Central Hydraulics 42820

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Manual Operated

Floor Jack

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Note: There may be some slight differences in the appearance of the various

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3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011

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2009 by Harbor Freight Tools

contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of

Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing

improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for

assembly and service may not be included.

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Summary

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Important Safety Information

Crucial warnings to read before product use to prevent serious injury.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

General Safety Warnings and Precautions

Comprehensive safety warnings, including symbols, definitions, and usage rules.

Save This Manual

Instructions to keep the manual for future reference regarding operations and safety.

UNPACKING

Unpacking and Initial Inspection

Check product for damage or missing parts upon unpacking; contact support if issues are found.

OPERATION

Bleeding the Hydraulic System

Procedure to remove air from the hydraulic system for proper jack operation.

Lifting the Vehicle

Step-by-step guide on how to safely lift a vehicle using the floor jack.

Lowering the Vehicle

Detailed instructions for safely lowering a vehicle supported by the jack.

INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING

Pre-Use Inspection and Maintenance

Guidelines for checking the jack's condition and performing regular maintenance.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Identifies common symptoms and their probable solutions for jack malfunctions.

LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY

Product Information and Registration

Instructions for recording the product's serial number and understanding warranty terms.

SPECIFICATIONS

Product Specifications

Technical details including weight capacity and height ranges.

ASSEMBLY

Install the Foot Pedal

Steps for attaching the foot pedal to the jack mechanism.

Mount the Handle Assembly

Instructions for correctly attaching and securing the jack's handle.

PARTS LIST

Component Parts List

A detailed list of all parts included with the floor jack, with quantities.

ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM

Jack Assembly Diagram

Visual representation of the floor jack components and their assembly order.

This document is an operating manual for a Central Hydraulics Manual Operated Floor Jack, SKU 42820. It provides comprehensive instructions for safe operation, assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the device.

Function Description

The Central Hydraulics Manual Operated Floor Jack is a lifting device designed to raise vehicles or other heavy objects. It operates hydraulically, using a pumping action to elevate a saddle, which in turn lifts the load. The jack is intended for use on hard, level surfaces and is primarily used for vehicle maintenance, such as tire changes or inspections. It is crucial to note that this jack is a lifting device only; once a load is lifted, it must be immediately supported by appropriate means, such as jack stands, to prevent serious injury or property damage. The jack should not be used to move or dolly a vehicle while it is on the jack, nor should it be used for aircraft purposes.

Important Technical Specifications

Weight Capacity: 2-1/2 Tons (5,000 lb.)
Maximum Height: 31-5/8"
Minimum Height: 5-3/4"

Usage Features

The manual outlines several key usage features and safety protocols:

Pre-Operation Checks: Before each use, the jack must be thoroughly inspected for any loose, damaged, or missing parts. It's also essential to check the hydraulic oil level and, if necessary, bleed the hydraulic system of excess air to ensure proper operation. The bleeding process involves opening the release valve, applying pressure to the saddle, and pumping the handle several times, then checking and topping off the oil.
Vehicle Preparation: When lifting a vehicle, it must be parked on a flat, level, solid surface, safely away from oncoming traffic. The vehicle's engine should be turned off, the transmission set to "PARK" (automatic) or its lowest gear (manual), and the emergency brake applied. The wheels not being lifted must be chocked.
Lifting Procedure:
- The Release Screw is turned counter-clockwise to lower the jack completely, then firmly clockwise to close it.
- The jack's Saddle is positioned under the vehicle manufacturer's recommended lifting point. Some models feature an Elevating Screw to adjust the saddle height.
- The handle is pumped until the saddle nearly reaches the lifting point. The jack should be positioned at 90° to the lifting point for proper alignment.
- To lift the vehicle, the handle is pumped using smooth, full strokes.
- Once the vehicle is raised, jack stand(s) of appropriate capacity (not included) must be immediately placed under the proper lifting point(s) and securely locked into position. If using two jack stands, they must be at the same height.
- The vehicle is then slowly lowered onto the jack stand(s) by turning the Release Screw counter-clockwise.
- After lowering, the Release Screw is turned firmly clockwise to close it.
- The vehicle should be gently rocked to confirm stability on the jack stand(s). If unstable, the vehicle must be raised, and the jack stand(s) repositioned.
Lowering Procedure:
- All tools and equipment must be removed from under the vehicle.
- The Saddle is positioned under the lifting point. The Release Screw is turned clockwise, and the handle is pumped to raise the vehicle slightly above the jack stand(s).
- The jack stand(s) are then removed.
- The handle is slowly turned counter-clockwise (never more than two full turns) to lower the vehicle onto the ground.
- The jack is then lowered completely and stored.
Safety Warnings: The manual emphasizes numerous safety warnings, including not exceeding rated capacity, using only on hard, level surfaces, supporting the vehicle immediately after lifting, not moving the vehicle while on the jack, not adjusting the safety valve, wearing ANSI-approved safety goggles and heavy-duty work gloves, keeping clear of the load during lifting and lowering, and lowering the load slowly. It also warns against working under a vehicle without proper jack stand support and advises against using the jack while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the floor jack:

Pre-Use Inspection: Before each use, a thorough inspection of the jack's general condition is required. This includes checking for broken, cracked, or bent parts, as well as loose or missing components. Any issues found must be corrected by a qualified technician before further use.
Hydraulic Oil Change: The hydraulic oil should be changed at least once every three years. This involves:
- Lowering the jack completely.
- Removing the Oil Filler Plug.
- Tipping the jack to drain all old hydraulic oil, which must be disposed of according to local regulations.
- With the jack upright, refilling the housing with high-quality hydraulic oil until it just begins to run out of the Oil Fill Hole.
- Opening the Release Screw and pumping the handle to drive oil into the pump passages and bleed air from the system.
- Reinstalling the Oil Filler Plug.
Cleaning and Storage: After use, the jack should be wiped dry with a clean cloth and stored in a safe, dry location, out of reach of children and unauthorized personnel.
Professional Service: Procedures not specifically explained in the manual must be performed only by a qualified technician. The use of identical replacement parts is emphasized, and failure to follow maintenance instructions or using unauthorized parts can create a risk of injury and void the warranty.
Label Maintenance: Labels and nameplates on the jack, which carry important information, must be maintained and replaced if unreadable or missing.

Troubleshooting

The manual includes a troubleshooting guide for common issues:

Jack will not lift at its weight capacity: Possible causes include the Release Valve not being fully closed, air in the system, or low hydraulic oil. Solutions involve checking the Release Valve, bleeding the system, or refilling the oil.
Saddle lowers under load: This can be caused by the Release Valve not being fully closed, air in the system, or blocked valves. Solutions include checking the Release Valve, bleeding the system, or flushing the valves.
Pump stroke feels spongy: This indicates air in the system, requiring bleeding.
Saddle will not lift all the way: Possible causes are air in the system or low hydraulic oil. Solutions involve bleeding the system or refilling the oil.
Handle moves up when jack is under load: This suggests too much hydraulic oil inside the unit, requiring a check and adjustment of the fluid level.
Oil leaking from filler plug: This also suggests too much hydraulic oil inside the unit, requiring a check and adjustment of the fluid level.

The manual stresses that all problems must be resolved before using the jack, and if solutions in the guide do not work, a qualified technician should inspect and repair the jack. After any repair, the jack must be tested without a load before returning to operation.