Hydraulic jacks are incredibly useful tools that can help you lift heavy objects or perform engine repair tasks much more easily than you could do with standard tools. However, it’s important to choose the right jack model for your needs and follow the manufacturer’s directions to avoid injury or damage to the jack or your vehicle or object you’re lifting. If you’re looking to buy a jack, there are several things you should know before you make your final purchase. To help you get started, here are some of the main factors to consider when choosing a hydraulic jack and some sample models to consider.
1. Torque
One of the most important features of a jack is its maximum torque output. The strength of a jack also depends on how much force it can exert safely: the torque rating determines how much force a jack can apply without damaging itself or your vehicle. Any jack with a maximum torque rating of less than 20-50 Nm (17.5-37.5 lbs) won’t be strong enough to lift the heaviest vehicles or objects but will still be useful for smaller items.
2. Weight Capacity
Your jack will likely come with a recommended weight capacity that indicates its maximum lifting capacity for your vehicle, but you should always measure your vehicle’s actual weight before purchasing a jack to ensure it can handle the load you need it to handle. This is particularly important if you’re using the jack to lift a vehicle and need to ensure it can support the weight without slipping or breaking.
3. Lifting Range
Many jacks have a vertical lifting range of between 34-48 inches, while others extend up to 51-67 inches. Keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and not guaranteed– your exact lifting height will vary depending on your vehicle’s design and how you position the jack.
4. Stroke
Most jacks (with the exception of hydraulic cars) use a hydraulic pump to compress the hydraulic fluid and generate the force necessary to lift your vehicle or object. Hydraulic stroke is the distance between the input and output ports on the jack, which indicates how far you can move your jack before it needs to be filled with fresh hydraulic fluid. Many jacks have a stroke of 1.25 inches and will only allow you to lift objects within this range.
5. Ease of Use
Choose a jack that’s easy to use and won’t need any assembly or repair. Most jacks are very easy to operate, but you’ll want to choose one with a comfortable grip handle, a stable base, and wheels or casters that allow you to easily move it around your work area.
6. Brand and Style
Be sure to choose a jack that is backed by a reputable brand name, which has earned a reputation for creating durable and well-designed hydraulic tools. If you have a specific jack style in mind, such as a scissor jack or bottle jack, be sure to choose one that matches your preferences.
7. Hydraulic Fluid
The hydraulic fluid in your jack needs to be replaced periodically to ensure the longest possible life for the jack. Not all manufacturers recommend changing the fluid, but it’s a good idea to do so every year or two if you use your tool frequently.
8. Warranty
Finally, choose a model that comes with a warranty or guarantee that protects your investment and ensures that you’re covered in case any defects arise with the product.
Hydraulics have been around for many years, and they have been used in all kinds of industries. Hydraulics is the method of transmitting force through a liquid. Hydrostatic systems are becoming more popular as diesel engines are replaced with less polluting and more efficient diesel engines. It is possible that today’s hydraulic jacks will be replaced by electrics in the future, but for now, they are an extremely useful tool for lifting cars and heavy objects.
