Stan Design

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Hydraulic Jacks

Eco-Friendly Jacks: Environmental Benefits of Hydraulic Cylinders

Application of Hydraulic Power in Hydraulic Jacks

Before we begin to delineate the application of hydraulics in hydraulic jacks, let us start with a basic definition of what a hydraulic jack is. These are eco-friendly jacks as they are increasingly designed to work with bio-degradable hydraulic fluids.

Traditionally, the hydraulic jack industry has thrived on oil-based fluids and energy and these jacks have been used to load, lift, suspend and lower heavy-duty vehicles for the purpose of maintaining and servicing them.

A hydraulic jack consists of:

  • Reservoir or buffer tank
  • Pump with piston or plunger
  • Pump lever or handle
  • Check valve 
  • Main cylinder or ram 
  • Release valve 
  • Handle 

 

The piston is responsible for lifting the heavy load or weight. It is usually mechanically activated by shifting the positions of the handle or pump lever attached to it. This movement builds up pressure in the hydraulic fluid contained inside the reservoir or buffer tank. 

The pressure created allows the fluid to move through a check valve into the ram or main cylinder, which then pops out of the main body of the hydraulic jack creating the force required to lift the load. Finally, the release valve relieves the built pressure for easy retraction and lowering of the ram with the load on it. 

 

History and Function of Hydraulic Systems 

Simply put, hydraulics is the technological application of liquids for the generation, control, and transmission of power by the use of pressure. It derives its theoretical foundation from the principle of fluid mechanics, advanced by the research of hydrostatics by Blaise Pascal who formulated Pascal’s law. 

The use of hydraulic power can be traced back to as early as the ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations around the 6th millennium BC. The ancient Persian and Chinese empires, along with the Greco-Roman worlds led its advancement to the modern era. 

From the 17th century onwards, its modern-day application research was pioneered by the likes of Benedetto Castelli, Jean Léonard Marie Poiseuille, Daniel Bernoulli, Joseph Bramah, apart from of course Blaise Pascal.

The basic principle of hydraulic systems is applied to hydraulic jacks, typically through hydraulic cylinders moving pistons, where mechanical movement is produced by contained, pumped liquid.

For better understanding of its function, hydraulic systems can be considered the liquid counterpart of pneumatic systems. Both systems use pressurized fluid power, but hydraulics use liquids rather than gases, unlike pneumatics.

Hydraulic systems are capable of significant pressures- up to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi)- due to liquids’ incompressibility, enabling more significant power transfer with increased efficiency as energy is not lost to compression. 

 

Modern-day Need for Eco-Friendly Jacks

The recent and rightful attention being directed towards the environmental impact of industries and the need for sustainability has driven the transformation of the automotive jack industry. Although the need to adopt eco-friendly jacks remains appreciated by few.

The industry is experiencing a shift toward implementation of recyclable and lightweight materials in manufacturing and using hydraulic jacks, say for instance, but it is slow. These initiatives aim to decrease emissions, minimize waste and meet rising demands to address environmental concerns head on.

The other key drivers of this transformation in hydraulic jacks are promoting energy efficiency and renewability, advancement in sealing technology, eco-friendly and bio-degradable hydraulic fluids, and the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and smart technologies in hydraulic systems.

The conscious move to a safer and cleaner future requires non-bio accumulative and minimally toxic materials in every industry, while acknowledging the segment-wise need for change. Seeking innovative ways to reduce environmental footprint is one such practice.

 

Environmental Benefits of Hydraulic Systems

There are several benefits of making the move to eco-friendly jacks from an industrial perspective, some of which are compliance with changing regulations, cost savings, reduced environmental footprint, and a boost to brand reputation.

Of them, the environmental benefits of hydraulic systems remain distinctly important on the grounds of preservation of nature and its natural resources. Let us start with the manufacturing and design of these eco-friendly jacks. Advanced sealing technologies are ways of being energy efficient in the automotive jack industry.

They implement longer-lasting seals that perform better under high pressure and extreme temperatures. These improvements not only enhance system reliability by helping prevent leaks, but also contribute to sustainability by minimizing the loss of hydraulic fluid, and consequently reducing maintenance needs and fluid consumption, ultimately, contributing to the potential for environmental conservation.

Another aspect of this change is driven by the implementation of recycling of materials and using these recycled materials in the manufacturing of eco-friendly jacks and their components- from pumps, valves, cylinders, to other hydraulic parts. These materials are not only recyclable but also lightweight and biodegradable.

The increasing usage of aluminum, advanced polymers, and composites to produce hydraulic parts reduces the environmental impact, supporting a circular economy, and minimizing waste. These materials reduce the overall weight of the system, improving fluid efficiency in the hydraulic cylinders.

Finally, and perhaps the most revolutionizing innovation in the hydraulic jack industry has been the move toward adopting renewable and biodegradable hydraulic fluids. Unlike traditional mineral oil-based fluids, these sustainable fluids, typically made from vegetable oils or synthetic esters, offering excellent lubricity and thermal stability, are designed to break down naturally while minimizing ecological footprints.

There are four basic types of eco-friendly hydraulic fluids- HETG fluids (hydraulic environmental triglyceride), HEES fluids (hydraulic environmental ester synthetic), HEPG fluids (hydraulic environmental poly glycol), and HEPR fluids (hydraulic environmental polyalphaolefin and related).

Sealing technology like fluorocarbon seals give the best result when used with these eco-friendly hydraulic fluids. A variety of regulatory policies, specifications and labelling schemes exist to assess the eco-friendliness of hydraulic fluids across the world, like- European Eco-label, Blue Angel Eco-label, Swedish Standard SS 15 54 34 Category V, Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, and the USDA BioPreferred® Product Label.

Categories
Floor jacks Hydraulic Jacks Jacks

Innovations in Hydraulic Systems: Shaping the Future of Truck Lifting Solutions

Simply put, hydraulic systems are fluid power run machinery that have been relied on by humanity for a long time to convenience their lives- from the ancient Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to the modern global industry. Today, their applications are universally used in various industries, primarily in the automotive jack technology market.

In fact, much has been spoken about the variety of industries that modern hydraulic systems serve- like aircraft, bridges, cable tensioning, house moving, construction, general industrial, laboratory, locomotive, marine, mobile home, railroad, shipbuilding, shoring and stabilizing such as for tunnels and mines, tractors, and trailers.

In this blog, we will map the chronology of innovations in hydraulic systems. Then, we will focus on Blaise Pascal’s law, a principle in fluid mechanics, that has shaped truck lifting solutions and jack technology. Finally, we will end the discussion with a feature on Stan Design Inc.- its contributions to truck lifting solutions and its jack technology models.

 

History of Hydraulic Systems- Chronological Map

The ancient Mesopotamians and Egyptians of the 6th millennium BC were the ones to modify landscapes based on hydraulic systems and shape the evolution of humanity and other species.

The hydraulic landscapes of alluvial, southern Mesopotamia, dotted with the crevasse splays along raised levees, stand testament to the development of canal systems that were used for agriculture based on irrigation as well as waterways. 

Then, around 600 BC, in Ancient Greece, came up the Tunnel of Eupalinos. This was an aqueduct built in Samos that supplied water from across Mount Kastro. The Greeks had developed a complex system of water and hydraulic power, including irrigation systems, and canals. 

