Where is “Jack”!

Perhaps the most widely used piece of equipment when it comes to automotive service and probably the first, or one of the first, that comes to mind when one thinks of the procedure required for tire replacement. We are talking about "jacks". This is a widely known and used piece of technical equipment: used daily in garages, body shops, tire centres and, in its most basic form, in most cars or trucks. In essence a jack is used to lift a vehicle to allow access to the underbody or replace tires. No lack of variety here! A first distinction is between mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic jacks. In all three cases, a lever is used to lift the vehicle. What makes the difference is the way in which the action is generated. A mechanical jack works on the so-called "worm gear principle": the equipment consists of a platform that rests on the ground and a lifting head to be placed at the lifting point under the vehicle chassis. The lifting action takes place by rotating a screw with a special wrench or with a hand crank.

Hydraulic jacks, on the other hand, are used for lifting heavier weights and to greater heights. The operation of this type of jack is based on the application of Pascal's law (or the mechanics of fluid behaviour): by exerting pressure at one point in a contained fluid, that pressure is multiplied transmitted to every other point in the fluid thus supplying greater lifting power. Finally, the pneumatic jack is ideal for lifting heavier transport vehicles (such as trucks, buses, RVs, tractors, and so on). The lifting action is achieved in this case by air pressure, usually by two types of equipment: high strength rubber diaphragm or hydro-pneumatic. In the first case, the jack is equipped with bearings that, filled with air, allow the vehicle to be lifted. In the second case, however, air pressure is supplied on a fluid (water or oil) to generate the lifting action. Another significant distinction concerns the shape. The “scissor jack” uses the mechanical system described above for lifting. It is the simplest both from the point of view of construction and in terms of use and therefore, not surprisingly, is also the one normally supplied by vehicle manufacturers. The trolley jack, on the other hand, is very common in workshops: it has a rigid frame and wheels that allow it to be easily manoeuvred under a vehicle. It is usually equipped with a jack for lifting (hydraulic or pneumatic) and a lever with a lifting plate. A variation on the theme is the bottle jack, which differs from the trolley jack in that it has a fixed base. Both types of jacks have a higher lifting capacity than the scissor jack, but for oversized or heavy lifting more is needed: the rack jack. In fact, this type is capable of lifting large vehicles weighing even several tons.

 

 AC HYDRAULIC

The AC HYDRAULIC A/S brand catalogue includes several models of hydraulic jacks for lifting all types of vehicles. DK20/DK20Q are ideal for lifting cars and vans, while the high lifter model DK20QHLQ is particularly suitable for lifting SUVs and vans.

On the other hand, very low minimum height (only 80 mm) and a length of 380 mm are the features of the DK13HLQ high lifter indicated for vehicles with low clearance.

In addition, for lifting trucks, farming and construction machinery, the company offers the DK50 HLQ, DK40Q/DK60Q (140 mm minimum height) and DK100Q/DK120Q (150 mm minimum height) high lifter models. Finally, for lifting forklifts, AC HYDRAULIC A/S offers the Fj40 model (minimum height 55 mm).

 

CATTINI OLEOPNEUMATICA

Three models stand out in Cattini Oleopneumatica's catalogue of automotive products: the YAK142, YAK215N and YAK203. The latest addition to the family is the YAK 142 air-hydraulic jack. Particularly sturdy and with a capacity of 50 tons, it is ideal for heavy trucks, agricultural equipment, and construction machinery. YAK 142 is equipped with automatic piston retraction - the two lowering valves ensure a perfect seal in every situation and a controlled speed under load, and with an anti-tip plate. Upon request it can also be equipped with pneumatic wheels for operations on especially rough terrains. YAK 215/N, on the other hand, is a hydro-pneumatic heavy-duty jack with a maximum capacity of 40 to 20 tons. Practical and manoeuvrable, compact and lightweight, it is also equipped with automatic piston retraction. Finally, YAK 203 is a pneumatic lift consisting of a high-strength diaphragm and an internal telescopic guide. It is equipped with an end-stop device and a safety valve that makes it reliable under heavy loads. Silent, simple and light, it can also be used on garage lifts. Its capacity is 2-tons, and it can lift a wide range of cars and SUVs.

