How to choose a jack for cars?

Most car owners are regularly faced with the need to raise the car for some repairs or replace rubber, wheels, other components.

For such works there are special devices - jacks. To date, there are several types of such mechanisms that differ in terms of design and principle of operation. But one of the most convenient and effective - a jack for cars. Let's consider the principle of operation and the arrangement of these devices, and also learn how to choose these mechanisms.

History

In the environment of motorists and auto mechanics there is a legend that earlier these lifting mechanisms were used as an adaptation for breaking the gate into besieged cities. For this reason, the design was classified. Then, if you believe the same legend, the mechanism was sold.

And the very first lifting hydraulic mechanism appeared in 1925. The author of the design was US citizen Peter Lunati. The idea of creation came to him through an absurd accident - he was sheared in the hairdresser and saw how the master easily fixed the chair to the required height using a hydraulic drive. About a year later, Peter Lunati created the first lift with a rack. It was powered by a special hydraulic unit using a hand pump. This decision was all recognized as very successful, and soon in many lift designs that were produced all over the world, one could see the ideas of Lunati.

There is also information that the first prototypes existed before it was developed. So, in our country even before the revolution, a hydraulic jack was used to service trains that had fallen off the rails. The repairers needed about an hour to return the train to the rails.

Design Features

A jack-up jack for cars is called that way because of the presence on the frame of special wheels. The appearance resembles a small sized cart. This equipment deserved special popularity. Among the features are the wide possibilities for carrying capacity, as well as the comfort of use.

This jack operates due to the presence in the design of hydraulic cylinder and piston pump with manual drive. It also consists of a metal frame with a very strong frame, rear and front wheels, a platform, and a lever-lever.

Wheels are made of high-quality steel, and the outer coating is created on the basis of polyurethane. Due to this outer layer, the wheels do not create any noise and do not spoil the concrete and other floor coverings. The device of a rolling jack provides for constant loads. But the service life of the units is quite considerable and does not require frequent repairs.

Thanks to the design features, these jacks have high efficiency, high level of autonomy, and also allow to provide all kinds of various repair works, which require lifting the machine. In addition, due to the compact size for storage of this equipment it does not take much space.

Operating principle

Rolling jack for cars according to its principle of operation is very similar to a bottle lift. Differences between them - a different device, as well as different levels of operation.

The principle is based on Pascal's pressure law. Thus, the pressure that acts on the liquid is transmitted in all directions without changing the characteristics.

The communicating vessels, mounted on the same base, are equipped with cylinders and pistons. These cylinders are connected by means of special valves. This is the delivery and suction valves. Above is the working platform. As a hydraulic fluid technical oils are used. When the car owner begins to pump the handle to lift the car, the hydraulic fluid fills the cylinder and the piston rises. The handle makes it possible to drive the mechanism with minimum effort.

The task of the valves is to create and maintain the pressure necessary for the work. To lower the load, it is necessary to rotate the handle around the axis - so the pressure is released.

Transmission jack-up jack for cars

This equipment is selected if it is necessary to ensure high smoothness of travel and maximum accuracy. Among the features - a swivel frame and a smoother hydraulic mechanism. This allows you to get not only accurate and smooth, well-controlled movements, but also to fix the platform and load in the desired position.

Pneumatic jack

This design is a "pillow" on a trolley equipped with wheels. She lifts the car thanks to the pressure that is created by the compressor. Among the advantages is a light weight and good carrying capacity. Among the shortcomings can be identified a small height of the rise.

What are the types and how to choose a jack podkatnoy?

Distinguish and select these tools for carrying capacity. For passenger cars, equipment from 2 to 5 tons is used. There are models with greater load-carrying capacity, but these are models from another series. Mechanisms designed for 2 tons are the ideal solution for passenger cars of any class. To raise a modern crossover or SUV, a jack is recommended for a 3t. Reviews about them are mostly positive, because the design is quite reliable.

Also, the models differ in the firm-manufacturer. The market offers both domestic and imported models. A separate category is Chinese products.

Lifting height

And the third parameter is the height of the lift. For example, 130-145 means that this model has a minimum height of 130 mm and a maximum height of 345. For a car, there is no need for a tool from 190 mm. It is not corny under the bottom. But for a crossover there may not be enough and 345 mm.

Differences in construction

Still produced models with a special pin. This allows you to improve the safety of the tool. As for the handle, it can be long or short. With a small length of the handle to lift the average SUV can be quite tedious. For a car you need a short handle. It is more practical and compact. In most cases, the podkatnogo jack device provides a collapsible handle, the length of which can be adjusted based on the situation.

The weight

By weight, these tools also differ. They are conventionally divided into light and heavy aggregates. So, a jack with a weight of 5-6 kg is considered light, if the weight is more than twice, it is already heavy. The price is also higher, but also higher. There are podkatnye models for passenger cars with a weight of 40 kg.

Professional or household?

And one more difference between these tools. They are conventionally divided into professional and household. So, the professional rolling jack is made of aluminum. It is fully intended for tire service shops and maintenance stations.

Household models are designed to work in milder conditions and are made primarily of steel alloys.

Best models and brands

So, there are several manufacturers whose products are in demand and popular. Let's consider some of them and choose the best jack-up jack.

• Matrix - the average cost of this equipment is in the range from 1500 to 6000 rubles. As for the carrying capacity, it is from 2 to 3 tons. This is a fairly budgetary version of the amateur class. The instrument is lightweight and suitable for a wide range of car owners. Reviews on this product are mostly positive.
• "Ermak" is a hydraulic equipment, the cost starts from 1000 rubles for a model with a carrying capacity of 2 tons. These are the most common jacks produced by brothers from China, which are suitable for home use. Let it not be the best jack-up jack, but it's convenient to work with it, it's light, reliable and simple. You can lower the car in several modes - slowly and quickly.

• Airline - this product inspires confidence. Manufacturers argue that the 3-ton model is filled with real hydraulic fluid. Also they say that there are no analogues in our market.
• The Zubr. This jack has excellent reviews. Workmanship at height. The tool at first sight makes you trust. Perhaps, all the blame is a lot of weight. There are different models. With regard to equipment for 3 tons, it is a universal model with heights from 95 mm to 560. It is distinguished by a long handle. The company produces many mechanisms. Everyone will find something suitable for themselves. If you are looking for a better jack-up jack, then you can stop at this brand.

Maintenance of hydraulic jacks

Despite the high reliability, these tools also fail. So, the air gets into the system - and the efficiency drops noticeably. In this case, you need to pump a jack.

Let's start with the primitive method. Open the bypass valve and the plug of the container with oil. Then pump the pump. This will release all air into the oil tank. Now the valve and the working container can be closed. Before lifting the jack, check the hydraulic fluid level.