Ctesibius of Alexandria, known for his work in pneumatics, also dabbled in hydraulics, and developed an advanced version of a water clock, and a water organ. The water clock included a moving pointer and alarms, while the water organ used the weight of water instead of lead to play the pipes. 

Later, Hero of Alexandria developed the first known steam engineer Aeolipile. The Romans, like the Greeks, also had many water mills and developed “hushing” for use on gold fields in the region.  This method later paved the way for hydraulic mining during the California Gold Rush. 

Further east, the ancient Persians completed the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System in the third century CE. The qanat system, a series of underground channels, allowed for minimized evaporation and maximum water availability for agricultural and domestic use. The sophisticated water-lifting devices, such as the shaduf and the sakia, enabled the elevation of water from lower to higher plains. 

More recently, at the start of the 17th century, Simon Stevin discovered the hydrostatic paradox and Galileo Galilei studied gravitational acceleration, which played into the movement of water. Evangelista Torricelli applied this to liquid jets and the liquid barometer. Benedetto Castelli rediscovered the principle of continuity. 

In 1647, Pascal’s law, a principle of fluid mechanics or hydrodynamics was discovered, and more than a century later in 1795, Joseph Bramah patented the hydraulic press, used in flush toilets, which was based on Pascal’s principle. In 1738, Daniel Bernoulli and Leonhard Euler derived the Bernoulli equation and developed a hydraulic turbine. 

 

Hydraulic Systems Jack Technology Explained

Hydraulic jacks, as the name implies, work based on hydraulic systems that can be explained by Pascal’s law, a principle of fluid mechanics. Basically, it means that when there’s a change in pressure at any point in a confined, incompressible fluid, that change is transmitted throughout the entire fluid without any loss.

Simply put, the law states that if you push or squeeze one part of a fluid, the effect propagates to all other parts of the fluid. So, unlike, say, mechanical jacks, hydraulic jack technology works because of the transfer of motion through a fluid medium within the cogs of their machine.

To understand simply the workings of a hydraulic jack, let us consider the example of a hydraulic system of operation, consisting of the following broad components:

  • hydraulic oil,
  • reservoir or buffer or oil tank, 
  • main cylinder or ram, 
  • release valve, 
  • control valve, 
  • check valve, 
  • lifting arm or pad, 
  • hydraulic pump with piston or plunger, and 
  • pump lever or handle.  

The reservoir or buffer, or oil tank is the physical compartment of the hydraulic system that holds the liquid or pump oil together when it is not in use. The control valve stays in a closed position to prevent the accidental flow of oil.

The piston is responsible for lifting the heavy load or weight. It is usually mechanically activated by shifting the positions of the handle or pump lever attached to it. This movement builds up pressure in the hydraulic fluid contained inside the reservoir or buffer tank of the hydraulic system.

When the handle or lever of the pump with piston or plunger is mechanically lowered or raised, it activates force and builds up pressure in the adjoining compartment, i.e., the reservoir or buffer tank containing the fluid or pump’s oil, inside hydraulic systems.

The pressure created allows the fluid to move through a check valve into the ram or main cylinder, which then pops out of the main body of the hydraulic system creating the force required to lift the load.

This applied pressure is what transfers the oil from the pump through the check valve and into the main cylinder or the ram, which extends out of the hydraulic system. Finally, the release valve relieves the built pressure for easy retraction and lowering of the ram with the load on it, creating the required lifting force and lifting the load.

 

Stan Design Inc.- Hydraulic Systems Truck Lifting Solutions in Canada

Stan Design Inc. is a jack manufacturer in North America that has been in the business for more than 25 years. They produce the highest quality hydraulic systems by fusing the science of manufacturing with the art of creative design.

Implementing cutting-edge jack technology gives them the edge to stay ahead of the rest of the world in key offerings. For instance, their Scorpion line of floor jacks come in hydraulic and air motor variants and can lift vehicles in seconds with just the push of a single remote-control button.

Their rolling bridge jacks, also called StanJack, and fast-lube pit jacks also have this same usable design- only better, in the form of two remote-control buttons designed for lifting and lowering respectively.

Apart from this, they offer a three-stage automatic locking mechanism that engages at different heights, eliminating the need for additional chocks or stands. Their powerful hydraulic and air motor methods of operation allow for convenient lifting, without the need for any hand pumping.

They also come with telescoping arms and stackable adapters that can lift across the axle or on the frame, depending on the vehicle size and shape. Besides, their special roller bearing wheels allow for effortless rolling and maneuvering.

Categories
Bridge Jacks Fast Lube Floor jacks Hydraulic Jacks Jacks Truck Jacks

The Advantages of Heavy-Duty Truck Jacks for Professional Mechanics

When something is referred to as heavy-duty, it means that the material or tool is designed to withstand the stresses of demanding use. So, heavy-duty truck jacks are tools that are constructed to weather the constant wear and tear of loading and lifting heavy weights. Given this feature, it should be easy to demonstrate the many heavy-duty truck jack benefits that can come in handy on a busy day for professional mechanics.

Jack technology has advanced to such a level today that unthinkable conveniences characterize everyday use of heavy-duty truck jacks. Simply put, heavy-duty truck jacks are specialized automotive jacks that operate using a variety of methods- mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, air motorized, hybrid, etc. 

They come in different shapes and sizes thereby being classified accordingly- bottle jacks, scissor jacks, floor jacks, pit jacks, rolling jacks, bridge jacks, fast lube jacks, rack and pinion jacks, strand jacks, hi-lift jacks, ratchet jacks, transmission jacks, pneumatic jacks, and so on. 

They serve a few basic purposes with each different jack carrying on specialized tasks based on their build. These fundamental functions are lifting, suspending and lowering heavy loads like cars for servicing, oil and lubrication systems changes, fluid and tire changes or repairs, among others. 

 

Heavy-Duty Truck Jack Benefits 

  1. Effortless Lifting- Perhaps the biggest advantage of heavy-duty truck jacks for professional mechanics is the effortless lifting capability they offer. This is enabled due to their superior loading capacity, which owes its power to a variety of design components- from powerful hydraulic cylinders to lifting axles, and so on. This does not only help the personnel wielding the heavy-duty truck jacks in loading, lifting, and unloading heavy vehicles with minimal effort, but also saves them tremendous time. The time and energy thus saved by the individual user or the organization employing them could be better utilized in rendering higher revenue generating services.
  2. Sturdy Build- Heavy-duty truck jacks are usually built using denser materials like steel or iron and coated with paint that is specialized to ward off corrosion and deterioration. Along with the jack body, the components of heavy-duty truck jacks are usually also made of rust-free materials. Although it is difficult to get a general idea of the specific materials that is used by every brand of heavy-duty truck jack, it can be safely said that as long as the manufacturer has passed industry standards of production, their jacks could be relied upon as effective tools for lifting heavy vehicles.
  3. Hydraulic System- Most heavy-duty truck jacks today use the principle of fluid mechanics, derived from Pascal’s law of hydraulic systems, to efficiently carry out their operations. Their pre-installed hydraulic cylinders, containing hydraulic fluid, work as powerful cogs in the machine to carry out the desired task as safely as possible, because of the transmission of increased fluid pressure when such pressure is externally applied at a point. Put simply, this means that the professional mechanic using the hydraulic heavy-duty truck jack would be able to lift it without obsolete and exhausting manual hand-pumping methods.
  4. Safety Features- There are certain brands that offer advanced safety features with heavy-duty truck jacks like automatic locking mechanisms. These include locking at different heights that the jack engages in while in movement. For heavy-duty truck jacks, safety features are especially important as they deal exclusively with heavy-duty trucks or other heavy vehicles like military trucks, etc. unlike other regular automotive jacks which deal with lighter tasks of lighter vehicles like tire changes or regular lubrication, etc. These features enable lifting these heavy vehicles in a matter of seconds while eliminating the need for additional stands or chocks.
  5. Low Profile- Speaking of brands, we would like to highlight in this last point how Stan Design Inc. makes low-profile heavy-duty truck jacks that come fitted with telescoping arms and stackable adapters that can lift across the axle or on the frame, depending on the vehicle size and shape. They also have special roller bearing wheels that allow for effortless rolling and maneuvering. Besides, their convenient pull handles make it easy to position the heavy-duty truck jack under the vehicle. Stan Design Inc. also designs and manufactures both a hydraulic as well as an air motor variant of the jack.

