Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Hydraulic systems for lifting, lowering, or pulling can vary based on each individual project. There are numerous configurations possible, so selecting the right components for your system should be done meticulously to ensure a safe and successful outcome.

Important! For those inexperienced with Automotive Lift Repair Orlando pressurized hydraulic systems, the complexity can be daunting. Every heavy-lift project has unique requirements, and using an incorrect setup can be disastrous. Please consult a qualified and experienced professional before starting any work.

Below is a basic introductory overview for configuring a lifting system, aimed at those unfamiliar with the options available. We’ve assembled eight examples to get you started, ranging from simple hand pump cylinder sets to complex synchronous lifting systems.

For advice on choosing the right hydraulic cylinder, please refer to our Buyer’s Guide.

See Cylinder Selection Guide

Basic Single-Acting Setup for Hydraulic Cylinders in General Applications

This diagram depicts a simple hydraulic system suitable for single-acting lifting applications. Such setups can be used in a variety of general maintenance situations or in a hydraulic press.

It features a manual hand pump for controlling the cylinder advance. (Note that this could be replaced with a powered pump). Be aware that a cylinder with a capacity of 25 tons and above may require many hand-pump strokes, especially for longer stroke applications.

For convenience, a setup like this can often be purchased as a kit containing everything you need, including a storage case. You may also want to consider maintenance kits and useful cylinder accessories, such as baseplates for added stability or tilt saddles to prevent plunger damage. These additional items offer more versatility and can help prolong cylinder life.

The Automotive Lift Repair Orlando gauge assembly is ideal for use with a hydraulic hand pump.

Single-Acting Cylinder Setup with Longer Stroke

This setup features a basic hydraulic system using a single-acting hydraulic cylinder with a longer stroke and an air-powered hydraulic pump.

When using any powered pumps (air/electric), we always recommend using glycerine-filled gauges to reduce needle vibration for accurate pressure reading.

Double-Acting Cylinder Setup for Powered Retract of Heavy Loads

For controlled lowering of heavy loads, a system designed for a double-acting cylinder is required. A double-acting cylinder uses hydraulics to lift and lower the load, unlike single-acting cylinders which rely on a return spring and gravity to retract the plunger, a process that can be time-consuming, especially with longer stroke cylinders.

A pilot-operated check valve (V66) should be installed in the inlet port of the cylinder for temporary load holding. A pump with a 4-Way Directional Control Valve is needed, and flow control valves should be installed in both advance/retract lines for greater control and fine-tuning.

A defective or incorrectly attached coupler may block the flow, resulting in potential pressure intensification which could cause excess pressure to flow out the external pressure relief valve on the cylinder.

Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Double-Acting Cylinder Setup for Push or Pull Applications

This system is for applications requiring two lift points where a controlled lift is needed. Manifold blocks are used to split both flow directions to the two cylinders, with the advance line utilizing flow control valves for fine-tuning the synchronicity of lifting across multiple points. The pressure gauge goes into the advance line.

Flow control valves are added to the manifolds for a controlled extension. Ensure the pump has a large enough reservoir to contain enough hydraulic fluid for the stroke of all the cylinders. A pump with a 4-Way Directional Control Valve is needed.

For convenience, consider using the Automotive Lift Repair Orlando control manifold gauge assemblies, which incorporate the manifold, control valves, gauges, and couplers for up to four jacking locations.

2 Cylinder Setup Using Single-Acting Cylinders

This setup shows a two-point lifting system simplified by using single-acting cylinders. A safety holding valve is used with each cylinder for temporary load holding.

For long-term load holding applications, consider Automotive Lift Repair Orlando hydraulic lock nut cylinders, which mechanically lock off the load ensuring safe working in and around the area.

Make sure you have some type of locking mechanism when working underneath  a hydraulic load. Failure to do so could lead to an obviously serious physical injury or even death to you and your team. 

Multi-Point Hydraulic System Using Four Single-Acting Cylinders

This diagram shows a common multi-point hydraulic system using single-acting cylinders and control manifolds.

It is recommended to install gauges on each outlet port of the control manifold, as this will show the load distribution across the four jacking points, aiding in load control and increasing synchronicity. We highly recommend using some sort of base plate to give you more stability while working. You’ll have to do the research and find which one works best for your particular project.  V66 Pilot-operated check valves are used for temporary load holding. For long-term load holding, consider Automotive Lift Repair Orlando mechanical lock nut cylinders and/or cribbing.

4-Point Setup Using 4 Single-Acting Cylinders and the Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Split Flow Manifold

This illustration shows an alternative 4-point setup that utilizes the new Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Split Flow Manifold (SFM). The SFM ensures an even flow rate to all lifting points, regardless of load distribution across the cylinders. Key features and benefits of the SFM include:

– Even flow rate from all outlets regardless of load distribution

– The Automotive Lift Repair Orlando can be used with both single-acting and double-acting cylinders for greater versatility

– Gauges installed on all outlet ports to monitor load distribution across jacking locations

– Enhanced control of synchronous movements during lifting or lowering operations

Split Flow Pumps for Multiple-Point Synchronous Lifting Operations

Split flow pumps offer significant benefits for large-scale multi-point jacking applications. For lifting and lowering tasks with multiple points, split flow pumps are a superior alternative to independently operated pumps.

Split Flow Pump for Multi-Point Lifting Applications

The image above shows a split-flow pump operating a multi-point lift with four SCJ50s. Simple operation via joystick or hand-held pendant provides controlled lifting despite uneven loads at each lift point. Depending on the configuration, they can offer extreme control accuracies of +/-1mm per leading and lagging jacking cylinders. Available options include: