Vestil SP-TOP User Manual

08/28/06 drb Manual, trailer stabilizing jacks, 13126120.doc

VESTIL MANUFACTURING CORP.

2999 N. Wayne St., Angola, IN 46703
Ph: 260-665-7586 · Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] · Website: www.vestil.com

OWNER’S

MANUAL

TRAILER STABILIZING JACKS

(Models BFSJ-2748, LO-J-BEAM, H-LO-J-BEAM, LO-J, HI-J, SP-TOP, SP-TOP-R, SJ-35, SJ-35-EF)

User Instructions ..........……………………….……… 2

Routine Maintenance & Safety Checks …………….... 3

Exploded Structural Parts Drawing & BOM ………... 4-7

IMPORTANT NOTES, WARNINGS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Ensure that all employees understand and follow the following.

* Failure to read and understand this owner’s manual before using or

servicing any model of trailer stabilizing jack constitutes a misuse of
the product. All persons who will use or care for this product must be
familiar with this material.

o Any load must be removed from the jack before performing repairs or

maintenance.

o Ensure that all of the information / safety / warning labels stay in place

and remain legible.

o Do not use the trailer stabilizing jack if any damage is observed.
o Trailer stabilizing jacks are intended to be used only on compacted,

improved surfaces to support the ends of semitrailers to help prevent
tipover during loading and unloading of the trailer.

o If oil is needed (H-LO-J-BEAM only), use a mineral-based hydraulic oil

with a viscosity grade of 75 SUS at 100°F, (ISO 15 cSt @ 40°C).

♦ Do not perform any modifications to a trailer stabilizing jack without the

manufacturer’s approval. Failure to receive authorization for changes to
the equipment could void the warranty.

♦ Maintenance and repairs are to be done only by personnel qualified to

perform the required work. Consideration will not be given for warranty
repair charges without prior written authorization by the manufacturer.

BFSJ-2748

SJ-35

Safety Label Identification .............................................7

Warranty …………………………………….……..…. 8

WHEN ORDERING
REPLACEMENT PARTS:

We take pride in using quality
parts on the equipment we
manufacture. We are not
responsible for equipment
problems resulting from the use
of unapproved replacement
parts.

To order replacement or
spare parts for this equipment,
contact the factory.

RECEIVING INSTRUCTIONS

It is possible that this product
could incur damage during
transit.

Inspect the unit closely when
it arrives. If you see evidence

of damage or rough handling to
either the packaging or to the
product when it is being
unloaded, immediately
note of it on the Bill Of Lading!

It is important that you
remove the product’s packaging
upon its arrival to ensure that
there is no concealed damage
or to enable a timely claim with
the carrier for freight damage.

Also verify that the product
and its specifications are as
ordered.

make a

H-LO-J-BEAM

ESTIL MFG. CO. 1

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LO-J & SP-TOP-R

08/28/06 drb Manual, trailer stabilizing jacks, 13126120.doc

USER INSTRUCTIONS – TRAILER STABILIZING JACK (ALL MODELS)

o Consult OSHA regulations 29 CFR 1910.178 “Powered Industrial Trucks” and the text below for requirements

affecting the use of this product.

* 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1) -- “The brakes of highway trucks shall be set and wheel chocks placed under the rear wheels

to prevent the trucks from rolling while they are boarded with powered industrial trucks.

* 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(3) -- “Fixed jacks may be necessary to support a semitrailer and prevent upending during the

loading or unloading when the trailer is not coupled to a tractor”

* 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(7) -- “Brakes shall be set and wheel blocks shall be in place to prevent movement of trucks,

trailers, or railroad cars while loading or unloading. Fixed jacks may be necessary to support a semitrailer during
loading or unloading when the trailer is not coupled to a tractor. The flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars
shall be checked for breaks and weakness before they are driven onto.”

o If any damage to the stabilizing jack is evident, remove it from service immediately.
o Ensure that all employees involved in the use of this product understand and follow these instructions!

Installation and Operation:

The standard model trailer stabilizing jack is intended to be used to support the ends of a semitrailer that is
parked against a loading dock and not connected to a truck’s fifth-wheel. The semitrailer must be situated on a flat,
stable, improved (preferably concrete) surface.

The load rating, in pounds, is shown on the product’s information label located on the side of the jack. The jack has
two ratings -- a static rating (how much weight the jack will support), and a lifting rating (how much weight the jack’s
screw mechanism can lift).

* Note: The need for trailer stabilizing jacks, as well as the quantity to use and their exact placement under the

semitrailer, shall be determined by a qualified individual responsible for the loading or unloading of the trailer.

The following is a list (not all-inclusive) of circumstances in which utilization of a trailer jack is recommended:

• To reduce the risk of the semitrailer’s landing gear failure.

• To reduce the risk that the front of the semitrailer might tend to tip up when a fork truck enters the rear of

the semitrailer, such as with trailers having axles that are further away from the dock than is typical.

• The heavier the fork truck and load, the more likely it is that a trailer stabilizing jack(s) will be needed.

• Shorter semitrailers are more likely to need two jacks -- one under each corner of the nose end.

Warning: Before installing stabilizing jacks underneath it, the semitrailer must be fully supported by its landing gear.
Warning: Before installing stabilizing jacks, the semitrailer must first have its wheels secur ed so that they will resist

creep or roll during the loading or unloading of the semitrailer.

Warning: Confirm that the surface on which the jack(s) will rest is sufficient to prevent the jack from sinking
Warning: Confirm that the strength of the trailer jack’s point of contact with the bottom of the semitrailer is sufficient

to prevent the jack from breaking through the trailer’s floor.
Warning: Do not exceed the trailer stabilizing jack’s load ratings. Injury to personnel or permanent damage to the

semitrailer and/or its contents could result from exceeding the listed capacity.