 

Stan Design Inc. Scorpion Features and Models 

Stan Design Inc. is a jack manufacturer in North America that has been in the business for more than 25 years. They produce the highest quality jack products by fusing the science of manufacturing with the art of creative design. 

Implementing cutting-edge technology gives them the edge to stay ahead of the rest of the world in key offerings. For instance, their Scorpion line of floor jacks come in hydraulic and air motor variants and can lift vehicles in seconds with just the push of a single remote-control button. 

Their rolling bridge jacks, also called StanJack, and fast-lube pit jacks also have this same usable design- only better, in the form of two remote-control buttons designed for lifting and lowering respectively. 

Floor Jacks 

Scorpion TJ12S 

  • Capacity- 24,000 lbs./ 12 Tons 
  • Only 8’’ Collapsed Height 
  • Lifts Over 15.75” 

Scorpion TJ12SL 

  • Capacity- 24,000 lbs./ 12 Tons 
  • Only 7.5’’ Collapsed Height 
  • Lifts Over 15” 

Scorpion TJ14 

  • Capacity- 28,000 lbs./ 14 Tons 
  • Only 8.25” Collapsed Height 
  • Lifts Over 20” 

Scorpion TJ12E 

  • Capacity- 24,000 lbs./ 12 Tons 
  • Only 8’’ Collapsed Height 
  • Lifts Over 15.75” 
  • 2 Extendable Arms 

Scorpion MJ25 

  • Capacity- 25,000 lbs./ 12.5 Tons 
  • Lifts Over 36” 
  • Extendable Beam with Stackable Adapters Designed for All Military Vehicle Applications 

 

Pit Jacks 

 

Scorpion PJ15 

  • Capacity – 15,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 
  • Size – 34” Wide 
  • Expandable Size – 42” Wide 

 

Scorpion PJ25 

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 
  • Size – 34” Wide 
  • Expandable Size – 42” Wide 

 

Scorpion P12S 

  • Capacity – 12,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 
  • Size – 31” Wide 
  • Expandable Size – 46” Wide 

Scorpion PJ15S 

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 
  • Size – 31” Wide 
  • Expandable Size – 46” Wide 

Scorpion PJ25S 

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 
  • Size – 32” Wide 
  • Expandable Size – 46” Wide 

Scorpion Installed Tire Service Lift 

  • Installed Version of TJ12 
  • Designed to lift vehicle across axle 
  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulic Arms 
  • Built-in safety lock 
  • Extended Lifting Height – over 20” 
  • Incredible value for money 

 

Available Models 

  • TJ12AG – Above Ground 
  • TJ12SG – Semi-in-Ground 
  • TJ12IG – In-Ground 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 

 

Bridge Jacks 

 

StanJack J6000H 

  • Capacity – 6,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 11” 

 

StanJack J7000L 

  • Capacity – 7,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Air Bag 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 10.25” 
  • Lowest Collapsed Height – Only 7” 

 

StanJack J7500H 

  • Capacity – 7,500 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 10.25” 
  • Lowest Collapsed Height – Only 7” 

 

StanJack J9000H 

  • Capacity – 9,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 11” 

 

StanJack J12000H 

  • Capacity – 12,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 

 

StanJack J15000H 

  • Capacity – 15,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 11” 

StanJack J18000H 

  • Capacity – 18,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 

StanJack J25000H 

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 

StanJack J35000H 

  • Capacity – 35,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 

StanJack J50000H 

  • Capacity – 50,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 

 

Fast Lube Jacks 

 

Pit Jacks J7500HFL 

  • Capacity – 75,000 lbs. 
  • Narrow 34.5” Top Beam 
  • Heavy Duty Hydraulics 

 

Pit Jacks J7000LFL 

  • Capacity – 7,000 lbs. 
  • Narrow 34.5” Top Beam 
  • Heavy Duty Hydraulics 

 

Pit Jacks J9000HFL 

  • Capacity –9,000 lbs. 
  • Narrow 34.5” Top Beam 
  • Heavy Duty Hydraulics 

 

Tire Service Lifts LM9000P 

  • Capacity –9,000 lbs. 
  • Extended Lift height – 33” 
  • Dual hydraulic cylinders with full equalization 
  • Podium Style Control Panel 
  • Multi-position lock with air release 
  • Operate with a single button 
Categories
Bridge Jacks Fast Lube Floor jacks Hydraulic Jacks

Jacks Manufacturing in North America: A Deep Dive into Quality and Standards

What are Jacks? 

Jacks are automotive equipment that is used by commercial garages and workshops to service vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Quality jack products are a common feature in personal garages and toolkits too, based on their portability. 

This factor can be used to classify them into various types, namely- scissor jacks, floor jacks, bottle jacks, high-lift jacks, etc. Because of their compactness, they can be easily stored in car compartments and carried around for use in emergencies. 

The bigger jacks- using either air motors, dual hydraulic cylinders, electric power, etc.- are usually better suited for commercial automotive workshop applications. Based on the method of operation, jacks can be further classified. 

This assortment can denominate quality jack products into pit jacks, fast lube jacks, rolling bridge jacks, etc. These advanced vehicle lifting solutions transform your inspection or lube pit into a full-service bay. 

This allows you to provide additional services to your customers, like wheel alignment, lube and oil changes, tire rotation, and brake work, along with traditional offerings like lifting and lowering vehicles for servicing, and suspension maintenance. 

The likes of the additional services mentioned above add up to generating high and long-term revenue on a small investment. According to industry statistics, that can mean at least $24,000 extra profit per year. 

 

Jack Manufacturing in North AmericaStandardization Chronological Timeline 

It was only with the Industrial Revolution of the mid-19th century that automobiles started becoming more accessible to a larger population, thanks to the introduction of assembly lines and mass production. 

The larger consumption of cars gave rise to an organized process of jack manufacturing in North America. At this time, standardization of jack designs also took place to ensure the production of quality jack products.

Formal standardization of hydraulic and pneumatic systems best practices began in the early 1950s. Through the efforts of the now-dissolved Joint Industrial Council (JIC), made up of automotive manufacturing experts, the release of ANSI/NFPA standards was enabled around 1990. 

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) TC131/SC9 also addressed this subject in the 1970s, resulting in the release of ISO 4413 and 4414 standards. Using these standards as models, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) issued EN 982 and EN 983 in 1995 for hydraulic and pneumatic systems standards to satisfy the requirements of the EU Machinery Directive. 

