All about inflatable jacks

Inflatable air cushion jacks managed to prove their effectiveness and reliability in the most extreme circumstances. They are chosen for themselves by the owners of SUVs and owners of cars, with them you can easily get out of a snow drift or swamp, mud rut, sand trap, change a wheel. An overview of pneumatic car jacks SLON, Air Jack and others, working from the exhaust pipe for the car and from the compressor, will help to choose the right model.

An inflatable jack is a car lifting device equipped with an air cushion. This type of equipment belongs to the category mobile devicesthat can be used in the most extreme conditions.

Hover jack can be used in non-standard operating conditions: off-road, where there is no solid support, on an expedition and in the city, if the usual devices are too cumbersome.

All inflatable lifts belong to the category pneumatic devices. When gas or compressed air is supplied, the inner cavity expands, gradually raising the load. Lift height adjustment is determined by the intensity of pumping the jack.

The design of an inflatable jack is as simple as possible and includes the following elements.

1. Pillow made of elastic material: PVC or rubberized fabric.
2. Flexible hose for air or gas supply. For pumping with a compressor, an adapter must be included.
3. Mats to protect the pillow from damage. Some manufacturers make special hardened pads on the top and bottom of the jack, eliminating the need for additional spacers for customers.
4. Case for transportation and storage.

The use of inflatable jacks is most advisable when changing wheels on the road. They will also be useful when putting snow chains on wheels, as well as when pulling vehicles out of mud or snow tracks, sticky sandy soil. When slipping, such a device provides the necessary support, regardless of the presence of solid soil under the wheels, it is even possible to submerge it under water. In addition to the automotive industry, such lifts are widely used in rescue operations, when performing various installation and construction works, laying pipelines and repairing linear communications.

An inflatable or pneumatic hover jack is a real off-road salvation for any car enthusiast... However, not only in extreme conditions such devices show themselves in the best way. Even in service stations, inflatable jacks are often used, making it possible to quickly and efficiently raise a car when changing wheels or other types of repairs.

Let's note a few of the most obvious advantages.

• Compact size and light weight. The inflatable jack is easy to carry with you in the car, store at home or in the garage.
• Versatility. The device can even be used to lift cars with a damaged bottom, rotten sills.
• No restrictions on clearance height. When folded, the jack can be easily placed under the bottom, even if it is above the ground.
• Possibility of air supply from the exhaust pipe. Almost all models have this option available.Even if there is no compressor at hand, it will be easy to pump up the device case.
• High pumping speed... In less than a minute, the equipment will be completely ready and fixed in the desired position.

Inflatable jacks have service life limitations: they have to be changed every 3-5 years. There are also requirements for the severity of the equipment that can be lifted. The standard limit is set at 4 tons. When installing, it is important to pay attention to the choice of the site: sharp objects with increasing load can even pierce a three-layer PVC contour.

All inflatable jacks have a similar design, but there are factors that make it possible to classify such lifting devices. The main division is made according to the method of inflating the pneumatic element. The increase in volume can be carried out with the supply of a gaseous medium from the following elements.

• Compressor. Both a mechanical and an automatic pump are suitable here, the pressure is adjusted smoothly. This method is good because it is completely safe for the environment, does not require the vehicle to be in good condition (it can be used for repairs). Through a special branch pipe, the compressor is connected to the jack, the air enters the interior of the pillow, increasing it in volume. This is a simple solution that allows full control over the inflation process without the risk of rupture of the jack chamber.

• Exhaust pipe... It is connected through a hose with an air cushion; when gas is supplied, the cavity is inflated. This is the fastest method, but it is recommended for use only when the fuel system is fully functional and tight. Another important point is that the exhaust gases are toxic, so the inflatable jack will wear out faster. But when inflating from the exhaust pipe, you do not need to carry additional equipment with you. You can use the lifting device in any, even the most extreme conditions.

It is worth considering that most inflatable jacks support both inflation methods, which makes them a versatile option for travel and travel. In addition, all pneumatic devices can be classify by carrying capacity: it rarely exceeds 1-6 tons and depends on the diameter of the air cushion and its dimensions. In terms of their functionality and performance, such models are not very diverse.

According to the lifting height, standard and improved models are distinguished. The working range of the latter reaches 50-70 cm. Standard options are capable of lifting the machine 20-49 cm from the ground.

Rubber and PVC inflatable car jacks are widely available in the market. Many manufacturers there are modifications for 2, 3, 5 tons, allowing you to choose a car lift with the desired characteristics. They all deserve a more detailed study. To understand the features of the most popular models will help consolidated rating.

