How to Use an Electric Jack to Raise a Shelf

Electric pallet jacks are used to move heavy objects onto shelves. A motor on the jack provides the force needed to move the jack and raise and lower the load. You can use the jack to raise a shelf, which would be much more difficult to do manually. Be aware that you cannot raise a shelf that weighs more than the maximum capacity of the pallet jack. Moreover, you will need to be certified before operating the equipment; a forklift certification does not qualify you to operate an electric pallet jack.

Pallet
Screwdriver
Wrench
Ladder

Instructions

- 1
  Empty the shelf completely. Any uneven weight distribution could cause the shelf to tip when being moved.
- 2
  Load an empty pallet onto the pallet jack by sliding the prongs into the holes at the bottom of the pallet. The pallet provides a larger surface for the shelf to rest on that makes it more stable when moved on the jack.
- 3
  Move the pallet jack under the shelf so that the empty pallet is centered underneath it.
- 4
  Raise the jack until the pallet touches the bottom of the shelf. Stop the jack.
- 5
  Remove the screws or bolts that hold the shelf in place. It should not move when these are removed if the pallet is touching the bottom.
- 6
  Raise the jack to move the shelf to the desired height.
- 7
  Reattach the screws or bolts to secure the shelf in its new location.

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