Features of hydraulic bottle jacks

The main features of hydraulic bottle jacks are determined by the principle of operation of such mechanisms. Such lifting devices are now widely used in various fields and fields. Moreover, most often hydraulic jacks can be seen in the arsenal of many modern motorists. The key to the correct operation of this equipment and their longest service life will be knowledge of the design features and the principle of operation.

Each type of hydraulic jack, including bottle jacks, assumes certain features of the device. However, all of them, regardless of type and model, have the same rod lifting mechanism.

The list of the main elements of such devices includes the following elements.

• Lever that plays a key role when pumping working fluid (oil) between reservoirs inside the lift.
• A plunger that moves parallel to the arm. In this case, in the process of moving upwards, the liquid is collected from one container, and when descending, it is pushed into another. In this way, the necessary pressure is created under the jack rod.
• The piston, which is the base of the rod, which is as close as possible to the inner surface of the hydraulic cylinder and is driven by the increasing pressure of the working fluid.
• The rod, which is the final structural element, abuts directly against the load and moves with the piston.
• Reverse-acting valves (2 pcs.), Due to the operation of which the oil moves from one cylinder to another and does not flow back. So, one of these devices opens when a vacuum is formed, and closes as soon as pressure is created. In parallel, the second valve functions in reverse.
• The bypass valve is an important element of the mechanism, which is responsible for normalizing the working pressure. Its function is to open a flap located between two oil tanks. Due to the actuation of this valve, the stem is lowered under load.

Taking into account all the technical characteristics, performance indicators and design nuances, bottle jacks can be called the simplest. This is primarily due to the lack of additional devices and mechanisms.

On the example of bottle-type jacks, one can see how any hydraulic lifting mechanism works and works. Today, on the vastness of the world wide web, you can easily find diagrams in the context of different types of hydraulic jacks with more than detailed descriptions. At the same time, regardless of the modification and carrying capacity, they all work according to the same principle.

The mechanism itself is as simple as possible, and it is based on a piston driven by the pressure of the working fluid. Most often, high-quality mineral oil plays its role. The whole device is driven by a plunger, that is, a small pump.

The main task of developers at one time was the maximum reduction of the applied efforts. This was achieved due to the difference between the diameters of the hydraulic cylinder and the plunger. As a result, the pumped liquid begins to push out the piston, which lifts the load through the rod.With a slow release of pressure, the entire assembly moves in the opposite direction, and the load is lowered.

Bottle jacks are a separate type of hydraulic lifters. Wherein there are varieties of such devices, into which they are subdivided taking into account the key performance characteristics and design features. First of all, it is worth considering that we are not talking about hydraulic jacks with low pickup. On this basis, the load capacity and the maximum working height should be considered primarily.

Now on the market you can choose models of bottle jacks with a lifting capacity that varies in a wider range. But at the same time, the main distinguishing feature is the type of stock. It can be either single or telescopic. At the moment, manufacturers already offer a wide range of modifications, including a three-rod jack.

Choosing a specific lifting mechanism, a potential buyer first of all focuses on the operating conditions. Nowadays, many companies represent their products in this segment of the market for tools and equipment. At the same time, it is sometimes difficult to choose the best option. In such situations, the current ratings of the most popular models come to the rescue.

Based on the feedback from users and the recommendations of specialists, the following bottle jacks can be distinguished.

• "Zubr Expert" - The bottle-type hydraulic jack, manufactured in China, is in many respects identical in design to the corresponding domestic models. The unit has a lifting capacity of 5,000 kg, and the pick-up and lift heights are 0.21 and 0.4 meters.

• "Zubr" 43060-12 - Russian-made equipment, characterized by maximum endurance and durability.

• Model DG-08 from Autoprofi. This is another representative of the PRC, characterized by increased strength and having a working stroke in the range of 0.2-04 m. Taking into account the carrying capacity of up to 8 tons, it is widely used in the repair of trucks.

• Matrix Master 507203 - 8-ton lifting device, differing from most of the closest competitors in the minimum weight (only 6 kg). The lifting height of the jack is 0.23 m, and the maximum lift, taking into account the retractable rod, is 0.4 m.

• Kraftool 43463-6 - 6 ton bottle jack that has become a real hit among SUV and small truck owners. At the same time, the lifting height of only 170 mm allows the device to be used for lifting passenger cars.

• AJ-TB-12 from AirLine. With a lifting capacity of up to 12 tons, this jack can be used when working with cars and SUVs, as well as with trucks. The lifting height of this model varies from 0.27 to 0.5 meters.

Often, when choosing car jacks, users put typical preferences at the forefront.

Experts recommend that first of all pay attention to the following important criteria.

• Carrying capacity, which is the main parameter that deserves the greatest attention in the process of choosing a model of a hydraulic and any other jack. For example, for owners of cars, indicators in the range of 1.5-3 tons will be more relevant.
• Pickup height. In practice, this criterion is often mistakenly underestimated. When selecting the optimal jack model, the vehicle's clearance should be taken into account, which should be commensurate with the minimum working height of the lifting device. Otherwise, the use of the "bottle" will be impossible.
• The maximum lifting height of the load in relation to the fulcrum. This parameter for modern models of bottle-type hydraulic jacks ranges from 0.3 to 0.5 meters.In the overwhelming majority of cases, this height is sufficient for wheel replacement and some other repair work.

In addition to all of the above, when choosing equipment, you need to pay attention to its own weight. In many ways, this parameter indicates the quality of the materials from which the elements of the equipment are made, including the nozzles.

The design features of hydraulic, plunger jacks of this category determine their simplest operation. Almost everyone can use such equipment, even without the appropriate experience. This requires the following steps.

1. Place the lift under the load (vehicle) so that the base fits snugly against the most level surface. Choosing a solid point of support for the stem is equally important.
2. After installing the jack, start lifting the object. It is necessary to tighten the bypass valve and use the special lever that is included with all devices. The pressure of the working fluid is created by the up and down movements of this handle.
3. After completing all work, lower the piston with the rod. To do this, the same valve will need to be turned off one turn.

It is highly recommended to check the piston and rod for dirt and water before lowering the load.

It is also important to remember that during the operation of the bottle jack it is prohibited:

• start lifting the vehicle and performing any work on the carriageway (if possible, the car should be removed off the road);
• work under the vehicle body, which is held without stops (stands) by only one jack;
• use the bumper as a stop for the stem;
• lift a car with a trailer;
• start the engine of a jacked-up car;
• leave passengers in the passenger compartment of the vehicle;
• to lift in jerks or too quickly - the movement of the lever should be smooth and uniform;
• use stones and even more bricks as supports for fixing the lifted machine and other loads.

In addition to all of the above, it must be remembered that it is highly undesirable to use the same working fluid for a long time without replacement. Changes in the properties of mineral oil have a negative impact on the performance of the lifting device.

The following rules will help to extend the life of the bottle plunger jack.

• The working fluid should be changed at least 2 times a year. With the active operation of the equipment, this procedure is carried out monthly and always with high-quality flushing of the hydraulic cylinders.
• In winter, it is necessary to fill in synthetics.
• Store the jack in a dry and warm place as much as possible.
• At low temperatures, the operating time of the device must be reduced to a minimum.

It's no secret that competent operation and timely maintenance can significantly reduce costs... High-quality preventive maintenance prevents malfunctions, and, consequently, rather expensive repairs or the purchase of new lifting equipment.

How to choose a bottle jack, see below.