There are two common types of hydraulic jacks which consist of bottle jacks and trolley jacks.

1.1 Bottle Jacks

Bottle jacks also known as hand jacks are widely used by individuals to lift a heavy load with lifting capabilities from 2 tons to several tonnes.

With the help of a vertical shaft, this hydraulic jack supports a bearing pad that holds the weight of the load during the lifting process.

The lifting process started by pumping hydraulic fluid into its chamber, causing a rise of the piston which exerts force to the bearing pad.

1.2 Trolley Jacks

Unlike bottle jack, trolley jack which is also known as hydraulic floor jack operates horizontally. It pushes a crank that connects to a lifting pad which is then lifted vertically.

This hydraulic floor jack provides a greater range of vertical lift as compared to bottle jacks, but it only offers a fraction of the weight bottle jacks can lift.

The working principle of hydraulic jacks involves the use of hydraulic fluid and Pascal's law to create pressure within a confined space.

This in turn lifts heavy loads through the movement of a piston inside a hydraulic cylinder.

Hydraulic jacks provide a mechanical advantage for lifting heavy objects with the help of several components which consist of:

Hydraulic Cylinder: A hollow cylindrical tube that houses a piston.

Piston: Moves vertically in response to hydraulic pressure.

Pump: Generate hydraulic pressure by pumping the fluid into the cylinder.

Hydraulic fluid: Specially formulated fluid that transmits pressure.

Release Valve: A valve that controls the release of hydraulic pressure to lower the piston and subsequently, the load.

Lifting Arm or Saddle: Designed to hold the load securely and distribute force evenly.