A Simplex mechanical ratchet jack rental from LGH.
Mechanical jacks can be a practical solution when crews need controlled lifting, positioning, holding, or reel support without relying on hydraulic pumps and hoses. While hydraulic pancake jacks are often used for very low-clearance lifting, mechanical jacks may provide greater lift height, simple operation, and dependable load holding in the right application.
LGH rents several types of Simplex mechanical jacks, including mechanical ratchet jacks, mechanical reel jacks, and the Simplex 5010B Mechanical Super Jack. Each option serves a different purpose, so choosing the right mechanical jack depends on the load, clearance, lift height, and application.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the mechanical jacks available from LGH and how to choose the right option for your project.
Mechanical jacks are manually operated lifting devices that use a screw, rack, ratchet, or similar mechanical system to raise, lower, hold, or position a load. Unlike hydraulic jacks, mechanical jacks do not require hydraulic fluid, hoses, or pumps.
Because of that, mechanical jacks can be useful in tight spaces, remote jobsites, low-clearance lifting applications, reel handling, maintenance work, and heavy-duty industrial environments where a simple, durable jacking solution is needed.
LGH’s mechanical jack rental options include:
Simplex mechanical ratchet jacks are designed for controlled, incremental lifting. These jacks use a ratcheting mechanism that allows the operator to raise or lower a load in small, controlled movements.
LGH offers Simplex mechanical ratchet jacks in capacities ranging from 5 to 20 tons, with stroke ranges from 7 inches to 21.25 inches and maximum toe heights from 1.62 inches to 2.25 inches.
These mechanical jacks are useful for:
Simplex ratchet jacks include features such as multiple-tooth pawls, large bases, heat-treated alloy steel components, plated springs, double-lever sockets, and carrying handles on many models for easier positioning.
LGH carries several Simplex ratchet jack models, including:
The 5-ton ratchet jack models are mechanically similar and vary mainly by stroke and height. The 10-ton models include options such as the 1017 and 22B, which use ductile iron housings for durability. The A1022 is similar to the 22B but uses an aluminum housing, making it a practical option when portability matters.
These Simplex screw jack and ratchet jack options are often selected when crews need controlled mechanical lifting without hydraulic equipment.
The Simplex 321B mechanical reel jack rental from LGH.
Simplex mechanical reel jacks are designed to lift and support cable reels, wire reels, and other large spooled materials. They allow crews to position reels for controlled unwinding, rewinding, or material deployment.
LGH offers Simplex mechanical reel jacks in capacities ranging from 10 to 20 tons. These jacks are commonly used in electrical, utility, telecommunications, construction, infrastructure, oil and gas, manufacturing, and warehousing applications.
Mechanical reel jacks are useful when crews need to:
Simplex reel jacks are rugged, portable, and designed for repeated jobsite use.
LGH carries multiple Simplex mechanical reel jack models, including the 320B, 321B, and A1029.
The Simplex 320B includes three hooks. The top hook fits spindles up to 2.5 inches, while the side hooks fit spindles up to 2 inches.
The Simplex 321B includes five hooks. The top hook fits spindles up to 3.5 inches, the next hook down fits spindles up to 3 inches, and the lowest three hooks fit spindles up to 2.375 inches. This model is recommended for firm surfaces.
The Simplex A1029 uses a lightweight aluminum alloy housing and includes three hooks. The top hook fits spindles up to 3 inches, while the side hooks fit spindles up to 2.375 inches. It also includes a right- or left-handed T-base supported by three adjustable steel rods to create a sturdy, non-rocking foundation for outside use.
A Simplex 5010B 50-ton mechanical super jack rental from LGH.
LGH also rents the Simplex 5010B Mechanical Super Jack, a 50-ton mechanical jack designed for heavy-duty lifting applications. This model uses a ratcheting screw jack design and provides controlled mechanical lifting without hydraulic power.
Key specs include:
The Simplex 5010B Mechanical Super Jack holds the load indefinitely and will not creep down. It also includes a positive shoulder stop for safety, ball bearings for smooth operation, and a reversal ratchet socket with quick spin handle for precise raising or lowering.
This super jack is a strong option when crews need a compact, high-capacity mechanical jack for heavy-duty industrial lifting.
An Enerpac 500-ton CLP-5002 model hydraulic cylinder, also known as a pancake jack. These are also available for rent from LGH.
Mechanical jacks and hydraulic pancake jacks can both support low-clearance lifting, but they are not used the same way.
Hydraulic pancake jacks, often called flat jacks, are useful when the available clearance is extremely tight and only a small amount of lift is required. However, pancake jacks typically provide limited stroke.
Mechanical jacks usually require slightly more starting clearance, but they can provide greater lift height. LGH’s Simplex mechanical ratchet jacks offer toe heights as low as 1.62 inches and stroke ranges up to 21.25 inches, depending on the model.
In general, a hydraulic pancake jack may be better when clearance is extremely limited and only minimal lift is needed. A mechanical jack may be better when crews have enough starting clearance and need more stroke, controlled manual movement, or a setup that does not require pumps and hoses.
Choosing the right mechanical jack starts with the application. A ratchet jack, reel jack, and Mechanical Super Jack all serve different purposes.
Before selecting a mechanical jack, consider:
For low-clearance lifting or controlled load positioning, a Simplex mechanical ratchet jack may be the right fit. For cable reel handling, a Simplex mechanical reel jack is the better option. If you do heavy-duty mechanical lifting up to 50 tons, the Simplex 5010B Mechanical Super Jack may be the right choice.
Simplex mechanical reel jack rentals in the LGH warehouse.
Mechanical jacks may be the right choice when crews need controlled lifting, manual operation, dependable load holding, or more stroke than a pancake jack can provide.
Consider mechanical jacks when:
Every jacking application should be reviewed based on load weight, contact points, clearance, lift height, ground conditions, and support requirements.
LGH offers Simplex equipment rental options for mechanical jacking applications, including ratchet jacks, reel jacks, screw jacks, and the 5010B Mechanical Super Jack. Our rental specialists can help review your load weight, clearance, stroke requirements, jack points, and jobsite conditions to determine the right rental option.
Whether your project requires Simplex mechanical jacks, a heavy duty screw jack, a mechanical reel jack, a super jack, or a 50-ton jack, LGH can help provide the right equipment for the job.
Mechanical jacks provide a practical option for controlled lifting, positioning, holding, and reel handling applications. LGH rents Simplex mechanical ratchet jacks from 5 to 20 tons, mechanical reel jacks from 10 to 20 tons, and the Simplex 5010B Mechanical Super Jack with 50-ton capacity.
Each option serves a specific purpose. Ratchet jacks support controlled lifting and positioning. Reel jacks support cable and spool handling. The Mechanical Super Jack supports compact, high-capacity lifting without hydraulic power.
For help choosing mechanical jacks or other jacking equipment for your next project, contact LGH today or call 800-878-7305 to speak with a rental specialist.
LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 90,000 pieces of equipment, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com.
