PASSCA bottle jack is compact and easy to carry, it is the most used product in portable automotive lifting service equipment

Bottle jacks are designed for lifting only not sustaining loads, and used with passca jack stands/axle stands. and it isonly used on solid, level surfaces.

PASSCA bottle jacks are made from a cast iron base, polished ram, hydraulic cylinder, and pressure pump. all passca bottle jacks meet the rigid standard for safety and reliability,

PASSCA is a brand you can count on to provide high-quality bottle jack

Bottle Jack: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

This guide will help you choose high quality and reliable bottle jack.

It will help you understand the working principle, features, maintenance, and troubleshooting bottle jacks, among other aspects.

Keep reading to learn more.

What is a Bottle Jack?

A bottle jack is a mechanical machine with a cylindrical frame system usually akin to a bottle, with a firm and full base plate together with a top pad.

Therefore, a bottle jack is a suitable device for hoisting structures or equipment vertically, mostly vehicles and other types of machinery.

The bottle jacks do have a pressure pump that lifts the piston up to your preferred height.

Interestingly, You can as well maneuver its operation with a side mount handle.

Usually, when not in a position to hoist a structure, the bottle jack is small-sized, fitting even in tiny places such as beneath the vehicles.

Consequently, the machine is well portable – you can always carry it with you.

In the vehicle industry, bottle jacks do come in different types.

The machine can leverage small to bigger weights depending on the model; that’s why you have to countercheck the lifting capacity of a bottle jack before purchase.

P.S You should only use a bottle jack as a lifting mechanism and not as a support system.

What are the Features of a Low Profile Jack?

The low profile jacks are more suitable and appropriate for lifting vehicles with low clearance.

The low types are flexible enough to fit in underneath the car no matter the distance of separation between the lower vehicle body and the ground.

However, the clearance should be at least 2.5 inches for a standard low-profile jack.

Nevertheless, have a look at some of the critical outstanding features of the jack:

Lowly Fitting; it fits under vehicles with low clearance, some even up to few inches.

Quick lift design; with a few pumps, the jack achieves its maximum lifting height.

Quality mechanical construction; the low profile jacks’ mechanical parts enjoy the incorporation of resilient materials there is.

Lightweight; they are easy to carry due to the materials of construction.

Wide-ranging weight capabilities; the lowly profile jacks are capable of lifting from small weights up to bigger ones.

Maximum lift heights; the jacks can comfortably accommodate higher lifting capacities just the way you want.

How does Bottle Jack Compare to Floor Jack?

A floor jack is a horizontally inclined hoisting machine, unlike the bottle jack.

Both The cylinder and the shaft to the floor jack is horizontally in place,

However, unlike the bottle jacks, the floor jack has a much lower profile, thus fitting beneath lowly placed vehicles and SUVs.

The floor jacks sit on a four-wheel platform that enables you to move them across different sites.

Besides, the floor jack has an extended handle at its back.

It is the handle that you would use to pump up the jack to an appropriate height.

Floor jacks and bottle jacks are distinct in appearance, performance, and construction.

Nevertheless, to choose between the two, let’s focus on their pros and cons.

With that, you will definitely pick a suitable one for your application.

Floor jacks: Pros include

• Easy to maneuver from places due to the wheel structure.
• Fit beneath almost any car or sports car due to their low profile.
• Have got a rapid lift ability due to extended handles allowing easier lifting.
• The large jack saddle thus does not slip.

Floor jacks: Cons include;

• It requires more extensive space due to a giant footprint.
• It needs more lifting thrust because of the low profile design.
• Quite highly-priced.

Figure 2 floor jack

Bottle Jacks: Pros include;

• Can amass a higher lifting capacity for an equally sized cylinder.

That is due to the upright mounted shaft.

• Suitable for a small working floor area.
• Lowly priced.
• Very Portable
• More desirable for trucks since they have a relatively high profile.

Bottle Jacks: Cons include;

• Exhibits Slow lifting capability as a result of the short handle.
• High profile design is thus not appropriate for some cars.
• Rigid footprint, thus risking the vehicle skidding off the saddle jack.

