How To Use A Trolley Jack

How to use a trolley jack

Using a trolley jack is a fundamental skill for anyone who works on their own car. It’s a simple tool that can make lifting your car a breeze.
But if you’re not careful, you can also damage your car or even injure yourself.

That’s why it’s important to follow these safety tips before you start using a trolley jack. First, make sure that the jack is in good condition. Check for any cracks or damage to the frame or base. If you see any damage, don’t use the jack.

Second, choose a safe place to lift your car. The ground should be level and firm. If you’re working on a slope, chock the wheels of your car to prevent it from rolling.

Finally, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the jack. Each jack is different, so it’s important to read the instructions carefully before you start. Once you’ve followed these safety tips, you’re ready to start using your trolley jack.

Safety Precautions

Before jacking up your vehicle, always prioritize safety by following these crucial precautions:

1. Proper Vehicle Preparation and Ground Stability

Park on a Stable Surface: Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat, stable surface to prevent it from rolling off the jack.
Engage Parking Brake and Wheel Chocks: Set the parking brake and secure the tires opposite the lifting point with wheel chocks to prevent unwanted movement.
Select the Correct Lifting Point: Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to identify dedicated lifting points designed to support its weight safely.
Use Jacks with Adequate Capacity: Choose a trolley jack with a load capacity that exceeds the weight of your vehicle to ensure stability while jacking.
Place Safety Stands Nearby: Locate safety stands or jack stands near the lifting point, ready for placement after you raise the vehicle to provide additional support.

2. Safe Jack Positioning and Handling

Secure the Jack Base: Ensure the trolley jack base is positioned firmly on the ground beneath the lifting point, avoiding any contact with cables or hoses.

Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep your head and body away from the lifting point and the path of the jack’s movement during operation.

Use a Smooth Pumping Motion: Pump the jack’s handle slowly and smoothly, avoiding rapid or jerky movements that could cause the jack to slip or become unstable.

Lower the Vehicle Gradually: When lowering the vehicle, release the pressure from the jack slowly and cautiously, allowing it to descend gradually and remain stable.

Assembling the Trolley Jack

Step 1: Inspect and Unpack the Jack

Remove the trolley jack from its packaging and inspect it carefully for any damage or missing parts. Ensure that all the components are present, including the jack body, handle, base, and lifting arm.

Step 2: Insert the Lifting Arm and Handle

Locate the lifting arm and the handle. Insert the bottom end of the lifting arm into the jack body’s lower mount and secure it by pushing the locking pin into place. Next, insert the handle into the designated socket on the jack body and tighten the T-bolt to secure it.

Component	Description
Jack Body	The main framework of the jack that houses the hydraulic mechanism and supports the lifting arm
Lifting Arm	The extendable arm that lifts the vehicle off the ground
Handle	The lever used to pump the hydraulic system and lift or lower the jack
Base	The wide platform that provides stability and distributes the weight of the vehicle

Positioning the Trolley Jack

Proper positioning of the trolley jack is crucial for both safety and effectiveness.

1. Identify the Lifting Points

Refer to your vehicle’s user manual to locate the designated lifting points. These are reinforced areas on the frame designed to withstand the weight of the vehicle.

2. Clear the Area

Remove any obstacles from the area where the jack will be placed, such as stones, debris, or jack stands. Ensure there is ample space around the vehicle to prevent the wheels from rolling while you’re lifted.

3. Position the Jack

Follow these detailed steps:

Step	Action
a)	Place the jack next to the designated lifting point.
b)	Adjust the jack’s height so that its head is slightly below the lifting point.
c)	Securely position the jack head under the lifting point, ensuring it is centered and stable.
d)	Pump the jack handle to raise the vehicle slightly off the ground.

Raising the Vehicle

## 1. Safety First
Before you start, make sure to engage the parking brake and chock the wheels that will not be lifted.

## 2. Position the Trolley Jack
Position the trolley jack under the designated jack point as identified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Ensure the jack’s saddle is centered and securely against the jack point.

## 3. Pump the Jack
Use the jack handle to pump the trolley jack, slowly and steadily. Monitor the vehicle’s height as you pump, aiming to raise it to your desired height, typically 12-18 inches off the ground.

## 4. Engage the Ratchet and Safety Locks
Once the desired height is reached,

engage the ratchet and safety locks on the jack to prevent it from accidentally lowering.

