Choosing The Right Hydralite Jack for Your Application

Here’s a detailed look into the selection of these three types of hydraulic jacks:

Plain Ram

Hydralite plain ram hydraulic jacks are the standard model. The plain ram jacks have a number of benefits such as; easier cleaning and maintenance, simpler servicing procedures and simpler operation. The plain ram models also offer a slightly lower overall clearance, allowing the jack to fit into tighter spaces.

Screwed Ram

Hydralite screwed ram hydraulic jacks have a screw thread that extends along the length of the ram. A load retaining locking collar can then be deployed to mechanically secure a held load, therefore not relying on hydraulic pressure for prolonged durations. This feature makes the jack suitable for applications where sustained load retention is required for longer periods of time.

Things to consider when selecting a screwed ram jack:

• Does the load on the jack need to be held in place for a significant duration? If so, then a screwed ram jack is the most appropriate choice.
• Due to the addition of the load retaining locking collar, these jacks do stand slightly taller than their plain ram counterparts. When selecting the appropriate jack, it is important to check the minimum space in which the jack must fit.

Claw Jack

Hydralite claw/toe jacks feature a heavy duty cast steel claw. The addition of the claw enables the jack to lift loads with a lower ground clearance, allowing the user to get under lift points that a standard jack could not access. While the claw adds weight to the jack, it is easily removeable to assist with transportation and portability. Claw jacks also boast an extended base for added stability underneath the claw/toe.

Things to consider for selecting a claw jack:

• Lifting with the claw/toe reduces the maximum working load of the jack. The load on the claw should not exceed 40% of the maximum rating of the jack. For example, a claw fitted on a 20-tonne jack is limited to 8 tonnes. Ensure the correct rated jack is selected for your application. The claw/toe can be removed and the full rating of the jack can be lifted directly on the ram, just like a plain ram jack.
• Do you need to perform lifting operations with low ground clearance? If so, then a claw jack is the most appropriate choice.

Dimensions of all Tangye hydraulic jacks can be found on their corresponding datasheets found in the Downloads section.