Hand Pallet Truck Not Lifting? 6 Common Causes and Fixes
Pallet jack won't lift, sinks slowly or pumps without rising? Here are the six most common causes — and which spare parts fix them.
Maintenance & Repair1 min read
By Gourav Lifters · Updated 18 Oct 2026
On this page
A hand pallet truck that won't lift or slowly sinks under load is almost always a hydraulic problem — and usually a cheap fix. Work through these in order.
1. Air in the hydraulic system
Symptom: the handle pumps but forks rise only a little, or feel spongy. Fix: put the control lever in the lowering position and pump the handle 10–15 times to bleed the air, then try lifting again.
2. Low hydraulic oil
Symptom: forks won't reach full height. Fix: lower the forks fully, open the filler plug on the pump and top up with the correct hydraulic oil. Check for leaks while you're there.
3. Worn seals (the most common cause)
Symptom: oil around the pump, or the truck lifts but slowly sinks under load. Fix: replace the pump seal kit. It's inexpensive and fixes most leaks.
4. Release valve out of adjustment
Symptom: forks won't hold height or won't lower. Fix: adjust the release-valve screw or the chain/rod linking the handle lever to the valve until the neutral, lift and lower positions work correctly.
5. Dirt in the valve
Symptom: intermittent sinking. Fix: dirt can stop the valve seating. Flush or clean the valve; if the problem returns, replace the oil.
6. Worn pump or damaged piston
Symptom: none of the above helps. Fix: replace the complete pump assembly — often faster and cheaper than rebuilding an old pump.
Tip: Rolling hard or making noise instead? That's worn load rollers or steering wheels, not hydraulics — both are quick to replace.
Related: Hand pallet spare parts · Hand pallet truck on rent