Hydraulic jack: 10 best, device, principle of operation

A hydraulic jack allows car owners to quickly and safely change a damaged wheel on their car.
To do this, every car must have a jack, since the need to replace a wheel can arise at any time and anywhere on the road. Hydraulic jacks vary in load capacity, weight, dimensions, design, pick-up height and lifting height. In this article we will consider in detail the structure, operating principle, and technical characteristics of hydraulic jacks. Here are the most popular models by load capacity.

Purpose of a hydraulic jack

The main purpose of a jack is to lift and secure a heavy load to a small height. A hydraulic jack uses an incompressible fluid that is forced into a hydraulic cylinder using a hydraulic pump. Oil is most often used as a working fluid. This design of the hydraulic jack allows it to work with very heavy loads.

Hydraulic jacks are not intended for moving loads or holding loads suspended for long periods of time. To do this, after lifting the load to the required height, it is necessary to install additional supports on which the load will be supported. Without such supports, you cannot work under a load to avoid injury.

Classification of jacks

• Mechanical - work from the application of human force (rotating a handle or pressing a lever).
• Hydraulic - work due to a hydraulic mechanism.
• Pneumatic - allow you to lift a load by filling a special cushion with air. Industrial models are equipped with a compressor, domestic ones are connected to the exhaust pipe and filled with vehicle exhaust gases.
• Electrohydraulic - connected to the electrical network, which drives the hydraulic pump.
• Electro-pneumatic - they are connected to electricity, for example to a car cigarette lighter, due to which air is pumped into the pillow.

Hydraulic jack device

The hydraulic jack consists of the following elements:

• Frame . The body is made of hardened steel and can be short or long. The housing contains a cylinder with a piston.
• The base of the body is the base on which the jack rests during operation.
• The catch is the uppermost part of the piston, which rests on the load being lifted. It is made of high-strength steel and has a corrugated surface to prevent the load from sliding. It is often equipped with a height-adjustable nozzle, which allows you to place a mechanical initial emphasis on the load without affecting the hydraulics.
• Pressure gauge . Allows you to monitor developing pressure.
• Reserve container in which the working fluid is located. Using a lever system, liquid is forced from the reserve tank into the discharge cylinder, and then into the main one.

• Working fluid . Most often, special hydraulic oils are used as the working fluid in hydraulic cylinders. It is not recommended to fill the hydraulic cylinders with water or brake fluid, as they will cause corrosion of the internal metal elements, which will lead to rapid failure of the jack.
• Oil filter . Needed to clean oil from contamination.
• Main cylinder with plunger. The rise of the plunger is due to the flow of working fluid into the cylinder, the lowering of the plunger occurs when the fluid flows into the reserve tank.
• Discharge cylinder with plunger . Pumps oil into the main working cylinder.
• Inflation valve. Allows fluid to flow from the discharge cylinder into the main cylinder and blocks its reverse movement. That is, it is responsible for the movement of the working fluid in only one direction, preventing its return.
• Pressure relief valve (bypass valve) . After reaching the desired height, the jack must be returned to its original state. To do this, there is a valve that allows the oil to return to the reserve tank and relieve pressure. This valve is needed to drain excess fluid and prevent the jack from being overloaded.

Tips for choosing

When choosing an electric jack, you need to pay attention to the following aspects:

1. Vehicle weight. The model of the jack will depend on this parameter, since each type is designed for a certain load capacity, and exceeding the maximum value will lead to damage not only to the device, but also to the car.
2. Ground clearance. The functionality of a jack largely depends on its height range - the wider it is, the better the equipment should be.
3. Brand. To purchase an electro-hydraulic jack for the first time, it is better to buy products from a well-known brand in the middle price category. Such manufacturers, as a rule, provide a guarantee for their products; there is no doubt about the quality of components and the reliability of the characteristics specified in the product passport.

At the moment, in the market of jacks with electric wires, equipment from the German company Varta, the American company Turbo and domestic jacks have proven themselves to be excellent.

Characteristics of hydraulic jack

Material

Hydraulic jacks designed for light weight are usually made of aluminum. More serious models, capable of lifting extra-heavy loads, are made of hardened steel or cast iron. The greater the load capacity the jack is designed for, the thicker the metal used in its manufacture.

