All hydraulic systems should have a gauge. The gauge is the window to the hydraulic system. In addition to indicating the operating pressure, the gauge can also warn you that something is going wrong. IN A LIFTING SITUATION THE GAUGE WILL READ AS FOLLOWS: • The gauge will not show much of a pressure rise…

The advantage of using couplers rather than threaded connections is that you can quickly make and break hydraulic connections. The disadvantage of using couplers is that they are frequently the point at which dirt enters a hydraulic system. OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING WHEN USING COUPLERS: • Make sure couplers are clean before making any connections. Use…

USE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO AVOID PROBLEMS WITH HOSES: • Do not kink or tightly bend hoses. This will damage the wire braid. The minimum bend radius is approximately 12 cm [4.5 inches]. This means there should be no less than 24 cm [9 inches] between the straight sections. • The most sensitive part of the…

Hand pumps are a convenient, portable source of hydraulic power. They are designed to be stable during operation. For best performance, operate the pump handle at moderate speed. When the handle gets hard to push at high pressure, take short strokes. The maximum leverage is obtained in the last 5 degrees of stroke. Adding an extension to the pump handle…

KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN MIND WHEN USING A CYLINDER: • The base of the cylinder should be fully supported. Where applicable, use a cylinder base for added stability. Do not weld or otherwise modify the cylinder to attach a base or other support. • The saddle on the end of the plunger should make full…

The cylinder (or ram) operates much the same as the jack, except that it is more versatile. Since the pump is separate, the cylinder can be used in several positions. By adding extensions and attachments to the cylinder, you can create a wide variety of hydraulic tools. The saddle in the plunger serves two important purposes. It protects the…

The jack is one of the oldest and most familiar pieces of hydraulic equipment. This familiarity contributes to misuse which can lead to personal injury. The jack is a load lifting device and should never be used as a load holding device, especially when a person will be going underneath the supported load. KEEP THE…

This is a brief explanation of some of the forces at work while you are lifting a load with a jack or cylinder. The main line of force is through the center of the plunger. The weight should be distributed as close to this center line as possible. The entire base of the jack or…

The jack is one of the oldest and most familiar pieces of hydraulic equipment. This familiarity contributes to misuse which can lead to personal injury. The jack is a load lifting device and should never be used as a load holding device, especially when a person will be going underneath the supported load. It is…

High pressure hydraulic tools are designed to be operated up to 700 bar [10,000 psi] hydraulic pressure. Most fluid power systems operate at 210 bar [3,000 psi]; with some going up to 350 bar [5,000 psi]. The hydraulic pressure is the pressure that builds up inside the equipment (jacks, pumps, cylinders, hoses). Any components connected…

Promoting personal safety is the primary goal of the Think Safety Kit. Whether you work in maintenance or production; power plant, shipyard, mine, shop floor, or construction site; we hope you will learn to use your hydraulic tools safely. When you practice safety, you also benefit by being more efficient and by increasing the useful life of your tools.…

Finding the right company to test your lifting equipment can be quite difficult. Choose one that has people who know what they are talking about so that any questions you may have can be answered promptly and clearly, however technical or seemingly trivial. For instance, hydraulic jacks can be tested on site by fully qualified…