Enerpac JH12 Bottle Jack

[Colin King]

I recently acquired a used Enerpac JH-12 bottle jack.

I've found some literature for the JH series on Enerpac's web site, but it does not indicate how to correctly drain the oil from the jack, nor what oil they recommend. Does anyone here have suggestions?

I initially thought that this was one of their US made models, but unfortunately just discovered that it was made after they moved their production to Mexico.

Thanks!
Colin, MN

 

[PaulW_NJ]

I'm not familiar with that brand, but I'd guess bottle jacks are all not too much different. When I rebuilt my 25 ton Dayton jack, I filled it with tractor hydraulic fluid. I filled it the same way I drained it . . . removing a rubber plug on the side.

 

[Bud in FLA]

We used Enerpac brand in power plants. Due to the torque converters on the combustion turbines we had an abundance of automatic transmission fluid. The rams and pumps worked fine with it or any other hydraulic fluid we put in them. Sometimes you'll find a screw with an o-ring for a fill/drain but on bottle jacks it's usually just a rubber plug.

 

[guido]

Hello Colin King,
Drain the oil out the best you can. Overnight if is possible. The oil will drain better if the jack is warm, at least room temperature.
You can use ATF as a fluid to fill it up, and see how it works. You can than buy regular oil if not satisfied with the jack"s performance.
Have the jack in the normal operating position and fill it. The oil should be enough to extend the jack fully, and with the filler hole plug out, no oil should come out with the jack all the way down.
Good Luck............Guido.

 

[Colin King]

Thanks, guys! Your help is much appreciated.

Colin