Dimensions, weight and lifting capacity of hydraulic jack

All three of these indicators are directly related to each other. Jacks with high lifting capacity are large in size. And accordingly, a large unit has a lot of weight.

Small hydraulic jacks used for passenger cars are small in size, light in weight and have low lifting capacity. Bottle jacks with a lifting capacity of 2 tons have a height of 15-18 cm and a weight of 2-3 kg.

Serious jacks used for trucks, in construction and industry, have a large load capacity - up to 100-200 tons and are large in size and weight. Thus, bottle jacks with a lifting capacity of 200 tons have a height of 40-50 cm and a weight of 130-135 kg.

Limit load capacity

Indicates the maximum weight that the jack can lift. When choosing a jack for a car, you need to add 150-200 kg to the “curb weight” value indicated in the PTS.

Jack lifting height

The lifting height of a jack is the maximum possible height to which a load can be raised. This value consists of two indicators:

• pick-up height
  - the smallest distance from the support surface from which the jack can operate;
• The stroke of the rod (the stroke of the jack)
  is the maximum distance between the highest and lowest positions of the piston.

For most hydraulic jacks, this figure is 30-50 cm. While a mechanical rack and pinion jack can lift a load to a height of 1 meter.

Pickup height

A very important indicator of a specific jack model. Shows the minimum distance from the support to the lifted load (from the ground to the bottom of the car). May vary between models from 6 to 30 cm. A jack with a high lifting height will not be able to be placed under the machine.

Pad diameter

The diameter of the platform is the size of the support platform for resting on the load. Determines the stability of the stop and distributes pressure on the jack to the load. The larger the platform, the greater the stability and optimal pressure applied.

Model overview

Speaking about the best small jack designs, it is worth paying attention to the DN30P14 model. The low loading mechanism is made according to a one-sided design. The return of the rod is ensured by a special spring

Its stroke reaches 1.4 cm. The maximum load capacity of the device made in Russia is 30,000 kg

The return of the rod is ensured by a special spring. Its stroke reaches 1.4 cm. The maximum load capacity of the device made in Russia is 30,000 kg.

Other technical parameters:

• pick-up at a height of 58 mm;
• oil tank capacity – 0.58 l;
• own weight – 3.94 kg.

The device is suitable for working in confined spaces. It can be used when leveling bridge spans. The highest hydraulic pressure is 70 MPa. Permissible temperatures are not lower than -15 and not higher than +50 degrees. The jack is coated with durable powder paint.

It can also be useful to take a closer look at tall, long lifts. For example, to the “Ulyanovsk URD-01_1t” model. This is a decent quality, reliable device for field work with a car. Wherever problems arise, repairs are greatly simplified. The maximum lifting capacity is 1 t, and the maximum lifting height is 0.41 m.

When choosing vertical jacks based on their characteristics, you should take a closer look at the KRAFTOOL KRAF-43463-4 modification. The two-rod mechanism has a bottle design. It lifts up to 4000 kg of load. The smallest gripping height is 0.17 m. The load will be lifted to 0.42 m.

Models on wheels deservedly also feature in the ranking of the best jacks. For example, 3T Gigant HTJ-3. It is equipped with a jagged support bowl, so the load is fixed securely and failure is completely excluded

Important: the manufacturer recommends using its development in conjunction with a safety stand to reduce the risk of injury. Special coating reduces the risk of corrosion. Other features:

Other features:

• pickup at a height of 0.135 m;
• raising to a height of 0.4 m;
• total weight – 16.7 kg;
• total load capacity – 3000 kg;
• There is no turning handle or case.

It is also worth thinking about purchasing branded Chinese jacks of the Sorokin FrogLine Jack 3.432 model. The total load reaches 3500 kg. The model can be used in tire centers and various service stations. Net weight – 38 kg. The pick-up occurs at a height of 0.135 m, and the rise goes to a height of 0.495 m.

You can also consider JET 8.0 t JBJ-8 JE655558. This bottle jack is used both in a horizontal and even in an inverted position. It will lift up to 8000 kg of cargo. The stroke of the rod reaches 0.125 m. The weight of the jack is 6 kg.

The following can also be considered good hydraulic devices:

• Ombra OHT150;
• Stels 51133 Quick Lift;
• Matrix Master 51035;
• Kraft KT 800115.

