Compact jack provides high lifting capacity
Simson Kompakt, the compact hydraulic jack produced by Simson Power Tools, is a powerful tool widely used in offshore fabrication yards and shipyards. Aker Stord in Norway is among the company’s offshore customers, while one of the company’s latest deliveries, comprising 60 jacks, was to the Kværner Philadelphia shipyard in the US.
The compact jack has a very high lifting capacity for its weight. The smallest model in the range weighs 3.7 kg but can press 15 tons, while the largest, with a weight of 41 kg, can press 150 tons. A high safety margin - three times the rated capacity - has been built into the design, according to managing director Helén Norberg. The smallest model can withstand a load of 45 tons before any effects appear on the material.
The maximum working pressure is 825 bar. Once this level is reached, a bypass valve is actuated which prevents the jack from being over-pressured. The piston remains in position, even with a shock overload.
Simson’s jack is also designed for easy and versatile operation by a single operator. The pump unit can be turned through 360° and the pump lever connected at two different points, thus allowing the jack to be operated irrespective of its positioning. The lever is also used to release pressure by turning a hexagonal shank.
The hydraulic system is closed so that air cannot leak in and hydraulic fluid cannot leak out. This means the jack can be used in all situations, including underwater.
As a one-piece unit, the jack avoids problems associated with jacks with a separate hose and lifting cylinder. But it can be supplied in this configuration, which the company acknowledges offers benefits in some situations.
A compact jack is also available with a reduced piston height for use in situations where clearance beneath the object to be lifted is too small to allow the standard model to be inserted.
The tool is long-lasting, as Norberg can attest from the fact that the company has received units up to 30 years old for maintenance at its Hofors headquarters. It can also be applied to non-jacking tasks, for example, as a puller to remove the chain wheel from a shaft, or for dismantling gear boxes.
The latest acknowledgement for Simson Kompakt came this year with its inclusion in the McMaster catalogue, the US industry’s tools bible. It is certified for use in the US market by ASME.
For more information, contact Helén Norberg, Simson Power Tools. Tel +46 290 230 80, fax +46 290 244 03, [email protected], www.simsonpowertools.se.