Hydraulic jacks are an essential gadget to have with you for all types of car-repairing work. Having a hydraulic jack and knowing how to use it can reduce the hassle of going to a car mechanic for your car maintenance.
However, there are several hydraulic jacks for different kinds of work. Using one hydraulic jack to do something where another jack should be used could ruin both the car and the jack. So, it is absolutely crucial that you know about the types of hydraulic jacks and their function.
Read the article below and increase your knowledge of various kinds of hydraulic jacks.
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Classifications of Hydraulic Jacks
Primarily there are three different types of hydraulic jacks. They are Bottle Jack, Trolley Jack, and Floor Jack.
The trolley jack and floor jack are almost similar, with only slight differences. So, most of the time, they are categorized in the same group.
Components of Hydraulic Jack
A hydraulic jack has different components for different functions. If even one of the components stops working, your whole hydraulic jack will become non-functional. So, upkeeping a hydraulic jack is necessary for its well-being.
Read below for the breakdown of all the main components of a typical hydraulic jack and their function.
1. Reservoir
The buffer tank is the container for fuel or oil used to convey pressure to the cylinder from the pump.
2. Pump Handle
This handle is moved to increase the pressure of the hydraulic jack fluid so that the pressurized oil can transport in the main container or cylinder via a check valve.
3. Check Valve
Valves are used in the hydraulic jack to open the pathway for the movement of fluid in the desired direction and restrict their movement into the wrong pathway.
4. Plunger Pump
The movement of the handle in either an upward or a downward direction activates the pump.
5. Main Ram or Cylinder
When driven upwards, the cylinder expands out of the car jack body due to the fluid pressure. This expansion creates the requisite force for lifting all the loads.
6. Release Valve
The release valve helps the jack to let go of the pressure. Release of tension retracts the cylinder and lowers the load.
These are all the components you will find in a hydraulic car jack.
Functions And Capabilities of Hydraulic Jacks
Not all hydraulic jacks perform the same functions and have the same capacities. Based on their role and abilities, one can decide which one they need.
So, here is a breakdown of the functions and capabilities of all the hydraulic jacks.
1. Bottle Jack
The primary function of all jacks is to lift a vehicle. Same for the bottle jack too. However, if you want to reduce the time it takes to raise and set down a vehicle, the bottle jack is the one for you.
With their 60 tons lifting capacity, you can use bottle jacks to raise the heavy-duty vehicle to other substantial objects. Using a bottle jack, you can raise your vehicle 4 to 25 inches.
2. Floor Jack
If you need to slide under your car for maintenance, but there is not much space between the ground and your vehicle, then a floor jack is the one you need.
Due to its low profile, you can easily slip it under your car and lift it.
The starting capacity of a floor jack is 1.5 tons. You can get up to 7 to 8 tons capacity floor jack depending on your vehicle.
This jack can lift your vehicle from 12 to 20 inches.
3. Trolley Jack
Trolley jacks have a built-in spring mechanism. It helps the user to activate the jack in a short time.
Also, since it has a low profile, you can use it on a vehicle with small ground clearance.
Trolley jacks have a capacity of between 1 to 12 tons. They can raise a vehicle 15 to 18 inches.
Bottle Jack vs Floor Jack vs Trolley Jack
These three hydraulic car jacks have many differences between them. You might find a few similarities between the floor jack and trolley jack but not much.
Below is a breakdown of all the differences between these hydraulic jacks -
1. Position
Bottle jacks are positioned vertically so that they can lift higher than other jacks. Floor jacks have a horizontal position. Trolley jacks, too, are planted horizontally.
2. Portability
You can transport the bottle jack by carrying it anywhere. But it cannot be moved on the ground due to a lack of caster wheels.
Both floor jacks and trolley jacks have caster wheels on them. So, you can move them back and forth in any direction as well as carry them.
3. Size
Bottle jacks are small in size and can fit into any tiny place.
Floor jacks are pretty huge and require more space to be fitted into than bottle jacks. Due to their bulkiness, carrying floor jacks anywhere is a great hassle.
Trolley jacks have a pretty compact body. So, carrying it anywhere and fitting it into any place is more manageable.
4. Profile
Bottle jacks have a higher profile than any other hydraulic jacks. On the other hand, both trolley jacks and floor jacks have a pretty low profile.
5. Handle
Bottle jacks usually have a shorter handle which makes them difficult to operate. However, floor jacks and trolley jacks have long handles, making them easier to operate.
6. Stability
Bottle jacks are pretty sturdy but not as sturdy as a floor hydraulic jack.
Floor jacks are highly stable compared to other hydraulic jacks, while trolley jacks are more stable than bottle jacks but less stable than floor jacks.
Get the Best Hydraulic Jack Today!
Now you know everything about all types of hydraulic jacks. Just remember, not all hydraulic jacks work the same. So, if you are thinking of getting one, find out which one is the best for you and your car. It will save you from a lot of trouble!
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