Operating principle of a hydraulic jack

The operation of a hydraulic jack is based on the constancy of fluid pressure in communicating vessels. Inside the jack there are two “vessels” connected to each other. One vessel is the main cylinder with a working plunger, the other is a cylinder with a discharge plunger. This hydraulic system is filled with technical oil.

The injection cylinder is connected to an oil reserve tank and a lever. When the lever is pressed, the injection plunger moves: it lowers and pushes the oil out of the injection cylinder. The oil passes into the main cylinder and pushes the working plunger upward, due to this the load located on the jack’s support platform is lifted.

As a result of each press of the lever, a certain volume of oil is pumped into the main cylinder, equal to the volume of the injection cylinder. The discharge cylinder is filled with oil from the reservoir. Since pressing the lever alone is not enough to lift the load, they usually continue to move the lever until the desired height is reached.

Between the discharge and main cylinders there is a valve that allows fluid to flow in only one direction and prevents it from returning back to the discharge cylinder. The walls of the main cylinder must be designed for the weight of the load being lifted.

After reaching the desired lifting height, the jack must be returned to its initial position; to do this, it is necessary to open the bypass valve. The oil from the main working cylinder will return to the oil reserve tank and the jack will lower.

How does a pneumatic hydraulic jack work?

This unusual and multifaceted type of lifts, by its very essence, requires a full acquaintance, which should begin with an analysis of its name. The name of the tool tells us that its main feature and driving force is compressed air, which drives the pneumohydraulic jack. The principle of operation of the device is based on the combination of 2 systems: hydraulic - lifting the stop from the body, and pneumatic - performing the function of an oil pump. One cannot function without the other, so let’s look at everything in order, starting with hydraulics.

Regardless of the significant role of air in the system, the hydraulic pneumatic jack lifts massive loads according to the classical scheme, using liquid. In fact, the operation of this tool is almost completely identical to a standard bottle lift. Initially, the oil is in its reservoir, and under the influence of the pump, under the control of the return and progressive valves, it ends up in the working cylinder, pushing out the piston with a stop. The main nuance and essence of the entire pneumohydraulic jack is the pump.

If in a typical bottle or roll-type lift the liquid is pumped manually by raising and lowering the rod, then the hero of this topic has a special device responsible for this process. Instead of brute manual pressure, a pneumatic hydraulic jack uses a stream of compressed air, with an average pressure of 4 atmospheres (approximately 4.1 kg force per cm²). The oil transfer pump operates on the principle of a pneumatic cylinder with a distributor that regulates the air supply. A more clear example of the operation of such a device is demonstrated in the following diagram.

Advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic jacks

Hydraulic jacks have their pros and cons, which you need to pay attention to when choosing a jack for your car. When buying a car jack, you usually choose between mechanical and hydraulic jacks.

pros

• They have a high load capacity: 2-200 tons.
• A slight effort is required to lift the machine: pressing the lever to pump oil into the main cylinder. At the same time, human energy consumption is minimal, and the rise is fast.
• They have a very high efficiency - at the level of 80%.
• They can operate at sub-zero temperatures, since the oil in the cylinder does not freeze.
• They ensure smooth lifting of the machine, as oil gradually enters the cylinder, the rod rises without jerking.
• Smooth lowering prevents loads from falling and reduces the risk of injury when operating bottle jacks.
• They are highly stable thanks to the wide sole, which provides reliable support.
• Can be placed under any point on the body, since there is no rotating handle.
• There is a very small chance that the car will fall off the support.

Minuses

• They require periodic maintenance, monitoring the oil level, tightness of gaskets and valves, and oil changes.
• They require storage and transportation only in a vertical position, since oil may leak out when turned over.
• They are large in size and weight.
• An even support area is needed.
• The lifting height is greater than that of mechanical jacks, so hydraulic jacks are not suitable for vehicles with low ground clearance.
• The machine cannot be lowered to the specified height.
• They cost more than mechanical ones.

The best mechanical screw jack BISON Master 43040-2 (2 t)

• pickup – only 120 mm;
• budget;
• weight – 3.5 kg;
• working stroke – 275 mm.

