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Hydraulic Jack Capacity Calculation

Hydraulic Jack Capacity Formula:

\[ Jack\ Capacity = Piston\ Area \times Pressure\ Rating \]

cm²
bar

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1. What is Hydraulic Jack Capacity?

Hydraulic jack capacity refers to the maximum weight a jack can safely lift. It's determined by the piston area and the system's pressure rating, following the fundamental hydraulic principle that pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished in all directions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hydraulic jack capacity formula:

\[ Jack\ Capacity = Piston\ Area \times Pressure\ Rating \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates the force output based on the hydraulic principle that force equals pressure multiplied by area.

3. Importance of Jack Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper capacity calculation is essential for safety and efficiency in lifting operations. Using a jack with insufficient capacity can lead to equipment failure, property damage, and personal injury.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the piston area in square centimeters, the pressure rating in bar, and select your preferred output unit (tons or kN). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between tons and kN as capacity units?
A: Tons measure force in the imperial system (1 ton = 2000 pounds), while kN (kilonewtons) measure force in the metric system (1 kN = 1000 newtons). 1 ton is approximately equal to 8.896 kN.

Q2: How do I measure piston area?
A: For a circular piston, area = π × (diameter/2)². Measure the piston diameter and calculate accordingly.

Q3: What is a typical pressure rating for hydraulic jacks?
A: Most hydraulic jacks operate between 700-1000 bar, but this can vary significantly by manufacturer and jack type.

Q4: Should I include a safety factor in my calculations?
A: Yes, it's recommended to use a jack with at least 1.5 times the calculated capacity requirement for safety margins.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for all types of hydraulic jacks?
A: This formula applies to all hydraulic jacks based on the same fundamental principle, including bottle jacks, floor jacks, and trolley jacks.

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