Pittsburgh 56684 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

T
Tommy HendricksAug 5, 2025
How to fix a Pittsburgh Jacks that won't lift to its weight capacity?
- J
  Jasmine KruegerAug 5, 2025
  If your Pittsburgh Jacks will not lift at its weight capacity, ensure that the Release Valve is closed fully.
L
laura56Aug 12, 2025
What to do if the saddle lowers under load on Pittsburgh 56684?
- J
  Jacob KnightAug 12, 2025
  If the saddle lowers under load on your Pittsburgh Jacks, the valves may be blocked and not closing fully. To address this, you can flush the valves: 1. Lower the Saddle and securely close the Release Valve. 2. Manually lift the Saddle several inches. 3. Open the Release Valve and force the Saddle down as quickly as possible.
B
Brandon GreeneAug 20, 2025
Why does the pump stroke feel spongy on my Pittsburgh Jacks?
- D
  Deborah LarsonAug 20, 2025
  If the pump stroke on your Pittsburgh Jacks feels spongy, it might be low on oil. You should check the oil level and refill it if necessary.
E
esmithAug 28, 2025
What to do if the handle moves up when Pittsburgh Jacks is under load?
- T
  tracy95Aug 28, 2025
  If the handle moves up when the Pittsburgh Jacks is under load, it might have too much hydraulic oil inside. Check the fluid level and adjust it if needed.

Summary

Safety Information

Warning Symbols and Definitions

Defines safety symbols and their meanings to prevent injury or death.

General Safety Instructions

Key safety practices to follow before and during operation to avoid serious injury.

Operating Instructions

Bleeding the Hydraulic System

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

Maintenance and Servicing

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication

Guidelines for cleaning, maintaining, and lubricating the jack for optimal performance.

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem Diagnosis and Solutions

Identifies common jack symptoms and provides solutions for troubleshooting issues.

Parts Identification (Models 56684, 56734, 56736, 56739)

Parts and Diagram Details

Lists and illustrates specific parts for the mentioned bottle jack models.

Parts Identification (Models 56735, 56738)

Parts and Diagram Details

Lists and illustrates specific parts for the mentioned bottle jack models.

Parts Identification (Model 56737)

Parts and Diagram Details

Lists and illustrates specific parts for the mentioned bottle jack model.

Warranty Information

Limited 90 Day Warranty Terms

Details the warranty coverage, limitations, and procedures for claims.

Summary

Safety Information

Warning Symbols and Definitions

Defines safety symbols and their meanings to prevent injury or death.

General Safety Instructions

Key safety practices to follow before and during operation to avoid serious injury.

Operating Instructions

Bleeding the Hydraulic System

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

Maintenance and Servicing

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication

Guidelines for cleaning, maintaining, and lubricating the jack for optimal performance.

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem Diagnosis and Solutions

Identifies common jack symptoms and provides solutions for troubleshooting issues.

Parts Identification (Models 56684, 56734, 56736, 56739)

Parts and Diagram Details

Lists and illustrates specific parts for the mentioned bottle jack models.

Parts Identification (Models 56735, 56738)

Parts and Diagram Details

Lists and illustrates specific parts for the mentioned bottle jack models.

Parts Identification (Model 56737)

Parts and Diagram Details

Lists and illustrates specific parts for the mentioned bottle jack model.

Warranty Information

Limited 90 Day Warranty Terms

Details the warranty coverage, limitations, and procedures for claims.

This document is an owner's manual and safety instructions for a series of Pittsburgh Heavy Duty Bottle Jacks. It provides comprehensive information on the safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of these hydraulic lifting devices.

Function Description:

The Pittsburgh Heavy Duty Bottle Jacks are hydraulic lifting devices designed for raising vehicles or other heavy objects. They operate by pumping a handle, which extends a ram to lift the load. Once the load is lifted, it must be immediately supported by appropriate means, such as jack stands, as the bottle jack is a lifting device only and not intended for sustained support. The jacks are designed for use on hard, level surfaces and are not suitable for aircraft purposes.