BISON Master 43040-2 was included in the rating of car jacks as the best diamond-shaped mechanical type tool. Designed for a load of 2 tons. It is very light - it weighs only 3.5 kg. The design is based on a rotating screw, which is driven by a removable handle. To install the mechanism, a clearance of 12 cm is sufficient; the machine can be raised up to 395 mm.

A diamond jack copes with small cars; it is better to use it for a Priora, for example, which weighs about 1 ton. The device is reliable, can be used both on hard surfaces and on the ground, and installed in mud. The heel is small, so on soft ground you need to place a board under the jack.

The tool is not suitable as a support; during repair work, after lifting, you need to place a support, either factory-made or improvised from sections of timber, and transfer the weight of the machine to it. For the screw to rotate easily, it must be well lubricated. It is recommended to use graphite-based lubricants.

BISON Master 43040-2 (2 t) is good for small cars weighing up to 1.5 t and with low ground clearance, when other lifting devices are difficult or impossible to install.

Application of hydraulic jacks

• Hydraulic jacks are widely used in professional car repair shops and tire shops, as well as by owners of jeeps and heavy SUVs. Passenger car owners most often prefer compact mechanical jacks.
• Due to their high load capacity, hydraulic bottle jacks are used in the repair of heavy cargo and agricultural equipment, and in industrial production for lifting super-heavy metal structures.
• In construction for lifting heavy blocks, parts of buildings, tensioning reinforcement using reinforced concrete.
• When laying oil and gas pipelines.
• When carrying out rescue operations and liquidation of consequences of accidents.

Exploitation

The jack should only be used with the engine turned off, the parking brake engaged and the wheel chocks installed.

The body of almost every electrically driven device is made of plastic, so it requires careful use. Exposure to shocks and high temperatures is not allowed. To avoid injury, lift the jack by the handle only.

Avoid intensive operation of the equipment and avoid getting moisture on the jack. Connect it to the network only when you are working with it. If there is an oil leak, the device must be turned off to avoid fire.

The ease of use of an electric hydraulic jack outweighs any disadvantages. It will be appreciated by both beginners and experienced drivers. The main thing is to find a model that fits the parameters of your car.

The video below explains in detail about electro-hydraulic jacks.

Types of hydraulic jack

There are several types of hydraulic jacks, they differ in design.

Classification of hydraulic jacks

• Bottle.
  The simplest version of a hydraulic jack, the name comes from its appearance, which resembles a bottle. It has compact dimensions and a large support area. Allows you to work with heavy and very heavy loads: from 2 to 200 tons. Can be used when working with cars and trucks, special equipment, and for lifting houses in construction. It has a fairly high minimum lift, so it is not suitable for cars with a ground clearance of less than 200 mm. You need to work with a bottle jack on a perfectly level support.
• Rolling
  . There are several modifications for professional and household use. To work with them, you need a hard, even floor covering such as concrete, asphalt, or tiles. They are widely used in professional car repair shops for passenger cars.

• Telescopic.
  It has a telescopic piston, which allows you to increase the maximum lifting height.
• Double rod or double piston.
  Due to the two pistons in the design, it has an increased load capacity.
• Low toe hooks
  . Used in cases where a minimum pick-up height is required. Capable of lifting a load from a distance of 15 mm from the support, allowing step-by-step adjustment of the lift and securely fixing the load. They are used for raising railway tracks and in industry.
• Specialized:
  two-level, diamond-shaped.

How to make a pneumatic jack with your own hands

In order to save money, a pneumatic-hydraulic jack from the exhaust pipe can be made at home from an air spring. To do this, you must first prepare the tools and materials:

• an air spring for a jack from a truck, into which air will be pumped;
• a bolt of the required size, suitable for the hole in the cushion (air will be supplied through it), as well as a wheel bolt from a Zhiguli;
• a ball that prevents air leakage from the structure, a drill and a chamber fitting.

The chosen pad must have a hole in it so that a bolt can be inserted into it. A hole must first be created in the bolt to install the chamber fitting, and the role of the valve will be played by the wheel bolt. After which all the parts need to be connected to each other, taking into account the fact that a homemade car pneumatic jack can only be inflated with a special pump.

Before starting repair work using a homemade rolling device, you need to place a wooden block under the car body.

Some motorists attach a small cart to the tool, which greatly simplifies its operation.