The Air Jack pneumatic jack is manufactured by Time Trial LLC from St. Petersburg. The product has a cylindrical body made of PVC with a density of 1100 g / m2, the upper and lower parts are additionally protected by anti-slip grooved pads for more reliable operation in low temperatures. The model was originally designed for inflation by an autocompressor or pump; the kit includes 2 adapters for different types of compressed air sources.

The pneumatic jack Air Jack is installed under the bottom of the car when folded. The pumping speed of the compressor is from 5 to 10 minutes. Optionally, you can purchase and install an adapter for supplying gas through the exhaust pipe. It, like the hoses, is purchased separately. In this case, the rate of climb to the desired altitude takes no more than 20 seconds.

Air Jack inflatable jacks are available in 4 versions.

• "DT-4". The model for machines with high ground clearance, has an increased diameter of the working platform up to 50 cm, the maximum lifting height is 90 cm.Lifting capacity of the product is 1963 kg, suitable for machines up to 4 tons.
• "DT-3". A simplified version of the previous model. With the same payload and platform dimensions, it provides a working height of up to 60 cm. Suitable for machines with standard ground clearance.
• "DT-2". Pneumatic jack for vehicles weighing up to 2.5 tons, load capacity is 1256 kg. The working platform has a diameter of 40 cm and the maximum lifting height is 40 cm.
• "DT-1". Model for low ground clearance machines, the maximum lifting height reaches 50 cm. The platform diameter is reduced to 30 cm, the maximum lifting capacity is 850 kg.

Inflatable jacks manufactured in Tula under the SLON brand are produced from multilayer PVC. The patented trapezoidal shape makes the structure more stable, and reinforced protection of the bottom from ice and sharp objects, stones, branches. The upper part has an anti-slip surface, does not require the use of additional rugs.

This manufacturer also has several modifications.

• 2.5 tons. The jack is designed to lift light vehicles with the corresponding weight up to 50 cm. The model has a 60 cm lower diameter and 40 cm upper working platform.
• 3 tons. This model is designed for light SUVs and SUVs, suitable for use on snow, ice, virgin soil. The maximum lifting height is 65 cm, the diameter at the bottom is 65 cm, and at the top is 45 cm.
• 3.5 tons. The oldest model in the line. The lifting height reaches 90 cm, and the base with a diameter of 75 cm provides maximum stability on slippery surfaces, becomes a fulcrum when getting stuck in mud, on snow.

The main reason why SLON jacks are inferior to Air Jacks is because the density of the material is only 850 g / m2. It is lower, and this significantly accelerates wear, increases the likelihood of rupture under the influence of external factors.

Russian manufacturer of inflatable jacks with an office in Moscow. The company manufactures cylindrical products for 3 tons with a lifting height of up to 58 cm, as well as models for 4 tons, capable of providing a working range of up to 88 cm. The products are equipped with external anti-slip mats, but this does not increase their ease of use. Compared to other models, the brand's products receive much fewer positive reviews.

Popularization of pneumatic jacks began about 10 years ago... Today they are in demand not only among private motorists, but also among the owners of service centers, tire shops, emergency services. According to those who already use this type of lifting device, the very idea of ​​an inflatable jack is quite justified. But the performance offered by manufacturers is not always ideal. The greatest criticism is caused by the models of the Sorokin brand, and they are associated with a complete set. The round tailpipe cannot be adapted to the oval exhaust pipe, there are no additional adapters, they have to be purchased separately.

Difficulties arise with the calculation of the carrying capacity of the device. SUV owners note that it is better to take the option with a margin - it will provide a rise to a great height. On average, the declared and real indicators differ by 4-5 cm, which is a lot in the case of a car with an unusually high ground clearance.

Among the positive aspects in the operation of pneumatic lifting devices are most often mentioned compact dimensions, versatility of products. They are well suited for vehicles with low ground clearance. In addition, it is noted that with the correct position of the jack under the bottom, the results can be obtained more impressive than with the classic models. Owners celebrate atquality of operation in extreme conditions, although on the asphalt in the heat, such equipment performs better than metal counterparts.

Regarding positioning models as completely problem-free jack options "for girls", this is only true for compressor versions. With a good auto-air pump, you really don't have to put in the effort.

Connecting the pipe of the device to the exhaust pipe is another task, not even all men can cope with it. In winter or on slippery surfaces when inflating, there may be a problem of bottom slippage. Models with spikes are called upon to save from such incidents, but they are not always able to help.

For information on how to make an inflatable jack with your own hands, see the next video.