Fuel for Thought

Pulling Pallets

A solution in work for moving heavy pallets without assistance is related to this topic that comes up from time to time. I have now verified that I can move a 1600 pound pallet to the rear of the van by myself for the two customers out of a thousand who refuse to use my 12,000 pound-test recovery strap. I’m not volunteering this as a solution to my carrier until I can show that I can move the van’s entire cargo capacity by myself.

My objective is to have the smallest amount of equipment on board with the fewest, single purpose, once in a lifetime use tools—like a chain that the one customer in a thousand wants. This setup uses equipment that I use with every load. To go over 2000 pounds, I may have to rig something that resembles a block and tackle version of a load strap. I’ll post that solution if I get to it.

For the pallet anchor point, I normally loop the strap around the center board of the pallet. The photos show the setup as a whole and other ways I anchor the strap on pallets without a center post. I can pull the pallet 14-18 inches before I need to release and recinch the load strap. The photos show the arrangement for pulling a pallet towards the front of the van. I have a similar cross piece of e-track at the rear door to pull freight out.

 

In the bottom photo any board will do, but I usually use the board that sets in the wood beam, e-track sockets that block the pallet in transit. I pass the strap under the center of the pallet, loop the strap around the board and pull it tight against the back of the pallet. And then just ratchet away.

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