Important Technical Specifications:

The manual covers several models of bottle jacks, each with different weight capacities and dimensions:

56684: 4 Tons (8,000 lb.) capacity, 14-1/4" max height, 7-1/2" min height, 4-3/8" x 3-3/4" base dimensions. UPC: 193175369697
56734: 8 Tons (16,000 lb.) capacity, 17-5/8" max height, 9" min height, 5" x 4-3/8" base dimensions. UPC: 792363567343
56739: 12 Tons (24,000 lb.) capacity, 18" max height, 9" min height, 5-1/2" x 4-1/2" base dimensions. UPC: 792363567398
56738 (Low Profile): 12 Tons (24,000 lb.) capacity, 15" max height, 7-5/8" min height, 5" x 5" base dimensions. UPC: 792363567381
56736: 20 Tons (40,000 lb.) capacity, 17-1/2" max height, 9-3/8" min height, 6" x 5-1/8" base dimensions. UPC: 193175370556
56735 (Low Profile): 20 Tons (40,000 lb.) capacity, 16-1/2" max height, 8-5/8" min height, 5-3/4" x 5-1/2" base dimensions. UPC: 792363567350
56737: 30 Tons (60,000 lb.) capacity, 16-1/2" max height, 10-1/4" min height, 7-3/8" x 6-5/8" base dimensions. UPC: 792363567374

All models are designed for heavy-duty applications.

Usage Features:

The manual emphasizes several critical usage features and safety precautions:

Pre-Operation Checks: Before each use, users must inspect the jack for any loose, damaged, or missing parts and ensure it is in proper working condition. A thorough test of the jack's operation is required, including bleeding the hydraulic system if necessary.
Bleeding the Hydraulic System: If the jack does not appear to be working properly, it may need to be bled of excess air. This involves opening the release valve, pumping the handle several times with pressure on the saddle, and carefully pushing down the oil fill plug to equalize pressure. The oil fill plug should be removed to check and top off hydraulic oil if needed, then reinstalled, and the release valve closed.
Lifting Procedure:
1. Ensure the vehicle's parking brake is applied and tires are chocked.
2. Place the jack on a flat, level, solid ground surface, safely away from traffic.
3. Lower the jack completely by turning the release valve counterclockwise, then close it firmly clockwise.
4. Position the jack's saddle under the vehicle manufacturer's recommended lifting point. Some models include an elevating screw for adjusting saddle height.
5. The jack should be positioned at a 90° angle to the lifting point for proper alignment.
6. Pump the handle using smooth, full strokes to lift the vehicle.
7. Once the vehicle is raised, immediately slide appropriate capacity jack stands under the vehicle's lifting points, ensuring they lock securely and are at the same height if using two.
8. Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands by turning the release valve counterclockwise (never more than two full turns).
Lowering Procedure:
1. Remove all tools and equipment from under the vehicle.
2. Position the jack's saddle under the lifting point and close the release valve.
3. Pump the handle to raise the vehicle slightly above the jack stands, then collapse and remove the jack stands.
4. Slowly turn the release valve counterclockwise to lower the vehicle to the ground.
5. Lower the jack completely and store it in a safe, dry location.
Safety Precautions:
- Do not exceed the rated capacity.
- Do not adjust the safety valve.
- Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and heavy-duty work gloves.
- Keep clear of the load during lifting and lowering.
- Lower the load slowly.
- Do not work under a vehicle without proper jack stand support.
- Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away.
- Do not use the jack while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
- Do not allow anyone in the vehicle while using the jack.
- Do not support both ends of the vehicle at the same time.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe and effective operation of the bottle jacks:

Pre-Use Inspection: Before each use, inspect the jack for any broken, cracked, or bent parts, loose or missing components, or any other condition that might affect its proper operation.
Oil Level Check: Before each use, check the hydraulic oil level. Lower the jack completely, open the release valve, and press down on the saddle. With the jack upright and level, remove the oil fill plug. The oil level should be flush with the bottom of the oil fill hole. Top off with clean hydraulic jack oil if necessary, but do not overfill. Reinstall the plug and close the release valve.
Hydraulic Oil Change: The hydraulic oil should be changed at least once every three years.
1. Lower the jack fully and remove the oil fill plug.
2. Tip the jack to drain all old hydraulic oil, disposing of it according to local regulations.
3. With the jack upright, fill the housing with high-quality hydraulic oil until it just begins to run out of the oil fill hole.
4. Reinstall the oil fill plug and check jack operation, bleeding air as needed.
Cleaning and Storage: Clean the jack with a clean cloth and a detergent or mild solvent. Store the jack in a safe, dry location out of reach of children and unauthorized personnel.
Label Maintenance: Maintain all labels and nameplates on the jack, as they contain important information. Contact Harbor Freight Tools for replacements if unreadable or missing.
Professional Service: Any procedures not explicitly explained in the manual, or repairs beyond basic maintenance, must be performed by a qualified technician. Use only identical replacement parts.

The manual also includes detailed parts lists and diagrams for each jack model (56684, 56734, 56736, 56739, 56735, 56738, and 56737) to assist with identification and ordering of replacement parts, though it notes that some parts are for illustration only and not available individually.