What Is a Trolley Jack?

A trolley jack (often just called a car jack) is an essential tool that's used to lift vehicles in garages and workshops. Lifting a car up with a trolley jack enables you to carry out work underneath the vehicle.

This blog will unpack everything you need to know about trolley jacks, including how they work, their key features, and safety tips for their use. Let's get started!

How Do Trolley Jacks Work?

Trolley jacks are operated using a simple hydraulic pump system that works as follows:

• When lifting the jack handle, oil is drawn into the pump cylinder.
  
  
• When you lower the handle, the pressurised oil is pushed into the main cylinder, causing the main piston to raise.
  
  
• Repeated pumping of the jack handle pushes more pressurised oil into the main cylinder, raising the main piston further.
  
  
• As the oil raises the piston, the arm and the saddle of the jack extend, lifting the car.

This process means that you can lift loads weighing more than a tonne with just a few pumps of the trolley jack's handle.

Trolley Jack Key Features

• Wheeled Design: One of the best features of trolley jacks is their hassle-free wheeled design. The wheels mean that you can easily manoeuvre the jack in and out of position, making lifting tasks far smoother and faster.
  
  
• Adjustable Lifting Height: Trolley jacks are able to lift vehicles to considerable heights and can be adjusted depending on the vehicle type.
  
  
• Low Profile Design: Trolley jacks can fit under lowered vehicles and sports cars thanks to their low design.
  
  
• Safety Features: Many trolley jacks come with safety valves and overload protection mechanisms to prevent over-lifting and over-loading. This greatly reduces the risk of accidents while using the jack.

Trolley Jack Safety Tips

• Proper Positioning: Always make sure the jack is placed on a solid, flat surface.
  
  
• Weight Capacity: Most trolley jacks will indicate their maximum weight capacity. Never exceed this limit.
  
  
• Jack Stands: Avoid relying solely on the trolley jack to hold up the vehicle. Use a jack stand to secure the vehicle once it has been lifted.
  
  
• Keep Hands Clear: When lifting or lowering the jack, keep your hands and other body parts away from any moving parts.
  
  
• Lower Slowly: Always lower the vehicle slowly and carefully to avoid sudden movements that can cause damage and accidents.

At SafetyLiftinGear, we stock a wide range of trolley jacks for an equally wide range of lifting tasks. All of our trolley jacks are tested and certified to guarantee safety, reliability and longevity.

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If you have any questions about our trolley jacks, please don't hesitate to get in touch and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Pictured: Sealey 1050CX 2tonne Short Chassis Trolley Jack