Transmission or engine jacks are common in car repair, maintenance, and modification centers. These tools are used to safely hold heavy transmissions during various tasks like installation, removal, repair, and maintenance. Manufacturers provide different types of jacks for auto, truck, and motorcycle transmission manipulation. Standard jacks are for smaller engines, while heavy-duty jacks are robust and engineered for heavy truck and bus transmissions. Here’s an overview of when and where to use a transmission jack:
When To Use a Transmission Jack
Jacks are used to support the weight of a vehicle or heavy component to allow mechanics to safely work on it. These tools feature heavy-duty steel, roll casters using ball bearings, and saddle tilts. Heavy-duty steel supports the weight of the vehicle or component while the casters slide underneath the vehicle for precise positioning. The saddle tilts are secured to the transmission for easy manipulation during repairs. A transmission jack has three main uses: installation and removal, repair, modification and maintenance, and temporary storage and transportation.
Transmission Removal and Installation
A transmission or engine jack supports the weight of the block during installation and removal. To remove a transmission, position the jack beneath the vehicle with the lifting platform under the block’s support points. Use the jack handle to slowly raise the transmission and make sure it remains balanced. Secure the transmission on the jack’s platform using chains and straps and carefully maneuver it from under the vehicle. Reverse this process to install a transmission.
Transmission Repair and Maintenance
Some transmission and engine jacks are designed to hold the heavy equipment during repairs and maintenance. These jacks feature convenient saddle tilts that allow you to rotate and manipulate the transmission’s position with ease. Some jacks have bolting panels that allow you to further secure the engine and safely handle awkward transmission components. You can also find useful add-on tools and adaptors to increase your jack’s functionality.
Transmission Transportation and Storage
Professional garages usually feature jacks with a wide range of options to accommodate working on different transmissions. Some of these jacks are used to transport heavy transmissions from vehicles to the storage room or modification center. Jacks used for transportation have wide-leg bases and casters for stability and easy deployment and movement. Jacks are also used to temporarily store transmissions in garages and workshops.
Where To Use a Transmission or Engine Jack
Transmission and engine jacks are the tools used in commercial garages, auto repair shops, and modification centers. Manufacturers also provide jacks for individual use. Some of the common types include telescopic, high-lifts, hydraulic pressure lifts, low-profile jacks, and air-assisted jacks. Hydraulic and air-assisted jacks raise the vehicle more rapidly and accurately, while low-profile types are for lightweight applications. You can use a transmission or engine jack anywhere, provided you do the following:
- Place the jack on a level surface to provide the stability required to support the weight of the transmission.
- Remove all loose debris that might interfere with the jack’s deployment and application.
- Probe the ground to make sure it doesn’t sink under the weight of the transmission.
- Clear the area around the vehicle to provide easy access and maneuverability.
- If using the jack for storage, keep the engine and jack protected from moisture and other elements.
Buy Your High-quality Transmission Jack Today
Lifting a vehicle’s transmission requires specialized jacks designed for that purpose. If you own a truck, commercial garage, or auto repair shop, you need a heavy-duty jack to facilitate working on heavy transmissions. Choose jacks with the right capacity and safety mechanisms. Contact a specialty tools supplier today to find out more about heavy-duty transmission jack options for your needs.
