seal on the piston or the safety needle valve thing in the pump. By the time you figure it out, buy the parts, and replace you might as well buy a new jack.
We find bleeding the pump with lever in the release position is best. This allows any air to be cycled out of the valve back into the reservoir and not into the pressure chamber under the lifting ram.
We are not familiar with the Franklin pallet jack. If you would like help identifying parts, please send a side view photo of your pump to
csinfo@genericparts.com
I love pallet jacks
Thanks, didn't know this!
Thx Chris for helping me
hello we have a pallet jack at our store that isn't going down all the way anymore. Its basically a brand new jack and it raises and lowers just fine but it needs to lower about a half inch or more. We did add more oil thinking that might be the problem but nothing has changed. Do you have any suggestions?
Please call customer service, they will try to help you 1-800-331-0839
Did you ever figure out what the issue was by any chance
Is there any way to get the pallet jack to drop faster?
The release or lowering function can be increased by turning in the adjustment screw. Turn in increments of ¼ turn at a time and test after each adjustment. If you send me your email, I can email you a photo of a hydraulic unit and where to find the adjustment screw (I will not subscribe you to any emails) irisn@genericparts.com
Thanks chris
Gonna try this now. Thanks in advance if it solves my issue
Hope it did.
Sorry for the dumb question..does this work for Crown pallet jacks? Thanx in advance
This bleeding process works for all manual pallet jacks. (there are no dumb questions)
Now thats something I never knew. Thank you
Glad to be of assistance! Thanks for watching
Hi, there are several manual pallet jacks locked in the raised position here at my job. Also, the lever handle will not budge. Are there any other tips that I can pass on to maintenance to get the back to working properly?
Hi Robyne, please send an email to csinfo@genericparts.com, or call 1800-331-0839 to connect with a technician. We'd be happy to help! Thnx
So what type of "oil" should be added?
Industrial oil - ISO 32 or Aero Ep Hydraulic Oil 32
I have an old one, haven't been able to undo the screw as yet to do this....mine wont go up when you pump it....but when I put the lever in the down position and come back a couple of minutes later, it works fine....then release and it goes down, then same all over again...air maybe?? or perhaps something else you know of??
Hi John! To be able to help further we need to know what model pallet jack you have. Size of screw and level of oil varies. You are welcome to email our customer service csinfo@genericparts.com with your details and we will help you resolve your problem.
What type of oil does it use?
Hydraulic oil
Industrial oil - ISO 32 or Aero Ep Hydraulic Oil 32
I was hoping you would SHOW the adding of fluid because I don't understand how you POUR oil into a vertically-placed HOLE.......
A squeeze type oil bottle like this helps. (Our part number GW HO). For pumps with fill plugs located at the top fill to about 1” below full, with the unit completely lowered.
Any further questions please refer to csinfo@genericparts.com
I worked with a guy in 2019 who thought that it only functions with a chain, and no hydraulic fluid. 🤣
ouch!