All about rolling jacks

Lifting mechanisms of various types have long become an integral part in the workshop of modern motorists. It is for this reason that many are trying to learn everything about such a variety of similar devices as rolling jacks. The effectiveness of these devices can hardly be overestimated. They become indispensable if you need to change a wheel, carry out repair work, and sometimes rescue a stuck car.

The technical characteristics and the principle of operation of the rolling jack are determined primarily by the elements of its design. Lifts belonging to the described category have the following parts.

1. Jack body, which can be aluminum or high quality steel. It is worth noting that professional models of lifting equipment have a more massive body, which is due to operating conditions.
2. Swivel support platform.
3. The rod of the working hydraulic cylinder, which is responsible for the movement of the platform.
4. The main hydraulic cylinder, which is the main unit.
5. Rotary handle that acts as a pump lever. Most often, to ensure comfortable operating conditions, this element is made removable.
6. Plunger acting as a hydraulic pump.
7. The screw that controls the function of the drain valve, with which, by gradually decreasing the pressure in the system, the raised vehicle is lowered.
8. Spring that returns the piston to its original position when pressure is released.
9. Some models can be equipped with a removable or stationary handle for transporting the device.
10. A protective cover (cover), the main function of which is to prevent dirt and dust from entering the hydraulic cylinder rod.
11. Wheels.
12. Scissor arm system.
13. Many lifts are equipped with maintenance cuff kits.

A mobile car lift is a hydraulic system, that is, a device whose principle of operation is based on a change in the pressure of the working fluid in the system.

The force applied to the lever is greatly increased due to the valve system and the presence of communicating chambers. The stem is driven by the appearance of oil in the cylinder, the reverse movement (outflow) of which is prevented by the check valve. To lower the platform, it will be necessary to turn a special screw that opens the valve, with the help of which the pressure of the working fluid in the cylinder is reduced.

It should be noted that for all their advantages, the described lifts have one design feature. They are relatively small in height, but this, in turn, provides the devices with increased stability. A sufficiently large area, among other things, is responsible for the maximum strength of the entire structure.

It is also worth paying attention to the shut-off valve. This element is designed to fix the jack, and therefore the load in a certain position. Extremely reliable in this context will be models with clamps, which allow you to hold the system at the desired height without much effort.

When analyzing the key characteristics of bottle-type jacks and comparing them with the parameters of rolling devices, one should focus on the small area of ​​the support platform.

During the lifting process, the bottle jack may move, and as a result, the load will no longer be directed strictly vertically. In a situation with the described category of lifts, the likelihood of such a phenomenon is almost completely excluded.

In a comparative analysis of the design and performance, it is necessary to highlight the following key advantages of rolling models.

1. Increased efficiency.
2. Sufficient lifting capacity with relatively small dimensions of the device. This performance ratio is due to the horizontal positioning of the cylinder and the presence of a removable lever.
3. Smooth ascent, high-quality fixation and gradual descent of the platform with a load, for which a special screw is responsible, and in some models - a pedal.
4. Maximum stability.
5. Simplicity and ease of use.

Given the fact that nothing is perfect, it is important to pay attention to the disadvantages of this type of lifting mechanisms, including:

• relatively low lifting speed, which in some situations is a significant disadvantage;
• the risk of a decrease in the pressure of the working fluid in the cylinder, leading to the lowering of the load;
• at negative temperatures, the performance of hydraulic systems deteriorates significantly, however, most often rolling jacks are used in a garage or service station;
• quite costly repairs and a relatively short service life with inadequate care and maintenance;
• the need for the presence of the most solid and level surface, which allows the lift to be installed correctly;
• low working height, if you do not take into account the cargo models.

The correct choice of one type or another, as well as a specific model of a lifting device, is sometimes quite difficult to make.

An equally important point is the variety of rolling jacks, which differ from each other in basic operational properties.

In this case, we mean the main characteristic of any car jack. It is important to take into account that the use of the device outside the regulations poses a potential danger to itself, the vehicle, as well as directly to human health and life. When purchasing a lift, it is highly recommended to calculate potential loads and select a model with a capacity margin.

Taking into account this parameter, the mechanisms currently presented on the market can be divided into the following categories.

1. Lifts for passenger cars, used most often in garages and having a carrying capacity ranging from 1.5 to 2 tons. Since the mass of such vehicles rarely exceeds 2 tons, purchasing a more powerful jack is unlikely to be advisable.
2. Professional models for car services, the described indicator of which starts from the mark of 3 tons. This is due to the variety of vehicles served with different weights.
3. Lifting mechanisms for trucks. In this case, it is important to take into account not only the weight of the car itself, but also its carrying capacity, since it is often necessary to service the same trucks in the equipped form. For example, if the weight of the car is 8 tons, and its maximum carrying capacity is 10 tons, then you will need a jack that can withstand 18 tons.

Another important characteristic of any car lift, which directly determines the possibility and features of using a particular rolling-type model. This refers to the minimum ground clearance at which the jack can be installed.

Based on the foregoing, when buying a rolling device, it is strongly recommended to take into account the pickup height and compare it with the ground clearance of the car itself. As practice shows, in situations with machines with a ground clearance of less than 14 cm, the best option will be precisely the described jacks, the pickup of which is from 7 to 10 cm.Otherwise, the use of a lifting device will become extremely difficult, and in most cases, simply impossible.

In addition to the two listed parameters, the limiting height of the lift plays an important role in the classification. It should provide the ability to carry out certain repairs or maintenance of individual components and assemblies of the machine. As in the situation with the carrying capacity, it is better to have at least a minimum margin, since it is necessary to take into account, for example, the free travel of the suspension.