 

COMPAC

The Compac brand succeeds in supporting any lifting need with a range of jacks for all vehicles: from cars to trucks to agricultural vehicles.

The line includes the 2TC and 3TC trolley jacks with maximum lifting capacities of 2 and 3 tons, respectively. They feature "lift and turn" lowering system that prevents unintentional lowering and wide nylon wheels for easy handling. Designed for heavy vehicles, the 4T-C, 5T-C, 6T-C wheel lifts, on the other hand, have maximum load values of 4, 5 and 6 tons, respectively. The long frame design facilitates access to the lifting points of most vehicles, while the additional foot pedal enables fast approach to the lifting point. All of these models feature ergonomic rubber-covered handles and a lowering control valve for safe lowering even at maximum load. For "tougher" jobs the range offers 10T-C, 12T-C and 15T-C. The sturdy frame is fully welded from high-quality steel. Large diameter swivel wheels make it easy to handle.

 

CORGHI

The Corghi (Nexion Group) range of jacks includes six different solutions. CA002 lifts all types of passenger cars, as well as vans and light commercial vehicles. Manoeuvrable and fast in lifting and lowering, proves efficient, quick and safe in all working conditions. CA118, on the other hand, features a very sturdy structure, is practical and allows working fast and safely. The support point for the load to be lifted is very low (only mm 180) and gives a lifting range of up to 660 mm from the floor. It is expressly designed to lift vehicles with very low body, including trucks and latest generation buses. The lifting system is of the parallelogram type.

Small size and great power are the strengths of the CA240. It can lift up to 28 tons on the first stage and 18 on the second one. Starting from a very low lifting point (just 150 mm from the floor), it reaches a maximum lift of 457 mm with the aid of extensions supplied as a standard. Its overall dimensions are very small. The handle can be easily removed and the lift can be used for emergency service on the road. The lifting system is of the multi-stage vertical cylinder type. 

The CA240P has very small overall dimensions with exceptional lifting range.  The tested air-hydraulic operating mode allows rapid approach to the lifting point. The lifting control is divided into two different types: with load, by actuating the cursor, the jack goes down at a speed controlled by an internal device, and without load, with the cursor control open. On the other hand, the CA330 has a sturdy structure and excellent operability; it can work under any vehicle with a minimum height from floor of 185 mm. Two easy-to-install 50 and 1000mm extensions increase the lifting range. It uses a hydraulic system to achieve the quick approach to the lifting point. The lifting range goes from 185 to 550 mm (with extensions). The lifting command is of the “dead man” type and uses a patented lowered system for even speed descent. The hydraulic circuit is equipped with a pressure relief valve which maintains a constant lifting power even if the pneumatic air supply pressure alters. The lifting system is of the multistage vertical cylinder type. Last but not least, the CA 440 is one of the most powerful pneumatic hydraulic lifts on the market, with a maximum lifting capacity of 40 tons.

 

HPA

Customized equipment for every lifting need: this is the motto of the HPA brand (Nexion Group), whose range includes parallelogram-type jacks and multi-stage or single-stage vertical cylinder lifting systems. The first group includes two models: S 02 and S 16, respectively, designed for light and heavy vehicles. S 28 and S 28 P, on the other hand, are two models with a multi-stage cylinder lifting system. The low resting height of the S 28 facilitate its use with vehicles with low ground clearance. S 28 P, on the other hand, stands out for its small size, thus making it the ideal jack in mobile and emergency assistance. Power, instead, is the common feature of the HPA brand's two single-stage cylinder jacks, S 44 and S 36. The S 36 model boasts a range with standard extensions from a minimum of 185 mm to a maximum of 550 mm, again with extensions.