Some models may have a dedicated ratchet mechanism, while others require you to insert a locking pin into the jack’s frame. Additionally, check if your jack has a secondary safety locking mechanism, such as a handle lock or a pin that supports the saddle, and engage it as well. These safety measures are crucial to ensure the stability of the vehicle while you are working underneath it.

Securing the Vehicle

1. Park the Vehicle on a Stable Surface

Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level and stable surface. Avoid inclines or unstable ground.

2. Engage the Parking Brake

Fully engage the parking brake to prevent accidental movement during jacking.

3. Position Wheel Chocks

Place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the ones being lifted. This provides additional stability and prevents the vehicle from rolling.

4. Check for Obstructions

Check the underside of the vehicle for any obstructions, such as debris, wires, or hoses. Clear any obstacles to ensure safe jack placement.

5. Locating Jack Points

Identify the designated jack points specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. These points are typically reinforced sections of the frame or undercarriage designed to withstand the weight and lifting force of the jack. It is crucial to use only the designated jack points to avoid damage to the vehicle.

To locate the jack points accurately:

Vehicle Type	Jack Point Location
Front-wheel Drive	Near the front wheels, on the sides of the frame or underbody.
Rear-wheel Drive	Near the rear wheels, on the sides of the frame or underbody.
All-wheel Drive	A combination of front and rear jack point locations. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific locations.

Lowering the Vehicle

Once the vehicle is securely lifted, it’s time to lower it onto the stands. Follow these steps:

Slowly release the pressure from the hydraulic pump: Turn the release valve on the trolley jack counterclockwise to gradually release the pressure in the hydraulic system.
Monitor the vehicle’s descent: Keep an eye on the vehicle as it lowers to ensure it descends smoothly and evenly.
Use only your hands: Avoid using any tools or leverage to speed up the lowering process. Instead, rely on the controlled release of hydraulic pressure to gently bring the vehicle down.
Lower to approximately 2 inches above the stands: Once the vehicle has been lowered to a point where there is about 2 inches of clearance between it and the jack stands, stop releasing the pressure.
Position the jack stands: Carefully slide the jack stands under the designated jack points on the vehicle. Make sure that the stands are stable and securely positioned before continuing.
Fully lower the vehicle onto the stands: Once the jack stands are in place, slowly release the remaining pressure from the trolley jack until the vehicle’s weight is fully supported by the stands.

Additional Tips for Lowering the Vehicle:

Do’s	Don’ts
Use only your hands to release the pressure.	Don’t use tools or leverage to speed up the lowering process.
Monitor the vehicle’s descent carefully.	Don’t let the vehicle drop suddenly or unevenly.
Position the jack stands securely before fully lowering the vehicle.	Don’t attempt to lower the vehicle without the stands in place.

Disassembling the Trolley Jack

The trolley jack is a piece of equipment that is used to lift cars and other vehicles off the ground. It is typically used for maintenance and repair work, and it can be a very useful tool to have on hand. However, it is important to know how to disassemble the trolley jack properly before you use it, in order to avoid any injuries or damage to the jack.

1. Safety First

Before you begin, make sure that the trolley jack is on a stable surface and that the vehicle is properly secured. You should also wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any potential hazards.

2. Remove the Handle

The first step is to remove the handle from the trolley jack. This is usually done by unscrewing the bolt that secures the handle to the jack.

3. Remove the Saddle

Once the handle is removed, you can remove the saddle from the trolley jack. The saddle is the part of the jack that actually lifts the vehicle. To remove the saddle, simply lift it up and off of the jack.

4. Remove the Release Valve

The next step is to remove the release valve from the trolley jack. The release valve is located on the side of the jack, and it is used to release the pressure in the jack when you are finished using it.

5. Remove the Pump Piston

Once the release valve is removed, you can remove the pump piston from the trolley jack. The pump piston is the part of the jack that actually pumps the fluid that lifts the vehicle.

6. Remove the Base Plate

The final step is to remove the base plate from the trolley jack. The base plate is the part of the jack that sits on the ground. To remove the base plate, simply unbolt it from the jack.

7. Inspect the Components

Once you have disassembled the trolley jack, you should inspect all of the components for any damage or wear. If you find any damage, you should replace the damaged component before you use the jack again.

Component	Inspection Points
Saddle	Scratches, dents, cracks
Release Valve	Leaking, sticking, corrosion
Pump Piston	Scoring, pitting, wear
Base Plate	Cracks, bends, corrosion

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Check for leaks

Leaks can occur anywhere in the hydraulic system. Check all hoses, fittings, and seals for any signs of leaks. If you find a leak, tighten the fitting or replace the hose.

