How Do Hydraulic Jacks Work?

Hydraulic jacks are essential tools in various industries that help with heavy lifting of different kinds of weights. These jacks use the power of hydraulic fluid or oil to move or lift heavy loads. The main mechanism of applying force differs from the jack type used, but it generally relies on a hydraulic cylinder or a screw thread. Typically, hydraulic jacks have two cylinders of different sizes that are connected with a pipe. The hydraulic fluid is then forced into these cylinders by a plunger. When the plunger moves forward, oil gets pushed into the cylinder, and when you pull the plunger backward, the hydraulic fluid gets pulled into the pump chamber. The combination of these movements delivers enough pressure to power the hydraulic jack. Read on to learn how a hydraulic jack works and how to use one.

The Process

Generally, when using a hydraulic jack, you insert the metal pumping bar into the equipment socket and then pump it. This raises the boom that lifts the load attached to it. Opening the valve that is usually at the jack’s base will lower the load. The primary power source of hydraulic jacks comes from hydraulic fluid, and pressure is created by the movement of this fluid in two cylinders via a plunger. The two cylinders differ in size, with the large cylinder producing more pressure. However, you will still get the same amount of pressure in both cylinders. The hydraulic fluid or oil will first move into the pump chamber when you move the pump plunger backward. This movement also opens the valve, which facilitates the movement of oil into the chamber. When you move the plunger downward, the oil gets into the cylinder via the discharge valve. Next, the suction valve also closes, thereby creating pressure in the ram. The resulting pressure lifts the piston of the chamber, which then helps you lift a heavy load. Generally, hydraulic jacks function based on the movement of oil from the pump chamber to the cylinders. By continually making these movements, you can lift heavy weights higher and higher. The pump will continuously exert small bits of force on the oil until it creates substantial pressure to push up the jack and lift a load. With just the simple hand pump mechanism, the hydraulic jack will exert massive forces. You also need to ensure that all the hydraulic jack parts are well maintained to keep them properly functioning.

The Working Principle of Hydraulic Jacks

Hydraulic jacks work based on Pascal’s principle. Blaise Pascal, a French scientist, developed this principle over 350 years ago and it has become the backbone of fluid mechanics. As per Pascal’s principle, pressure exerted at any point on liquid in a container gets transmitted to all other parts of the liquid without any loss. This means the pressure at the top of a container and the one at the bottom will be equal.

Request Your Custom Jack Today

Hydraulic jacks make work simpler in various industries, such as lifting vehicles above the ground level. The construction sector is also heavily reliant on hydraulic jacks for easier completion of several tasks. With a simple hand pump mechanism, you can lift heavy loads with ease. Make your work more efficient and simpler by getting hydraulic equipment from Metro Hydraulic Jack Company. We have been the leading company in supplying quality hydraulic lifting systems to clients all over the country since 1941. We have a full line of hydraulic jacks, tools, and add-ons beneficial to several sectors. Our products include:

• Hydraulic cylinders
• Hydraulic pumps
• Mechanical jacks
• Hydraulic lifts
• Air jacks
• Material handling equipment

Contact us today or request a quote for the hydraulic items you need from us. Metro Hydraulic Jack Company is your single source for all your hydraulic needs.