Pneumatic jack disassembled during repair

Rating of the 10 best hydraulic bottle jacks

Hydraulic jack SPARTA 2t 50341 telescopic

Designed for lifting loads weighing up to 2 tons. The base of the jack is made of cast iron and has a protective anti-corrosion coating. Equipped with a safety valve that prevents lifting of loads weighing more than 2 tons. The weight of the lifted load should not exceed 2 tons.

Not intended for moving loads and maintaining the load suspended for a long time. After lifting the load, it is necessary to secure it with stands for support. If there are no supporting stands under the load, you cannot stand and carry out work. To work, it must be placed on a flat horizontal surface. The presence of a telescopic mechanism allows you to lift the load to a height of 410 mm without much physical effort.

The homeland of the SPARTA brand is Germany, assembly is carried out in factories in China and Taiwan, which allows you to combine German quality and low cost of production. SPARTA jacks are durable and inexpensive.

Technical characteristics of the jack SPARTA 50341:

• Load capacity - 2 t
• Pickup height - 170 mm
• Lifting height - 410 mm
• Case material: metal
• Type - double plunger
• Telescopic mechanism - yes
• Horizontal operation - no
• Weight - 3.2 kg
• Case - no

Hydraulic jack 2t Gigant HBJ-2

The hydraulic jack of the Russian brand Gigant is produced at factories in China and Russia. Manufactured according to GOST R 53822-2010. Designed to work with loads weighing up to 2 tons. The jack is not designed to hold a load for a long time. When working under load, it is necessary to use additional supports. The Gigant HBJ-2 jack is distinguished by reliable operation and good stability due to its large support area.

Technical characteristics of the Gigant HBJ-2 jack:

• Load capacity - 2 t
• Pickup height - 181 mm
• Lifting height - 345 mm
• Case material: metal
• Type - single plunger
• Telescopic mechanism - no
• Horizontal operation - no
• Weight - 2.6 kg
• Case - no

Hydraulic jack SPARTA Compact 3t 50332

The hydraulic jack SPARTA Compact 3t of the German brand SPARTA is assembled in factories in China. It has established itself as a reliable and inexpensive tool, thereby gaining great popularity among car enthusiasts. Designed for lifting loads in construction and during automotive repair work. It has a stable cast iron base, a body made of durable steel, and a polished rod that increases the service life of the jack.

It has a small pick-up height of 180 mm, which allows you to work with cars with low ground clearance. The maximum lifting height is 320 mm. After lifting the load to the required height, it is necessary to securely secure the load with supports to ensure the safety of the working person. It is impossible to work without additional supports. The jack is not designed to move a load and hold it suspended for a long time. The weight of the lifted load should not exceed 3 tons.

Technical characteristics of the jack SPARTA Compact 3t 50332:

• Load capacity - 3 t
• Pickup height - 180 mm
• Lifting height - 320 mm
• Case material - steel
• Type - single plunger
• Telescopic mechanism - yes
• Horizontal operation - no
• Retractable screw stroke - 50 mm
• Weight - 2.4 kg
• Case - no

Hydraulic jack BelAK 3t BAK.10040

The BelAK BAK.10040 hydraulic jack has a lifting capacity of 3 tons and is perfect for car repairs. It is produced under the BelAK brand, owned by the Russian production holding BelAvtoKomplekt. Assembly is carried out at two factories in China, where production meets international ISO standards, all products are manufactured in accordance with GOST and undergo final quality control.

The jack is supplied in a case, which makes its storage especially convenient. It has a wide support platform and two handles. Has a low lift of 145 mm. The BelAK BAK.10040 jack has a long service life, low price, and high quality.

Technical characteristics of the jack
BelAK 3t BAK.10040:

• Load capacity - 3 t
• Pickup height - 145 mm
• Lifting height - 285 mm
• Case material: metal
• Type - single plunger
• Telescopic mechanism - yes
• Horizontal operation - no
• Retractable screw stroke - 50 mm
• Base size - 85x70 mm
• Weight - 2.3 kg
• Case - yes

Hydraulic jack KRAFT 4t KT 800014

The KRAFT KT 800014 jack is designed for lifting loads weighing up to 4 tons, and is widely used in the repair and maintenance of vehicles. Belongs to the German brand KRAFT, which has been producing car parts and auto tools for more than 20 years. Assembly is carried out in China, where all products undergo mandatory quality control of international standards DIN, ANSI.

