How to add oil to a hydraulic jack

How to add oil to the jack jack video

The range of jack applications is much wider than just using it to change tires on a car. Any experienced car owner knows when to use this device. But in addition to the rules of operation, it is important to know how to properly perform maintenance and replacement of hydraulic material.

Unlike existing lifting mechanisms the jack has small dimensions and weight, simple operation, has convenience and a high degree of reliability. For every car owner such a tool is a necessary and very important thing.

There are several basic types of jacks:

Can be manually or electrically operated. Some models can support loads up to several hundred tons.

Hydraulic jack

A hydraulic jack is a device that allows lifting and holding heavy objects at a given height. The following manipulations can be done with this mechanism:

• To lift and hold the car body in the process of repair work;
• to raise the span of an axle;
• To carry out the tensioning of high-voltage wires;
• transportation of construction materials and equipment;
• piping.

there are single-plunger and double-plunger models. By type of design, the mechanisms can be:

Why are the hydraulic models considered to be the best in the line of jacks?? They have significant advantages:

• high efficiency (80%);
• smoothness and noiselessness;
• rigidity and strength of construction;
• Braking and stopping at a precisely defined position;
• Significant load capacity.

But in addition to the pluses, it is necessary to note the disadvantages of the design:

• Transportation must be conducted in a strictly vertical position to avoid oil spillage
• low speed;
• lifting to a low height;
• Impossibility to set the height when lowering the load.

Capacity range of the hydraulic models is from 2 to 200 tons. The most popular model is the bottle design, as it is the easiest to use.

The jack can only work on a level and solid surface. This mechanism is mounted on wheels, has a rather large lever, which makes it difficult to reduce the force if necessary.

Checking the oil level and keeping it clean is essential for long time trouble-free operation.

Filling in a bottle jack

It remains to consider the subject of pouring oil into the hydraulic bottle jack. As mentioned above, its design is somewhat different from that of a rack and pinion model. Of course, the process of filling the oil in this case will also be different from the first option.

You should start the work with the same way it was started the previous time. First make sure that the hydraulic bottle jack is fully lowered. You can use the release valve, which turns counterclockwise, to remove excess tension.

Now you need to look for the fill hole. In this case, it is located on the main cylinder of the device. It is the cylinder which also has the function of a housing. The plug is most often positioned 1.3 cm from the top of the unit.

You can now proceed directly to the process of pouring oil into the hydraulic jack.

First of all you remove the bolt or the plug from the oil filling hole.

This is made very simply, so there is no need to go into detail about this process.

The filling process should be stopped as soon as the oil level is 0.3 cm below the filler plug.

Then you need to use the oil bottle again. It must first be filled with oil. This is done very simply. By the way, you can use the most primitive version of this device in your work. The air is simply removed from it, and then the free space is filled with hydraulic oil. You can use a more advanced version of the device. Fortunately the market offers many solutions to this problem. In some cases, you can use and homemade units. It is not forbidden to do this. Everything depends on a person’s ability, as well as what equipment he has at his disposal. So, the oil can is placed into the filling hole.

Then the actual filling process is performed. Do it very carefully so as not to spill unnecessary drops on the housing. Pour the fluid in until the distance between the oil in the reservoir and the fill hole is 1/8″. Now stop the action and remove the grease nipple from the cylinder.

It only remains to put the plug or bolt in place. It is very important that the hydraulic jack is in its original position, so the fluid does not start to spill over.

Features of the device of the hydraulic jack

To understand what oil to pour into the hydraulic jack, it is worth considering the principle of operation of the tool. This is to determine the minimum requirements that the jack’s fluids must meet. The basis of operation of the equipment is based on the principle of a mechanical lever. When you move the handle, there is considerable pressure and the lifting takes place.

The simplest type of hydraulic jack is a bottle-type device. There are also other options. jacks jacking, hitching, diamond and hybrid. In the bottle ones, the working fluid plays an important role. The compound lubricates all internal assemblies and protects the device from negative effects of corrosion. When the jack handle is pulled up, the grease is pumped into the pump cavity with the help of a pump. a special valve is triggered, after which the oil remains in a closed capsule. Of the advantages of working with the equipment can be named:

• high load capacity and use with minimum physical effort from the user;
• high efficiency and smooth running;
• easy to service.

