Lifting a bridge, shifting a foundation, or installing underground pipes demands precision, power, and the right tools to get the job done safely. That’s where jacking comes in. This guide will walk you through what jacking is, its applications and the hydraulic jacking equipment for hire available at Legend Hire.
What is Jacking
Jacking means precisely lifting, lowering or pushing heavy structures using jacks. Consider lifting bridges, pushing heavy pipes through the ground and lifting building structures for construction, repair and maintenance. It’s a controlled process that allows engineers to safely raise beams, slabs, bridges, or entire sections of a structure without dismantling or damaging them.
Jacking provides a safe and controlled method to:
- Lift structures for repairs or installation
- Hold loads securely in place during maintenance
- Shift machinery without dismantling everything
Applications of jacking
Bridge jacking
Lifting bridges is one of the most common applications of jacking. Bridges are difficult to maintain and repair due to their heavy structure. Jacking ensures the entire bridge or its required sections can be lifted and stabilised until the maintenance is completed. This allows the engineers to complete the maintenance without damaging the structure.
Check out how Legend Hire assisted Dynaciv with bridge jacking through specialised team and equipment.
Pipe jacking
The second most common application of jacking is pipe jacking. It’s a trenchless method to install underground pipes without damaging the existing roads and structures. It uses hydraulic jacks to push concrete or steel pipes through the ground from a launch shaft, creating a tunnel as they advance.
Pipe jacking is ideal for urban areas where excavations are not possible and the underground installations need to be done without disrupting the existing infrastructure. It’s widely used for sewer lines, drainage systems, and utility conduits.
Foundation works
Building foundations often require adjustment when structures settle unevenly or need strengthening.Workers carry out foundation work by lifting the structure with jacks, completing the foundation repairs, and then realigning the building. By using jacking, they can repair or upgrade the foundation without compromising the structure above.
Temporary load transfer
When loads need to be shifted from one support system to another, jacking helps with controlled transfer, ensuring the load remains stable during the transition.
Jacking Equipment & Machines
Legend Hire provides hydraulic jacking equipment for hire throughout Australia. This section enlists different types of jacks and their relevant equipment that you should know before starting your jacking project.
Hydraulic jacks and cylinders
Hydraulic jacks are the most common tool for lifting and pushing applications in construction. They use pressurised fluid to generate a powerful force that can lift heavy structures that would otherwise be impossible to lift.
Hydraulic cylinders
Hydraulic cylinders are compact jacking tools that apply consistent force to raise and hold large elements like beams, slabs, or bridge decks during maintenance or installation.
Legend Hire offers a wide range of hydraulic cylinders with an operating pressure of 700 bar (10,000 PSI), ideal for heavy-duty applications. Their high-pressure capacity allows them to stabilise heavy structures while being compact enough to fit into tight spaces.
Safe-D-Lock lifting jack
Safe-D-Lock by Durapac is a heavy-duty jack that is an ideal tool for lifting mining machinery, bridge sections, and large beams. These jacks can lift anywhere between 70 and 181 tonnes, with stroke heights from 400 to 685 mm. These parameters give them the strength and flexibility to lift heavy machines with ease and stability.
It comes with a built-in mechanical locking system that serves as a secondary safety layer. If hydraulic pressure fails, the oil-immersed quadrant locks automatically engage, securing the load safely in 13 mm increments.
Sync-master synchronous lifting systems
Synchronous lifting systems are used where precision and balance are critical. Instead of operating each jack separately, these systems link multiple lifting points together, lifting the entire structure evenly at the same time. Consider bridge works, heavy slab lifting, and other complex infrastructure projects.
These systems also monitor pressure, displacement, and load distribution, giving engineers real-time data about the load. The monitoring gives precise control to the engineers, allowing them to safely handle the lifting.
Legend Hire’s Sync-Master Synchronous Lifting System takes this concept to the next level. It can handle anywhere from 1 to 28 lifting points and delivers exceptional accuracy within ±0.5 mm. The jacks are powered through a 700-bar hydraulic unit.
You can manage lifts through a 15-inch touch screen and joystick controls. The automatic data logging, stroke sensors, and emergency stop features ensure safety and reliability.
Hydraulic pumps and powerpacks
Hydraulic jacks need a reliable and strong power supply that is provided through power units. These systems convert fuel or electricity into the high-pressure fluid drive that lifts heavy loads with control and efficiency.
Legend Hire offers a range of pumps and power units, including electric, air-driven, diesel, and petrol models. These units can generate a consistent 700 bar (10,000 psi) of pressure. Whether you’re working in an area with no power, need low-noise operation, or want to rely on fuel in remote areas, we have the right equipment for you. The combination of versatility and performance ensures your jacking operations run smoothly without any constraints or hazards.
Mechanical jacks
You can opt for mechanical jacks when you need to lift lighter loads. Mechanical jacks require manual power to operate and provide a quick and easy solution for lifting lighter loads.
Legend Hire’s product line includes hydraulic bottle jacks, air-assisted jack stands, rail jacks, and toe jacks. All equipment meets the required Australian Standards and is safe and compliant with all the necessary certifications.
Jacking services and hydraulic jacking equipment for hire
Jacking is a high-risk task due to the heavy structures it involves. At Legend Hire, we ensure our customers not only get the best equipment, but we also work with them to navigate the right jacking system they need for their project. Our team of experts work with our customers to inspect the load and requirements to provide them with the safe, compliant and best-suited equipment.
Explore our range of hydraulic jacking equipment for hire or our engineering and installation services for jacking and lifting projects.
