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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

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Pallet Jack – Truck

NFES #
007233
Category
Miscellaneous
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Visually inspect for broken or missing parts.
  2. Inspect for structural damage, bent handle, cracked, or broken wheels, missing, or broken mechanism components, if so, determine if economical to repair.
  3. Jack up the truck, preferably with weight on it, and watch to see if it will hold weight without sinking down.
  4. Return to stock if item passes inspection, is clean, and shows no sign of use.
  5. Dispose of item if it does not pass inspection and is not repairable.
  6. Refurbish if item has been used and/or damage is repairable.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Remove all foreign material with a stiff brush.
  2. Wipe with damp cloth and let dry.
  3. Exceptionally dirty or greasy pallet jacks can be pressure washed using caution around wheels and other moving parts. Allow to air dry.

B. Repair

  1. Follow manufacturers recommendations on all repairs and service. Most manufacturers have online service and repair manuals.
  2. Replace wheels, handles, hydraulic jack, or any other components if economically viable and using only manufacturers recommended parts. Many models and brands do not have interchangeable parts. Only experienced or trained personnel should complete repairs. Contract repair companies may need to be utilized.
  3. Grease bushings and bearings where needed. Follow manufacturers recommendations for lubricant points and type.
  4. Fill hydraulic oil as needed following manufacturers recommendations and procedures.
  5. Repaint if necessary, to prevent rust, or corrosion taking care to not paint wheels or any other moving parts.

C. Testing for Performance

  • Inspect to see that all parts function correctly, the pallet jack holds weight without sinking, and rolls freely once refurbishing is complete.

D. Repackaging

  • None

 

Reference

See manufacturer for brand specific maintenance, repairs, and parts. The following links are meant as a general guideline and samples.

How to Bleed the Air Out of the Hydraulic Unit on a Pallet Jack
Time: 1:31


 

Step-by-Step: Replace Load Wheels on Your Pallet Jack
Time: 5:06


 

Replace the Steer Wheels on a Manual Pallet Jack
Time: 2:35


 

Crown Pallet Jack Service Manual

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002