Of the disadvantages is the low lifting height and the inability to control the level of lifting and lowering of loads. The equipment is not suitable for work with some cars.

What types of hydraulic jacks are there??

There are 6 basic types of hydraulic jacks. All varieties are very convenient in operation, but because of their features are not widespread everywhere. Most often you can meet the bottle types of hydraulic jack, as it has a small size and copes well with the tasks at hand.

Bottle jack

The design of the device is simple enough, but the device can lift from 2 to 100 tons. Because of the small size of the body and its specific appearance, the device is nicknamed the bottle jack. Compact size allows the jack to be carried in the trunk of the car and used under any conditions.

Among motorists the single-rod equipment is the most common, but it has a low lifting height.

For professional workshops or people who are interested in lifting loads farther off the ground, the jack can be of double- or triple-acting construction.

Rolling jack

Very similar to a cart and has 4 wheels, which are very handy for moving around the repair shop. The device has two cylinders communicating with each other by two valve channels. The appliance is very handy for lifting machines in the workshop or any other kind of load. The main disadvantage of the jack is the inability to work in the field and on uneven ground.

Hybrid jacks

There are jacks that combine the function of jacks and bottle jacks. Two load pads make it possible to lift loads in all conditions. The jack is operated by a foot pedal and a lever, making it easy for the handyman to work with it.

The diamond jack

Although the device is quite rare, but its functionality is amazing. Lifting platform looks like a diamond, that’s why the device is called a diamond. The device copes well with lifting loads and can withstand a load of up to 50 tons. All supporting elements are connected by hinges, thanks to which the reliability of the device can be tested for years. The unit is compact and can be easily transported to the desired location.

The hitch jack

The device is very similar to a bottle jack, but the difference is that it can lift cars with low ground clearance.

Choice of material

Car enthusiasts often wonder what kind of oil is needed for the jack.

Tip: choose only high quality oil and never mix it with any other fluid, including brake oil or other types of grease. Mixing will lead to breakage and risk of losing the load during the work process.

It is necessary to fill the jack with quality oil that corresponds to the following indicators:

• the lubricating fluid must be well filtered;
• the foaming level is as low as possible;
• the viscosity index and temperature limit are chosen to be as high as possible;
• high index of anti-corrosion protection.

To fill jacks, liquids of I30A, I40A or I50A grades are used, used in operation of industrial machines. The best variant is a special hydraulic oil.

Recommended oils for use in hydraulic jacks

The standard version of the fluid to fill in the mechanism is spindle oil I20A. This product is universal and can be used at any time of year. The situation is somewhat different with industrial greases VMGZ, I12A, I30A, I40A or I50A. These compositions will be quite effective only during the warm season, but only for specific models of devices.

These variants are the most common due to their practicality and low cost. If possible, it is worth buying specific compounds, especially for hydraulics. The fluid has a low viscosity level, and, they combine features and capabilities that meet all requirements.

Add oil to the vertical jack

Prepare the jack

Make sure the rod is fully lowered. Turn the release valve counterclockwise to lower the jack if necessary.

Locate the fill hole

Locate the reservoir of the hydraulic jack. The reservoir is the largest outer cylinder on the jack. There should be a plug or screw about 1/3 of the way down from the top of the tank.

Add the oil

• Remove plug or screw from fill hole.

• Place the nozzle of the oiler in the fill hole.

• Pour in oil.

• Stop pouring oil as soon as it has reached the 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) level under the oil fill hole.

How to pump a hydraulic or bottle-type jack

Many motorists have been wondering for decades how to pump a hydraulic jack. To perform this operation, it is necessary to get acquainted with the technology of its performance, as well as take into account the reasons for which the effective functioning of the device has decreased.

The hydraulic jack is a device that can perform a wide range of functions.

It is actively used at car service stations and in workshops to raise vehicles to the required height.

Due to a number of reasons, after a certain period of time, the effectiveness of the device decreases. That is why every driver must know how to independently and properly pump the hydraulic type of jack.

The reasons behind the reduced efficiency of the jack

Before pumping the hydraulic equipment, it is necessary to establish the reasons that caused the deterioration of its functionality. Common factors in malfunctioning of the mechanism are dirt, as well as air masses in the hoist cavity.

Restriction of the jack causes corrosion on the surface of the working cylinder.

