An air jack is a piece of equipment that uses compressed air to lift heavy loads. The inflatable support tool is typically used in machinery service industries, mining operations, tractor/trailer businesses, or by vehicle enthusiasts. Air jacks are beneficial when positioning or repairing varying machinery weights and sizes. Here are some different types of air jacks and their applications:
The Lowdown on Air Jacks
An air jack works by hydraulic fluid entering a cylinder, which then moves a piston to extend a rod. This extension lifts the saddle, which is the portion that comes into contact with the machine or vehicle to lift it. After the work is done, you can activate the release valve, which controls the fluid flow back into the reservoir. This lowers the jack smoothly and safely back into the resting position.
Air jacks offer more durability than trolley jacks and provide more precision and versatility. Their design includes a feature similar to shock absorbers and pushes into the ground for a more stable function. They also are generally equipped with safety features to prevent overinflation or slippage. The benefits of using an air jack include quick lifting, steady lowering, and easy maneuverability. These types of jacks are also able to be used in a wide range of applications and industries. Here are four types of air jacks and how you can use them:
1. Air Actuated/Manual Bottle Jacks
An air actuated bottle jack can be used to lift heavy loads efficiently while reducing operator fatigue. They are able to handle larger vehicles and machinery as well as odd sizes of equipment. They are fast and can lift/lower vehicles with a simple lever or button. These jacks are stable and useable on uneven terrain, making them beneficial for field applications or construction project sites. Here at David’s Heavy Duty Tool Sales, we sell many bottle jack options, such as 12 to 30-ton air/hydraulic bottle jacks, 8 to 50-ton short and standard bottle jacks, hand bottle jacks, and air-actuated bottle jacks that can hold up to 100 tons. These bottle jacks are able to handle machinery of various weights and sizes safely, and some feature a screw on the base for added stability.
2. Air/Hydraulic Floor Jacks
An air floor jack uses compressed air to pressurize the hydraulic fluid. Air floor jacks have sturdy wheels to help with accessibility. Some offer foot pedals for no-load lifts, while others come with manual operation for added versatility. Many air floor jacks come with an overload system feature to prevent cylinder damage and an integrated filter to protect the air motor. This makes them durable and reliable for many years. At David’s Heavy Duty Tool Sales, we have air floor jacks that are able to lift/lower various weight capacities and include locking levers for security. Our air floor jacks range in weight capacity from 300 pounds to 55 tons.
3. Air Bag Jacks/Bladder Jacks
An air bag jack is a reinforced inflatable bag that is helpful for confined spaces. It’s a necessary tool for many emergencies, such as rescue and mining applications. It may also be used for auto repair on the go and when changing tires outside a shop. They can be used for low-profile vehicles and offer stability when working on tricky surfaces. Our air bag jack options can handle weight capacities from 13 to 70 tons. We also provide a double air bag jack that is simple to use and portable. A bladder jack is also a portable option that uses one or more lifting cushions to lift/lower machinery. These are pneumatically controlled jacks with a durable diaphragm and internal telescope guide, making them safe and reliable for excessive loads. We offer two-stage and three-stage air bladder jacks that can hold 2.2 tons.
4. Telescope Air Jacks
A telescope air jack offers additional support when lifting heavy machinery. The wheels are designed for high impact and are non-marking, which is beneficial when using them on epoxy floors. They typically have a safety overload system and a foot pump for hands-free operation. Our telescoping jacks come with a wide base and four easy rolling wheels, two of which can lock, for easy maneuvering and stability during lifting/lowering. Our lighter-duty options lift about 1,000 pounds, and our heavier-duty option is a telescoping floor jack that holds 55 tons. The many weight capacity jacks in between provide options for residential and industrial uses.
We Have Air Jack Options For Your Needs
At David’s Heavy Duty Tool Sales, we specialize in hard-to-find repair tools to bring effective options to your business. We have many air jack options for use in settings that require lifting a wide range of weight capacities. Our professionals are knowledgeable in tools and machinery for various industries, and we can help you find what you need. Contact us with your questions for more information.