→ To raise and lower the top cap: models BFSJ-2748, LO-J-BEAM, LO-J, HI-J, and SP-TOP-R all utilize a ratcheting

mechanism (the same handle used for moving the jack around is used for the ratchet), models SP-TOP, SJ-35, and
SJ-35-EF utilize handles that are affixed to the screw hub, and model H-LO-J-BEAM utilizes a hydraulic jack.

Tip the stabilizing jack(s) backward onto its wheels and roll it under the nose-end (front) of the semitrailer. When
using a single jack, place it at the centerline of the trailer’s width. When using two, place one under each corner.

Note: Additional stabilizing jacks might be needed under the rear corners of the semitrailer if the distance from the
axle to the back end of the semitrailer is more than ¼ the length of the trailer.

Adjust the height of the jack so that the jack’s top cap is firmly set against the underside of the semitrailer frame.

Note: The landing gear must remain lowered and firmly against the ground in order to provide additional support.

To remove a trailer jack, lower the top cap so that it is no longer in contact with the bottom of the trailer. Tip the
jack backwards and roll it out from under the trailer.

Caution: The jack(s) must be removed before backing a tractor underneath the semitrailer.

* Ensure that all information/safety/warning labels stay in place and are legible.

Refer to the labels page in this manual.

ESTIL MFG. CO. 2

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08/28/06 drb Manual, trailer stabilizing jacks, 13126120.doc

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE & SAFETY CHECKS – TRAILER STABILIZING JACK (ALL MODELS)

o Warning: Care should be taken to identify all potential hazards and comply with applicable safety procedures

before beginning work.

o Only qualified individuals trained to understand mechanical devices should attempt troubleshooting and repair of

this equipment

To ensure the proper operation of trailer jacks, regular safety inspections and maintenance must be performed.
Inspections should be conducted at regular intervals based on the frequency and severity of usage, and the jacks should
be serviced at least every two months.

Note: If damage is evident, or if any problems are observed based on the insp ecti on items below, remove the
stabilizing jack from service immediately.

(A) Inspect daily for:

1.) Visible damage to the screw, base, or screw hub.

2.) Free movement of the jack’s top cap.

3.) Oil leaks (H-LO-J-BEAM onl y ).

(B) Inspect monthly for:

1.) Adequate grease on the lifting screw threads.
A standard bearing grease should be used on the screw. (To grease the jack screw, adjust it out to its full
extended length and apply grease liberally to the threads. Once greased, run the screw back down into the
jack to coat the entire thread. In colder climates, synthetic grease will reduce the amount of effort required
to install the jack but is not required. Remove any excess grease that may be on the frame or handles.)

2.) Worn or damaged lifting screw threads.
the screw in the screw hub.

3.) Smooth movement of the screw adjustment mechanism.

4.) Evidence of weld cracks or metal fatig u e anywhere on the jack.

5.) Looseness, excessive wear, or damage to the wheels, axles, or wheel bearings (where applicable).

6.) Damaged, loose, or missing handle grip(s). Install adhesive to the inside of the grips and reinstall them if they
become loose.

7.) Proper oil level (H-LO-J-BEAM only). The oil level sh ould be just below the reservoir’s fill hole with the jack in
the lowered position. Use a hydraulic oil having a viscosity grade of 70 to 85 SUS at 100°F, (ISO 15 at 40°C).

8.) All the information/safety/warning labels being in place and in good condition. Contact the manufacturer for
replacements if necessary.

Wear of the screw assembly is characterized by movement (wobble) of

* The following is from CFR Part 1910 (Occupational Safety and Health Standards), Subpart P, titled “Hand and

Portable Powered Tools and Other Hand-Held Equipment:”

1910.244(a) -- Jacks -

1910.244(a)(1) -- Loading and marking.

1910.244(a)(1)(i) -- The operator shall make sure that the jack used has a rating sufficient to lift and sustain the
load.

1910.244(a)(1)(ii) -- The rated load shall be legibly and permanently marked in a prominent location on the jack by
casting, stamping, or other suitable means.

1910.244(a)(2) -- Operation and maintenance.

1910.244(a)(2)(i) -- In the absence of a firm foundation, the base of the jack sh all be blocked. If there is a possibility
of slippage of the cap, a block shall be placed in between the cap and the load.

1910.244(a)(2)(ii) -- The operator shall watch the stop indicator, which shall be kept clean, in order to determine the
limit of travel. The indicated limit shall not be overrun.

1910.244(a)(2)(iii) -- After the load has been raised, it shall be cribbed, blocked, or otherwise secured at once.

1910.244(a)(2)(iv) -- Hydraulic jacks exposed to freezing temperatures shall be supplied wit h an adequate antifreeze
liquid.

1910.244(a)(2)(v) -- All jacks shall be properly lubricated at regular intervals.

1910.244(a)(2)(vi) -- Each jack shall be thoroughly inspected at times which depend upon the service conditions.
Inspections shall be not less frequent than the following:

1910.244(a)(2)(vi)(a) -- For constant or intermittent use at one locality, once every 6 months,

1910.244(a)(2)(vi)(b) -- For jacks sent out of shop for special work, when sent out and when returned,

1910.244(a)(2)(vi)(c) -- For a jack subjected to abnormal load or shock, immediately before and immediately

thereafter.

1910.244(a)(2)(vii) -- Repair or replacement parts shall be examined for possible defects.

1910.244(a)(2)(viii) -- Jacks which are out of order shall be tagged accordingly , and shall not be used until repairs are
made.

ESTIL MFG. CO. 3

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