 

MONDOLFO FERRO

The Mondolfo Ferro catalogue includes several models of jacks, the result of design and construction synergies achieved within the Nexion group. There are two solutions with a parallelogram lifting system: MC 002, particularly suitable in terms of capacity and size for use with vans and light transport; MC 118, intended for heavier vehicles and equipped with a lifting range of up to 650 mm from the ground. MC 240 and MC240 P, on the other hand, take advantage of a multi-stage vertical cylinder lifting system. Thanks to a low resting height, MC 240 proves perfect for vehicles with low ground clearance. Similar in features is the MC 240 P model. Its small footprint makes it very easy to stow in a vehicle and thus suitable for mobile service. Sturdy and powerful, the MC 330 is especially suitable for extreme work on heavy vehicles. Lifting range is from 185 to 550 mm with extensions. The MC 440 model stands out for its power and manoeuvrability. For both models, the lifting system is of the single-stage vertical cylinder type.

 

OMCN

Found in many workshops in Italy, the OMCN hydraulic trolley jack has been produced in more than 1,000,000 units since 1971 and is available with capacities from 700 up to 20,000 kg depending on the type of trolley. However, the intermediate range of 1,500 to 2,000 kg takes the lion’s share. And it is precisely for this capacity that OMCN recently unveiled one of its revised and revamped flagship products. 112/XR is the first trolley jack to come standard with a mechanical safety rack. It is a piece of equipment capable of becoming a stand-alone workstation without the aid of standing posts. Model 112/XR in Blue OMCN colour is part of the short series. It provides maximum manoeuvrability in only 650 mm frame length. The mid-lift system reaches up to 525 mm in height and allows lifting from small city cars to state-of-the-art SUVs. The removable galvanized steel handle and the discharge pedal are the same as those that have always distinguished the top series of the OMCN brand. Lastly, the standard equipment includes nylon wheels and plate (130 diameter) made of high-strength steel and die-cast rubber coating.

 

PASQUIN

A true point of reference in the hydraulic and pneumatic sector since 1963, Pasquin produces and markets a wide range of lifting equipment worldwide. Each product is manufactured in-house in full compliance with the technical safety regulations issued by European institutions and through the application of the latest innovations in the industry. Pasquin's signature line of jack lifts include as many as 30 different models capable of meeting all kinds of needs. The brand's best-seller is the P182 C model, a hydro-pneumatic lifter with a maximum lifting capacity of up to a first stage of 30 tons and a second stage of 18 tons with operating pressure of 9 to 12 bar. Pasquin's range also includes the powerful P304NVB model with a maximum lifting capacity of up to 50 tons at the first stage, 34 at the second, 21 at the third and 11 at the fourth, and the small pneumatic jack P18-30.

 

SICE

Sice (Nexion Group) has a full range of jacks for lifting almost any type of vehicle: cars, trucks, light transport vehicles. K 002 is designed to meet the needs of those working primarily on vans and light transport, while K 118 is intended for intensive work with heavy vehicles, even those with a lifting point distant from the edge of the vehicle. Both models take advantage of a pantograph lifting system. In contrast the K 240 and the smaller K 240 P models use a multi-stage vertical cylinder lifting system. Both products have a very low gripping point, making them ideal for lifting vehicles with little ground clearance. The K 240 P model also boasts compact dimensions that make it easy to transport. Finally, the K 330 and K 440 models are designed for "heavier" work, both with a single-stage vertical cylinder lifting system and remarkable values in terms of lifting range: from 185 mm to 550 mm (with extensions) for the K 330 model.

 

WERTHER

Werther International has always supported automotive professionals with a range of equipment dedicated to car and truck tire service and replacement. These include jacks. The WJC2T-C and WJC3T-C are Werther's top-of-the-line models in the category of hydraulic trolley jacks designed for car service. Thanks to the rubber covering, the ergonomic handle is not only comfortable to grip, but feels rather quick and agile. The "lift and turn" lowering system prevents unintended lowering. The lowering control valve promotes safe lowering even with maximum load, while the additional foot pedal allows for quick approach. Thanks to the large-diameter nylon wheels, handling is easier and noise is minimized. The ultra-low height for truly "razor-sharp" operations completes the package.

In Werther's range of hydro-pneumatic jacks, however, the W132/B and W122 models for trucks stand out. Maximum capacity is 40/20 t for the first and 60/30 t for the latter. Designed and built to withstand intensive work, both models have ball bearing whee