Features of electric jacks

The exact position of large objects in height, maintenance of vehicles with the need to lift the car body, its units and assemblies above the supporting surface require a device specially designed for these tasks under the name "jack". This mechanism is known to any motorist. In addition, most of the views of this unit can be seen at technical inspection stations and in tire shops. In our article we will talk about electric jacks, their types and characteristics.

Electric jacks are mechanisms for lifting cargo, functioning from the car's cigarette lighter or its own battery. 12 volts are enough to power the electric jack. Such a lifting mechanism is able to function even when the car engine is running, which is very much appreciated by motorists. This allows the jack battery to be charged from the mains of the vehicle being lifted.

Electric jacks are characterized by ease of use, the ability to perform their duties from a battery or a vehicle generator, excellent properties when used in extreme conditions. The current consumed by the jack is 20 A.

Electric lifting devices are the result of a synthesis in one design of mechanically moving elements and an electric drive from a motor with a gearbox. The carrying capacity of such devices is at most 2 tons.

The main drive is arranged as follows: a small device based on electrical and mechanical action, includes an electric motor and a gearbox, which drive a lifting screw-like structure. For operation, the device should be installed in the required place and connected to the power supply. For this, along with an adapter for interfacing with the power supply, the jack is equipped with two cables for connecting to the car battery. The work of the lift is coordinated by means of the remote control.

The principle of operation of the electric jack is quite simple:

1. the lift is connected to the network (usually by means of a cigarette lighter);
2. the connection signal is fed through the wires to the jack microprocessor;
3. a signal is sent to the engine of the device;
4. using the control panel, the car owner sets the required height to which the car needs to be lifted;
5. the microprocessor and the hoist motor receive this information and execute the operation.

Currently, there are portable, mobile and stationary jacks, they all differ in design, principle of operation and dimensions. Consider what varieties exist and in what area of ​​application they will be especially effective.

There are several types of lifting devices, which differ in design configuration:

• rhombic;

• screw;

• rolling;

• rack and pinion.

Hoisting mechanisms also differ in the type of drive they use. There are the following types of drives:

• Mechanical jack - the load is lifted due to the use of a foot or hand lever.

• Pneumatic lifting mechanism. It requires a compressed air source to function.In one case, this brings discomfort, in the second, it guarantees the lifting of the load to the set height with the least effort.

• Hydraulic jack - lifts a load by means of the pressure of the working fluid and does not require large efforts required for lifting loads.

• Electric jack - to bring it into working condition, access to the electrical network is required, which limits the use on the road by the capacitive parameters of the battery.

We present a small rating of jacks, compiled according to drivers' reviews. The lifting mechanisms of the German company Varta are most in demand among motorists.

The device is made of non-corrosive steel alloy and has a rhomboid configuration in the working position. Due to the integrity of the structure (i.e. no separate detachable elements), the lifting mechanism is endowed with impeccable strength and stability.

The main disadvantage is the extremely low carrying capacity - up to 2 tons. To some extent, the disadvantages include a large mass - 6 kilograms. Be that as it may, this is a specific "undesirable effect" from the solidity of the structure, which gives the jack tremendous stability.

According to the reviews of car owners, there are no difficulties in installing this modification or when lifting the car. However, if the engine is off, the hoist is noisier due to the low battery voltage.

In addition to the aforementioned jack, many car owners like another modification from the same manufacturer - V-CJ2.11W. The entire structure is also monolithic and made of non-corrosive alloys. Similar to the previous device, This product is equipped with a special remote control with only 2 buttons for raising and lowering the vehicle.

The V-CJ2.11W also does not have a large payload. The maximum weight is 2 tons. In addition, individual car owners have difficulties in the installation process, since this mechanism requires a flat base.

The 12 V electromechanical jack, in a case, with an impact wrench, is a balanced multi-purpose device equipped with additional accessories.

It combines, in addition to the lifting mechanism, a built-in air compressor with an overpressure meter (pressure gauge) and auxiliary lighting equipment (main LED lamp, vertically directed lighting and hazard warning lights).

It will suit even owners of SUVs, since the carrying capacity of this model has been increased to 3 tons. In addition to its standard purpose, it can be used to loosen nuts. It has a universal power supply - both from its own rechargeable battery and from a car generator. This modification is characterized by all the optimal qualities of devices of this type.

The company from the USA Turbo does not lag behind its rivals.

Another trusted electric jack is the Turbo Jack GB - A20. This model is also not offended by the positive characteristics in the form of carrying capacity. - as with the previous modification, it is 3 tons, and also the pick-up height minimized to 110 mm. Motorists praise this option for its high quality workmanship and performance on a wide variety of surfaces. This electric jack is characterized by a lower noise level.

The price of electrical products is higher than, for example, mechanical or hydraulic hoists. In this regard, it is recommended to approach the selection of the device with particular responsibility. And you certainly shouldn't get the cheapest modification.

but if the electric jack is bought for the first time, it is not worth buying especially expensive samples. An electrical device may not be right for you. Therefore, the best option is to make a purchase in the middle price segment.

Thus, when choosing, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• The first step is the price of the lift.
• Carrying capacity is the most essential characteristic that will be discussed separately.
• Lift Limit is the distance the vehicle can rise above the ground.
• Pick-up height (distance between the road surface and the lowest point of the central part of the vehicle) is the smallest clearance required for the jack to be mounted under the vehicle. The lower the suspension system of the machine, the lower the lift height will be.
• Stability is a property that provides balance when the vehicle is lifted.

As a bonus feature, the multifunctionality of the lift can be called. This is the characteristic that is responsible for the lifting capability of all types of vehicles.

At the same time, when choosing, it is also advisable to pay attention to the dimensions of the device - its weight and dimensions. However, this condition is not important for all car owners.

The main quality is carrying capacity.

Carrying capacity is an especially important parameter in the selection of an electrical mechanism. In fact, is the size of the jack or the height of its lifting so important when it is not able to lift the car? For this reason, when choosing any type of lift, not necessarily electric, this parameter should be in the first place.

To choose the right attachment, you need to find out the weight of your car. You can find out from the data sheet. After that, it is necessary to add 100-150 kilograms to the mass. This will become a kind of insurance in case something weighty "gets lost" in the car or in the trunk.

Under no circumstances should you lose sight of the extra pounds. Otherwise, unsafe situations may arise. The most trivial is if the electric jack cannot withstand the mass of the machine and breaks down, and the vehicle falls to the ground with a crash. It follows from this that the owner broke both the car and the lifting mechanism for his own money.

Despite the importance of the parameter, electrical mechanisms do not have a large carrying capacity. For example, screw jacks are capable of lifting a car weighing up to 15 tons, rack and pinion jacks - up to 20 tons, rolling jacks - 3, 5, 10 and 20 tons, hydraulic jacks - generally up to 200 tons. Electric modifications, like their counterparts - inflatable (pneumatic jacks), are not able to withstand masses of more than 4 tons.

Hence, electrical samples must be purchased exclusively for small cars. Pickup trucks, jeeps and other "massive" vehicles are hardly suitable for such a carrying capacity.

You can watch a visual overview of the electric jack in action in the following video.