Keep it Clean

• Clean the exterior of all hydraulic jacks after use. Oil from the jack can leak. Keeping the exterior of the metal body clean not only removes debris but can identify if any oil is escaping the cylinder. Store the jack in a dry area. Moist or wet areas can start to rust the body of the jack. Keep the ram retracted or inside the cylinder body when not in use. Most steel rams are bare machined metal. The unprotected surface can be prone to rust and corrosion if left to the outside elements. If rust does begin to form, gently work the surface with a piece of emery cloth. Apply a high-grade machine oil to the metal surface with clean rag.
  
  

Use Only Approved Oils

• When filling any hydraulic jack use only approved hydraulic oils. Consult the manufacturers recommendations when adding the oil. Identify the oil fill plug. This is always on the side of the cylinder round body. You will find one or two other screw plugs on the square metal base of the jack. Do not open these screws. These ports contain the check valves for raising and lowering the jack. The small internal springs hold in place small metal balls. If these balls and springs are lost due to removal, the jack will not operate. Locate the oil filling plug by keeping the jack clean and being able to read the "fill" or "oil" label printed on the side of the jack cylinder. Never use brake fluid in place of an approved hydraulic oil. Brake fluid contains alcohol that will quickly ruin the internal seals.
  
  

Lifting Capacity

• Most damage occurs to a hydraulic jack by either removing the check valve plug or lifting an item too heavy for the jacks rated capacity. Internal seals and valves are only rated for the amount of work that material can perform. Exceeding the lift capacity can place excessive pressure on these materials. Not only will damage occur to the seals but injury may result to the operator from the jack's failure.