The similarity and increased specialization in design ensured compatibility with various car models and accommodated the unique weights of them. This led much of the earlier JIC and National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) work to be later incorporated into updates of the ISO standards in 1998. 

 

Quality Jack Product Features to Look Out For

  • The Case for Safety-

Some of the features that distinguish a quality jack product from other conventional types of jacks are safety features, in accordance with the related provisions in the updated ISO 4413 and 4414 standards of 2010.

As per the revised ISO TC131/SC9, four primary goals were of top priority, which are mentioned as follows:

  1. Integrate the safety provisions of EN982:1996. Comply with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
  1. Expand the scope of 4413 to include mobile equipment.
  1. Revise 4413 and 4414 through separate working groups but perform the work concurrently. Maintain a common style, structure, and schedule.
  1. Integrate into 4413 the significant U.S. national preferences and practices of the NFPA T2.24.1 supplement and the NFPA reservoir standards. 

 

  • Durability- 

Apart from safety, the reliability of jacks is also determined by their durability and relative longevity. High-quality products like sturdy, fine-grade steel bodies, along with zinc plated components and accessories, are also in high demand these days. 

These do not only give a certain appearance to the jacks, by enhancing their looks, but actually make them corrosion proof by adding to their oxidation resistant properties. High gloss powder coat paint, used exclusively in quality jack products today, protects the components from wear and tear. 

If stored properly- that is, cleaned regularly, and stored in cool and dry places, checked for leaks and maintenance- this feature alone can add many years to a quality jack product.

 

  • Saving Time and Energy

Finally, and perhaps the most sought-after, feature in jacks made in USA/Canada and around the world today is functional and usable design. Jack manufacturers in North America have embraced this rising trend in the field of design and applied it generously to their processes.

This kind of design is essentially meant to minimize friction within the workings of a system- in this case, jacks- to ultimately help the end users or customers achieve their goals and meet their needs effectively and satisfactorily- in this case, save time and energy.

It is estimated that traditional jacks are so cumbersome that the lifting process can take up to several minutes to complete. Not anymore. In the next section, we will discuss how a key jack manufacturer is taking the market by storm.

 

Stan Design Inc.- Quality Jack Products Made in Canada

Stan Design Inc. Is a Jack Manufacturer in North America that has been in the business for more than 25 years. They produce the highest quality jack products by fusing the science of manufacturing with the art of creative design.

Implementing cutting-edge technology gives them the edge to stay ahead of the rest of the world in key offerings. For instance, their Scorpion line of floor jacks come in hydraulic and air motor variants and can lift vehicles in seconds with just the push of a single remote-control button.

Their rolling bridge jacks, also called StanJack, and fast-lube pit jacks also have this same usable design- only better, in the form of two remote-control buttons designed for lifting and lowering respectively.

Apart from this, they offer a three-stage automatic locking mechanism that engages at different heights, eliminating the need for additional chocks or stands. Their powerful hydraulic and air motor methods of operation allow for convenient lifting, without the need for any hand pumping. 

They also come with telescoping arms and stackable adapters that can lift across the axle or on the frame, depending on the vehicle size and shape. Besides, their special roller bearing wheels allow for effortless rolling and maneuvering. 

Categories
Hydraulic Jacks

The History of Jacks: From Ancient Leverage Tools to Modern Hydraulics

Modern hydraulic jacks are great tools that come in handy when you need a quick fix for a rundown tire. They can help you get easy oil changes too. And this is apart from their fundamental purpose of lifting, suspending, and lowering heavy vehicles for the purpose of servicing and maintenance. Basically, for automotive needs, jacks are your go to. 

Much has been spoken about the variety of industries that modern hydraulic jacks serve- like aircraft, automotive, bridges, cable tensioning, house moving, construction, general industrial, laboratory, locomotive, marine, mobile home, railroad, shipbuilding, shoring and stabilizing such as for tunnels and mines, tractors, and trailers. 

But do we know where these handy tools came from- their evolution? In this blog, we are going to take up something new- the history of jacks. We will speak about ancient jacks and modern hydraulic jacks before going on to discuss a major player in the market and its cutting-edge products. 

 

Ancient Jacks– Leverage Tools of the Past 

Did you know that the personal name Jack came in the sixteenth century to be used as a colloquial word for ‘a man (of low status)’? From here, the word was ‘applied to things which in some way take the place of a lad or man or save human labour’. 

Then, the Oxford English Dictionary came to define jack in the sense ‘a machine, usually portable, for lifting heavy weights by force acting from below’ from 1679. So, jacks as we know them today, are not exactly ancient, except in the operation process of the rudimentary lifting purposes they still solve. 

It was only with the Industrial Revolution of the mid-nineteenth century that automobiles started becoming more accessible to a larger population, thanks to the introduction of assembly lines and mass production. The larger consumption of cars gave rise to an organized process of jack production. 

At this time standardization of jack designs also took place. The similarity and increased specialization in design ensured compatibility with various car models and accommodate the unique weights of them. 

Some of the earliest types of car jacks are screw jacks, ratchet jacks, scissor jacks, and lever jacks. Thanks to Pascal’s law of fluid mechanics though, we have easier and more convenient modern hydraulic jacks available today. There are other variants in operation too- like, air powered and electrical jacks. 

 

Modern Hydraulic Jacks 

Fluid mechanics, or Pascal’s principle, is the foundation for modern hydraulic jack operations. In essence, according to the law, if you squeeze one part of a fluid, the effect propagates to all other parts of the fluid, making modern hydraulic jacks work. 

Some of the modern types of hydraulic jacks are floor jacks, pit jacks, rolling bridge jacks, fast lube jacks, heavy-duty military-grade truck jacks, etc. Read more about modern hydraulic jacks here.

 

Stan Design Inc.- Key Player in Jack Industry

Modern hydraulic jacks are a product of cutting-edge technology meeting innovative, usable and functional requirements in the design landscape. Stan Design Inc. is one such business that manufactures modern hydraulic jacks to meet the custom requirements of today’s customers.

And we do it without pinching your pockets. No, we do not offer cheap product prices because we do not compromise on the quality of our jacks- right from the component parts which are assorted individually and brought together to be painted in rust-free power coat to the finished jack itself.

However, our already affordable entry price points allow us to aid you in reaping the long-term benefits of investing in one of our products. Yes, that is right- our products are not just a one-time purchase, they are an investment for our clientele, which we continue to loyally serve even post-purchase.

