Jacking Beam build

[RWD3M]

First, a bit of background. I've had a 4 post ramp (Strongman Glenfinnan) for a couple of years and honestly, it's been a godsend. However, I could really use a jacking beam, not least to make it less of a faff when I grease up the chassis of the '36 Morris!

Back in March, I took a trip up to the Resto Show at the NEC with the intention of buying the jacking beam that Strongman tools do specifically for that lift but after looking at the one they had at the show I gave it a miss. Why? Well, for two reasons. Firstly, it stuck up nearly 4 inches above the ramp bed and secondly, the hydraulic pump handle operated vertically rather than horizontally. Both are a bit of an issue when I have either the (classic) Mini or the GT6 on the ramp.

Sooo, I thought to myself, how hard can it be to design and build my own?!!! Actually, for the most part, not that difficult. I'm planning on going air operated (a 2 bellows air jack will give me a lift of circa 235mm), but I'm having a little trouble with the mechanical levelling and locking mechanism and am looking for ideas.

A simple cross linkage should work in theory but it would need to be pretty sizeable to be robust enough to support the sort of weight expected of it (obviously, half a car without the air bag assisting it)

Here is a sketch of where I am at the moment:

But there must be other options, any useful suggestions?

 

[Erie Fred]

Looks like a standard rolling jack for a 4 post lift (the one with runways)

Do you want the whole end (of the vehicle) to go up parallel at once ?
Or have 2 separate jacks to do 1 wheel at a time ?
(would be a simpler build)

 

[Melvyn Best]

I think I would be looking for a S/H jacking beam even one that needs a rebuild?

 

[RWD3M]

I think I would be looking for a S/H jacking beam even one that needs a rebuild?

You're right @Melvyn Best and I did start down that route, but my ramp is quite narrow and everything I found, typically commercial stuff (and I mean from garages and the like) was either too wide or ran on rollers along the beds of the ramp.

 

[Neilj]

They normally have extending arms with the rollers incorporated, to adjust to the required ramp width. So how about finding a narrow S/H beam and modify the extending ends to suit your application?

 

[RWD3M]

I like the idea, and I have been looking for something that will fit. As mentioned, needs be quite narrow at around 680mm. If you know of any....

 

[gaz1]

a bit youtube heavy

but i also like the middle jacking points as well

heres a flat build watch from 27.30

theres certain things i like on that

portable, led lighted, jacking tray you can go deeper with tray

 

[Neilj]

Major Lift do one at 685mm wide, but not seen any S/H anywhere

 

[RWD3M]

a bit youtube heavy

but i also like the middle jacking points as well

heres a flat build watch from 27.30

theres certain things i like on that

portable, led lighted, jacking tray you can go deeper with tray

Apologies for the delay in responding @gaz1 .

I may persue the company in the first video to see if they do anything narrow enough in the body to fit my ramp but the one shown is clearly far too wide.

That last one is interesting as it is clearly made, in China, by the same people that made mine! Way too many similarities in construction and materials. Importantly though, it also runs on the rails that mine will need to do due to the similar checker plate beds. By the way, I was treated to first hand assembly demonstration as I had mine delivered, assembled and commissioned by the company that supplied it.

Thanks for the info.

 

[gaz1]

i thought you was building one which i think you will do

but look into them more and see if you can add more to yours

https://www.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEB&search_query=bridge+jack

 

[knighty]

why not just use 2 air jacks, one each side?

for what you're doing perfectly level isn't important?

simple beam with the 2 jacks sitting on it... bit of slack/space so you can move them round as needed

could make it much lower too, because no top beam needed

 

[MetalMonkey]

https://automotechservices.co.uk/other-garage-equipment/

Automotech do a few, might be worth a look for inspiration if nothing else.

 

[RWD3M]

why not just use 2 air jacks, one each side?

for what you're doing perfectly level isn't important?

simple beam with the 2 jacks sitting on it... bit of slack/space so you can move them round as needed

could make it much lower too, because no top beam needed

That's not out of the realms of possibility @knighty, thanks.

 

[RWD3M]

i thought you was building one which i think you will do

but look into them more and see if you can add more to yours

https://www.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEB&search_query=bridge+jack

That was where I began, then lots of suggestions about buying one, which obviously it would be rude not to explore. But as you guess, I'll probably still end up building one as nothing commercially available (aside from the, wholly unsuitable, one available from the ramp supplier) will fit.

 

[reb78]

why not just use 2 air jacks, one each side?

for what you're doing perfectly level isn't important?

simple beam with the 2 jacks sitting on it... bit of slack/space so you can move them round as needed

could make it much lower too, because no top beam needed

I'm starting to think this way for my ramp.

Theres a set of air jacks local to me for 25£ each. THey could just go on the ramp under the jacking points and then allow access to suspension etc.

 

[gaz1]

to be honest i wouldnt touch these type as too flimsy on there pull outs

but you also have to consider wear and tear on there catches

as goes for air expanding jacks wouldnt touch them as theres no lock off with them and your back to axle stands

 

[RWD3M]

...as goes for air expanding jacks wouldnt touch them as theres no lock off with them and your back to axle stands

Absolutely, which is why my first post was asking for suggestions re just this!

 

[gaz1]

a question what thickness is your ramps ?

on your first post it reads 0.110 whats that in millimeters

 

[RWD3M]

a question what thickness is your ramps ?

on your first post it reads 0.110 whats that in millimeters

That's 110mm (0.110m).

 

[gaz1]

i will show you this one with an air bag scissor lift