Frequent reasons why the jack needs to be pumped:

• High load, which causes bending of the hydraulic stem;
• formation of air bubbles;
• internal corrosion of the mechanism;
• low-quality oil that is filled into the jack, which causes its rapid deterioration.

In order to eliminate the defects, it is necessary to follow a number of specific rules. All fasteners are carefully unscrewed, then remove the valve, which is responsible for ensuring that the working fluid is drained.

As for the primary piston, it should be removed and carefully inspected for possible damage.

The balls on the valves and gaskets should also be inspected, and if their appearance is unsatisfactory, the components should be replaced.

To remove dirt and other foreign matter, the parts must also be flushed out. After the mechanism is assembled, quality oil is poured into the mechanism and pumping is begun.

For proper operation of the structure, it is recommended that only special types of oil be used. Otherwise it will be difficult to achieve full capacity while using the elevator.

Situations Requiring Jack Refurbishment

If the slightest signs of malfunction of the hydraulic system are noticed, it is recommended to start pumping it so that the operation is stable.

The frequency of operation of the jack affects the frequency of priming and purging, as well as their frequency.

If the hydraulic structure is used often, it should be pumped once a month, and if the structure is used seldom. at least 3-4 times during the whole year.

To keep the appliance in service for a long time, the quality of the oil used must be monitored, as well as the quality of the valves and oil seal.

Hydraulic jack parts Before carrying out repair work on the structure, it is necessary to obtain special flushing fluid and oil, as well as to ask the question how to lower the jack.

The advantages of the hydraulic equipment include high reliability in operation, but even such a device should be surrounded by service and regular maintenance. Repair work may be needed in the following situations

• Dirt and corrosion in the internal cylinder of the unit;
• A large number of air bubbles present in the oil of the jack;
• loss of lifting capacity, as well as failure to perform primitive operations;
• Loss of power indicators of the lift construction.

To avoid jack failures, it is recommended that preventive maintenance be performed in accordance with the maintenance schedule. With the removal of air bubbles and systematic pumping the working mechanism will again be able to work at full capacity.

How to change the fluid in the hydraulic unit correctly

For pumping of the hydraulic jack it is necessary to get such necessary tools and materials, as a set of screwdrivers, wrenches, special flushing liquid and quality oil.

• The first thing to do is to unscrew the filling plug and drain the old working fluid. It is necessary to flush the hydraulic jack in order to clean the hydraulic device from the dirt that got into it (in some cases, this procedure is done 2-3 times).
• Before the flushing procedure it is recommended to prepare a container in which the liquid will be poured. After flushing the mechanism, fill the device with oil. When filling the mechanism, it is very low, which allows you to reach the maximum fill level. Experienced car mechanics recommend to slightly lower the rod of the elevator by switching a special screw (“head” of the device) into the “drain” position.
• After the functional fluid has been filled in, it is necessary to perform the first pumping of the device, during which additional filling may be required. Pump and refill until the level of the lowering fluid reaches the maximum mark. Even an inexperienced driver can perform such a procedure, because it does not require any special efforts.

Proper pumping of the hydraulic jack of jack-type and bottle-type with your own hands

Jack. a device for lifting loads to the desired height. This simple and compact mechanism is widely used in industry and household. There are several types of jacks, they are very reliable, but sometimes they need repairs, topping up, and pumping.

Use of hydraulic jacks

Lifting appliances are used to clamp, move and lift heavy loads: slabs, machines, cars, columns. Their lifting capacity can reach hundreds of tons. The design and dimensions of the machine vary depending on the application. High performance and ease of operation make the jacks indispensable in production, vehicle repair shops, recycling facilities, power plants, warehouses and other industrial applications. Auto enthusiasts cannot do without their own compact elevators. And the vertical and horizontal movement of loads is used on building sites everywhere.

Design of a hydraulic hoist

The main components of the system. the body, the moving piston and the fluid medium (machine oil). The housing is made of solid metal in the shape of a cylinder. It serves both as a guide for the piston rod and as a reservoir for the technical fluid. The additional elements that power the device:

The use of valves allows you to increase the force applied to the lever dozens of times. Plunger is needed to move the piston by transferring working fluid to the tank underneath.

A valve prevents fluid from flowing back into the common tank. Plunger gradually pumps more and more fluid under the piston, raising it.

And in order to lower the load, it is only necessary to allow the oil to return to the tank by opening the valve.

