Proper hydraulic jack maintenance is essential for ensuring the safe, reliable operation of heavy-duty hydraulic jacks like the Mod-U-Lift and Black Jack systems. These jacks, designed for industries such as mining, railroad, and construction, require routine maintenance to meet the demands of heavy machinery and high-capacity lifting. This guide outlines the annual maintenance procedures to keep your industrial hydraulic jacks in peak condition, ensuring safety and longevity.

1. Hydraulic Oil Check and Replacement

Consistent oil checks and timely replacements are crucial to maintaining high-capacity hydraulic jacks that operate under extreme industrial conditions. The right hydraulic oil ensures smooth performance, especially in demanding environments.

Daily Oil Level Check: Ensure the hydraulic oil level in the reservoir is sufficient—at least 2/3 full for Mod-U-Lift and up to the green marker on the dipstick for Black Jack—with the lifting ram fully retracted.

When to Change the Oil: Replace the oil twice a year. If the oil appears cloudy or milky, this indicates water contamination, and the oil should be changed immediately to avoid damage.

Recommended Hydraulic Oil:

Power Team AW46 (Operating Temperature: -29°C to 50°C / -20°F to 122°F) – Download Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Exxon Univis Extra (Operating Temperature: -29°C to 50°C / -20°F to 122°F) – Download Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Texaco Rando HDAZ (Operating Temperature: -29°C to 50°C / -20°F to 122°F) – Download Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Your brand new Hydra-Tech International Jack ships with: Boss Industrial Hydraulic HVI36 – Download Safety Data Sheet (SDS) 

2. Component Inspection and Cleaning

Regularly inspecting and cleaning hydraulic components helps prevent contamination and mechanical failure in industrial hydraulic jacks. A clean system ensures smooth operations in heavy-duty industries.

Hydraulic Hoses and Couplers: Inspect hoses for cracks, leaks, or wear. Clean quick couplers thoroughly before reconnecting them to prevent dirt from entering the hydraulic system. Ensure all fittings are tight and secure.

General Wear and Tear: Check all seals, O-rings, and gaskets for signs of wear. Replace any damaged components immediately to avoid equipment breakdowns.

3. Testing Load Holding and Safety Features

Testing the load-holding capabilities of your heavy-duty hydraulic jacks is vital to ensuring safe lifting and lowering operations. This is especially important when working with industrial equipment that handles high loads.

Load Holding Valve Test: Before each lift, test the load holding valve by raising the load slightly, let the jack sit for a few minutes to ensure that the load does not creep downwards. If the valve fails to hold the load, immediate servicing by a certified hydraulic technician is required.

Load Holding Rings: Proper use of load holding rings (Black Jack and Mod-U-Lift) are essential for safely supporting loads. Ensure rings are free of dirt and debris, and install them with the concave side up for maximum stability. Always inspect rings for wear and replace if needed.

4. Annual Maintenance Checklist for Industrial Jacks

Maintaining your industrial hydraulic jacks requires a comprehensive and thorough approach, especially for high-capacity jacks. Use this checklist to ensure your equipment stays in top condition.

Hydraulic hoses: Inspect for leaks, cracks, or other signs of wear.

Pressure test: Perform a hydraulic pressure test to 10,000 PSI to confirm the system is leak-free and capable of handling high-capacity loads.
Bolts and fittings: Tighten any loose bolts and fittings to avoid mechanical failures.

Safety decals: Replace any missing or damaged safety decals.

Quick coupler maintenance: Clean and inspect quick couplers to ensure proper hydraulic fluid flow and avoid contamination.

5. Professional Servicing: When to Call the Experts

While basic maintenance can be done in-house, more complex tasks like full system overhauls, hydraulic pressure testing, and critical component replacements should be handled by certified professionals. Ensuring hydraulic jack safety is vital, especially in demanding industrial applications.

At Hydra-Tech, we specialize in providing expert servicing for heavy-duty hydraulic jacks. Our team uses genuine parts and follows the highest safety standards to ensure your equipment operates at its best. For professional inspections, repairs, or certified parts, contact our service center.

Disclaimer: Safety First—Professional Servicing Recommended

While this guide offers a general overview of maintenance procedures for Mod-U-Lift and Black Jack jacks, hydraulic systems are complex and require specialized knowledge to ensure safe operation. Improper handling of high-pressure hydraulics or incorrect repairs can lead to equipment damage or personal injury.

We strongly recommend that all hydraulic maintenance be performed by certified professionals to ensure the continued safety and reliability of your equipment. Hydra-Tech, as the original manufacturer, provides expert servicing and uses genuine Hydra-Tech parts to maintain the highest standards. To schedule a service or for more information, visit our contact page.