 

Stan Design Inc. Modern Hydraulic Jack Models

Floor Jacks 

Scorpion TJ12S 

  • Capacity- 24,000 lbs./ 12 Tons 
  • Only 8’’ Collapsed Height 
  • Lifts Over 15.75” 

Scorpion TJ12SL 

  • Capacity- 24,000 lbs./ 12 Tons 
  • Only 7.5’’ Collapsed Height 
  • Lifts Over 15” 

Scorpion TJ14 

  • Capacity- 28,000 lbs./ 14 Tons 
  • Only 8.25” Collapsed Height 
  • Lifts Over 20” 

Scorpion TJ12E 

  • Capacity- 24,000 lbs./ 12 Tons 
  • Only 8’’ Collapsed Height 
  • Lifts Over 15.75” 
  • 2 Extendable Arms 

Scorpion MJ25 

  • Capacity- 25,000 lbs./ 12.5 Tons 
  • Lifts Over 36” 
  • Extendable Beam with Stackable Adapters Designed for All Military Vehicle Applications 

 

Pit Jacks 

 

Scorpion PJ15 

  • Capacity – 15,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 
  • Size – 34” Wide 
  • Expandable Size – 42” Wide 

 

Scorpion PJ25 

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 
  • Size – 34” Wide 
  • Expandable Size – 42” Wide 

 

Scorpion P12S 

  • Capacity – 12,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 
  • Size – 31” Wide 
  • Expandable Size – 46” Wide 

Scorpion PJ15S 

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 
  • Size – 31” Wide 
  • Expandable Size – 46” Wide 

Scorpion PJ25S 

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 
  • Size – 32” Wide 
  • Expandable Size – 46” Wide 

Scorpion Installed Tire Service Lift 

  • Installed Version of TJ12 
  • Designed to lift vehicle across axle 
  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs. 
  • Dual Hydraulic Arms 
  • Built-in safety lock 
  • Extended Lifting Height – over 20” 
  • Incredible value for money 

 

Available Models 

  • TJ12AG – Above Ground 
  • TJ12SG – Semi-in-Ground 
  • TJ12IG – In-Ground 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 

 

Bridge Jacks 

 

StanJack J6000H 

  • Capacity – 6,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 11” 

 

StanJack J7000L 

  • Capacity – 7,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Air Bag 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 10.25” 
  • Lowest Collapsed Height – Only 7” 

 

StanJack J7500H 

  • Capacity – 7,500 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 10.25” 
  • Lowest Collapsed Height – Only 7” 

 

StanJack J9000H 

  • Capacity – 9,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 11” 

 

StanJack J12000H 

  • Capacity – 12,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 

 

StanJack J15000H 

  • Capacity – 15,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 11” 

StanJack J18000H 

  • Capacity – 18,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 

StanJack J25000H 

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 

StanJack J35000H 

  • Capacity – 35,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 

StanJack J50000H 

  • Capacity – 50,000 lbs. 
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics 

 

Fast Lube Jacks 

 

Pit Jacks J7500HFL 

  • Capacity – 75,000 lbs. 
  • Narrow 34.5” Top Beam 
  • Heavy Duty Hydraulics 

 

Pit Jacks J7000LFL 

  • Capacity – 7,000 lbs. 
  • Narrow 34.5” Top Beam 
  • Heavy Duty Hydraulics 

 

Pit Jacks J9000HFL 

  • Capacity –9,000 lbs. 
  • Narrow 34.5” Top Beam 
  • Heavy Duty Hydraulics 

 

Tire Service Lifts LM9000P 

  • Capacity –9,000 lbs. 
  • Extended Lift height – 33” 
  • Dual hydraulic cylinders with full equalization 
  • Podium Style Control Panel 
  • Multi-position lock with air release 
  • Operate with a single button 
Categories
Hydraulic Jacks Pit Jacks Truck Jacks

Why Hydraulic Pit Jacks are Essential for Heavy-Duty Truck Maintenance

Hydraulic pit jacks or heavy-duty pit jacks are tools for lifting vehicles off the ground. Along with floor jacks, and other types of truck jacks like bridge jacks, rolling jacks, etc., heavy-duty pit jacks are useful for the full course of lifting, suspending and lowering vehicles for the purpose of servicing and maintenance. 

These heavy-duty truck jacks come in a variety of operating mechanisms, like hydraulics, mechanical, electrical, digitized, air motorized, hybrid, among others. These innovative power options will allow you to choose the best fit for your tailored requirements. Cutting-edge technology along with usable and functional design is shaping the automotive landscape today. 

There are several reasons why this is so. For starters, customers are demanding more efficiency and effectiveness over any other features that traditional jack manufacturers had been offering for long. Affordable entry price points and safety measures along with enhanced durability are only head starts today. 

For the full heavy-duty truck maintenance experience, pit jacks are needed that can save the time and energy of the people using them, and for industry, the companies employing the personnel wielding them. Commercial garages are no longer ready to lose hours over cumbersome lifting, and the risks attached to it. 

 

Hydraulic Pit Jacks and Their Importance for Heavy-Duty Truck Maintenance 

Fluid mechanics, or Pascal’s principle, is the foundation for hydraulic pit jack operation. According to the law, any part of a fluid that is pushed or squeezed will also affect the other parts of the fluid. 

In essence, it indicates that any pressure change that occurs at any point in a confined, incompressible fluid is transmitted throughout the entire fluid without experiencing any loss. Consequently, the motion that is transferred through a fluid medium inside the machine’s cogs is what makes hydraulic pit jacks function. 

The following general components of a hydraulic system of operation—hydraulic oil, reservoir, buffer, or oil tank; main cylinder or ram; release valve, control valve, check valve; lifting arm or pad; hydraulic pump with piston or plunger; and pump lever or handle—will help us comprehend the basic operation of a hydraulic pit jack. 

The actual part of the hydraulic pit jack that stores the hydraulic liquid or pump oil when not in use is called the reservoir, buffer, or oil tank. To stop an unintentional oil flow, the control valve remains closed when the hydraulic pit jack is not in use. 

The heavy weight or load must be raised by the piston. Usually, the handle or pump lever attached to it can be moved to mechanically activate it. The fluid inside the hydraulic pit jacks’ buffer tank or reservoir experiences pressure buildup from this movement. 

The hydraulic pit jacks’ adjacent compartment, which is the reservoir or buffer tank holding the fluid or pump oil, experiences a build-up of pressure when the handle or lever of the pump with piston or plunger is mechanically lowered or raised. 

The hydraulic pit jack’s main cylinder, or ram, emerges from the main body with the force needed to lift the load thanks to the pressure that was created and allowed to pass through a check valve. 

The oil is transferred from the pump through the check valve and into the main cylinder, or the ram, which emerges from the hydraulic pit jack body, by means of this applied pressure. Ultimately, the release valve generates the necessary lifting force and raises the load by releasing the built-up pressure, allowing the ram to be easily retracted and lowered while carrying a load. 

 

What is Stan Design Inc.? 

There are truck jacks on the market that don’t require jack stands. No, they won’t break the bank. In fact, long-term, they really end up being more economical. For longer-lasting, better-performing, and aesthetically stunning products, their manufacturers employ the best materials and cutting-edge technologies.

Stan Design Inc. Is one such, which has been in the business for more than 25 years. They produce the highest-quality lifting solutions by fusing the science of manufacturing with the art of creative design. Using a hydraulic system, their truck jacks provide a secure way to raise, lower, and suspend your heavy vehicles for upkeep and repairs.

Heavy-duty truck jacks help customers in a variety of industries, including aircraft, automotive, bridges, cable tensioning, house moving, construction, general industrial, laboratory, locomotive, marine, mobile home, railroad, shipbuilding, shoring and stabilizing such as for tunnels and mines, tractors, and trailers.

Experts that use heavy-duty truck jacks find great value in them. Truck jacks do this by lifting and transporting all kinds of heavy weights, industrial loads, vehicles, and machinery equipment for clamping.

