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PMS 448

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

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page