Lifting Equipment, Safety lifting Gear Specialists & Suppliers

If you need to lift heavy loads and equipment from underneath, you generally have a choice between using a hydraulic lift or a jack. But what exactly is the difference between these two important lifting devices? Hydraulic lifts are stationary and typically use a scissor action to raise a large platform. Jacks are portable units with a much smaller lifting platform yet perhaps more versatile.

Here in the UK, both hydraulic jacks and lifts are commonly used in vehicle repair centres, factories, warehouses, and construction sites. Knowing when to use a jack versus a hydraulic lift can make your lifting jobs more efficient and safer.

Hydraulic Lift Uses

Hydraulic lifts are stationary lifting platforms that use hydraulic cylinders and pumps to raise loads up to the desired working height. Some key uses for hydraulic lifts include:

Lifting Entire Vehicles

One of the most common uses for hydraulic lifts is raising cars, lorries, and other vehicles for repair or maintenance work underneath. Hydraulic vehicle lifts can lift the entire weight of a vehicle efficiently and safely.

Lifting Heavy Industrial Equipment

Hydraulic lifts enable safe lifting of very heavy machinery in factories and industrial facilities. Everything from diesel generators to CNC machines can be lifted and held securely at height.

Lifting Materials to Different Levels

Hydraulic lifts mounted on loading docks or in warehouses allow materials, pallets, and boxes to be easily raised or lowered between ground level and lorry trailer height.

Adjustable Working Heights

Hydraulic lifts allow workers to adjust the platform height to suit the required task. The platform can be lowered for easier loading and then raised to a comfortable working height.

Jack Uses

Jacks are portable lifting devices powered by mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical systems. Their key uses include:

Lifting One Corner of a Vehicle

When raising just one corner or side of a vehicle for a tyre change or brake repair, a small trolley jack is ideal. Jacks take up minimal space compared to hydraulic lifts.

Portable Lifting Needs

Jacks are designed to be moved around and used in different locations as needed. Their portability makes them suited to temporary lifting jobs.

Getting Vehicles Unstuck

Jacks like bottle jacks and hi-lift jacks can quickly lift stuck vehicles out of mud or snow. Their ability to lift equipment in remote locations makes jacks a recovery tool.

Fitting Parts Underneath

Mechanics often use jacks to lift one part of a vehicle just high enough to allow working space to install axles, transmissions, oil pans, or exhaust systems.

Key Differences

Now that we've reviewed the main uses, let's summarise the key differences between hydraulic lifts and jacks:

●        Stationary vs. Portable - Hydraulic lifts are fixed installations. Jacks are mobile units.

●        Lift Entire Vehicle vs. One End - Hydraulic lifts raise the entire vehicle. Jacks lift single sides or ends.

●        Higher Weight Capacities - Hydraulic lifts can handle anything from small cars to heavy lorries and machinery. The load capacity of jacks is more limited.

●        Built-in Safety Features - Hydraulic lifts have guards, locks, overload stops, and other safety mechanisms. Jacks rely more on the operator for safe operation.

●        Faster Positioning - With hydraulic lifts, the work comes to you at an ergonomic height. Jacks require manually rolling them into place and stacking items on top.

For your commercial or industrial lifting needs, consider both hydraulic lifts and jacks – as both have their benefits. However, the option of choice depends on the application, load size, workspace, and mobility needs. Our experts at Lifting Gear Direct are happy to advise you on selecting the best lifting gear to safely handle any job.