To retrofit or not to retrofit? That is the question, of our blog anyway! A quick Google search shows the definition of “retrofit” as a verb, meaning “to add (a component or accessory) to something that did not have it when manufactured”.
As a noun it means “an act of retrofitting a component or accessory”. Retrofitting old jacks is mainly done for three purposes such as boosting jack efficiency, improving jack functionality, and enhancing jack lifting capacity.
It is a cost effective way to repurpose worn off jacks instead of replacing them with new models. However, an important factor to keep in mind before you start pulling your jack parts out to reconfigure them for optimal functionality is being absolutely clear about your purpose.
Jacks also 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.
Without knowing your goals for retrofitting old jacks, you will end up doing more harm than good to your beloved gadget. With that being said, let us now learn some affordable ways to boost jack performance by retrofitting, maintaining and upgrading them.
8 Affordable Ways to Boost Jack Efficiency
- Hydraulic fluid viscosity – If you are using a hydraulic jack, checking the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid at fluctuations of temperature is necessary to maintain the efficiency of the jack and improve jack functionality. As the hydraulic pump oil, or hydraulic fluid as it is better know, tends to change its viscosity with lowering or soaring temperatures, the right fluid viscosity index product must be used.
- Right adapter type – Usually made of steel or polyurethane, jack adapters are typically the first apparatus that comes to mind when we talk about retrofitting old jacks. By the definition of the term ‘retrofitting’, support components like jack adapters and stands are referred to as added accessories that were not required at the time of manufacture. So, selecting the right type of adapter- whether truck or pumpkin adapter- is necessary depending on the vehicle jack type.
- Compatible jack stands – Jack stands are supporting action props generally needed for stabilizing the jack when loading and lifting heavy loads. In the course of this service, they also help with extending the lifting height by providing some extra inches to the jack itself. Given its crucial function in the lifting process, it is important to choose jack stands that are compatible with the features of the jacks, to boost jack efficiency and enhance jack lifting capacity.
- Jack load capacity – The central feature of any jack is its load capacity. Therefore, every step of using a jack should be taken with this in mind- so as to not overload it or abuse and upset any of its working parts. Not only would this not boost jack efficiency or enhance jack lifting capacity but also pose quite the pocket pinch in order to get it retrofitted or replaced altogether.
- Pneumatic durability – Sorted by mechanisms of operation, pneumatic jacks have traditionally been known for their lower lifting power capabilities than hydraulic jacks. Therefore, using lower weight loads that fit within the lifting range of these jacks is advisable for their long-term durability. They also require less maintenance than hydraulic jacks because of different components, which if maintained correctly, add to their longevity.
- Retrofitting lift systems – Lift systems like 4 posts or 2 posts are frames of four or two vertical posts connected by crossbeams and platforms. Their purpose is to support the weight of a vehicle that it lifts for storage or maintenance, so it can allow access to the underside of the vehicle for repairs if needed. A retrofitted rolling bridge jack makes this lifting process smoother by working as sliding trolleys to lift the tires from the runways and work on the suspension and steering system.
- Components and bearing wheels – Special rolling casters that reduce friction between rolling bridge jacks they are fitted to and the lifting trolleys they work on must be used to boost jack efficiency and improve jack functionality. By reducing friction, they protect the jack from wear and tear on regular engagement in heavy-duty lifting. Protection can also be provided by using fine-grade steel jack bodies with zinc plated components and accessories that resist oxidation, and high gloss powder coat paint that protects them from corrosion.
- Storage and maintenance – Last but not least, the most important and affordable way to boost jack efficiency and performance, improve jack functionality, and enhance jack lifting capacity is to store and maintain it neatly and regularly. Their components must not be exposed to humid, hot or dirty environments. For instance, in hydraulic jacks that run on grease and fluids stored within, any contact with dirt or external moisture is bound to contaminate it, rendering it useless or potentially harmful. Using a damp cloth to clean the dirt after a use, before it settles on the grease, gets sticky, and attracts more dirt, prevents rusting and clogging within jack. components.
Stan Design’s Hydraulic and Pneumatic Jacks
Retrofitting might seem like an affordable way to reconfigure your jack systems but if not done right they can incur more loss. In those cases, just going for a new hydraulic or pneumatically jack would be most cost-effective.
In fact, in the long term, they end up being more economical. Stan Design Inc. is a jack designer and manufacturer that 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 automotive jacks provide a secure way to raise, lower, and suspend your heavy vehicles for upkeep and repairs. Their 4 broad models of jacks- floor jacks, pit jacks, fast lube jacks, and rolling bridge jacks- also come in pneumatic variants.
For longer-lasting, better-performing, and aesthetically stunning products, their manufacturers employ the best materials and cutting-edge technologies. Experts that use heavy duty truck jacks find great value in them.