 

Stan Design Inc. Scorpion Pit Jacks

Scorpion PJ15  

  • Capacity – 15,000 lbs.  
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms  
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20”  
  • Size – 34” Wide  
  • Expandable Size – 42” Wide  

 

Scorpion PJ25  

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs.  
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms  
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20”  
  • Size – 34” Wide  
  • Expandable Size – 42” Wide  

 

Scorpion P12S  

  • Capacity – 12,000 lbs.  
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms  
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20”  
  • Size – 31” Wide  
  • Expandable Size – 46” Wide  

Scorpion PJ15S  

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs.  
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms  
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20”  
  • Size – 31” Wide  
  • Expandable Size – 46” Wide  

Scorpion PJ25S  

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs.  
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms  
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20”  
  • Size – 32” Wide  
  • Expandable Size – 46” Wide  

Scorpion Installed Tire Service Lift  

  • Installed Version of TJ12  
  • Designed to lift vehicle across axle  
  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs.  
  • Dual Hydraulic Arms  
  • Built-in safety lock  
  • Extended Lifting Height – over 20”  
  • Incredible value for money  

 

Available Models  

  • TJ12AG – Above Ground  
  • TJ12SG – Semi-in-Ground  
  • TJ12IG – In-Ground  
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20” 

 

Categories
Floor jacks Hydraulic Jacks Jacks

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Floor Jack for Lifted Trucks 

What are Floor Jacks? 

Floor jacks are handy tools that are useful in servicing your vehicle. From lifting the rear or front ends of your vehicle, to suspending them at a certain angle or length, to lowering them safely, effective floor jacks take care of it all. 

Floor jacks come in all shapes and sizes, and most importantly, in all categories of servicing. Namely, semi-truck floor jack, heavy duty pit jacks, military grade floor jacks, small car pit jacks, rolling bridge jacks, etc. 

You must purchase a floor jack based on your particular requirements to get the most out of it. In this blog, we will discuss how to understand your floor jacking needs, the process to choose the right floor jack, where to buy one, and finally our top picks. Read on. 

Understanding your Floor Jack Requirements 

Understanding your floor jack requirements before making a purchase is the key to getting the highest return on your investment. For this reason, we have collated a list of points which can break down the process in 3 tangible terms for you to gloss over. 

  1. Vehicle size – The first and foremost step in understanding your floor jack requirements is to assess your vehicle size. It is a fairly straightforward step, but imperative not to be missed. If you have a small car, like a family car or small van, you may or may not purchase heavy floor jacks made of sturdy materials, but if you own heavy duty military grade trucks, you should service them in commercial garages which host the right equipment, or at least use heavy duty pit jacks. 
  2. Undercarriage profile – The next step is to buy a floor jack that fits the distance between your vehicle’s chassis and the floor, also called ground clearance. 
  3. Storage Infrastructure – Finally, and perhaps the most enduring deciding factor in buying a floor jack is being mindful of its storage facilities. If you have a home garage, you must keep it clean and dry for storing your purchase, as the floor jack’s maintenance directly affects its longevity. 

Guide to Choose the Right Floor Jack 

Choosing the right floor jack based on your requirements is not rocket science. To choose the right floor jack for your needs, you must equip yourself with our 5-point basic toolkit, and you shall be all set to go. 

What is the toolkit, you ask? Well, researching the top 5 features that are a must in the best floor jack to lift the trucks. Here are the 5 features. 

  1. Load Capacity – The load capacity of a jack is directly proportional to the load lifting faculty of its build materail. And it represents the amount of weight it is built to lift- meaning in simple terms, whether it can lift small cars or heavy duty military grade trucks. A floor jack with a higher load capacity will safely carry loads without excessive manual exhaustion. It is generally measured in pounds or kilograms. 
  2. Build Material – As discussed in the point above, the material with which a floor jack is built is an important factor in determining its performance and longevity. Whether it is built to withstand heavy duress and long-term wear and tear, along with natural depreciation like rust and oxidation processes, can be assessed by this factor. High quality fine grade steel products are sturdier than plastic or rubber floor jacks. 
  3. Size and Portability – Often overlooked in the purchasing process, the size and portability of a floor jack has a considerable effect on its regular use. Larger sized floor or pit jacks that are used along with lifting systems fixed in commercial garages would obviously not be the right purchase choice for customers looking for portable options that can be safely tucked away in car storage compartments for quick access in emergencies. 
  4. Convenience and safety – Features in modern floor jacks should go beyond ensuring safety in its functioning and the personnel involved in operating it. They must include features that make it convenient for use- for instance, buttons for lifting and lowering, axles, stands or chocks for securing, and so on. However, safety features must not be overlooked and checking its locking mechanisms, etc. are a must. 
  5. Designed to Fit – Lastly, the ultimate guiding factor in choosing the best floor jack for lifted trucks is to see whether its design is functional. This means understanding, say for instance, that the fine polish on the floor jack body does not only showcase a sleek appearance, but also usefulness like protection against corrosion. Functional designs are the need of the hour, that would not only be useful in appraising the longevity of your floor jack but also whether the price it is listed at is worth paying. 

Where to Buy Floor Jacks? 

There are many great options available online for purchasing the best floor jack to lift a truck. However, there are only a handful of businesses that fit both your needs and your budget. 

And even lesser, that manufacture jacks that fit your pits too. Stan Design Inc. is one of them. With over two decades of experience within the industry, Stan Design Inc. has craftily mastered the art and craft of designing and manufacturing technologically advanced jacks that are pocket friendly. 

Their line of Scorpion floor jacks come in both hydraulic and air bag variants, with a wide load capacity that can accommodate a large range of vehicles. That is why their products are our top picks, which we will discuss in the last section. 

Stan Design Inc. Scorpion Floor Jack Models 

Scorpion TJ12S

  • Capacity- 24,000 lbs./ 12 Tons 
  • Lifts Over 15.75”

Scorpion TJ12SL 

  • Capacity- 24,000 lbs./ 12 Tons 
  • Only 7.5’’ Collapsed
  • Height  Lifts Over 15”  

Scorpion TJ14

  • Capacity- 28,000 lbs./ 14 Tons 
  • Only 8.25” Collapsed Height 
  • Lifts Over 20”  

Scorpion TJ12E 

  • Capacity- 24,000 lbs./ 12 Tons 
  • Only 8’’ Collapsed Height 
  • Lifts Over 15.75” 
  • 2 Extendable Arms  

Scorpion MJ25 

  • Capacity- 25,000 lbs./ 12.5 Tons 
  • Lifts Over 36” 
  • Extendable Beam with Stackable Adapters Designed for All Military Vehicle Applications.

Categories
Hydraulic Jacks

The Role of Hydraulic Jacks in Emergency Vehicle Maintenance

Whether you plan to hit the country road or take a short trip to the beachside, whether it is sunny or there is a forecast of rain, you must always be ready with a kit for the emergency maintenance of vehicles. And hydraulic jacks are an indispensable constituent component of the kit. 

Why Hydraulic Jacks? 

Hydraulic jacks work using the principle of Pascal’s law of fluid mechanics. Broken down, it means that when there’s an increase in pressure at any point in a confined incompressible fluid, that pressure change is transmitted throughout the entire fluid. 

In other words, any change in pressure applied to a fluid in a closed system is transmitted undiminished to all parts of the fluid and the container walls. When this principle is applied in hydraulic jacks today, it helps eliminate manual labour. Here is how. 

How Do Hydraulic Jacks Work? 

To understand simply the workings of a hydraulic jack, let us consider the example of a hydraulic system of operation, consisting of the following broad components:

  • hydraulic oil, 
  • reservoir or buffer or oil tank, 
  • main cylinder or ram, 
  • release valve, 
  • control valve, 
  • check valve, 
  • lifting arm or pad, 
  • hydraulic pump with piston or plunger, and 
  • pump lever or handle.  

