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