The jack has a safety valve that prevents lifting loads over 4 tons. Frost-resistant oil is used as a working fluid, which does not lose its properties at a temperature of -45°C. The convenient folding handle makes the jack compact. Supplied in a plastic case with a handle, which is convenient to store and transport.

Technical characteristics of the jack KRAFT 4t KT 800014

• Load capacity - 4 t
• Pickup height - 195 mm
• Lifting height - 380 mm
• Case material: metal
• Type - single plunger
• Telescopic mechanism - no
• Horizontal operation - no
• Retractable screw stroke - 60 mm
• Base size - 108x108 mm
• Weight - 3.6 kg
• Case - yes

Hydraulic jack MATRIX MASTER 4t 50754

Hydraulic jack of the German brand Matrix, assembly is carried out at factories in China and Taiwan. All manufactured products undergo strict quality control, which allows us to combine low price, high quality and long service life. Matrix Master 50754 has a load capacity of 4 tons, is made of durable anti-corrosion metal, resistant to rust and mechanical stress.

The jack has a wide base, which allows it to be used on fairly soft ground. Supplied complete with a plastic case with a handle. The case allows you to properly store and transport the jack - in a vertical position.

Technical characteristics of the jack MATRIX MASTER 4t 50754

• Load capacity - 4 t
• Pickup height - 194 mm
• Lifting height - 372 mm
• Case material - steel
• Type - single plunger
• Telescopic mechanism - no
• Horizontal operation - no
• Retractable screw stroke - 48 mm
• Weight - 3.9 kg
• Case - yes

Hydraulic jack SPARTA Compact 5 t 50333

The hydraulic jack SPARTA Compact 50333 is designed for lifting loads weighing no more than 5 tons. Produced in factories in China using German technology in compliance with all necessary requirements. The jack is distinguished by high build quality, durability and reliability. These characteristics, combined with a low price, make the SPARTA Compact 50333 jack an excellent purchase.

The jack is not designed to hold a load suspended for a long time; for this you need to use special supports, without which it is strictly prohibited to work under a raised load. The body is made of durable steel and has a stable cast iron base. The jack is equipped with a polished rod.

Technical characteristics of the jack SPARTA Compact 5 t 50333

• Load capacity - 5 t
• Pickup height - 180 mm
• Lifting height - 340 mm
• Case material - steel
• Type - single plunger
• Telescopic mechanism - yes
• Horizontal operation - no
• Retractable screw stroke - 50 mm
• Weight - 2.9 kg
• Case - no

Hydraulic jack BelAK 5t BAK.00042

Belongs to a Russian brand, assembly is carried out at a factory in China. Designed to lift cargo weighing no more than 5 tons. Despite its large load capacity, it has compact dimensions and, due to its low lift, allows it to work with machines with low ground clearance. The wide base ensures the stability of the jack and reduces pressing into the ground. If it is necessary to hold the load suspended for a long time, it is necessary to install additional supports, without which it is prohibited to work under the load.

Technical characteristics of the jack BelAK 5t BAK.00042

• Load capacity - 5 t
• Pickup height - 175 mm
• Lifting height - 345 mm
• Case material: metal
• Type - single plunger
• Telescopic mechanism - yes
• Horizontal operation - no
• Retractable screw stroke - 60 mm
• Working stroke - 110 mm
• Base size - 75x85 mm
• Weight - 2.9 kg
• Case - no

Hydraulic jack SOROKIN BottLine Jacks 12t 3.12

Designed to lift cargo weighing no more than 12 tons. The jack is of the famous Russian brand Sorokin, whose production facilities are located in China, Taiwan, Russia, and Europe. The jack is assembled in China, which reduces production costs and, accordingly, the final price while maintaining high quality products. It is used for construction, industrial and auto repair purposes.

Not designed to hold a load for long periods of time. After lifting the load to the required height, it is necessary to use additional fixing supports for safe work under the load.

The SOROKIN BottLine Jacks 12t hydraulic jack is easy to use and has a screw rod that makes it easier to place the jack under the supporting surface of the load. There is a metal handle on the side of the case, which is convenient for carrying the jack. At the bottom of the body there is a wide support base that prevents the jack from sinking into soft ground.

