Hydraulic jacks are mechanical devices that are used to lift heavy objects. Many people might be familiar with hydraulic jacks since they are used for lifting automobiles to change a tire. Various industries use hydraulic jacks to lift airplanes, race cars and semi-trucks.
Richard Dudgeon was a 19th century machinist who invented the hydraulic jack in mid 1800s. His invention replaced the screw jack, which was the standard type of jack in use during this time period.
Pascal’s Principle is the primary explanation for how hydraulic jacks operate. This principle states that pressure contained in a closed container is the same at all points. Hydraulic jacks use this principle by combining two cylinders (one small and one large) to increase pressure for lifting objects of greater weight.
There are six primary parts for the hydraulic jack: the reservoir, the pump, the check valve, the main cylinder, the main piston and the release piston.
Many different types of hydraulic jacks are used for different purposes. Bottle jacks, aircraft jacks, floor jacks, racing jacks and hand pumps are jack devices that are available today.
Hydraulics as a mechanical technology is not only used for jacks, but it’s also used in tractors, automobile breaks and forklifts. Hydraulic jacks are important and necessary equipment for lifting and moving heavy objects plus other materials.