The reservoir or buffer or oil tank is the physical compartment of the hydraulic jack that holds the hydraulic liquid or pump oil together when it is not in use. The control valve stays in a closed position when the hydraulic jack is not in use to prevent the accidental flow of oil. 

The piston is responsible for lifting the heavy load or weight. It is usually mechanically activated by shifting the positions of the handle or pump lever attached to it. This movement builds up pressure in the hydraulic fluid contained inside the reservoir or buffer tank of the hydraulic jacks.

When the handle or lever of the hydraulic pump with piston or plunger is mechanically lowered or raised, it activates force and builds up pressure in the adjoining compartment, i.e., the reservoir or buffer tank containing the hydraulic fluid or pump’s oil, inside hydraulic jacks. 

The pressure created allows the fluid to move through a check valve into the ram or main cylinder, which then pops out of the main body of the hydraulic jack creating the force required to lift the load. 

This applied pressure is what transfers the oil from the pump through the check valve and into the main cylinder or the ram, which extends out of the hydraulic jack body. Finally, the release valve relieves the built pressure for easy retraction and lowering of the ram with the load on it, creating the required lifting force and lifting the load. 

Vehicle Jacks by Stan Design – Hydraulic Jack Systems 

Stan Design Inc. is the best hydraulic jack manufacturer and designer in Canada and North America. It uses state-of-the-art hydraulic technology to design and manufacture some of the most advanced hydraulic jacks in the market at affordable prices, without compromising on the quality. 

With over 25 long years of experience in the industry, they have mastered the art and science of designing and manufacturing to delivering automotive lifting solutions, using the finest materials that last longer, perform better, are safe, reliable and stand the test of time, and look aesthetically stunning, while at it. 

By adhering to the strictest safety and quality standards in the industry, their products are tested and certified by reputable organizations such as CSA Group, UL, CE, ISO, etc. They also offer warranties and sales support to all our customers so that they can utilize our products to their full extent, something that is missing from other sellers in the market.

Stan Design Inc. bridges the gap between the vacuum left by the lack of standardization of quality checks to measure the efficacy of compact automotive lifting solutions (like vehicle jacks that lift passenger vehicles) and those for heavy duty or armored military vehicles, by manufacturing jacks for both kinds and everything in between. 

Also Read: Specialized Oil Handling Solutions for Garages in 2024

Advantages of Stan Design Inc. Hydraulic Jacks:

  • Safety – Safety features in Stan Design Inc. hydraulic jacks include an in-built 3-stage locking mechanism system that engages automatically at different heights, excluding the requirement of any extra stands or chocks to secure the vehicle. 
  • Convenience – The Stan Design Inc. hydraulic jack lifts your vehicle with the touch of a button, well two- one to lift and one to lower- attached to a detachable remote-control pendant, and an extendable pull handle that makes it simple to position the jack under the vehicle. 
  • Maneuverability – All the Stan Design Inc. vehicle jacks have four full floating casters or wheels, made of special roller bearings that reduce friction and wear, allowing for easy rolling and maneuvering. 
  • Durability – The Stan Design Inc. hydraulic jack is made of high-grade fine steel material and coated with a high gloss powder paint, along with zinc plated components and accessories that resist oxidation, deterioration, corrosion and rust, while enhancing their durability. 

Stan Design Inc. Hydraulic Jack Models to Choose From in 2024:

Categories
Bridge Jacks Floor jacks Hydraulic Jacks Jacks Truck Jacks

How to Choose the Right Truck Jack for Efficient Lifting?

Working in commercial garages or automotive workshops can become a nightmare without the right collection of equipment at your disposal. One such tool in your arsenal is truck jacks. These heavy-duty jacks for trucks are capable enough to make the lifting process of big vehicles smooth and effortless while ensuring safety and stability.

By saving time in lifting heavy loads, suspending them securely to service them efficiently, and lowering them without technical hiccups, truck jacks enable workers to maintain and repair bigger vehicles like heavy-duty military or commercial trucks, buses, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and all sorts of big automobiles.

Having many different operational mechanisms- mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, hybrid, etc., these jacks deliver high value to professionals wielding them. By lifting and transporting all types of heavy weights, industrial loads, vehicles, and machinery equipment for clamping, jacks aid customers in varying industries, like:

  • Aircraft
  • Automotive
  • Bridges
  • Cable tensioning
  • House moving
  • Construction
  • General industrial
  • Laboratory
  • Locomotive
  • Marine
  • Mobile home
  • Railroad
  • Shipbuilding
  • Shoring and stabilizing such as for tunnels and mines
  • Tractors & trailers

To understand simply the workings of a truck jack like the Stan Design pit jack, let us consider the example of a hydraulic system of operation, consisting of the following broad components:

  • Hydraulic oil,
  • Reservoir or buffer or oil tank,
  • Main cylinder or ram,
  • Release valve,
  • Control valve,
  • Check valve,
  • Lifting arm or pad,
  • Hydraulic pump with piston or plunger, and
  • Pump lever or handle.

The reservoir or buffer or oil tank is the physical compartment of the heavy-duty jack for trucks that holds the hydraulic liquid or pump oil together when it is not in use. The control valve stays in a closed position when the jack is not in use to prevent the accidental flow of oil.

When the handle or lever of the hydraulic pump with piston or plunger is mechanically lowered or raised, it activates force and builds up pressure in the adjoining compartment, i.e., the reservoir or buffer tank containing the hydraulic fluid or pump’s oil.

This applied pressure transfers the oil from the pump through a check valve and into the main cylinder or the ram, which extends out of the hydraulic jack body creating the required lifting force and lifting the load.


What are Factors to Consider for Choosing the Right Truck Jack for Efficient Lifting?


1. Compatibility with Your Vehicle:
 Before choosing the right jack for lifting heavy vehicles, it is essential to check its specifications to verify its compatibility with your vehicle. This step is important and must not be avoided under any circumstances or considerations because doing so can impose great harm on not only the vehicle being lifted and serviced using the jack, but to the safety and even life of the personnel engaged in the process of lifting and maintaining the vehicle. To ensure compatibility, checking the jack’s weight capacity, size, portability, clearance or lift range, quality, build materials, brand reputation and user testimonials can be a starting point.

2. Weight Capacity: Usually expressed in tonnage, the weight capacity of a jack shows its capability of clamping, lifting, suspending, lowering, transporting, etc. loads of particular weights. The load or weight capacity of a jack is distinctly different from its lift range or size and is not indicative of either. Neither do the jack’s lift range nor its size in any way denote its load capacity. So, if you have a bigger or heavier vehicle to be repaired, going for heavy-duty pit jacks would be a wise choice, while for smaller cars investing in small and more portable repair and maintenance jacks would be sufficient.

3. Size and Portability: The size of a jack directly affects its portability. Heavier jacks, usually made of steel, are more suited for use in commercial garages and automotive workshops where they may be fixed in places for more convenient use. Unlike that, smaller jacks using hydraulic systems to operate either made of lightweight steel or aluminum, can be stored in small storage compartments of cars to be unloaded and used for emergency purposes like fixing a flat tire, etc. However, it is wise to not rely on portability alone while determining the size of the jack being purchased and weigh its compatibility with your owned vehicle or the types of vehicles you commercially service.

