Frequently Asked Questions
Hydraulic Aircraft Jacks
WHAT MAKES YOUR JACKS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS?
Alpha Jacks are rugged as well as versatile. Our three leg design results in added stability and fewer conflicts with aircraft structures such as gear doors.
YOU SAY "PROVEN DESIGN"... WHAT DO YOU MEAN? We’ve developed these products from the experience gained in our own busy maintenance shop.
HOW DOES THE SAFETY COLLAR WORK?
Our jacks are equipped with a locking shaft collar, which when tightened prevents the ram from retracting by providing a safety stop. The operator tests this stop each time it is engaged to insure that in the event of hydraulic failure the aircraft will stay put.
I’VE HAD MY JACKS FOR A WHILE & I NEED A REPLACEMENT PART...IS THAT POSSIBLE?
Yes. We stock replacement jack frames and brace parts for all our models. Seat Kits and replacement hydraulic units are available at reasonable prices.
ARE YOUR PRODUCTS AMERICAN MADE?
Yes and No. Our hydraulic units are made to our specifications by company in China. These units have proven to be extremely reliable and are backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. The jack frame structure is manufactured in the United States by Alpha Aviation and is mated to the hydraulic unit in our shop.
DO YOUR PRODUCTS COME FULLY ASSEMBLED?
No. Simple “Bolt Together” assembly is required. No special tools are needed.
I BOUGHT THE RECOMMENDED JACK BUT IT’S WOBBLY
If the ram is Fully Extended – It will be wobbly. As with any bottle jack, for maximum stability it is recommended that two or three inches of ram travel remain in the bottle when raised. This is done to provide distance between the piston and the head of the bottle for stability.
THE JACK IS JUST A LITTLE BIT TOO TALL
A common problem caused by a low strut, partially deflated tire or a jack model that has a closed height at or above the jack point height. This problem can be easily overcome by inflating the tire and strut, rolling the aircraft up onto a board to increase the ground clearance or simply boosting the wing slightly to allow clearance.
CAN I UPGRADE MY JACKS TO A DIFFERENT MODEL?
Yes, except the Model 324. Our jacks are built using a building block approach, and therefore are upgradeable within their respective design groups (ie: 3 Ton or 8 Ton)
WHAT WILL IT COST ME TO UPGRADE MY CURRENT JACK TO A UNIT WITH A HIGHER RANGE?
Only the difference in cost between the model you have and the model you want to upgrade to.
WHICH MODEL SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR MY BONANZA?
As shown in our application chart, the Bonanza series can be handled with several models of jack. This is due to the fact that the height of the Bonanza jack point is 24.5 to 25.5 inches from the floor. The decision as to which jack to buy has a lot to do with what other applications you may have for the jacks. The choice is yours. We have sold hundreds of each model for use on the Bonanza series aircraft. Model #324 provides a nice slide under fit and works well with Mooney, Piper Comanche and Twin Comanche Aircraft. This is the best jack for the Bonanza. Model #326 provides a tight fit and may require boosting of the wing an inch or two, but also works well with Beech Baron and most other low wing single and light twin aircraft.
YOUR CHART SHOWS MULTIPLE OPTIONS FOR MY AIRCRAFT. WHICH IS THE BEST ONE FOR MY APPLICATION?
You will notice that on our chart there is a Large bold X and then Small x’s. The Large bold X is the best Model for your aircraft, but the others (small x) will work also.
WHICH JACKS FIT MY HELICOPTER?
Many helicopters can be raised using our jacks directly out of the box – simply match your height and lifting requirements with our listed product specifications.
I HAVE AN AIRCRAFT THAT IS NOT LISTED. CAN I USE YOUR JACKS?
All we need to know is your height and weight requirements. We can assist you in a choosing the appropriate Model. Contact us at 1-800-653-5112.
HOW EASY IS IT TO RECONFIGURE THE MODELS 332W/838W/868W FOR VARIOUS HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS?
We have designed our products using a “Building Block” approach and similar hardware where possible. As a result of this effort, the reconfiguration from one height to the next is a simple bolt together rearrangement of parts – Ten minutes per jack or less.
WHAT ASSEMBLY IS REQUIRED?
Our jacks are shipped knocked down in multiple packages and require simple bolt together assembly.
WHO DO I CALL IF I HAVE A PROBLEM ASSEMBLING THE JACK?
Please call us and we will do our very best to help you out. 1-800-653-5112
IF A PART IS MISSING, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
This is a rare occurrence, but should it happen, please call us immediately and we will get it out to you. 1-800-653-5112
WHAT KIND OF WARRANTY DO YOU OFFER?
100% satisfaction guaranteed. If you are not satisfied, return the merchandise within 30 days. 1 year product warranty. If the product fails, we will ship you a replacement part.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
We do have a 15% restocking fee. Returns are accepted on products received back in un-used and re-saleable condition. After the product has been received and inspected, we will refund your purchase price less the restocking fee & shipping. All returns must be shipped pre-paid.
I SAW JACKS THAT LOOK LIKE YOURS...
Aircraft Spruce, Aircraft Tool Company and SkyGeek are distributors of our products. We also sell directly through Ebay. There is another Minnesota company with jacks that look very similar to ours. They are not affiliated with Alpha Aviation.
#375 TAILWEIGHT / POST
HOW DO YOU SHIP THE STANDARD TAIL WEIGHT? ISN’T THAT TOO HEAVY?
We ship the Tailweight knocked down and empty at 32 lbs.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO SHIP THE TAIL WEIGHT?
$32.00. It ships UPS Ground.
WHERE DO I GET THE CEMENT?
Most customers buy bagged quickcrete at the lumber yard or home store. The bags can be purchase in sixty (60) pound increments, and can be mixed directly into the tub. It takes a little more than 6 bags (at 60 lbs) to bring the weight to 375 lbs.
CAN I REALLY MIX THE CEMENT IN THE TAIL WEIGHT TUB?
Yes. You will need to add the water and concrete mix in steps to minimize the mess and insure that the concrete is thoroughly mixed.
HOW FULL SHOULD I FILL THE TAIL WEIGHT TUB?
Various aircraft have differing weight requirements. It is our recommendation that you fill the tub. If you need more weight, sandbags or concrete blocks can be added.
WILL THE WHEEL SCRATCH THE FLOOR OF MY HANGAR?
No. The wheels we provide have a hard rubber coating on them.
WHAT KIND OF WARRANTY DO YOU OFFER?
100% satisfaction guaranteed. We offer a 1 year product warranty. If the product fails, we will ship you a replacement part. Please call if you are having any problems. 1-800-653-5112
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
We do have a 15% restocking fee. Returns are accepted on products received back in un-used and re-saleable condition. After the product has been received and inspected, we will refund your purchase price less the restocking fee & shipping. All returns must be shipped pre-paid.