Jack is a mechanism whose main function is lifting and fixing loads at a height. In the role of the difference between this device and other lifting mechanisms such as cranes and winches, it is possible to single out the possibility of locating the equipment from below, and not from above, which eliminates the need to use auxiliary ropes, chains and structures.
Main types of jacks
Today there are several varieties of jacks, among them:
- screw;
- rack;
- hydraulic;
- pneumatic.
The first ones are used for repair work when there is a need to install a load from above or below. In this case, a rotating heel or paw can be used. The carrying capacity of such devices usually does not exceed 15 tons. The units consist of a cylinder, inside of which several or one lifting screw is placed. It can be extended or retracted depending on the direction of rotation of the toothed nut.
Considering the types of jacks, the photos of which are presented in the article, you should highlight themMain advantages. For example, a screw device has the greatest reliability during operation, which is explained by the fact that the load is reinforced with a thread, and when lifting, the nut rotates idle. Important pluses can also be called stability, as well as strength, such mechanisms are able to work without additional stands.
Considering screw jacks, the types of this equipment you should study first of all. Among others, it is necessary to highlight the combined lever-screw devices, which have an important advantage, expressed in low cost, impressive lift height, low weight and compact size. We should also mention the shortcomings of this type of screw jacks, among which are poor stability, as well as a drive handle that is not comfortable to use.
More about Lever Screw Jacks
The main types of car jacks include lever-screw devices, which are considered the most functional and are used to lift loads up to 1 ton. Benefits include light weight, high travel and low launch height.
However, these structures cannot boast of impressive rigidity, as well as stability. If it is necessary to lift a load whose mass reaches 2 tons, then a rhombic variety should be preferred, which includes 4 levers connected to each other by means of hinges. They are arranged in a diamond shape, which gave the device its name.
More about screwjacks
Car jacks, the types and purpose of which were described above, can be screw, they, according to the type of effort, are divided into manual and equipped with an electric drive. The mechanical version of such devices was invented 30 years ago, but to this day the mechanism has not undergone almost any changes.
The main structural element is the body and screw, which are made of steel. The main advantages of such units were described above, but they also have disadvantages, among them:
- large size;
- small bearing area;
- can be used exclusively when lifting vehicles equipped with lugs.
If we consider in more detail the insignificant area of support, we can single out the consequence, which is low stability. That is why these types of mechanical jacks are additionally insured with logs, as well as all kinds of objects like bricks that are placed under the car.
Characteristics of rack jacks
These tools are widely used in assembly and dismantling, as well as repair and construction work. Among the main varieties of this equipment, gear and lever mechanisms can be distinguished. The latter are complemented by a swing arm that moves the rail. Instead of a drive lever, rack and pinion jacks use a gear that is drivenin action with the handle. To hold the load on the axis of one of the gears, a ratchet is provided.
In both varieties of the described jacks, a load-carrying rail with a cup acts as the main node. If the load has a low-lying support surface, then just a rack jack will help with this, the lower end of the rack of which is bent at an angle of 90 °. Considering the types and types of jacks, you can note that an important feature of rack devices is the low location of the lifting platform. On sale you can find options in which the distance to the floor is only 90 mm. Such equipment may have a one-, two-, or three-stage transmission. Each variety is used to lift loads:
- up to 6 tons;
- from 6 to 15 tons;
- more than 15 tons respectively.
Such devices can work in a vertical or horizontal position. The devices are easy to maintain and simple in design, maintainable, and also provide a high load capacity, which reaches 20 tons.
Hydraulic jack specifications
The next thing to consider is a hydraulic jack, the types of which will be mentioned below. This equipment is powered by liquid, and the principle of operation is based on a plunger that moves with the help of liquid pressure. Such devices are characterized by low operating force, large load capacity, high efficiency, compactness, smooth running and rigidity.
However, there are also disadvantages, expressed in an impressive lifting height, which is greater than that of mechanical jacks. In this case, the lowering height cannot be adjusted as accurately as possible. In addition, these types of jacks can break, and breakage will be more serious than mechanical lifting devices. The carrying capacity in this case varies from 1 to 1000 tons, and among the main varieties can be distinguished:
- bottle;
- classic;
- rollable;
- diamond;
- filling;
- two-level.
Looking at the types of hydraulic type jacks, you will understand that the single-rod bottle type is easy to operate, has a wide range of use, and can effectively perform work of arbitrarily high complexity.