Pros and cons of hydraulic jacks

• high power;
• easy to operate and maintain;
• high efficiency of about 80%;
• ability to move loads weighing up to 200 tons.
• Unable to lift loads from low heights;
• the load lowering level cannot be set;
• Requires constant monitoring and service: adding oil, replacing gaskets and seals;
• Can only be transported and stored upright as otherwise the bath fluid will leak out
• work quite slowly, cyclically, lifting the load each time to a small height;
• are quite expensive;
• They break more often and are more expensive to repair than their mechanical counterparts.

Types of hydraulic jacks

Several types of devices have been created that are convenient for use in various applications:

The bottle jack is the most common and simplest design. It is capable of lifting from two to a hundred tons, has a large support area and a compact body. Therefore, such mechanisms are usually used in the repair of various types of vehicles, especially trucks.

The bottle jacks can have a double-rod or single-rod design. Single-rod, simpler devices are used for maintenance of railway cars, in construction, mechanical engineering, in the manufacture of pipe cutters and pipe benders.

Two-rod models work vertically and horizontally.

Wheel jack resembles a cart that moves under the load being lifted during operation. Operated with a hand lever, regulated by an oil valve.

To open the valve, you must turn the knob of the valve screw. Very handy for one-way lifting of loads. That’s why it’s good for changing a wheel. But it only works on a hard, level surface.

There is a transmission version, which has a swivel frame.

Hybrid jacks are also called two-levels and are used in car repair shops. Convenient in having a pair of pads for the weights. It is actually a combination of the bottle jack and the car jack. The machine is operated by a foot pedal and lever.

The diamond jack is also used at the car repair shops. Carriers connected by hinges form a rhombus. Hence the name of the mechanism. Very compact device, easy to transport and store.

The carriage jack is good for lifting loads from a low height: sliding machines, railroad rails. The design is based on the bottle design.

Repair and pumping of the jack with your own hands

There are several factors that lead to malfunction of the hydraulic jack:

Oil flows out little by little during use, so it should be replenished from time to time. Use a repair kit to do this. Before starting the work, prepare a bucket for draining the used oil and fresh technical oil.

• Using wrenches, remove the fasteners;
• Take out the drain valve and piston;
• pistons are cleaned of dirt, rust and checked for chips, deformation;
• The bleeder valve is thoroughly cleaned inside and out. If the valve is chipped or warped, it is useless to put it back, it must be replaced. When inspecting the valve it is important not to lose the metal ball. If it does not fit snugly in the seat, the jack will not work properly;
• Now the exhausted oil is drained by pumping: the lever must be moved up and down until the oil flows into the main cylinder. Pumping the jack usually does not cause difficulties, although it requires patience;
• All other parts are cleaned after the oil has been drained;
• Gaskets and collars are replaceable, as their defects are often impossible to see, but under pressure they become apparent.

The hydraulic fluid in the jack. why oil is better?

strong design and special weight distribution on the lever and inside of the jack, as well as its hydraulic base make it easy for a person to work with large and bulky loads. With this kind of jack, for example, you can lift a whole truck or container with a load, as well as a small platform.

As already mentioned, the main working element of the jack is the hydraulic fluid, which is poured inside in a sealed container. It allows you to lift almost any weight, depending on the properties. There are several types of fluid that are poured into the hydraulic jack, each with its own characteristics.

Usually, special oils are used as a hydraulic fluid, which can be purchased at any auto store:

• Some manufacturers of engine lubricants offer branded hydraulic fluids for hydraulic systems of trucks and cars, which can be used not only in the brake and lifting systems, but also in the jack.
• Besides this, common industrial types of industrial oil (I12A, I20A, I30A, I40A, I50A) can also be used. Although the last three types of oil should be used carefully, because they are too viscous, so they may not be suitable for specific types of jacks. They can also cause damage to the jack by corroding the metals, because they are too hygroscopic.
• Also be aware that brake fluid is only partially suitable for a hydraulic jack, because it is also too hygroscopic. Water will damage the jack and cause corrosion.

In extreme cases, the hydraulic jack should work even with water, but to avoid its failure it is better to resort to the use of oil. Consider the arguments for which oil is best to pour.

The main causes of breakdowns

The car jack, which can be repaired even at home, may have several causes of breakdowns. The most common of them are: complete or partial failure of the device to lift heavy loads, as well as oil leakage. Each of these problems requires immediate repair.

