Hydraulic jacks are helpful tools that make lifting heavy objects easy. People and companies use them to lift machinery, automotive, building materials, buildings, and more. The simple design of these tools makes heavy lifting, storage, and mobility a breeze.
Ratchet lifts were some of the first designs of these tools. They worked with manual ratcheting and were labor intensive. These lifts are still available today, but with the capabilities of hydraulic systems, floor lifts have become easier to use, store, and sometimes take with you.
How Hydraulic Jacks Work
The first thing you do with a hydraulic jack is close the pressure valve to keep the pressure in the cylinders. Then as you push the lever down, hydraulic fluid from the small cylinder pushes into the larger cylinder creating a force that moves anything in its way. Lifts can force things up or sideways depending on the jack’s use. When you complete your work and need to bring the jack down, simply release the pressure valve, and the jack and items will descend.
The hydraulic fluid is long-lasting and creates a durable, reliable jack for lifting items. Like many tools, these lifts require a small level of maintenance. Hydraulic repair kits are available for regular maintenance for the oil in the reservoir, filters, and seal rings. There are several types of hydraulic jacks that work for machines and materials. Read below to find the best one for your heavy lifting.
4 Types of Hydraulic Jacks
Bottle Jack
A bottle jack is handy for lifting cars and houses. The compact bottle-like design of this jack makes it very portable. However, it is mainly for higher clearance items and takes extra work to lift and lower the lever due to its small design. The bottle jack sits on the floor, uses a hand lever to raise, and can lift vertically up to 50 tons.
Toe Jack
Toe Jacks are excellent for heavier items with low or high clearance. This durable and safe hydraulic jack is compact and easy to carry, like a bottle jack. It is similar to the shape of the bottle jack, but its design adds a toe-like feature to the base. The extra base support adds security to the jack, preventing it from twisting or falling over.
Toes jacks are excellent tools for cars, trucks, moving houses, building materials, ships, etc. Toe jacks can rotate, lift vertically or horizontally, and lift to 50 tons. The jack has a bar that inserts on the side. Raise and lower the lever to create the lifting motion of the jack.
Trolley Jack
Trolley jacks are just as they sound, jacks on a small trolley, moveable with wheels. Many mechanics favor trolley jacks due to their ease of use. Although not as compact as bottle or toe jacks, trolley jacks make lifting a car or yard equipment very simple. Quickly move the jack to the position you want to lift, close the pressure valve, raise the lever up and down, and lift the machinery. It is as simple as that.
These low-clearance jacks are great when performing maintenance on sports cars and mowers. They also rise to considerable heights, so you can use them on a high-clearance machine or automobile. When you complete your desired work, release the pressure valve, and the lift will come down quickly, lowering the car.
Trolley jacks are safe, stable, and fast to set up. Preferred by professional and DIY mechanics, these jacks are excellent for your garage tool supplies.
Heavy Equipment Jack
If you are working with buildings, materials, or structures, such as bridges that weigh far more than 50 tons, heavy equipment jacks will be your choice of tool. These jacks can lift up to 200+ tons and use electric or remote lift support. Still containing the hydraulic design, remote lift supports can turn into forklifts and more for easy heavy lifting.
These jacks are not typically compact enough to pack up and move around easily, but they are stable, durable, and safe.
Lift Your Machinery Today
Hydraulic jacks make life easier with the simplicity of raising and lowering heavy machinery. From cars to ships to houses to building materials, hydraulic jacks can help support and lift your item. Compact bottle and toe jacks are great to carry to various job sites. The trolley and heavy equipment jacks will quickly get your items up and ready to work on in the garage or shop. Buy your new hydraulic jack today and start building and fixing your machines.
Jordan McDowell is a writer and automotive enthusiast. He specializes in content that helps car and truck owners get the most from their vehicles through aftermarket upgrades.
