Improvements in or relating to pallet trucks
761,452. Lift trucks. KAYE, E., and SHARP, J. R. April 20, 1955 [Jan. 20, 1954], No. 20099/53. Class 78 (3). A pallet truck is adapted for temporary attachment to the lifting carriage of a masted lift truck so that it can be raised in a loaded condition and deposited on an elevated platform, e.g. a lorry floor. A plate 77, secured to standard 21, is provided with a downwardly opening tapered recess 78 adapted to interfit with an upwardly pointing tapered member 76 on the lifting carriage 18, a plate 79 being provided to guide member 76 into engagement with recess 78 as the carriage is raised. The lifting mechanism of the pallet truck comprises a pair of hydraulic rams 32 pivoted at 33 to the standard and at 36 to a cross-head 35 which carries a steerable wheel 23 and a pair of wedge members 61. When the standard is raised relative to wheel 23 by extension of rams 32, a corresponding lifting movement is transmitted by wedges 61, through rollers 57, rods 55 and bell-cranks 50, to rollers 24. Steering movement of wheel 23 is effected by a rod 25 which passes through a bush 41 secured to the standard, and a further bush (not shown) on the cross-head. A handle 26 is pivoted to rod 25 at 44 and is provided with catch mechanism 46, 48 for locking it in either a vertical or horizontal position. The truck is provided with a hydraulic system actuated by a pump lever which may be pivoted to a stowed position within the standard.