Pump won’t lift the jack

* The hydraulic fluid may be low. Check the fluid level and add fluid if necessary.
* The pump may be damaged. Inspect the pump for any damage and replace it if necessary.

The jack won’t lower

* The release valve may not be open. Open the release valve and allow the jack to lower.
* The hydraulic fluid may be contaminated. Flush the hydraulic fluid and replace it with new fluid.
* The check valve may be stuck. Disassemble the check valve and clean it.

The jack is unstable

* The jack may not be on a level surface. Place the jack on a level surface.
* The jack may be overloaded. Do not exceed the jack’s weight capacity.
* The jack may be damaged. Inspect the jack for any damage and replace it if necessary.

The jack is making a lot of noise

* The hydraulic fluid may be dirty. Flush the hydraulic fluid and replace it with new fluid.
* The pump may be damaged. Inspect the pump for any damage and replace it if necessary.

The jack is hard to move

* The wheels may be dirty or damaged. Clean or replace the wheels.
* The jack may be overloaded. Do not exceed the jack’s weight capacity.
* The jack may be damaged. Inspect the jack for any damage and replace it if necessary.

Maintenance and Storage

Regular Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance and longevity, your trolley jack requires regular maintenance. Here are some key steps:

Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a few drops of light machine oil to all moving parts, such as the pump piston, release valve, and swivel casters. This lubrication keeps the mechanism moving smoothly and prevents wear and tear.
Inspect Hydraulic Fluid: Check the hydraulic fluid level periodically. If necessary, top up the fluid using the manufacturer’s recommended type.
Clean the Jack: Remove any dirt, debris, or grease from the jack body and components. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent for cleaning.
Test the Jack: Perform a functional test before each use to ensure the jack is operating properly.

Long-Term Storage

When storing your trolley jack for extended periods, follow these guidelines:

Clean the Jack: Thoroughly clean the jack as described above.
Retract the Ram: Fully retract the ram into its housing to prevent damage.
Release Pressure: Open the release valve to relieve any remaining hydraulic pressure.
Store in a Dry Place: Store the jack in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and direct sunlight.
Cover the Jack: Cover the jack to prevent dust and debris from accumulating.

Component	Inspection Points
Pump Piston	Smooth movement, no leaks
Release Valve	Functioning properly, no leaks
Swivel Casters	Roll smoothly, no binding
Hydraulic Fluid	Sufficient level, no leaks
Jack Body	Free from cracks or damage

Precautions Before Using a Trolley Jack

Before using the trolley jack, ensure the following precautions are met:

Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface.
Engage the parking brake.
Chock the wheels opposite to the side being lifted.
Consult the vehicle’s manual for the designated jack points.

Using the Trolley Jack

Position the trolley jack at the designated jack point and ensure it is stable.
Pump the jack’s handle to raise the vehicle.
Use jack stands to support the vehicle once it is lifted to the desired height.
Never work underneath a vehicle supported only by a trolley jack.

Additional Tips for Safe Operation

Inspect the trolley jack for any damage or leaks before each use. Replace any worn or damaged components immediately.
Ensure that the jack is rated for the weight of the vehicle being lifted.
Position the jack on a solid and level surface. Avoid using the jack on soft or uneven ground.
Use caution when pumping the jack’s handle. Do not overextend the jack beyond its maximum height.
Lower the vehicle slowly and carefully onto the jack stands.
Never leave a vehicle supported only by a trolley jack. Always use jack stands for added stability.
When finished, lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack.
Store the trolley jack in a dry and protected location.
For vehicles with a low ground clearance, use a low-profile trolley jack or adapter pads.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific use and maintenance of the trolley jack.

How to Use a Trolley Jack

A trolley jack is a versatile tool that can be used to lift heavy objects, such as cars and trucks. It is important to use a trolley jack safely and correctly to avoid injury or damage to the vehicle. Here are the steps on how to use a trolley jack:

Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

Locate the designated jack points on the vehicle. These are usually indicated by small notches or dimples in the frame.

Position the trolley jack under the jack point closest to the tire that you need to lift.

Pump the handle of the trolley jack to raise the saddle of the jack until it makes contact with the jack point.

Continue pumping the handle to lift the vehicle. Be sure to stop pumping when the vehicle is at the desired height.

Place jack stands under the vehicle for added safety. This will help to prevent the vehicle from falling if the trolley jack fails.

Once the jack stands are in place, you can lower the trolley jack by slowly releasing the pressure on the handle.