How High Can Bottle Jack Lift?

Well, bottle jacks lift up to considerably greater heights over twenty inches and some thirty inches.

However, the lifting range would depend on the capacity of the pressure pump (for hydraulic jacks), lifting ram, and screw height

Bottle jacks with high capacity pressure pumps, longer lifting rams, or more durable bevel gears consequently achieve a higher height.

Which kind of Fluid Does Bottle Jack Use?

Hydraulic oil is suitable for use in the bottle jack.

The oil feeds into the hydraulic pump to enable the easier raising of the lifting ram.

Besides, the lubricant oil effectively absorbs and transmits pressure throughout the hydraulic systems.

The oil is characteristically an excellent lubricant, rust-free, and is low foaming.

To further enhance your selection, always inquire about a hydraulic oil that is also applicable for use with cars and trolleys.

P.S Never add brake fluid to your bottle jack.

That kind of fluid contains alcoholic content, which hampers the integrity of the bottle jack’s seals.

Moreover, using a brake fluid automatically voids the jack’s warranty.

That is so since the terms of the warranty specify the fluid type; and obviously not the brake fluid.

How can you fill Bottle Jack with Oil?

A bottle jack requires hydraulic oil to grease the system, thus enabling smooth movement and operation of the mechanical parts..

Similarly, after a few years of using the jack, you will need to replenish the oil to enable smooth operation.

Filling bottle jacks is a straightforward procedure that you can do wherever and whenever you need to fill the machine.

Below is a summarized process;

Step One: Correctly Position the Bottle Jack

Assess a flat surface or ground near you. Then place the bottle jack vertically and uprightly.

Step Two: Position the Piston

Go for the bottle jack and lower it to the bottom position possible.

Step Three; Turn the Release Valve.

Depending on the type of bottle jack you use, open, press, or turn the release valve in a counterclockwise direction. By doing that, you get to lower the jack to reach the filler plug.

Step Four: Remove the Cover Plate

If your jack has a cover plate depending on the model, then you have to extract the holding screws using a screwdriver.

With that, then take off the cover and place it somewhere else.

Step Five: Extract the Filler Plug

With the Bottle jack in the right position, proceed to remove the filler plug from the jack.

Again, for some jack models, the cap might instantly pop out when you lift the cover.

You may additionally use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold into position the plug.

Step Six: Fill the Reservoir

With the aid of a funnel, pour the hydraulic oil into the reservoir and stop when it reaches just beneath the lower rim.

In case of spillage, wipe off the oil spills.

Step Seven: Replace the Filler Plug

You can either push or screw(clockwise) back the plug-in position.

Step Eight: Bleed the Jack

With the plug right back and the release valve open, proceed to bleed air.

Step Nine: Replace the Covering

Put back the cover plate by screwing it in place. You shall need a screwdriver for this.

P.S The bleeding technique varies with the bottle jack model, so make sure to check with the users’ manual.

What are the Types of Bottle Jack?

The hydraulic type of bottle jack: This configuration relies upon the pump system’s hydraulic pressure to push up the hydraulic ram vertically upwards, thereby lifting structures.

The hydraulic pump might be in the baseplate of the bottle jack or at a remote site.

In the latter case, then it must be connected to a pressure hose.

Figure 3 hydraulic bottle jack

The screw-type bottle jack: This type majorly relies on a gear system (bevel gear), which gets its driving force when you manually turn the jack handle.

The handle in such a system fits into a square socket on the jack.

The gear sequentially turns a large nut connected to the threaded upright ram on the jack’s body, thus achieving a lifting mechanism.

Figure 4 screw bottle jack

What are the Parts of Bottle Jack?

Firstly, you have to note that bottle jacks’ parts differ depending on the model type.

Nevertheless, a conventional bottle jack has the following parts: Saddle, Ram, Extension screw, filter plug, Socket, Piston assembly, and Release Valve.

Have a look at the significance of every part below:

Saddle; the hoisted structure such as a vehicle sits on the serrated saddle.

Extension screw: it is extendable and flexible to reach up to its limited lift height.

An anticlockwise turn raises the extension screw while a clockwise turn lowers it.

Ram; during pumping, the ram extends, pushing the saddle against beneath the lifted vehicle.

Figure 5 various parts of a bottle jack

Bottle jack handle; the handle prolongs from the socket – it is responsible for providing the thrust needed to lift the ram.

Besides, you can retract it for secure storage.

The release valve; regulates the lowering and raising of the jack.

Open the lid whenever you need to lower the jack, whereas closing it prepares it for raising.

The Piston Assembly; consists of a pump piston and a cylinder.

Lifting the handle consequently raises the pump piston while pushing down the handle raises the primary piston.

Socket; it is the housing of the bottle jack handle.

Filler plug; the plug closes the entry port to the oil reservoir.

How do Bottle Jacks Work?

Here is an overview of how the jack functions:

The bottle jack technically works by upstroke and downstroke.

An upstroke of the bottle jack handle siphons the oil from the reservoir while drawing it into the pump cylinder.

Whereas a downstroke of the handle pushes the pressured oil into the main cylinder, thereby making it to elevate the main piston.

With the constant pumping of the jack handle, the check valves would intermittently open and close with every motion.

Meanwhile, while pumping, the primary piston steadily rises with every pump of the bottle jack.

How do you Troubleshoot Bottle Jack?

Some of the most common faults and solutions include:

Fault; Jack would not Lift the Structure

Potential causes: loosely closed release valve or overload, or low air pressure.

Possible Remedy: tight close release valve, Check the weight capacity, recheck the air pressure.

Fault: Jack Lifts but does not Maintain Pressure

Potential causes: loosely closed release valve, overload, or malfunctioning hydraulic unit.

Possible remedy: tightly close release valve, check weight capacity, or contact a technician.

Fault: Jack Fails to Lower after Unloading

Potential causes: an overfilled reservoir

Possible remedy: Remove any withstanding load then bleed Fluid to an appropriate level.

Fault: Jack Poorly lifts

Potential causes: Low fluid level, or trapped air in the system.

Possible Remedy: Check for a proper level of Fluid or bleeding air from the jack.

Fault: Jack will not Lift Fully

Potential causes: Low fluid level

Possible Remedy: Confirm if the fluid level is correct.

Can Bottle Jack work on Their Side?

Under normal prevailing circumstances, they cannot.

Bottle jacks are only operationally feasible when working vertically.

Therefore, you would not possibly use a bottle jack to raise something horizontally.

This is because the Fluid has to always be on the bottom part to function.

However, to make it possible, you can tweak the jack such that the pump is lower than the piston.

How can you Remove Air from Bottle Jack?

Firstly, ensure that you have entirely retracted the ram.

Secondly, remove the oil filler plug.

If not, then loosen and remove the screws to allow the pressurized air to discharge.

Finally, now you can reinstall the filler plug or screw.

How can you Change the Bottle Jack Oil?

To achieve maximum performance with your bottle jack, ensure that you replace the fluid supply at least once annually.

You only have to do the following.

Firstly, remove the oil filler plug or screw with a fully lowered saddle and completely depressed the pump piston.

Secondly, lay the bottle jack sideways and empty the Fluid into a separate container.

Thirdly, fill the jack with oil up to beneath the filler hole rim.

Finally, reinstall the oil filler plug or screw.

Figure 6 how to add oil to a bottle jack

How do you Bleed Bottle Jack?

Bleeding the jack refers to the process of forcefully eliminating the air from the system.

Accumulation of air may hinder the jack from properly rising and maybe result in collapsing.

Bleeding the air is essential, especially after changing the oil or filling the oil.

This is how you perform bleeding;

Step One: Ensure that the release valve is fully open

Fully open the release mechanism to lower the jack and maintain it free for the entire process.

Step Two: stroke the handle over a dozen times.

With the valve still open, the strokes push the air out of the system.

Note that the jack should not rise while stroking the handle.

