Pneumatic jack

The principle of operation of the pneumatic jack

Technological progress does not stand still. Thanks to him, more advanced devices appear in the auto industry from year to year. For this reason, it is not surprising that motorists prefer to use a pneumatic device instead of a conventional jack. It is a fairly lightweight and easy-to-use inflatable structure. With it in the trunk, every motorist will be able to replace a punctured wheel without any complications.

The operation of the air jack is based on a rather simple principle: it is a kind of inflatable cushion installed under the body of the machine. This deflated device must be installed under the vehicle before tire fitting. It is placed on the side of the wheel to be replaced. In other words, it is positioned in the same way as a conventional mechanical jack, which has been used by the owners of "iron horses" for many decades.

The hoses that go to the air jack are tightly connected to the exhaust pipe. By means of exhaust gases, the pneumatic jack chamber is filled, which gradually increases in volume and thereby raises the vehicle body.

Note that, in addition to exhaust gases, a compressed air cylinder can be used to fill the chamber of an automobile pneumatic jack, or a compressor can be used. At the same time, using these devices, the vehicle owner does not have to exert any serious physical efforts. The ease of use of this device is provided even for a fragile girl, who does not have to seek help from the stronger sex to lift a vehicle using this device.

After filling the air bag to the required volume, the air supply to it stops. The filling of the pneumatic jack chamber is rather creative, so it only takes a couple of minutes to bring it into working condition. If you have a breakdown of a wheel during a trip, while you are limited in time, then the use of such a device will be relevant. Adjustment of the lift height of the vehicle using a pneumatic device is provided by the volume of the chamber filled with air.

Model rating

Rubber and PVC inflatable car jacks are widely available in the market. Many manufacturers have modifications for 2, 3, 5 tons, allowing you to choose a car lift with the desired characteristics. They all deserve a more detailed study. The consolidated rating will help to understand the features of the most popular models.

Air jack

The Air Jack pneumatic jack is manufactured by Time Trial LLC from St. Petersburg. The product has a cylindrical body made of PVC with a density of 1100 g / m2, the upper and lower parts are additionally protected by anti-slip grooved pads for more reliable operation in low temperatures. The model was originally designed for inflation by an autocompressor or pump; the kit includes 2 adapters for different types of compressed air sources.

The pneumatic jack Air Jack is installed under the bottom of the car when folded. The pumping speed of the compressor is from 5 to 10 minutes. Optionally, you can purchase and install an adapter for supplying gas through the exhaust pipe. It, like the hoses, is purchased separately.In this case, the rate of climb to the desired altitude takes no more than 20 seconds.

Air Jack inflatable jacks are available in 4 versions.

• "DT-4". The model for machines with high ground clearance, has an increased diameter of the working platform up to 50 cm, the maximum lifting height is 90 cm.Lifting capacity of the product is 1963 kg, suitable for machines up to 4 tons.
• "DT-3". A simplified version of the previous model. With the same payload and platform dimensions, it provides a working height of up to 60 cm. Suitable for machines with standard ground clearance.
• "DT-2". Pneumatic jack for vehicles weighing up to 2.5 tons, load capacity is 1256 kg. The working platform has a diameter of 40 cm and the maximum lifting height is 40 cm.
• "DT-1". Model for low ground clearance machines, the maximum lifting height reaches 50 cm. The platform diameter is reduced to 30 cm, the maximum lifting capacity is 850 kg.

SLON

Inflatable jacks manufactured in Tula under the SLON brand are produced from multilayer PVC. The patented trapezoidal shape makes the structure more stable, and reinforced protection of the bottom from ice and sharp objects, stones, branches is provided. The upper part has an anti-slip surface, does not require the use of additional rugs.

This manufacturer also has several modifications.

• 2.5 tons. The jack is designed to lift light vehicles with the corresponding weight up to 50 cm. The model has a 60 cm lower diameter and 40 cm upper working platform.
• 3 tons. This model is designed for light SUVs and SUVs, suitable for use on snow, ice, virgin soil. The maximum lifting height is 65 cm, the diameter at the bottom is 65 cm, and at the top is 45 cm.
• 3.5 tons. The oldest model in the line. The lifting height reaches 90 cm, and the base with a diameter of 75 cm provides maximum stability on slippery surfaces, becomes a fulcrum when stuck in mud, on snow.

