One concern when buying modern machinery is the safety of the equipment. No one wants to buy a product that could malfunction and hurt the operator or someone nearby. Because of this concern various organizations have been created to verify the safety of products.

UL is one of the oldest testing agencies in the country and provides certification on the safety of products as well as their environmental claims. However the UL marks may be confusing for people who are not familiar with their terminology. There is no such thing as general UL approval, instead they break up their certification into being listed, recognized, or classified. Once you know the difference between these three terms it becomes much easier to understand the dozens of marks that UL puts on products.

The UL listing service verifies that a manufacturer can make products that fulfill UL requirements, meaning that any product with the UL listed mark is produced by a company that limits product risks that can be reasonably foreseen. UL does not test each product in this case, instead they authorize the manufacturer to test their products and apply the UL listed mark themselves. However, UL does follow up with the manufacturer on a regular basis to make sure they are following correct procedures to test their products.

The UL recognition service is different in that it does not apply to end products. Instead it certifies that a component for a larger product meets UL standards. This mark is not seen as often by consumers, as the parts that get this certification are things like circuit boards and power supplies. These components are normally put into products in factories and may have limited use outside of another machine. Again, UL authorizes the manufacturer to test and label their parts with this mark and follows up regularly to ensure continued compliance with the certification.

UL classification service is the most nuanced of the three. According to UL’s terminology guide, the UL classification service is used “for the purpose of classification or evaluation with respect to one or more of the following: (1) specific risks only, e.g., casualty, fire or shock, (2) performance under specified conditions, (3) regulatory codes, (4) other standards, including international standards, or (5) such other conditions as UL may consider desirable.” This allows UL to have a wide array of marks in this area to give specific information to consumers about the standards of a product. For instance, the UL Classified Water Quality Mark certifies that a product is able to provide suitable drinking water for products such as filtration systems or water treatment additives.

http://blog.all-spec.com/2011/09/what-is-ul-certification/    By ALL-SPEC Andy 09/27/2011

Choosing the right pallet jack can be critical for avoiding safety hazards. This article outlines the key traits that are helpful in determining which pallet jack will be the best for you.

Fork Length and Pallet Width

The length of the fork and the width of wood pallets are essential while looking for a pallet jack. The standard size for forks is 27x48" while wood pallets tend to bear a width of 40x48".

It is important to note that if you choose the fork length to be 27 inches long, the wood pallet must be 40 inches wide. Any disproportion can lead to complications.

For instance, a short length can cause safety hazards, while a length that is longer than necessary can make it difficult to maneuver the unit.

Capacity

Choosing the capacity that suits your needs is crucial. Any disproportion in the pallet jack’s capacity can damage it or break it. Generally, pallet jackets range between 4500 lbs – 5500 lbs in capacity. As a buyer, you must ensure that the pallet jack you buy is certified to carry the weight that you require.

Weight of the Pallet Jack

It is vital to determine which surface the pallet jack will be used. Any weight that is not compatible with the surface it is being used on damages the floor. Over-weight units damage the flooring while unloading vehicles or working inside containers. Manufacturers consider weight to be critical in determining a unit’s quality and durability.

The Lowered Height and the Lift Height

The lowered height determines how much a fork can be lowered to lift an object. The lower a lift can go the easier it is to pick up an item. The lift height, on the other hand, is the highest a lift can safely raise an object it is carrying. Raising an overloaded pack while exceeding the height limit can result in tipping the lift over.

Wheels

Wheels of the pallet jack should be designed to support load correctly and also make the pallet jack easily maneuverable. Having wheels that are not made from the right material can cause damage to flooring. Experts suggest using wheels made from polyurethane as they don’t stain the floor and are also easy to change.

Features

One of the features that make a pallet jack desirable is having grease-able bushings. Bushings are metal sleeves fit inside pivot points and axles. Generally made from brass and steels; they are susceptible to wear. These bushings are fundamental in the function of pallet jacks and having the option to grease increases their longevity.

Warranty

The warranty of a product tends to indicate the amount of trust a manufacturer has in the product.  A warranted item is also considered more dependable and can be sent to the manufacturer for repair in the case of a complication. But the more coverage the warranty provides, chances are the price of the pallet jack will be higher. So it’s wiser choose the pallet jack that suits your needs the most.