Heard of strand jack systems before but not sure what they are or, more importantly, what they do?
In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this type of heavy lifting equipment – including its uses, benefits and where you can hire such apparatus from.
What is a ‘strand jack’?
A strand jack is a type of linear winch that’s used to pull heavy loads from above – achieving a lifting and lowering movement.
Strand jack systems have a bundle of steel cables (also known as strands) that are guided through a hydraulic cylinder.
There are two clamps: one at the bottom which is fixed, and another at the top which is connected to the cylinder and can move up and down.
How does a strand jack work?
The way a strand jack system works is straightforward when you know how.
Both of the clamps above and below the cylinder have wedges that grip the strand.
The bottom wedges will close, holding the load stationary, whilst the top wedges are released.
The top wedge then closes and the bottom one opens, allowing the cylinder to extend and the load to be raised.
Afterwards, the bottom wedge closes and the top one opens. The load itself is held still in the raised position and the cylinder retracts.
What are strand jack systems used for?
Strand jacks are widely used in the heavy construction industry – usually for bridges, ports and large-scale plant maintenance projects – and it’s not surprising given that they offer a flexible lifting solution.
Though they are remarkably compact and lightweight, strand jack systems are capable of lifting the heaviest of loads – including those that are not suitable or practical to be jacked from beneath.
What are the benefits of using a strand jack system?
There are several reasons why you should consider using a strand jack system over a crane – one of the main ones being that strand jacks have a much smaller footprint, which means they’re great if space is limited on your site.
Despite their compact design, strand jack systems can lift and lower heavy goods with precision – ensuring they reach the required height and are skidded into the appropriate position safely and efficiently.
Another advantage of using a strand jack is that a single operator can conveniently control several of these systems with a computer/controller from a central location.
Hire strand jack lifting equipment today
If you’re looking for strand jack systems for your next project, it pays to go to an experienced company that provides only the most reliable lifting equipment, like JB Rawcliffe & Sons.
Not only can you trust that the strand jacks you hire from them will be suitable for the task at hand but they’ll also be properly maintained and serviced, ready for you to set up and use.
Something else to bear in mind when hiring strand jack systems from a well-established company is that, if you have any questions, they will have the knowledge and expertise to help.
