19 Aug 2022
HYDRAULIC LIFTING TOOLS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Hydraulic lifting equipment is a mainstay in most industrial workplaces and warehouses, and at the Lifting Equipment Store, we stock a number of tools that utilise hydraulic technology to make your life easier. Hydraulics are operated via pumps, using oil solutions and pistons to apply and distribute pressure either with or without the use of external power sources.
In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about the various different hydraulic tools that we offer, so you can better understand the technology as a whole, as well as knowing which tools might come in handy in your workplace specifically.
As always, if you’re not feeling confident by the end of this read, feel free to get in touch with us here, and a member of our team will explain anything you need to know. And without further ado, let’s start by looking at the base of all hydraulics, the hydraulic cylinder!
WHAT IS A HYDRAULIC CYLINDER?
Hydraulic cylinders are the source of the power found in all hydraulic tools, providing the pressurised oil that allows force and motion to be applied. They are available in either single acting or double acting forms, meaning they either apply force in one direction, or do so horizontally, and vertically at the same time.
The cylinders from the Lifting Equipment Store are available in a number of sizes, capacities and stroke sizes, to make them more compatible with tools with differing clearances for attachment, as well as describing lifting capacity once partnered with tools, and the distance that they can move something respectively.
Now we’re going to showcase some of the cylinders we stock, breaking down their key features so you know what to look for.
EXAMPLES:
Tecpos Low Profile Pad Cylinders
Key Features:
· Available in 5tonne – 100tonne capacities
· “Low profile” design, for tools with less insertion clearance
· Up to 16mm stroke size
Yale YH Universal Hydraulic Cylinders - Double Acting
Key Features:
· Available in 5tonne – 100tonne capacities
· Double acting cylinders with hydraulic return
· Up to 500mm stroke size
Now that you have a better idea of what hydraulic cylinders are and how they work, it’s time to look at the hoses and accessories needed to properly use them.
HYDRAULIC HOSES AND ACCESSORIES
Using a hydraulic lift system isn’t as simple as clipping the cylinder to the back and being ready to go. To safely connect cylinders to tools, one must link them with a hydraulic hose and the proper couplers, as well as using valves and manifolds to properly control pressure flow, and pressure gauges to monitor the pressure used.
Next, we will show you some of the hoses and accessories we sell, and what they are capable of.
EXAMPLES
Yale Hydraulic Hoses
Key Features:
· 6.3mm diameter
· Available in 0.5mm length - 10metre length
· Flexible thermoplastic for long life, and high safety factor
Key Features:
· Up to 1000 bar pressure display
· Shock load absorbing glycerine filling
· Suitable for connection with all HPH hand pumps
So now you know where hydraulics are powered, and how to connect and monitor cylinders to tools, but how do you generate the pressure? Let’s take a look at pumps.
HYDRAULIC PUMPS (HAND AND ELECTRIC)
Pumps are what put hydraulic tools and cylinders into action. Many tools come with built-in hydraulic hand pumps or foot pumps, but separate manual or electric pumps are also available as attachments for other tools. Essentially the pump pushes the pressure through the cylinder or tool to create the desired effect, be it one of lifting, pressing, clamping, or any other typical hydraulic function.
But what do these pumps look like, and what can they do? Find out below.
EXAMPLES
Tecpos Hydraulic Hand Pumps
Key Features:
· 800cc – 3000cc reservoir capacity available
· Hand powered pressure creation
· High quality aluminium design
Yale Portable Hydraulic Power Pumps
Key Features:
· Remote control motor start for repair and maintenance jobs
· Available compatible with single or double acting cylinders
· Made with thermal overload protection
So, now we have covered the basics of hydraulics, and the parts needed to make a system work properly, it’s time for the fun part. Let’s take a look at some hydraulic tools.
HYDRAULIC TOOLS
If you have browsed our range of Pallet Stackers, then you will already be aware of some tools that utilise hydraulic technology. However, beyond typical lifting equipment we also stock a number of hydraulic specific tools that can make various jobs a lot less strenuous.
We stock a hydraulic repair kit, that utilises controlled pressure for universal applications, such as pressing, straightening, lifting, flattening, pushing bolts, bending, spreading, tensioning, etc. Also available are puller kits that are vital in the removal and installation of various interference fit parts. And of course, there are chain cutters, which unsurprisingly, cut chains!
Clearly, there are a number of tools that utilise hydraulics, let’s have a closer look at some of them.
EXAMPLES
PFAFF Hydraulic Repair Set
Key Features:
· Up to 10tonne capacity
· Comes with plastic carry case
· Includes hydraulic pump, cylinder, flange spreader, hose and mounts
Yale BMZ Modular Hydraulic Puller Kit
Key Features:
· Up to 23,000 kg maximum pulling force
· Up to 300mm Maximum arm reach
· Available as a kit or just the puller
Yale Hydraulic Chain Cutter
Key Features:
· Safe Cutting up to 16 mm diameter chains
· Suitable for grade 80 and 100 chains
· Fixed and movable blade included
Hopefully, you now feel a little more confident about hydraulic tools, and which might work best for you, but if you aren’t, feel free to contact a member of our team with any further questions. And don’t forget to check out our full range of cylinders and tools, including other items like spreader wedges, and pneumatic air lifting bags.