Step Three: tighten the release valve

Turn the handle to the valve clockwise

Step Four: Test the Jack

Now pump the jack continuously.

It ought to smoothly rise.

Continue to pump it to the top then release the handle.

In case the movement is jerky, or the jack does not rise fully, then probably air is present in the system. Consequently, repeat the bleeding process.

Step Five: Replace the covering.

Finally, screw back the cover plate by use of a screwdriver.

What should you Consider when Choosing a Bottle Jack?

You could evaluate several issues when selecting a bottle jack.

However, below are the most crucial ones that will cater to all your needs.

Lifting span; verify the maximum lifting height of the machine before purchasing, then pick the most suitable one.

Weight capacity; determine the maximum load you intend to lift then choose an appropriate jack, whether 4, 6, 12, or 2o tons.

The material of construction; the type of material will consequently determine the degree of robustness of the jack.

How do you Test the Quality of a Bottle Jack??

A quality bottle jack should be capable of sufficiently performing your task at hand, without much hindrance.

Therefore, to test a quality bottle jack, you need to verify its lifting range, weight capacity, build material, and pricing.

Always go for the jack that will achieve your desirable lifting height and maximum weight load.

Besides, a quality machine would similarly attract reasonably higher prices.

Finally, the bottle jack lifts heavyweights, it has to be made of durable and robust material.

What Material is Bottle Jack Made of?

The building material of the bottle jack has lots of significance because it would determine the machine’s lifespan and performance.

A typical jack with larger weight capacities has forged steel as its primary material.

Figure 6 50 ton bottle jack

Why do you need Overload Valve and Oil By-pass Valve in Bottle Jack?

The overload valve is vital in preventing the jack from carrying load way above its rated capacity.

Like, if a jack has a rating of 2 tons, then the valve cuts off any usage above 2tons load.

Whereas an oil by-pass valve restricts the ram from extending beyond its limit.

Do Bottle Jacks have a Warranty?

Definitely, most manufacturers and distributors of the bottle jacks attach a warranty to the machines. Some warranty is for a short period while others for a longer period.

Above all, you have to examine the warranty policies, terms, and conditions of the jack.

What are the Quality Standards for Bottle Jacks?

A standard bottle jack should pass quality standards and adhere to the pre-set certification policies and procedures.

The common standardizations include:

• ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management System Certification
• EU GS/ CE certification
• United States ANSI/ ASME 2009 standard
• Australia AS/ NZS 2693: 2007 standard

Do Bottle Jacks have special safety features?

Yes, the typical safety features include the safety overload valve and safety oil by-pass system.

Others are the more significant base and safety release valves.

What are the Lifting Capacities and Lifting range of Bottle Jacks?

Bottle jacks have a wide range of lifting capacities ranging from 1 ton to 200 tons.

Some special ones have a weight capacity of up to 200 tons.

Moreover, the commonly available lifting range with typical bottle jacks ranges from a few inches to 30 inches.

What are the Technical Specifications of Bottle Jacks?

Every bottle jack model is unique, depending on the model and manufacturer.

Consequently, each one has particular kinds of technical specifications.

For accuracy, you should always seek information from the users’ manual.

Regardless of that, you will find the following technical aspects attached, lifting range, lifting capacity, brand, weight, and machine dimensions.

What are the Warning Symbols and Definitions on Bottle Jacks?

Crushing symbol: You should for no reason work on, beneath, or near a load supported exclusively by a hydraulic jack.

Stop sign: do not use any other handle except the provided one by the manufacturer.

Lowering warning: never use an extender on the handle.

Danger Symbol: shows a dangerous circumstance that, if not prevented, will lead to death or severe harm.

The warning symbol shows a dangerous circumstance that may lead to death or severe harm if not prevented.

Caution symbol: shows a dangerous circumstance which, if not prevented, may lead to slight or moderate injury.

Notice Caution symbol: Addresses potential customs that do not relate to personal harm.

In short, once you consider every information in this guide, you will definitely choose high quality and reliable bottle jack.

Contact Passca Tools now for all your lifting equipment needs.