This document is the owner's manual for the Performance Tool 2 Ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack, Item Number W1621. It provides comprehensive information regarding the jack's function, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance.
The primary function of this device is lifting. It is a hydraulic bottle jack designed for lifting purposes only, and loads must always be supported by jack stands immediately after lifting. It is crucial to understand that this is a lifting device, not a load-holding device, and should not be used to maintain heavy loads for extended periods. The jack is not suitable for aircraft purposes.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Capacity: 4,000 lbs.
- Minimum Lift Height: 7 1/8 in.
- Maximum Lift Height: 13 1/2 in.
- Base Length: 3 3/4 in.
- Base Width: 3 1/2 in.
- Hydraulic Fluid: SAE 20 hydraulic fluid is recommended for refills.
Usage Features:
Before operating the jack, users are advised to read and understand the entire instruction manual, including all warnings and safety information. Failure to comply can result in personal injury, property damage, and void the warranty.
Unpacking and Inspection:
Upon opening the carton, the hydraulic bottle jack and its accessories should be carefully inspected for any transit damage. All parts should be checked against the photograph on the carton. If any parts are missing or damaged, customer service should be contacted immediately at 1-800-426-1262. The jack should not be operated if damaged until parts are replaced or faults rectified. All nuts, bolts, and fittings must be secure before use.
Before Use (Purging Air from the Hydraulic System):
During shipment or handling, air can become trapped in the hydraulic system, causing the jack to malfunction. To address this:
- Place the pump handle over the release valve and turn it counter-clockwise no more than two turns to open.
- Slowly loosen the oil filler plug.
- Pump the jack about 6 full strokes to ensure complete distribution of hydraulic fluid.
- Repeat these steps as needed.
- Retighten the oil filler plug.
To Raise the Load:
- Park the vehicle on a hard, level surface, safely away from oncoming traffic.
- Turn off the vehicle's engine.
- Place the vehicle's transmission in PARK (automatic) or its lowest gear (manual).
- Set the vehicle's emergency brake and chock the wheels that are not being lifted.
- Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for proper jacking procedures, lifting only on manufacturer-specified areas.
- Ensure the load is centered on the saddle.
- Place the pump handle over the release valve and turn it clockwise to close.
- Insert the handle into the handle socket and pump to raise the load to the desired height.
- ALWAYS support the load with jack stands of appropriate capacity, placed beneath the vehicle at manufacturer-recommended locations. Do not get under the vehicle without jack stands. Jack stands must be at the same height if two are used.
To Lower the Load:
- Remove all tools, parts, etc., from under the vehicle.
- Position the saddle under the lifting point. Turn the handle firmly clockwise to close the valve release screw, and pump the upper/lower handle to raise the vehicle slightly above the saddle(s) of the jack stands. Then, collapse and remove the jack stand(s).
- SLOWLY turn the release valve counter-clockwise with the handle just enough to allow controlled descent of the vehicle onto the ground (never more than two full turns).
- Lower the jack completely.
- Store the jack in a safe, dry location, out of reach of children.
Safety Precautions:
- DO NOT exceed the rated capacity of 4,000 lbs.
- Use only on hard, level surfaces.
- Wear ANSI approved safety goggles and heavy-duty work gloves.
- Keep clear of the load while lifting and lowering.
- Lower the load slowly.
- Apply the parking brake and chock tires before lifting.
- Inspect the jack before every use; do not use if parts are loose or damaged.
- Do not alter the product in any way.
- Keep the work area clean and well lit.
- Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away.
- Do not use the jack while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
- Store idle jacks out of reach of children.
- Jack service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel using identical replacement parts.
- Maintain labels and nameplates; replace if unreadable or missing.
- Do not work under a vehicle without proper jack stand support.
- Avoid dangerous oncoming traffic.
- Do not allow anyone inside the vehicle while using the jack.
- Do not support both ends of the vehicle at the same time.
- Remove all tools and equipment from under the vehicle before lowering the jack.
- The warnings and instructions cannot cover all possible conditions; common sense and caution are essential.
- WARNING: This product and its packaging contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Maintenance Features:
Monthly maintenance is recommended to ensure the jack's longevity and proper function. Lubrication is critical due to the heavy loads supported.
- Pre-Use Inspection: Before each use, inspect the jack for broken, cracked, or bent parts, loose or missing parts, or any condition affecting proper operation. Damaged equipment must be removed from service and repaired before further use.
- Part Replacement: Replace worn or damaged parts with Performance Tool replacement parts. Repairs should only be performed by qualified personnel.
- Bleeding Instructions: If the jack is not working properly, follow the bleeding instructions on page 3.
- Storage Position: When not in use, the ram and pump piston should be in the fully down position to prevent corrosion of machined surfaces.
- Lubrication: Keep the jack clean and well lubricated at the points illustrated in Figure 3 of the manual.
- Hydraulic Fluid: Use only hydraulic fluid with an SAE 20 rating for refills. Check the fluid level with the jack in the fully down position; the fluid level should be up to the bottom of the oil fill port (Figure 5).
- Hydraulic Oil Change: Change the hydraulic oil at least once every three years:
- With the jack fully lowered, remove the oil filler plug.
- Tip the jack to drain the old hydraulic oil completely and dispose of it according to local regulations.
- With the jack upright, completely fill the housing with a high-quality hydraulic oil (not included) until it just begins to run out of the oil fill hole. Exercise extreme care to prevent dirt or foreign matter from entering the system.
- Reinstall the oil filler plug.
- Clean the jack with a clean cloth and mild solvent. Store it in a safe, dry location with the ram and pump piston in the fully down position, out of reach of children and unauthorized persons.
Troubleshooting:
The manual includes a troubleshooting guide for common issues such as:
- Will not lift load
- Will not hold load
- Will not lift to full height
- Pump feels "spongy" under load
- Handle raises under load
- Handle lowers under load
Solutions typically involve checking fluid levels, purging air from the system, or seating valves. It is important to remove the jack from service before making any adjustments. Multiple solutions may be required for complex problems, and solutions may need to be repeated for best results.
Warranty:
The Performance Tool 2 Ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack comes with a 1-year limited warranty for original retail purchasers, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. A defective product can be returned for free replacement within 90 days of purchase. After 90 days and up to one year, Performance Tool will replace defective parts at no charge, provided a sales receipt accompanies the return. The warranty excludes consumables and damage from misuse, neglect, accident, or unauthorized alterations.