The jack jack (repair, oil change, characteristics are described in detail in this article) very often fails as a result of leaking oil. In this case it is necessary to completely disassemble the device. Be sure to remove the pistons and check them for corrosion. Thoroughly clean all elements of the structure and remove all kinds of dirt. Now check the stem. If you find that it has a warped and distorted shape, you can not even try to perform the repair yourself. In this case, you will most likely have to buy a new jack.

Another common cause of failure is clogged or broken valves, which are responsible for lowering and lifting the mechanism.

The main requirements for the hydraulic fluid

The use of hydraulic oil is a very important component in the work of any machine, from the machine to the jack. That is why the choice of oil requires responsibility and attentiveness. Each oil must meet certain characteristics.

First of all, it is the viscosity of the fluid. The freedom of movement of moving machine parts depends on this parameter. The viscosity value should be optimal. The temperature rating or viscosity index is also important. Generally this value should be high.

This type of fluid is not subject to oxidation. Not affected by temperature fluctuations or chemical composition of the environment. All this provides long and good performance of the hydraulic fluid.

These oils must have excellent corrosion protection characteristics. If not, the hydraulic actuator will fail very quickly.

Another important parameter of hydraulic fluid is “filterability”. That is, the fluid will pass through a filter and be free of muddy impurities, which is important in the operation of any device. Oxygen and other gases should be easily removed from the working environment. No foam should form.

The hydraulic fluid must protect the hydraulic system of the machine from premature wear. It must be compatible with the materials that are used for the hydraulic system.

Hydraulic jack operating principle

It uses the communicating vessel principle. A force is applied to the actuator handle (by electric motor or by hand). A lever is used to apply the force to the delivery pump. Oil flows to the bottom of the cylinder when the lever is actuated or the electric motor is started. The piston rises. A by-pass valve, which consists of a discharge valve and a suction valve, keeps the oil pressure at a constant operating level. The suction valve is located at the reservoir inlet and does not let oil back in when the piston is lowered. The discharge valve is located at the cylinder inlet and prevents oil from escaping when the piston is lifted.

To release the pressure and lower the load, open the valve with a special screw.

What’s the difference between hydraulic jacks and other types of lifting equipment?

• Work smoothly and quietly because the working fluid is not compressed;
• very stable;
• the design is rigid and sturdy
• small dimensions;
• brake performance;
• low effort and high efficiency (up to 80%);
• accurate stopping;
• high load capacity.

Hydraulic mechanism can work with objects set very low, lifting them off the floor. This is a big advantage over other types of jacks.

• low operating speed;
• low lifting height;
• inconvenient for transportation (must be positioned strictly vertically to avoid oil leakage)
• it is impossible to adjust the lowering height of the load.

Recommendations for oil changes

Before changing or topping up the service fluid, carefully read and follow the recommendations in the Operation Manual for the jack.

It is not recommended to pour brake fluid into hydraulic jacks, as well as alcohol-containing compounds, as they can destroy the material of rubber seals and gaskets used in the construction of the device.

Pour oil into the jack in small portions, making sure that no air bubbles form in the fluid. After filling, any air that is still trapped inside must be bled out together with the oil. Do this by fully inflating the jack several times (raising to the maximum and then lowering). After that the plug is firmly seated in the filler opening.

Do not disassemble non-return and blocking valves unless absolutely necessary. Valve springs and balls must be handled with great care.

Only use special quality compounds for filling the jack. Saving on quality will not only significantly reduce the lifetime of the tools. Liquids not designed for hydraulic jacks reduce the safety of these units and cause accidents.

Timely maintenance and use of quality oil for the hydraulic jack will ensure a long life of its work.

Tips for oil selection

Quite a common question can be called what oil is poured into the hydraulic jack. There are several varieties on sale:

The most widespread are synthetic fluids. They are characterized by increased safety, because the production is represented by a complex technological process. Glycol versions are also common, the chemical composition of which determines the high performance. By price and quality, glycol ones outperform almost all others.

The cheapest performance option can be called petroleum or mineral oils. However, before pouring them into the jack jack is worth considering relatively low performance.

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In some cases, used machine oil is filled in. It is necessary to use a special oil, as it ensures the long-term operation of the device. Change the lubricant should be at the moment when the device begins to work improperly.