Bottle Jacks

About Bottle Jacks

Bottle jacks are compact hydraulic lifting devices that stand vertically to raise heavy loads with exceptional power-to-size ratio. Named for their distinctive bottle-like shape, these professional lifting tools use hydraulic pressure to safely elevate vehicles, machinery and equipment ranging from 2 tonnes to over 20 tonnes capacity. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks bottle jacks from leading manufacturers including Sealey, Draper and Bahco, featuring standard hydraulic models, low profile designs for limited ground clearance, telescopic versions for extended reach, and air-hydraulic variants that combine pneumatic power with hydraulic lifting for faster operation.

Unlike trolley jacks that sit horizontally, bottle jacks excel in confined spaces where their vertical design allows access beneath vehicles and equipment that traditional jacks cannot reach. MyToolShed offers professional-grade bottle jacks with robust steel construction, precision-machined pistons and safety features including overload protection valves. These versatile tools serve automotive workshops, construction sites, agricultural machinery maintenance and industrial applications where reliable heavy lifting is essential.

Applications

• Motor mechanics and auto technicians: Vehicle lifting for brake repairs, suspension work, gearbox removal and general maintenance
• Mobile mechanics: Roadside assistance and on-site vehicle repairs requiring portable lifting equipment
• HGV and commercial vehicle technicians: High-tonnage lifting of trucks, buses and construction equipment
• Construction workers: Positioning structural steel, raising formwork and supporting heavy building components
• Agricultural workers: Lifting tractors, combines and farming equipment for repair and servicing
• DIY enthusiasts: Home garage vehicle maintenance, brake changes and tyre rotations
• Industrial maintenance engineers: Supporting machinery during installation and maintenance procedures

Choosing The Right Bottle Jacks

Load capacity: Select a bottle jack with tonnage rating exceeding your heaviest application. Family cars require 2-3 tonnes, SUVs and light commercial vehicles need 4-6 tonnes, whilst commercial vehicle work demands 10-20+ tonne capacity.

Height range: Consider minimum height for ground clearance (low profile models start at 140-180mm for sports cars) and maximum lift height. Telescopic bottle jacks provide extended reach, often doubling the lift range of standard models.

Operating mechanism: Manual hydraulic jacks offer reliable, cost-effective operation. Air-hydraulic models dramatically reduce pumping effort and speed up lifting cycles, ideal for busy commercial workshops with compressed air supplies.

Build quality: Professional-grade jacks from Sealey Viking, Draper Expert and Bahco feature forged steel construction, precision-machined cylinders and built-in safety overload valves. Check for stable base dimensions and quality seals preventing hydraulic fluid leaks.

Portability: Mobile mechanics benefit from compact 2-4 tonne models, whilst workshop-based users can opt for heavier-duty fixed-location units depending on transportation requirements.

Safety Information

Never work beneath vehicles supported solely by hydraulic jacks. Always use correctly rated axle stands as primary support, with the jack serving only to raise and lower loads. Ensure bottle jacks sit on firm, level ground and centre the saddle precisely beneath designated manufacturer jacking points. Regularly inspect for hydraulic fluid leaks, damaged seals and base plate cracks. Never exceed rated capacity as overloading can cause catastrophic failure. Consult HSE guidance on safe lifting operations and wear appropriate PPE including safety boots and gloves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tonnage bottle jack do I need for my vehicle?

Select a jack rated for at least 1.5 times your vehicle's axle weight. Typical small cars require 2-3 tonnes, family cars and small SUVs need 3-4 tonnes, whilst large SUVs and light commercial vehicles demand 4-6 tonnes. Commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery require 10-20+ tonne capacity.

What's the difference between a bottle jack and a trolley jack?

Bottle jacks stand vertically and excel at lifting heavy loads in confined spaces, offering higher weight capacities up to 20+ tonnes in compact designs. Trolley jacks sit horizontally on wheels, providing easier positioning and greater stability. Bottle jacks typically cost less and store more easily, whilst trolley jacks offer superior convenience for frequent automotive work.

How often should I service my hydraulic bottle jack?

Inspect your bottle jack before each use for visible damage and leaks. Perform comprehensive maintenance every 12 months or after 200 uses, including checking hydraulic fluid levels, replacing worn seals and testing safety valves. Commercial workshop jacks under daily use benefit from professional servicing every 6 months.