Peculiarities
An inflatable jack is a car lifting device equipped with an air cushion. This type of equipment belongs to the category of mobile devices that can be used in the most extreme conditions.
An air cushion jack can be used in non-standard operating conditions: off-road, where there is no solid support, on an expedition and in the city, if the usual devices are too bulky.
All inflatable lifts belong to the category of pneumatic devices. When gas or compressed air is supplied, the inner cavity expands, gradually raising the load. The lifting height adjustment is determined by the intensity of the pumping of the jack.
The design of an inflatable jack is as simple as possible and includes the following elements.
- Pillow made of elastic material: PVC or rubberized fabric.
- Flexible hose for air or gas supply. For pumping with a compressor, an adapter must be included.
- Mats to protect the pillow from damage. Some manufacturers make special hardened pads on the top and bottom of the jack, eliminating the need for additional spacers for customers.
- Case for transportation and storage.
The use of inflatable jacks is most advisable when changing wheels on the road. They will also be useful when putting snow chains on wheels, as well as when pulling vehicles out of mud or snow tracks, sticky sandy soil. When slipping, such a device provides the necessary support, regardless of the presence of solid soil under the wheels, it is even possible to submerge it under water. In addition to the automotive industry, such lifts are widely used in rescue operations, when performing various installation and construction works, laying pipelines and repairing linear communications.
Advantages and disadvantages
An inflatable or pneumatic hover jack is a real off-road salvation for any car enthusiast. However, not only in extreme conditions such devices show themselves in the best way. Even in service stations, inflatable jacks are often used, making it possible to quickly and efficiently raise a car when changing wheels or other types of repairs.
Let's point out a few of the most obvious advantages.
- Compact size and light weight. The inflatable jack is easy to carry with you in the car, store at home or in the garage.
- Versatility. The device can even be used to lift cars with a damaged bottom, rotten sills.
- No restrictions on clearance height. When folded, the jack can be easily placed under the bottom, even if it is above the ground.
- Possibility of air supply from the exhaust pipe. Almost all models have this option available. Even if there is no compressor at hand, it will be easy to pump up the device case.
- High pumping speed. In less than a minute, the equipment will be completely ready and fixed in the desired position.
Inflatable jacks have service life limitations: they have to be replaced every 3-5 years. There are also requirements for the severity of the equipment that can be lifted. The standard limit is set at 4 tons
When installing, it is important to pay attention to the choice of the site: when the load increases, sharp objects can penetrate even a three-layer PVC contour
Varieties of inflatable lifts
All jacks based on a rubber cushion have a similar structure: it is a rubber structure that expands due to the flow of gas or compressed air inside. It is customary to distinguish only the methods of increasing the volume of the pillow:
- using a special compressor. Air is supplied inside the pillow by an external device - a mechanical or automated pump. The advantage of this option is the absence of any unpleasant odor, because there is no need to use the exhaust pipe of the car. Also, the jack will not depend on the vehicle's performance. Minus - the device will show the minimum efficiency with a low compressor power;
- by means of an automobile exhaust system. Gas is pumped into the pillow using an ordinary exhaust pipe. The advantage of this method is the speed of injection and the absence of the need to use additional equipment. The disadvantages include toxic gas, as well as dependence on the health of the vehicle.
Also jacks are classified according to their ability to lift a certain mass.
Review overview
The popularization of pneumatic jacks began about 10 years ago. Today they are in demand not only among private motorists, but also among the owners of service centers, tire shops, emergency services. According to those who already use this type of lifting device, the very idea of an inflatable jack is quite justified. But the performance offered by manufacturers is not always ideal. The biggest criticism is caused by the Sorokin brand models, and they are connected with the complete set. The round tailpipe cannot be adapted to the oval exhaust pipe, there are no additional adapters, they have to be purchased separately.