BottLine Jack® series bottle jacks are equipped with a telescopic mechanism that allows you to reduce the pick-up height while maintaining or increasing the lifting height compared to classic models.

Technical characteristics of the jack SOROKIN BottLine Jacks 12t 3.12

• Load capacity - 12 t
• Pickup height - 245 mm
• Lifting height - 570 mm
• Case material: metal
• Type - double plunger
• Telescopic mechanism - yes
• Horizontal operation - no
• Retractable screw stroke - 55 mm
• Working stroke - 270 mm
• Weight - 9.5 kg
• Case - no

Hydraulic jack WIEDERKRAFT 20t. WDK-81200

The WIEDERKRAFT WDK-81200 hydraulic jack is designed for lifting loads weighing up to 20 tons. It is used at service stations for freight transport, special vehicles and agricultural machinery. WIEDERKRAFT is a German brand; jacks are assembled in China. High quality is combined with long service life and reliability.

The jack has a handle, which makes it easy to transport. The wide base ensures the stability of the jack during operation. The screw platform is height adjustable.

Technical characteristics of the WIEDERKRAFT 20t jack. WDK-81200

• Load capacity - 20 t
• Pickup height - 226 mm
• Lifting height - 452 mm
• Case material: metal
• Type - single plunger
• Telescopic mechanism - yes
• Horizontal operation - no
• Retractable screw stroke - 150 mm
• Working stroke - 226 mm
• Base size - 144x150 mm
• Weight - 10.6 kg
• Case - no

How to choose?

Theoretically, any lift with a suitable load level can be used for passenger cars

But it is important to understand that the carrying capacity should be taken “with a reserve”. Then lifting even a heavily loaded car with an old device that has worked a lot will not cause any problems.

Much attention must be paid to the lifting height. The fact is that it is usually limited by the adjusting screw, and it is impossible to unscrew it to the maximum in one step

There must be a bypass valve in any case. It was not for nothing that the compilers of the domestic GOST mentioned this element. But products made somewhere abroad may lack a bypass valve. Appearance is also important. Any visually noticeable defects indicate either a manufacturing defect or severe wear of the lift.

For purchases, you should only contact large stores or official branches of manufacturers.

And it doesn’t matter whether they are located somewhere in the city or work on a network - this principle is universal. It is useful not to limit yourself to the price tag and advertising assurances, but to study the accompanying documentation

You also need to pay attention to the pick-up height, which should correspond to the vehicle’s ground clearance or be selected for reasons of ease of working with loads. Finally, you need to study reviews

Where are they used?

A rolling jack is an integral attribute of any service station (service station). It is necessary for working in the garage in order to carry out work with lifting not only wheels, but also parts of the car. The lifting capacity of such jacks is standard for a passenger car of category B (C) - 2 tons. The lifting height is from 32 to 40 cm. During the lifting process, the jack, which is installed on wheels, rolls under the car, the higher the deeper, and is installed strictly vertically, maintaining balance.

This means that when choosing a lift for your car, you need to take into account its weight. For a passenger car, a screw and hydraulic version is suitable, but from a jeep to a minibus, only a hydraulic jack is needed.

It is more convenient to use rolling ones permanently. They are larger than hydraulic ones.

When purchasing a car, the package already includes a jack that meets the requirements of this vehicle.

A 30 ton pneumatic hydraulic jack is presented in the video below.

Positive qualities of mechanical jacks

• Compact dimensions - the device does not take up much space in the garage, moreover, it can be carried in the trunk.
• Efficiency of use - the device will carry out pickup even under a low-low bottom of the car (pickup height 8 - 10 cm).
• Stability - the load is clearly fixed at the required height, the base of the jack does not slip or move, so additional safety supports are not required during operation.
• Reliability - the design is so simple that there is practically nothing to break. The main thing is not to overload it, observing the permissible weight indicator.

As a rule, mechanical jacks are used by owners of cars weighing up to 1 - 2 tons. These devices come in handy in the garage and on the road. Let's say if the car gets stuck in a rut, you can lift the wheels and easily drive out. But it is unlikely that it will be possible to lift a truck weighing 15 tons, and more effort will have to be applied. Purchasing a mechanical device for daily work in a car repair shop will also be irrational, because there are special devices for this.