What’s a forklift jack?

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Forklift jacks are lifting aids specifically designed to lift forklifts for wheel changes and are hydraulically operated by a hand pump. Lifting mechanisms are usually scissor-type, with the lift arm having a serrated or profiled contact pad to allow positive contact at the vehicle’s lift points. The feature that distinguishes a forklift jack from other vehicle jacks is its overall low profile designed to accommodate the low ground clearance typical of forklifts. Forklift jack lift capacities differ, but the average maximum rating is between 8,000 and 9,000 pounds (3,629 – 4,082 kg). There are many makes and models of forklift jacks on the market, all with different features and capabilities, but generally similar in operation.

Forklifts often form the backbone of many large material handling operations and typically log a substantial number of operating hours. Due to the small turning circles and repetitive nature of most material handling routes, forklift tire wear is a serious problem for most operators. However, changing tires on a forklift is no easy task, as the vehicles typically sit low off the ground and are relatively heavy for their compact size. This requires the use of a specialized jack to lift vehicles for tire changes. The forklift jack is specially designed to handle both the very low ground clearance and heavy weights involved in lifting these little workhorses.

Most types of forklift jacks are of a conventional scissor design with two flat arms of approximately equal length bolted together such that they can move like a pair of scissors. The opposite lower ends of each pair of arms rest on the ground, with one set typically having steel wheels that allow the jack to be pushed. The other contact points have a wide foot plate, which allows positive ground contact reducing the risk of the jack tipping over during lifting. The upper ends of the footrest arms are fixed with pivot pins to the hydraulic pump body. The top ends of the casters or lift arms are fitted with a profiled notched lift bearing to allow positive contact with the vehicle lift points.

The hydraulic pump piston or actuator attaches to the lift arms near the casters. The jack is typically operated by hand using a pump handle, and when actuated, the piston is forced out of the pump cylinder under considerable pressure. Due to the pump body attaching to one set of jack arms and the piston to the other, this action causes the “scissors” to open, effectively lifting the lift shoe with each stroke of the pump. A combination of the mechanical advantage of the hinged arms and the power of the hydraulic pump gives the jack its excellent lifting potential. Once the forklift wheel is changed, a release knob located on top of the hydraulic pump is turned, allowing the fluid to slowly return to the reservoir, thus lowering the vehicle again.

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