We can talk, in addition to the banal replacement of the wheel, including the repair or maintenance of the steering rack. At the same time, regardless of the performance of rolling structures with a sufficient working height, you should always remember to use reliable supports for belay. By the way, if there is an appropriate supporting surface, such jacks may well be used if the car is stuck off-road.

Another important point is the type of mechanism, which is a key structural component of any jack, including the type described. The overwhelming majority of models available on the modern market are equipped with gear or cardan power units. Also, devices are classified according to their lifting speed. So, some representatives of the model lines of leading manufacturers are equipped with mechanisms that allow increasing the speed at low loads.

Today in the corresponding market segment there is more than a wide range of lifting mechanisms of the described type. We are talking about jacks of German, Swedish production, as well as companies representing Finland and, of course, Russia. This naturally allows experienced motorists and craftsmen to equip garages and repair shops with the most appropriate equipment. At the same time, many find it difficult to navigate in such a variety.

Finding a way out allows high-quality reviews of different models, as well as current ratings. Taking into account numerous reviews, the following representatives of the model ranges of well-known manufacturers can be distinguished in the top popular lifts.

• Matrix Master 51028 - a model of a brand that is of German origin and is now being produced in China. This compact and light enough (13 kg) device is capable of lifting up to 2 tons to a height of 385 mm with a pickup of 13 cm.

• Model 110103-002 of the Russian brand Santool characterized by reliability and durability at a competitive cost. Maximum mobility of the device is ensured by a weight of only 6.5 kg and the presence of a convenient carrying case. The main disadvantage is the working height (30 cm).

• S-0180201 from Skyway - a hoist characterized by extreme simplicity of design, capable of withstanding a load of up to 1.8 tons. The undeniable advantages include the minimum weight of the model and its affordable cost. The pick-up and lift heights are 125 and 300 mm, respectively.

• Model AJ-3F-500 of the Russian brand AirLine - a hydraulic device capable of lifting up to 3 tons to a height of 0.5 meters. It should be noted that the weight of the jack is 32 kg.Given these characteristics, this jack can hardly be called mobile, and therefore it is most often used in garages and workshops.

• HobbyLine-520 - hydraulic trolley jack manufactured under the famous Sorokin brand. With a weight of only 6.5 kg and a roll height of 125 mm, the device can withstand up to 2 tons and has a working height of 300 mm. Some users refer to the disadvantages of the lack of a case in which you can transport and store the jack, and a special substrate. It is worth noting that these accessories can be purchased separately, taking into account personal preferences and financial capabilities.

• N3203 by Nordberg - a model of the lifting mechanism, which can most often be found in the arsenal of tire shops. One of the key competitive advantages of the jack is the lifting height reaching 465 mm with a minimum pick-up of 133 mm. Taking into account these parameters, the device has a solid mass of 30 kg.

With a wide range of models from many manufacturers, everyone can choose the most suitable jack model that will meet all their requirements.

As already noted, at the moment many manufacturing companies present their products in a wide range.

Given the variety and number of offers, it is recommended to consider the following most important points when choosing a jack.

• The minimum pick-up height, on which the operational capabilities of the device directly depend, taking into account the technical features of the car itself. As a rule, this parameter varies in the range of 125-140 mm. Owners of cars with low ground clearance should consider models of jacks with a pick-up height in the range of 75-90 mm.
• Carrying capacity is a key indicator, selected taking into account potential loads. For owners of most passenger cars, the best option will be models up to 2 tons, belonging to the corresponding price category. Fans of SUVs should consider models with a carrying capacity of 3 tons or more. Service stations are equipped with lifts, taking into account the variety of vehicles served.
• Maximum working height. It is important to take into account that for crossovers or SUVs this figure should be at least 450 mm. Otherwise, due to the free travel of the suspension, it is unlikely that it will be possible to hang out the wheel when replacing it.
• The lifting speed is a characteristic that is relevant mainly for workshop masters.
• Convenience and safety of operation. We are talking, in particular, about the presence of rubber pads on the support platform and the jack lever.
• The mechanism by which the force is transmitted to the shut-off valve. The cardan transmission is considered more reliable, resistant to wear and easier to repair.

In addition to all of the above, it is worth paying attention to the presence of the caps on the plunger. Their function is to effectively protect the mechanism from dust, dirt and reagents.

One of the key points in the proper operation of the described lifting mechanisms is the ability to correctly install them. It is always important to keep in mind safety precautions, as we are dealing with heavy loads and an increased risk of injury. Place the jack on a firm and as level surface as possible. If one cannot be found, then it is necessary to take care of the maximum blocking of the lifted machine (the side opposite to the lifted one deserves special attention). For this, "shoes" and other recoil devices are used.

You will need to insert the handle that acts as a lever for the hydraulic pump. After the most smooth movements "up and down", pressure is generated in the working cylinder, due to which the support platform begins to rise with the car.

It is strongly recommended to install special supports at the final stage of lifting. It is important to remember that bricks and stones cannot perform their functions due to the risk of destruction under the weight of the load. After completion of repair or maintenance work, the vehicle will need to be returned to its original, horizontal position. Using the appropriate valve, the pressure of the working fluid in the system is released, and the platform is lowered. In this case, you should also take care of the smoothness of the stroke of the cylinder rod.

One of the most important points in the operation of rolling jacks comes down to the fact that all manufacturers focus on the purpose of this lifting mechanism. The point is that such structures are an effective tool only for lifting loads to a certain height and lowering them, and not for holding them. That is why you should always have at hand strong, reliable and maximum stable supports in the form of racks, tripods or "shoes" that ensure safety.

How to choose a rolling jack, see below.