Choosing the͏ right car jack for your heavy-duty͏ vehicle allows you to lift it safely, so you can do things like changing tires ͏or other maintenance. ͏Choose a jack depends on the load-bearing capacity and specifications highlighted by the jack manufacturer. Here are some tips to remember ͏when selecting an air jack for your semi͏-trailer maintenance needs:
Vehicle Weight
͏Using an air jack with a lower load-bearing capacity than͏ the vehicle’s weight results in equipment breakdown͏ and work hazards. Determine the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of͏ the semi-tractor you ͏want to lift. This rating includes the͏ total mass of͏ the ͏vehicle, the mass of the load it carries, and ͏fuel. Semi-tractors͏ and other heavy-duty ͏vehicles are heavier͏ th͏an͏ normal vehicles and require a jack specified for a few dozen tons.
Safety ͏Margin
Uneven ͏weight distribution ͏or unlevel terrain strains the jack.͏ A safety margin accounts for the imbalances caused by variations in weight from uneven distribution and terrain. Manufacturers͏ and vehicle maintenance professionals advise a 75% safety margin ͏based on your semi-tractors’ GVWR. ͏This also helps account for any additional weight that you might͏ not have included, such as toolboxes͏ or extra fuel. A safety margin increases the longevity of the jack as a ͏higher-rated jack may better handle extra weight͏ imbalances. Overworking a jack on numerous occasions stresses the components and leads ͏to early ͏failure.͏ ͏
The ͏jack you ͏buy depends on the maximum lifting height you need for your maintenance͏ tasks. Some routine operations, such as replacing the tires or checking under the trailer, may only ͏need a͏ couple of inches͏ of lift. Tasks ͏such as the replacement of͏ suspension parts require ͏much a much higher lifting height.
Read also: Machine Learning in Digital Wallets: Personalized Financial Management
Vehicle Make and Model
Semi-trailer manufacturers and models have different͏ weight distribution and͏ framework constructions. These affect the ͏location where you͏ attach the ͏jack t͏o lift the ͏vehicle. A tanker trailer has a different weight distribution compared to a flatbed trailer. Lifting at͏ incorrect points may cause some structural problems or͏ tip the trailer͏. Consult the manufacturer’s manual to determine the best lifting point.
Base Size and Stabil͏ity
Heavy-duty vehicles require jacks with a larger base as they are more stable͏ and won’t tip over easily from the weight. Select a jack with͏ a strong and large base to ͏lift͏ your tractor safely. The͏ type of͏ jack base also depends on your work͏ environment. A farm͏ with loose soil needs jacks with larger b͏ases to ͏account for the uneven terrain͏, while a auto shop would need a smaller base.
Inflation Pressure
The pressure ͏you apply to lift your semi-tractor should correspond with the air jack’s capacity. Inflating ͏the jack beyond the recommended pressure or ͏underinflating it may reduce its efficiency. Regular checks and maintenance of the pressure ͏components reduce the chances of equipment ͏failure.͏
Material
͏The choice of͏ the material used in ͏the construction of your jack determines the amount of weight it will carry. ͏High-quality ͏materials like heavy-duty ͏steel provide greater strength and ͏durability of the product. Aluminum͏ jacks are usually lighter in weight͏ and more suited towards lower lifting heights for changing tires. The material used in the jack also affects the safety of your lifting ͏operations.
Choose the ͏Right Air Jack
Visit a tool supplier that specializes in heavy-duty vehicles to see if they ͏offer jacks that will handle your semi-trailer. Ask about the recommended uses of the jacks they offer, since some may suit changing tires while others are more͏ ͏fitting͏ for servicing the under part of the trailer͏. Consult the supplier to find a jack that meets your trailer’s specifications for͏ safe trailer lifting͏.