4. Clearance: The clearance of a vehicle refers to the distance between the lowest part of its undercarriage (not including the tires) and the ground. Also referred to as ride height or ground clearance, this area is the best suited for car jacks to be implemented for repairs and maintenance. Usually, the higher the clearance, the higher the center of mass of the vehicle. Therefore, this can be translated to suit low lift ranges of car jacks to make it compatible with the clearance of the car being serviced.

5. Brand Reputation and User Testimonials: While making an automotive jack purchase, you should bear in mind its producer and manufacturer. Checking out the brand reputation diligently and doing a fair bit of research on its product description and features, while also reviewing user feedback and testimonials for both the product and producer can go a long way in ensuring that you make a wise investment. For example, our Stan Design pit jacks are highly trusted across the industry as we serve our customers not only before they make a purchase with us, but also long after they sale is closed.

6. Quality and Build Materials: Perhaps, the biggest component in selecting a jack is its safety features. Since it is such a basic consideration, we have not discussed it as a separate point and wish to highlight it through this concluding point about quality and build materials. The quality of a jack should never be compromised based on price points as it can severely constrain the safety of your vehicle and yourself. Checking its build materials, whether steel, aluminum, hybrid, etc. is imperative to determine not only its size and portability but also its quality and sustainability, that is directly proportional to the safety it offers.

Categories
Hydraulic Jacks Jacks Truck Jacks

Complete Comparison: Hydraulic Jack Vs Mechanical Jack for Trucks

Mechanical and hydraulic jacks be it bridge jacks, truck jacks, auto jacks, or any other kind of jacks- both serve the same purpose- that of working with, loading, lifting, and where necessary, transporting heavy loads, weight and forces.

You may notice that we employed two different types of classification for cataloguing the jacks. One type- grouping it by name or the purpose it serves, i.e. bridge jacks, truck jacks, auto jacks categorically differs from the other type- grouping it by operation or its mechanism of functioning, i.e. mechanical jacks and hydraulic jacks.

It is the latter taxonomy that we are going to expand upon in this blog. Because before making a purchase based on the naming classifier, it is important to know the mechanism which the jack you are looking to buy works on. Only then can you be assured that it will serve your purpose fruitfully.

As the names suggest, a hydraulic jack is powered by hydraulic force, primarily based on the fluid, as opposed to a mechanical jack that is powered by mechanical force.

Both the jacks serve key roles in their own niches, have their own sets of pros and cons, and cater to a heavily biased client base. Understanding the differences between these two types of jacks is crucial in choosing the right tool for the task at hand.

Mechanical Jacks- Mechanism of Operation

To understand how a mechanical jack works, it is first important to learn about its main components, which include:

  • Screw or worm gear
  • Handle
  • Lifting arm or pad
  • Support or stabilizing legs

The mechanism of operation or function of a mechanical jack is relatively easy and straightforward to understand. It relies on the principle of mechanical advantage. For the uninitiated, mechanical advantage simply means a denotation of a measured force.

In the working of a mechanical jack, the mechanical advantage is based on the principle of the screw. The pitch of the screw determines it. An increased pitch gives a greater mechanical advantage, which results in the easier lifting of heavier loads. Whereas a decreased pitch does the vice versa.

How to Choose Mechanical Jacks?

Compatibility– Before choosing a mechanical jack it is absolutely necessary to determine its compatibility with your vehicle that you are going to lift using it.

Handle Effort– The handle effort of a mechanical jack refers to the force or effort applied on the handle to lift the load or weight on the mechanical jack.

Lift Range– The lift range of a mechanical jack refers to the range of height the stroke of the mechanical jack can reach.

Travel Speed– The travel per stroke of a mechanical jack determines the travel speed.

Portability– The size of the jack determines the portability of the mechanical jack and should be a contributing factor to your purchasing decisions.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Mechanical jacks offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for customers. However, they have a set of disadvantages or limitations too. We will discuss them all for your perusal and contribution to a purchase choice.

  • Its major advantage is the ease and convenience of use it offers.
  • However, it offers limited lifting capacity when compared to other jacks.
  • Because of their fewer moving parts, its durability and reliability are prolonged.
  • However, because of this non-specialized unit comprisal, they are not suitable for lifting very heavy loads.

Models

We have extensively surveyed a range of products from various brands to pick the best mechanical jacks for your use. Here are our top picks:

Scorpion TJ14

  • Capacity – 28,000 lbs./14 Tons
  • Only 8.25” Collapsed Height
  • Lifts Over 20”

Scorpion TJ12SL

  • Capacity – 24,000 lbs./12 Tons
  • Only 7.5’’ Collapsed Height
  • Lifts Over 15”

Scorpion TJ12S

  • Capacity – 24,000 lbs./12 Tons
  • Only 8’’ Collapsed Height
  • Lifts Over 15.75”

Scorpion TJ12E

  • Capacity – 24,000 lbs./12 Tons
  • Only 8’’ Collapsed Height
  • Lifts Over 15.75”
  • 2 Extendable Arms

Scorpion MJ25

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs./12.5 Tons
  • Lifts Over 36”
  • Extendable Beam With Stackable Adapters Designed For All Military Vehicle Applications

Hydraulic Jacks– Mechanism of Operation

Like mechanical jacks, these tools also have a rather simple mechanism of function or operation. Its components can broadly be listed as:

  • Hydraulic oil
  • Reservoir or oil tank
  • Control valve
  • Hydraulic pump
  • Lifting arm or pad
  • Piston

The reservoir or oil tank holds the hydraulic liquid or oil. The control valve stays in a closed position when the jack is not in use to prevent the accidental flow of oil. The hydraulic pump activates the force or pressure necessary to move the oil that helps in lifting the load.

How to Choose Hydraulic Jacks?

While choosing hydraulic bridge jacks, there are just a few specifications that you need to keep in mind. Check the features like build or material- whether heavy like steel or portable like aluminum- size and weight or load capacity, lift range, price and quality, safety offerings like locking mechanisms, and finally the brand reputation and user reviews of the product and client testimonials of the business or brand.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Hydraulic jacks offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for customers. However, they have a set of disadvantages or limitations too. We will discuss them all for your perusal and contribution to a purchase choice.

  • One of the key advantages of these jacks is the greater lifting force they are capable of generating.
  • This increased lifting force allows them to lift greater loads as well as for greater heights.
  • Their disadvantages include the price point at which they are usually listed as compared with other jacks.
  • A key disadvantage is the obvious danger of accidental hydraulic oil spillage, which if gone unchecked can cause great damage to life and property.

Models

Scorpion PJ15

  • Capacity – 15,000 lbs.
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20”
  • Size – 34” Wide
  • Expandable Size – 42” Wide

Scorpion PJ25 

  • Capacity – 25,000 lbs.
  • Dual Hydraulics Arms
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 20”
  • Size – 34” Wide
  • Expandable Size – 42” Wide

StanJack J9000H 

  • Capacity – 9,000 -18000 lbs.
  • Heavy-Duty Hydraulics
  • Extended Lifting Height – Over 11”
  • Lowest Collapsed Height

Pit Jacks J6000HFL 

  • Capacity – 6,000 lbs.
  • Narrow 34.5” Top Beam
  • Heavy Duty Hydraulics
  • Extended Lifting Height
  • Lowest Collapsed Height

Pit Jacks J9000HFL 

  • Capacity –9,000 lbs.
  • Narrow 34.5” Top Beam
  • Heavy Duty Hydraulics
  • Extended Lifting Height
  • Lowest Collapsed Height