The main reason why SLON jacks are inferior to Air Jacks is because the weight of the material is only 850 g / m2. It is lower, and this significantly accelerates wear, increases the likelihood of rupture under the influence of external factors.

Sorokin

Russian manufacturer of inflatable jacks with an office in Moscow. The company manufactures cylindrical products for 3 tons with a lifting height of up to 58 cm, as well as models for 4 tons, capable of providing a working range of up to 88 cm. The products are equipped with external anti-slip mats, but this does not increase their ease of use. Compared to other models, the brand's products receive much fewer positive reviews.

Features of the design of an electric jack

Before buying an electric jack for your car, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with all existing models and varieties of such structures. Familiarization with the existing advantages and disadvantages of the Kraft hydraulic trolley jack 3 t will help to avoid buying a fake unit. So, as for the types of car lifts, they are divided into the following groups:

• mechanical;
• hydraulic;
• electrical;
• pneumatic or inflatable.

The simplest and most reliable design is a mechanical jack. But the low carrying capacity allows the use of mechanical lifts only for the repair of passenger cars. The design of a mechanical automotive device is characterized by the presence of a screw or rack and pinion mechanism.

The operation of the hydraulic unit is carried out due to the effect of the pressure of a special oil, which, in turn, increases the carrying capacity and transmission of the pressing forces of the mechanism several times.

The main disadvantage of hydraulic pumps is the constant need for maintenance.

Rhombic jack 2 tons Kraft KT 800025 is represented by an inflatable pillow, for the manufacture of which a strong material is used. Due to the fact that the air in the cylinder acts on the chamber, it gradually begins to swell, as a result of which the vehicle is lifted. The advantages of such tools include ease of operation and good lifting capacity, but even so, pneumatic jacks are extremely rare. This fact can be explained by the fact that the use of such a device is possible only with the help of a special compressor.

Even though electrical structures in most cases require electricity to operate, their autonomous operation is also possible.

Experienced motorists say that there is no need to regularly plug the Kraft KT 820003 jack into a power outlet.

Often, in order to supply the structure with electricity, it is enough just to connect the jack to the on-board electrical network in the vehicle. In this case, the engine can be switched off. In order to bring the electric jack into working condition, you need to perform a number of the following functions:

• Using the cigarette lighter, you need to connect the device to the network.
• The signal that the unit has been connected enters the microcircuit through the wires.
• After that, the microcircuit passes the signal to the working cylinder of the jack.

It will be interesting for you About rhombic jacks: DIY repair, device features

Note!

The required height for raising the car is set by the driver using the control panel, which sends data to the microcircuit and the engine, as a result of which the structure begins to work.

How to build a plastic jack

We take the plastic plug for the sewer pipe. A cover is cut off from it, a through hole is drilled - then we proceed to installing a conventional air valve with a rubber gasket into this hole, do not forget to tighten it with a nut.

A fragment from the plug must be inserted into the coupling with a sealing rubber and - to make it more reliable - grease the joint on the outer and inner sides of the coupling with glue.

The next step: you should take a piece of pipe of the required length, cut it along, and insert it into another plastic plug. On it - put on a piece of pipe with a large diameter. Where the joints are, apply glue. Sand the surface using sandpaper, insert the finished part into the free edge of the coupling.

The inner surface of the coupling, the sealing rubber and the pipe are lubricated with grease so that during operation a smoother sliding is obtained. A flexible silicone or PVC tube is put on the outer part of the valve and fixed with a clamp or ordinary wire. We attach the entire structure to a base made of wood. In the latter, we pre-make a hole for the tube.

After that, taking a distribution tee, you need to connect a faucet with another air valve to the tube. We glue a round rubber "mat" on the cover. Now the jack made of plastic pipes can be tested in practice. After connecting the air compressor, we use our homemade device as a mini jack.

