Pallet Jack repair

[rslaback]

I've been tasked with getting my schools BT Lifter 2000 pallet jack operational again. It was abused last summer to remove a heavy *** water tank and it has a blown seal somewhere.

When pumping the jack without a load the jack will raise but immediately begin sinking. With a load on it, the jack will not lift at all.

I am thinking this is either a ram seal that is leaking or a stuck relief valve. I suppose I could get an entirely new seal kit but I was hoping for some guidance on where to actually start before I jump into this thing.

P.S. The oil level is fine. I checked that first. I also exercised it to bleed it with no change.

 

[kc-steve]

I know very little about hydraulic jacks and even less about pallet jacks. But I am interested in what others have to say.

If I was in your situation with no other help, I might try looking at few of the service jack rebuilds located here. I'm not familiar with the brand you mentioned. Is it imported?

Steve

 

[rslaback]

I've done the entire seal kit in one of these before. I was just hoping that someone might be able to point me toward which component likely failed to save me some time.

All the pallet jack parts places I have found carry kits for the BT Lifter jacks so I am guessing they must be fairly common.

 

[Hiball]

The condition you describe is almost always the Main ram seal, generic parts will probably your best bet for parts and customer service.

The best advice IMO is to simply remove the unit from the frame, drain the oil and yank out the ram and verify the Ucup condition. A lot of pallet jacks utilize rod cups, so it might be in a groove and some are simply held down by the tank nut (sleeve). Depending on the overall condition of the wipers and other components you might get by with simply fixing what's wrong. If you notice any leakage around the valve (release) tear it all the way down and give it a full seal kit, you will be money and time ahead...

 

[mech-tech]

Or a local hydraulic shop should be able to get your seals on the spot if you bring them the parts. Best bet is to get them yourself, dealer mark up is 35%.