Features of pneumatic jacks

During the operation of a car or any other dimensional equipment, it will be difficult to do without a jack. This device makes it easy to lift heavy and bulky loads. Among all types of jacks, pneumatic devices are of particular interest.

Pneumatic jacks have a similar structure, which is based on a single principle of operation. Such devices have a flat design, which consists of several parts:

• a strong base is usually created from a polymer material that can withstand high workloads;
• support screw;
• air duct for injecting air into the system;
• handle for relieving high internal pressure;
• pillow (one or more) is made of very durable rubber or PVC.

In addition to external parts, many mechanisms are also located inside the pneumatic jack. They are directly involved in the work of the entire structure and in the process of lifting the load. Air jacks typically last up to 6 years.

This performance is an average among devices, which is fully offset by a number of important advantages:

• compact size allows you to always keep the lifting mechanism at hand;
• high reliability allows air jacks to be compared with rack and pinion and hydraulic mechanisms;
• fast work that does not require much effort;
• high endurance rates make pneumatic devices a good choice not only for private use, but also for industrial use.

Manufacturers set the maximum load level for each model., in which the jack can work normally without damage to component parts and mechanisms. For air jack operation it is advisable to have a compressor with the required performance level on hand.

Air jacks can have a different set of characteristics, which will be determined by their type and classification. Here are the most common parameters that are typical for most models:

• the working pressure in the system usually starts at 2 atmospheres and ends at around 9 atmospheres;
• lifting height of loads is in the range from 37 to 56 cm;
• the pickup height is 15 cm - this indicator is typical for most of the models, there are exceptions, but they are rare;
• the lifting capacity for ordinary jacks, which are used at home and in small service stations, ranges from 1 to 4 tons, for industrial models this figure can reach up to 35 tons.

These mechanisms work on the basis of properties that are characteristic of compressed air / gas. Pneumatic jacks work according to the following scheme:

• air enters the system through the duct;
• the pumped air is collected in a flat chamber;
• pressure rises inside the structure, which leads to the expansion of the rubber cushions;
• the pillows, in turn, rest against the load, which makes it rise;
• for lowering the load, a lever is designed, when pressed, a valve is triggered to relieve high pressure.

Pneumatic jacks are widely used in various fields:

• car service centers will not be able to function normally without various lifts;
• tire fitting centers must also have a set of various lifting devices, these can be cargo models and low pressure jacks;
• in the Ministry of Emergency Situations, it is also impossible to do without lifts, with the help of which you can easily lift various loads;
• at construction sites, situations often arise when it is necessary to lift heavy or large objects;
• a jack must always be in the trunk of each car, because no one is immune from difficult situations on the road.

There are several types of pneumatic jacks.

These are the favorite mechanisms for car service workers and car owners, who are independently engaged in their maintenance. The design of such models consists of a wide and stable platform, cushion and handle. The pillow can be composed of a different number of sections.

The constructions are fully consistent with their name. They consist of an inflatable cushion and a cylindrical hose. These lifts are distinguished by their compact size, light weight and ease of use.

They look like a cushion with a rubber-cord shell. When air is injected into the system, the height of the cushion increases

When choosing a jack, it is important not to make a mistake and take into account all the working points.

• Carrying capacity must be taken into account when choosing a pneumatic jack. To calculate the required load capacity, you will need to divide the weight of the load by the number of support points. For example, for a car, these points are the wheels. Therefore, its weight is divided by 4 wheels and at the output we get a number that will display the required lifting capacity for the jack. This indicator should be selected with a margin, which will exclude the operation of the mechanism with an increased load.
• Minimum pickup height indicates the distance between the bottom support and the support area of ​​the device. Models with a small pick-up height are more convenient to use, but this indicator often determines the maximum height to which the load can be lifted. Both indicators need to be taken into account.
• Lifting height (working stroke) aboutShows the gap between the lower and upper position of the working surface of the mechanism. The advantage should be given to large indicators, since it will be more convenient to work with such devices.
• Weight the jack should not be large. With its increase, the ease of use of the lift decreases.
• The effort on the drive handle reflects the difficulty of operating the mechanism. The smaller it is, the better. This figure depends on the type of lift and the number of cycles required for a full lift.

Despite the simplicity of the construction of pneumatic lifts, difficulties in the process of their operation can still occur. They can be avoided with advice from experts and power users.

1. The main problem that arises for inexperienced users is the lift off. The reason is the incorrect position of the jack under the object. The mechanism first needs to be inflated, deflated and evenly unfolded by the pillows.
2. The rubber parts of the inflatable jack can be damaged by the sharp edges of the load being lifted. To prevent such a situation, it is necessary to put mats, which in most cases are included in the basic package.
3. Pneumatic jacks, in theory, are not afraid of cold and freezing temperatures. In practice, the material from which the pillows are made loses its elasticity and becomes "oak". Therefore, at low temperatures, the mechanism must be operated with caution. If the temperature drops below -10 °, it is better not to use a lift.

You can find out how to make a pneumatic jack with your own hands in the next video.