Technical characteristics of pneumatic jacks

There are three main points by which such a device is assessed:

Carrying capacity. For the tool to be safe in operation, this indicator must exceed the weight of the vehicle itself. If the car is a passenger car, then the carrying capacity should be 1.5-2 tons, and if the car is of the "Gazelle" type - 2.5-3 tons.
Pickup height

You should pay special attention to this parameter if the car has a small ground clearance. You should be interested in this point and in the case of frequent car stuck in the mud

It is best if this characteristic is within 10 cm.
Lifting height.For pneumatic models, this figure does not exceed 50 cm. But in fact, this is enough to cope with changing wheels. If you use a jack, which is used for rigging, and it, in turn, is connected to the compressors, then this characteristic will be greater - up to 70 cm.

In any case, when choosing a jack, you should focus on your personal car and the conditions in which it is most often located.

What should be a pneumatic jack

A pneumatic jack is a device that can lift a solid weight to a solid height in a matter of seconds. How much is such a device needed in a garage? Let's figure it out now. The fact is that the usual hydraulic or screw jack, which we carry with us in the trunk, is selected as close as possible to the weight of the car and to the minimum height at which it is more or less comfortable to change the wheel on the road. In practice, nothing else is required from the road jack. Well, the prices are also minimal, and so that it is reliable and takes up a minimum of space in the trunk.

If we talk about a pneumatic device, then we want much more from it, however, given its sedentary lifestyle, the pneumatic jack can be forgiven for its large dimensions. Although, it all depends on how the air bag can be inflated, but more on that later.

A do-it-yourself pneumatic jack can be made from any pneumatic cushion of a truck or bus, and you do not need to buy a new suspension part for this.

Views

All inflatable jacks have a similar design, but there are factors that make it possible to classify such lifting devices. The main division is carried out according to the method of inflating the pneumatic element. The increase in volume can be carried out with the supply of a gaseous medium from the following elements.

Compressor. Both a mechanical and an automatic pump are suitable here, the pressure adjustment is smooth. This method is good in that it is completely safe for the environment, does not require the vehicle to be in good condition (it can be used for repairs). Through a special branch pipe, the compressor is connected to the jack, the air enters the interior of the pillow, increasing it in volume. This is a simple solution that allows full control of the inflation process without the risk of rupture of the jack chamber.

It is worth considering that most inflatable jacks support both inflation methods, making them a versatile option for travel and travel. In addition, all pneumatic devices can be classified according to their carrying capacity: it rarely exceeds 1-6 tons and depends on the diameter of the air cushion and its dimensions. In terms of their functionality and performance, such models are not very diverse.

According to the lifting height, standard and improved models are distinguished. The working range of the latter reaches 50-70 cm. Standard options are able to raise the machine 20-49 cm from the ground.

How to choose a pneumatic jack?

On sale there is just a huge number of different models of pneumatic jacks that operate on compressed air. When choosing, the following points are taken into account:

1. Loading capacity indicator. An inflatable jack is characterized by how much weight it can lift at the time of operation. Some models are capable of lifting loads up to 20 tons. It is recommended to choose devices with a carrying capacity of 300 kilograms more than the vehicle weight.
2. Lifting height. To change wheels and carry out various repairs, you need to raise the car to a height of 50 cm.
3. Pickup height. This indicator determines from what height the pneumatic jack can be used. The choice is made in accordance with the vehicle's ground clearance.
4. Maximum pressure indicator. The pneumatic jack for tire fitting must be of high pressure.Low-pressure cushions are the cheapest option, but they are designed for passenger cars.
5. Ease of use. Mobile versions that you can take with you on a trip should be lightweight and compact. In some cases, a special case and bag are included in the sale kit.
6. Manufacturer's popularity. There are just a huge number of different manufacturers that produce a rolling bottle jack or other pneumatic jack. It is recommended to give preference to products from well-known manufacturers.

Portable jack 2t

An incorrectly selected mechanism will not last for a long period. An example is the case when the jack does not have the required lifting capacity, too high pressure can damage the pillow.