Difficulties arise with the calculation of the carrying capacity of the device. Owners of SUVs note that it is better to take the option with a margin - it will provide a rise to a great height. On average, the declared and real indicators differ by 4-5 cm, which is a lot in the case of a car with an unusually high ground clearance.
Among the positive aspects in the operation of pneumatic lifting devices, compact dimensions and versatility of products are most often mentioned. They are well suited for vehicles with low ground clearance. In addition, it is noted that with the correct position of the jack under the bottom, the results can be obtained more impressive than with the classic models. The owners note the ease of use in extreme conditions, although even on the asphalt in the heat, such equipment performs better than its metal counterparts.
As for the positioning of the models as completely problem-free jack options "for girls", this is true only for the compressor versions. With a good auto-air pump, you really don't have to put in the effort.
Connecting the pipe of the device to the exhaust pipe is another task, not even all men can cope with it. In winter or on slippery surfaces when inflating, there may be a problem of bottom slippage. Models with spikes are designed to save from such incidents, but they are not always able to help.
For information on how to make an inflatable jack with your own hands, see the next video.
The principle of operation, device and equipment of the jack-cushion
This car lift works by increasing the internal volume of a special rubber cushion. It is filled with air or gas using an auto exhaust pipe or a compressor.
Device complete set:
- the rubber cushion itself;
- hose required to connect an air or gas source to the device;
- a pair of rugs to protect the pillow from displacement or tearing;
- adapter designed for connection to the compressor;
- case for transportation and storage of equipment.
An air jack can be used to lift vehicles in a variety of cases:
- when replacing auto wheels;
- for installing on wheels a chain that prevents slipping on ice and snow surfaces;
- to pull the car out of a rut;
- when crossing sandy terrain;
- to get the vehicle out of snow or ice when slipping.
An inflatable jack is also often used in construction, when joining pipes, rescue and installation activities. Its design makes it possible to lift various loads. The pillow is very versatile - it can be used on uneven, sandy and boggy surfaces.
The inflatable lift, in comparison with other types, can be used on uneven and soft surfaces. He can lift a machine weighing up to three tons.
Types of car jacks
There are four types of car lifts.
- Screw. Many light vehicles are equipped with this tool. The load, the mass of which can reach fifteen tons, is lifted using a rotating structure. One or at once a pair of powerful lifting screws extend in a certain direction. This solution is extremely robust, reliable and inexpensive. In addition, screw jacks are quite impressive in size.
- Rack. Such devices are often used for repair activities, as well as during construction, dismantling and installation. They are lever and toothed. Both subspecies function by moving the load using a locking device. Rack jacks can lift up to two tens of tons of mass. They are very easy to use and repair.
- Hydraulic. A characteristic feature of this type of jack is the liquid that is inside. It forms a strong pressure due to which the load is lifted. At the same time, the performer does not expend any effort. The hydraulic equipment is characterized by smooth running, compactness and high efficiency.
- Pneumatic. This type includes inflatable jacks, which are a simplified version - a hose and a pillow made of high-strength rubber for pumping air. Ordinary pneumatic devices operate on compressed air or gas, which causes the device to open and lift a particular load above the surface. Pneumatic jacks are characterized by their versatility and ease of use.
It can be concluded that inflatable lifts are pneumatic equipment. They are placed under the car floor and raise the vehicle by increasing the size of the rubber cushion.
Features of choice
It is necessary to choose an inflatable car lift, guided by the following criteria.
- Load ratings are the main factor depending on the diameter of the base of the fixture. When choosing, it is undesirable to exceed the standard values for the product, otherwise the manufacturer cannot give any guarantee of its performance.
- Altitude in an inactive state. Any inflatable lifts can even be placed under a sports car.
- Maximum lifting height. These lifts can lift objects from three hundred to five hundred millimeters above the ground. But there are products that can lift the car to a height of 700 millimeters.
- Complete set and price. Everything here is in direct proportion to the manufacturer.
Each type of jack has its own characteristics and can be used for different purposes, therefore it is simply inappropriate to compare different models.