Maintaining workshop equipment and tools is paramount, not merely to prolong their service life but also, crucially, for ensuring safety in numerous instances. Trolley jacks and bottle jacks, in particular, necessitate routine inspections, as they bear the weight of vehicles, subjecting them to immense loads and playing a pivotal role in ensuring safe vehicle operations. Although the utilization of appropriate jack stands for supporting vehicles is fundamentally necessary, the maintenance of jacks themselves should not be overlooked.
While jacks generally require minimal to no maintenance, routine cleaning and inspections play a pivotal role in enhancing their durability and upholding occupational safety standards. Special emphasis should be placed on the moving components and rollers of trolley jacks, as well as all varieties of hydraulic jacks, to ensure their smooth functioning and continued reliability.
6 tips for proper care
- Optimal Hydraulic Oil Quantity: Failure to maintain adequate hydraulic oil levels impedes the jack from achieving its peak lifting capacity. Furthermore, the presence of air within the system, in extreme scenarios, can escalate into hazardous conditions. Consequently, it is imperative to routinely inspect the oil level at the hydraulic cylinder’s filler plug. Should the cylinder contain inadequate (or excessive) oil, adjustments must be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s specified guidelines to ensure safe and efficient operation.
- The selection of the appropriate hydraulic oil is crucial, as everyone acknowledges that various oils exhibit distinct properties. For jacks, the employment of a premium-grade hydraulic oil is indispensable. At no point should brake fluids, engine oils, or any fluids that compromise seals and lines be utilized, as they pose a significant risk.
- Venting the Lifting Cylinder: Should lifting become difficult, venting the cylinder can effectively restore its lifting capability. It is advisable to perform this venting procedure at regular intervals, particularly when the jack is not consistently positioned vertically on the ground or undergoes transportation.
- Ensuring cleanliness within the hydraulic system is crucial, as the presence of dirt can cause significant issues with the finely calibrated valves, particularly during the lowering of the jack. By thoroughly draining, flushing, and purging the system of any contaminants, such malfunctions can typically be promptly resolved.
- Maintenance and Lubrication: Trolley jacks comprise numerous moving components, encompassing wheels, the lifting arm, and various joints situated on the drawbar. To guarantee seamless functionality and safeguard against wear and tear, it is imperative to meticulously clean and lubricate all these moving parts on a regular basis. Specifically, components featuring grease nipples ought to be lubricated using a grease gun to ensure thorough coverage and optimal performance.
- Storage Guidelines: Jacks, particularly when utilized outdoors or for roadside assistance, are frequently subjected to the harshest environments. Exposure to rain, dirt, dust, and, in winter, salt, can swiftly deteriorate their wear resistance, functionality, or even result in malfunction. Consequently, it’s imperative to regularly clean the jack to eliminate stubborn or abrasive contaminants. While storing, ensure that all pressure is fully released, and the jack is positioned upright as intended, thereby preventing the formation of air bubbles within the hydraulic system.