A trolley jack is a useful piece of equipment for lifting a car when you need to remove a wheel, inspect certain components or carry out maintenance.
Unlike the small scissor jack commonly supplied with some cars, a trolley jack uses a wheeled base and hydraulic lifting mechanism. This makes it particularly useful in a home garage or workshop.
However, a trolley jack is a lifting tool, not a substitute for proper vehicle support. If you need to work underneath a raised vehicle, it must be supported with appropriately rated axle stands or other approved support equipment.
What Is a Trolley Jack?
A trolley jack is a hydraulic vehicle jack mounted on wheels. It has a lifting saddle that is positioned underneath an approved lifting point on the vehicle.
When you pump the handle, the hydraulic mechanism raises the saddle and lifts the vehicle.
The wheels allow the jack to move slightly as the vehicle rises, which is part of the design.
What Is a Trolley Jack Used For?
A trolley jack can be used for jobs such as:
- Changing a wheel
- Inspecting tyres
- Brake maintenance
- Wheel removal
- Suspension inspection
- Certain exhaust repairs
- Oil and underbody inspections
- General vehicle maintenance
The exact job depends on the vehicle and whether you have suitable support equipment.
Trolley Jack vs Scissor Jack
A scissor jack is usually compact and designed to be stored in a vehicle for emergency wheel changes.
A trolley jack is generally larger and heavier but can be easier to operate in a garage or workshop.
A trolley jack also normally has a wider base and wheels, making it more practical for repeated maintenance.
For roadside emergencies, a vehicle’s supplied jack may be more convenient to carry. For regular home maintenance, a suitable trolley jack can be more practical.
How to Choose the Right Trolley Jack
The lifting capacity is one of the most important things to check.
Look at the jack’s rated capacity and compare it with the vehicle you intend to lift. Never exceed the manufacturer’s specified capacity.
You should also consider the minimum and maximum lifting height.
A low-profile trolley jack can be useful for vehicles with low ground clearance, while a jack with greater lifting height may be necessary for certain SUVs and 4×4 vehicles.
Other factors include:
- Build quality
- Saddle design
- Wheel construction
- Hydraulic system
- Handle length
- Storage requirements
- Manufacturer instructions
- Availability of replacement parts
How to Use a Trolley Jack Safely
Before lifting the car, park on a hard, level surface.
Apply the parking brake and put an automatic vehicle in Park. For a manual vehicle, follow the manufacturer’s recommended parking procedure.
Chock the wheels that will remain on the ground.
Then locate the correct jacking point. Do not simply place the jack wherever there appears to be strong metal underneath the car. Use the vehicle owner’s or workshop manual to identify the approved lifting points.
Once the jack is positioned correctly, raise the vehicle gradually while watching the saddle and lifting point.
Never Work Under a Car Supported Only by a Trolley Jack
This is one of the most important trolley jack safety rules.
A hydraulic jack can lose pressure or fail. If the vehicle needs to remain raised while you work underneath it, use appropriately rated axle stands positioned at the manufacturer’s approved support points.
Do not use bricks, blocks of wood, boxes or other improvised objects as substitutes for proper support stands.
The trolley jack should lift the vehicle; the support equipment should safely hold it.
Trolley Jack for Changing a Tyre
A trolley jack can make wheel changes easier in a garage.
Before lifting, loosen the wheel nuts slightly if required by the vehicle’s procedure while the wheel is still on the ground.
Position the jack at the approved lifting point and raise the vehicle only enough for the wheel to clear the ground.
After removing and replacing the wheel, lower the vehicle carefully and tighten the wheel nuts according to the manufacturer’s specification.
A torque wrench can be useful for achieving the correct wheel-nut torque.
Trolley Jack for SUVs and 4x4s
A standard trolley jack may not have enough lifting height for some SUVs and 4×4 vehicles.
Before buying one for a large vehicle, check:
- Vehicle weight
- Recommended lifting points
- Minimum jack height
- Maximum lifting height
- Jack capacity
- Ground clearance
A jack that can lift a small sedan may not be suitable for a larger SUV.
Low-Profile Trolley Jack
A low-profile trolley jack is designed to fit underneath vehicles with limited ground clearance.
This can be useful for sports cars, lowered vehicles and some passenger cars.
However, low profile does not mean the jack can lift every vehicle. Check both its minimum and maximum height before buying.
Trolley Jack Maintenance
A trolley jack also needs maintenance.
Keep it clean and inspect it regularly for:
- Hydraulic fluid leaks
- Damaged wheels
- Cracked components
- Bent handles
- Damaged saddle
- Corrosion
- Unusual hydraulic behaviour
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for lubrication and hydraulic-fluid maintenance.
Do not attempt to modify the safety or overload mechanism.
Common Trolley Jack Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes is using the wrong lifting point.
Another is exceeding the jack’s rated capacity.
Other common mistakes include:
- Working on soft or uneven ground
- Failing to use wheel chocks
- Leaving passengers inside the vehicle while lifting
- Placing part of your body under a car supported only by a jack
- Using damaged equipment
- Buying a jack that cannot reach the vehicle’s lifting points
- Using improvised objects instead of support stands
Taking a few minutes to prepare properly can significantly reduce the risks associated with lifting a vehicle.
Trolley Jack for a Home Garage
If you regularly maintain your own car, a trolley jack can be a useful addition to your garage toolbox.
A practical setup may include:
- Trolley jack
- Pair of suitable axle stands
- Wheel chocks
- Wheel spanner
- Torque wrench
- Socket set
- Work gloves
- Inspection light
The equipment should be appropriate for the vehicles you work on and stored somewhere dry and secure.
Trolley Jack for Nigerian Roads and Long Trips
A trolley jack is usually more useful at home or in a workshop than as a roadside tool because of its size and weight.
For long-distance Nigerian travel, a compact vehicle jack, wheel spanner, spare tyre or suitable puncture equipment and tyre inflator may be more practical to carry.
Before an interstate journey, check that your spare tyre and emergency equipment are actually usable. A spare tyre that has been sitting unused for years is not much help during a puncture.
If a vehicle problem affects your travel plans, Travo.ng can also assist with relevant travel and mobility arrangements.
When to Call a Mechanic
A trolley jack can help with basic vehicle maintenance, but lifting a vehicle is not the same as knowing how to repair it.
If you are dealing with major suspension, steering, braking, transmission or engine work and you are not confident about the procedure, use a qualified mechanic.
A trolley jack is a useful workshop tool when used correctly. Choose one with an appropriate capacity and lifting range, use the manufacturer’s recommended lifting points and never rely on the jack alone to support a vehicle while working underneath it.
