Engine hoist ram - 2 speed?

[metalmagpie]

Clearing out some junk, er, excess stuff. I have an 8 ton long throw jack for an engine hoist. The label is semi legible. The release lever looks normal except if has an extra part. It is a handwheel which appears to be connected to the release lever shaft. The label says 'rapid lift " and shows turning the handwheel is somehow supposed to put the pump in hi or low speed. It is clearly in hi speed mode now, since one pump moves the rod over 2 inches. I can't figure out how to put this thing into low speed mode.

Will post pic shortly.

Help!

metalmagpie

 

[metalmagpie]

Here are a couple of pictures. My old *** eyes can't make out the text. -metalmagpie

 

[wvlarry]

2nd picture shows turning hand wheel to the left puts it back to standard mode.

 

[C_F]

2nd picture shows turning hand wheel to the left puts it back to standard mode.

+1
It looks like you would hold the yellow lever in place, then turn the knob to the left to get it into standard lift mode, turning to the right would be rapid lift.

 

[Falcon67]

I'd be digging on a two speed 8 ton on an engine hoist. That would be a great option to have.

 

[metalmagpie]

I was able by monkeying around blindly to get it into low speed but only that one time.

The handwheel doesn't turn unless the release lever is opened. I can see on the label where it says 'dial 1/2 turn' - that probably means open the release lever half a turn and then do whatever you're going to do to the handwheel.

Really hoping one of you garage shop guys would own one of these or know where to find instructions.

metalmagpie

 

[rburke65]

Cooler yet...a 4 speed! Ha.

 

[seanc_mt]

Toss that in the extra project **** bin, and get yourself an air over hydraulic ram for $100 at harbor freight. Thank me later.

 

[Falcon67]

I saw a bunch of the air over 8 ton items, most less than $100. $7x something through Walmart LOL. I'll have to look into that.

 

[metalmagpie]

I have had those air/over long throw rams before. Not a big fan of them. They work great when they're new but after one winter sitting outside that air motor she don't do squat it's back to hand pumping.

Anyway, this is not about buying a different jack. It's about how does *this* jack work.

metalmagpie

 

[LXCam]

OP, I think you need to open the relief lever, then turn the knob to the speed selection then close the release to make it work. Im pretty sure the release lever locks the selector cylinder in place and trying to force it while locked will damage the dial where it attaches.

I have had those air/over long throw rams before. Not a big fan of them. They work great when they're new but after one winter sitting outside that air motor she don't do squat it's back to hand pumping.

Anyway, this is not about buying a different jack. It's about how does *this* jack work.

metalmagpie

Funny mine is 12yrs old, sits outside most of it life and works great. The only problem I ever had was the rubber hose went to **** so I replaced it with braided line. But I also bought my ram from grainger which ran me just under 4 bills, man was has that been worth every single red cent.

 

[C_F]

I'd be digging on a two speed 8 ton on an engine hoist. That would be a great option to have.

Mine is a hydraulic 2-speed, but it uses two pump levers. I forget how many tons it's rated for.

 

[metalmagpie]

Update: I put the above-mentioned cylinder on my engine hoist (a stock-standard 2 ton import) and figured it out. LXCam had it dead right. Loosen the valve handle 1/2 a turn, then turn the central wheel a few turns to the left, then tighten the valve handle. Low speed. Reverse the procedure, high speed.

And high speed is *awesome*! Hook goes up about 4" per pump! I hadn't ever heard of a 2-speed 8-ton ram but for now I'm a huge fan.

metalmagpie