Important characteristics

There are certain characteristics, knowing and taking into account that you can easily choose the right model of pneumatic jack for your needs.

Carrying capacity

When choosing a device such as an automobile pneumatic jack, it is necessary to give preference to models that have a slightly higher carrying capacity than the weight of your "iron horse". If you are the owner of a car, then you should choose a pneumatic jack with a lifting capacity of 1.5-2 tons. In order to replace a wheel with a Gazelle, you should purchase a device in your car that has a lifting capacity of 2.5-3 tons.

Pick-up height of the inflatable jack

This characteristic is one of the most important for these devices. If the car has a low ground clearance or is heavily stuck in mud, then small values ​​of this parameter will make it easy to raise the vehicle. In such conditions, it is best to use devices that have a pickup height of up to 100 mm.

Lifting height

In most models of pneumatic jacks, this characteristic does not exceed 500 mm. However, even this value is quite enough to raise the vehicle and conveniently replace a punctured wheel. Technique, which is designed not only for lifting the car, but also for performing rigging work, working in conjunction with a compressor, has a higher indicator of this parameter - 700 mm.

Is it possible to make a pneumatic jack with your own hands?

Support platform and stick. Perhaps this is all that you can do yourself. The rest of the elements (pillow, valve, high pressure lines) will either have to be bought or adapted from other structures.

Due to the general working principle, the air jack can be made from air suspension. In fact, it is a ready-made knot with support pads and a sturdy cushion. Next, we make a trolley with our own hands, and we mount a ball valve for an air lock. We carefully cut in the pneumatic valve instead of the standard high-pressure supply in the pillow. It should be at the bottom of the structure, which remains stationary when the jack is lifted. Tools and materials:

• pipe or profile, wheels from an old cart, pneumatic hose from a decommissioned gas cutter;
• welding machine, grinder, drill.

Time spent on manufacturing - half a day. A homemade air jack for a car has a lifting height of more than 50 cm, and a lifting capacity of at least 2.5 tons (judging by the weight of the donor on which this air bag was standing). Of course, without a stationary air pressure blower, such a tool is useless. It was created for a small car workshop, where there is already a compressor with a receiver, also made by hand.

How to make a pneumatic jack with your own hands - video and detailed drawing

Device advantages

Each person is wary of various innovations and improved devices.Therefore, in order for a motorist to decide to change his usual mechanical jack for a pneumatic device, he must have quite convincing reasons.

Modern models of these devices have enough of them. The main advantages of these devices are as follows:

• In order to use such a jack, there is no need for a level platform. Due to its streamlined design, this device easily fills in uneven terrain and makes it possible to use a pneumatic jack in absolutely any field conditions. It can be used on loose surfaces, in a rut, in swampy areas;
• Having correctly selected the power of the pneumatic jack, the car owner gets the opportunity to raise the car body in a matter of minutes to a height of more than 0.5 m. The amount of lift with this device can be easily adjusted by the volume of the jack chamber filled with air;
• Every motorist is well aware that when using a mechanical jack, when it becomes necessary to lift a car, serious physical efforts have to be made, therefore, the ease of use of a pneumatic device will be fully appreciated by women who will be provided with comfort when performing tire fitting using such a convenient device;
• The scope of use of this device is not limited only by the need to replace the punctured wheel. It can be used for tasks such as pulling a car out of deep mud. A mechanical jack in such situations is a useless device, since a solid support is required for this device;
• The pneumatic device can be easily inflated and quickly deflated. It does not require a lot of space to store it in the trunk.
• One of the key advantages of this device is that the models produced by well-known manufacturers are highly reliable. This allows the motorist to be sure that on the road, if a wheel breaks through or gets into heavy mud, it will be possible to use a pneumatic jack and it will not let you down. A variety of pneumatic devices allows you to choose a device according to your financial capabilities. The cost of this automotive device depends largely on the quality of the materials used by the manufacturer, the power of the device, as well as the volume of the camera and the manufacturer's brand. In car stores today you can find devices, the price tag for which varies from 2,000 to 20,000 rubles.