Jacks for Tow Trucks: What You Need to Know

 Jacks for Tow Trucks: What You Need to Know

The roadways depend on tow trucks to perform their essential role of safely removing disabled vehicles and impounded or wrecked vehicles. The winches and frames of these vehicles receive their essential support from a less visible yet equally important piece of equipment known as the jack. The proper operation of tow trucks depends on tow truck operators knowing all the different jacks available because correct usage results in both efficient and safe job operations. This comprehensive guide will delve into the essential aspects of tow truck jacks.

 

Why are Jacks Necessary for Tow Trucks?

The main purpose of a tow truck is to transport vehicles yet operators must perform lifting operations on vehicles or their components when specific situations occur. Jacks provide the controlled lifting power required for various tasks, including:

• The jack serves as a tool for tire changing operations when a towed vehicle experiences a flat tire because it enables operators to safely elevate the wheel for efficient tire replacement.
• A jack can lift the vehicle to place cribbing or other supports for extraction when wheels become stuck in a ditch or against a curb.
• The process of lifting a vehicle sometimes requires a minimal amount of elevation to correctly place towing dollies or wheel lift attachments.
• The following minor repairs can be performed on-site when a jack provides sufficient access: The outrigger jacks function to stabilize the tow truck during operations on uneven terrain and heavy load lifting.

 

Types of Jacks Used on Tow Trucks

Several types of jacks are commonly used in the towing industry, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Bottle Jacks (Hydraulic Jacks)

Bottle jacks, also known as hydraulic jacks, are compact and offer significant lifting capacity relative to their size. The system operates through hydraulic fluid which enables small piston force to generate pressure that lifts the larger piston connected to the lifting saddle.

• The equipment features a high lifting capacity and affordable price point and compact design for easy storage.
• The main disadvantages of this type of lift include its limited lifting height and reduced stability compared to other types and its requirement for a flat solid surface for operation and its slow speed for achieving significant lift.
• Common Uses: General lifting tasks, tire changes, light-duty towing applications.

2.Floor Jacks (Service Jacks)

Floor jacks are larger and heavier than bottle jacks, featuring wheels for maneuverability and a long handle for easier pumping. They typically offer a lower profile, making them suitable for vehicles with low ground clearance, and can often lift to a greater height than bottle jacks.

• The equipment features a good lifting height and remains stable while providing easy positioning and operation on smooth surfaces.
• The main disadvantage of this tool includes its bulkiness and weight which makes it more expensive than bottle jacks and requires additional storage space and is not suitable for uneven surfaces.
• Common Uses: Tire changes, general lifting in controlled environments, often used in repair shops and for heavier-duty towing.

3.Air/Hydraulic Jacks

These jacks combine the speed of air power with the lifting force of hydraulics. The compressed air system allows operators to rapidly lift equipment which makes them appropriate for quick tow truck operations. They also usually have a manual hydraulic pump as a backup.

• The advantages of this system include quick lifting operations using air and strong lifting capabilities and durable construction.
• The system requires an onboard air compressor and costs more than manual hydraulic jacks and weighs more.
• Common Uses: Heavy-duty towing, situations requiring rapid lifting, professional towing operations.

4.Scissor Jacks

Scissor jacks are mechanically operated jacks that use a screw mechanism to raise and lower the lifting saddle. These devices usually remain small and light in weight and most passenger vehicles come with them as their standard jack. The lifting jack functions as a supplementary tool for tow trucks but it does not serve as their main lifting device in standard operations.

• The product has three main advantages: it is lightweight, compact and inexpensive.
• The system has several disadvantages including lower lifting capacity, slower operation, less stability than hydraulic jacks, and limited lifting height.
• Common Uses: Emergency use, stabilizing loads, light lifting tasks in specific scenarios.

5.Outrigger Jacks (Stabilizer Jacks)

Outrigger jacks exist to stabilize the tow truck during heavy lifting operations but they are not intended to lift vehicles. The outrigger jacks serve to stabilize the tow truck during heavy lifting operations especially when using the boom or when dealing with off-center loads. The jacks extend both outwards and downwards to increase the truck’s footprint and prevent tipping. They can be either hydraulic or manual.

• The equipment provides enhanced safety and stability during lifting operations which is essential for operating heavy-duty equipment.
• The system has the following disadvantages: The system adds weight and complexity to the tow truck and requires proper deployment and positioning.
• Common Uses: Heavy-duty towing, operating boom trucks, stabilizing the vehicle on uneven ground.

Key Considerations

When Choosing a Tow Truck Jack Multiple factors need to be considered when choosing the right jack for your tow truck.

• Lifting Capacity: The jack must be capable of lifting the expected weight. Check the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the vehicles you will be towing.
• Lifting Height: Ensure the jack can lift the vehicle high enough to perform the necessary tasks, such as tire changes. A stable jack represents the most important safety factor. A stable jack stands as the most vital safety factor.
• Stability: A stable jack is crucial for safety. Consider the fundamental measurements and spatial arrangement. The equipment used in tow trucks operates under demanding environmental conditions.
• Select a jack that works for normal use and will be used outside. The jack should be simple to place and operate and should store safely in the truck.
• The price of jacks varies based on their type and capacity. Balance your needs with your budget.

 

Safe Jack Usage: A Non-Negotiable Priority

The safety of the operation should always be the first priority regardless of the type of jack used. Here are some essential safety guidelines:

• Always use on a level, hard surface: Avoid using jacks on soft or uneven ground.
• Engage the parking brake: The parking brakes of both the lifted vehicle and the tow truck need to be fully activated.
• Block the wheels: For the vehicle being lifted, block the wheels that are not being raised to prevent movement.
• Position the jack correctly: The jack should always be placed on the vehicle’s designated jacking points which are shown in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
• Lift slowly and smoothly: Avoid sudden or jerky movements.
• Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack: Always use jack stands to support the weight before working underneath.
• Inspect the jack regularly: Check for any signs of damage, leaks, or wear and tear.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintaining the jack. The jack has a maximum weight capacity which should never be exceeded because exceeding this limit will cause the jack to fail and result in dangerous accidents. All tow truck operators need to receive complete training about safe and correct jack operation on their vehicles.

Conclusion

Jacks are indispensable tools for tow truck operators, enabling them to perform a variety of essential tasks safely and efficiently. The towing industry needs to understand different jack types and their operational boundaries and safety procedures for safe operation. The selection of suitable jacks by tow truck operators combined with proper safety protocols will safeguard both operators and their vehicles while ensuring road safety. Source URL: https://standesign.ca/jacks-for-tow-trucks-what-you-need-to-know/