You can use such equipment for dismantling and installation in any industry such as construction and engineering. The jack will also come in handy when repairing railway cars, cars, wheelsets, as power units for pipe benders, pipe cutters and other equipment. These types of jacks must be transported with extreme care, because the working fluid can simply leak out of the tank, so you need to store the device in an upright position.
Pneumatic jack specifications
This type of equipment is used to lift and move cargo during repair, installation and rescue operations. Such devices are indispensable when between the load and the support there is absolutelyminor gap. The pneumatic type of jacks is indispensable when the most accurate installation is required. If the work is carried out on marshy, uneven and loose ground, then the choice will be obvious.
These types of jacks are used for joining pipeline systems of impressive diameters, sometimes this parameter reaches 1200 mm. Such equipment has the form of a rubber-cord flat sheath, which is made of reinforced fabric. It increases in height when compressed air is supplied. The source can be mobile or stationary compressors, compressed air cylinders, car pumps.
The main disadvantage of pneumatic jacks is the impressive cost, which is affected by expensive manufacturing technology, design complexity, as well as small batches of industrial production. Considering such jacks, the types and design of which you should study before buying, it should be mentioned that such devices may not be safe when the engine is turned off. As for the lifting capacity, it is determined by the pressure in the pneumatic drive.
Characteristics of mechanical pole jacks
Considering the types of jacks for cars, it is worth highlighting rack-mounted mechanical devices, in the design of which there are screws capable of lifting loads up to 3 tons. Such structures have high rigidity and excellent stability, but among the shortcomings there is a serious impressive weight and a small lifting height.
Rolling jack and hismain varieties
Considering the types of rolling jacks, portable, stationary and mobile devices should be distinguished. These mechanisms may have a different design, but according to the device they are divided into rack, screw and hydraulic. The latter variety is considered the most popular and is better known than the classic rolling.
Such devices are suitable for both a private motorist and tire shops. However, for the operation of the equipment, it is necessary to provide an even, hard surface, which is required for movement. In appearance, these types of car jacks are a trolley that moves with the help of wheels made of steel. The design weighs a lot, and the price is quite high. Such jacks are not suitable for transportation in a car. This is due to the fact that in road conditions you will not be able to use the device, however, workshops sometimes cannot do without such equipment.
The height of the rolling mechanisms is not so high, but stable, the latter quality is provided by a platform that acts as a support. The design includes a lifting device, a pump and a piston. All this allows the equipment to work with a load that has an impressive weight. Using it, you will be able to lift the car to change the wheels. The device also has a shut-off valve, the main role of which is the fixation of the load at any height. On sale you can find mechanisms with additional grips that expand the capabilities of the jack. Experts advise to knowdistinguish pseudo-hydraulic models from rolling hydraulic equipment.
Peculiarities of using rolling devices
If, having considered all types of jacks for cars, you have chosen rolling equipment, you should become more familiar with the features and rules for its use. If there is a need to raise that part of the car where the wheel is located, then the device must first be installed on a flat surface, otherwise unpleasant consequences cannot be avoided. If the mechanism moves, the machine will fall off, and such a violation of the rules will lead to injury.
You can ask before starting work what load the device is designed for. If the load rate is exceeded, then the mechanism, like the car, may be damaged. For the maintenance and repair of a passenger car, you can pick up a mechanism whose carrying capacity is 2 tons or less. If we are talking about more powerful vehicles, then rolling equipment for 5 tons will be required.
The vehicle to be serviced must be secured. For wheels in this case, locking shoes are used. This fixation will prevent the body from moving. The mechanisms will only allow you to raise the car, but while the car is installed on them, repair or other work cannot be carried out. As soon as the transport can be raised to the desired height, the mechanisms should be removed, for this, safety stands are used.
Conclusion
Before purchasing a particular type of jack, you need to know about the massyour car. This will eliminate the possibility of purchasing a device with the wrong load capacity. This parameter should be selected with a small margin.
It must be remembered that powerful mechanisms are more impressive in size and weight, so some free space will be required for their transportation and storage. Recently, experts have increasingly recommended purchasing domestically produced goods, because, compared with foreign ones, they do not differ much in functionality, but they are much cheaper. And it will be quite difficult to find service centers for imported devices in your city if you do not live in a metropolis. As practice shows, domestic jacks are more maintainable, you can fix the problem if it occurs on your own, without resorting to outside help.
