Crocodile Jack: Function, How It Works & Tips for Choosing the Right One
When a car tire bursts on the road, you need a jack when you want to replace the tire. There are various types of jacks, one of which is the crocodile jack.
So what is meant by this jack? How does it work? And how to choose the right one? To answer all those questions, let's take a look at the following review.
Overview of the Crocodile Jack
The crocodile jack is actually a hydraulic jack. The term crocodile is used for this jack because its shape resembles that of a crocodile. The crocodile jack is specially designed to lift cars with small bodies, such as the Daihatsu Ayla.
The crocodile jack has a wide support and seating area, making it usable on uneven road surfaces. This makes the crocodile jack often used by workshop mechanics because it is time-efficient and easy to use.
Functions of the Crocodile Jack
The crocodile jack has several functions as follows.
1. A helper tool during tire replacement
The main function of the crocodile jack is as a helper tool when you are in the process of replacing a tire.
2. Facilitates engine inspection
The second function is that the crocodile jack can assist you when you want to inspect the engine located underneath. With the jack, you can lift the car's position so you can clearly see the car's undercarriage. This way, you can check if there are any fatal engine component damages or not.
3. Facilitates jack stand installation
The next function is as a helper tool when the jack stand is to be installed. As is known, the jack stand serves as a support tool during the repair process of the car's undercarriage.
Read Also: Let's Get to Know the Various Types of Jacks and Their Functions
How the Crocodile Jack Works
The way the crocodile jack works is the same as the general working mechanism of hydraulic jacks, which is to lift the car. When you move the jack lever, the energy or force you apply will be transmitted to the fluid part. This force will then be converted into hydraulic pressure so that the car can be lifted when repairs are to be made.
How to Choose the Right Crocodile Jack
When you want to buy a crocodile jack, you need to know some ways to choose the right one. Here are the complete ways.
1. Know the types of jacks
The first way before you buy a crocodile jack is to know the various types of jacks. Based on their working mechanism, jacks are divided into two types: mechanical and hydraulic jacks.
However, if viewed from their shape, jacks are divided into four types: scissor jacks, bottle jacks, crocodile jacks, and a combination of bottle and crocodile jacks. Each of these jacks has different capacities when lifting car loads.
Once you know the types of jacks, you will find it easier to recognize which ones are crocodile jacks and which are not. As previously explained, crocodile jacks have a shape similar to that of a crocodile.
2. Know the weight and body of the car
The second way is that you must understand the size of your car's body and the weight it has. This way, the crocodile jack can function properly.
The crocodile jack has a capacity to lift loads ranging from 1.5 tons to 20 tons. The crocodile jack also cannot be used for vehicles with large bodies such as trucks and buses.
3. Check the load and height of the jack
Before you buy a crocodile jack, you need to know the load and height of the jack. Avoid buying a jack that is too heavy, making it easy to lift when needed. Currently, there are crocodile jacks that weigh 12 kg. The jack should have a height of at least 4 meters when used.
That is complete information about the crocodile jack. Hopefully, the information above can be useful.
