EFFORTLESS JACKING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 16 November 1929, Page 14

EFFORTLESS JACKING.

HYDE AUDIO DEVICES. A hydraulic jacking system for attachment to caiv; has been constructed by a New Zealand motorist and a car has been demonstrating in W ellington. There are four tubular jacks—one near the extremity of each axle. The selfstarter is used to drive a small pump and a control on the dash is simply turned to the jack required- The jack leg slowly extends from its vertical telescopic housing and the wheel is lifted clear. When a valve is released the leg of the jack- is returned by a spring. The apparatus seems to operate quite well, but it is questionable whether many motorists would consider it worth while to fit the rather large cylinders to the car axles. The drain 011 the battery is no argument against the device as it is perhaps only used at intervals of many weeks ana then the current required is only equal to what would be consumed in a cold weather start. Similar devices have been patented in various parts of the world, but methods of operating the hydraulic pump vary. One British accessory maker is now ottering hydraulic jacks sets for four wheels for about £l3. Hand power is still used, however, but it is applied in a comfortable position. A small pump is mounted on the running board and connections are made with the four jacks. It is thus possible from a comfortable position to work a light lever and gradually raise any one wheel. One wonders whether tyres are not fast approaching a point where the puncture nuisance will become insignincant. Many motorists, even on extended tours on New' Zealand roads average two or three thousand miles cetween £>unctures. In fact, it is the rubbish which is so carelessly thrown about city streets that causes most of the trouble to-day. In the early days ot motoring the tyres were 11 rone to burst in fast driving 011 rougn metal, and only two or three years ago there were balloon tyres on the market in Auckland that could not stand up to loose metal. Most of this carcass trouble seems to have been overcome and it is not uncommon to run a tyre down until the fabric shows in patches without having experienced a single puncture. This improvement in tyres diverts attention from the jack. Were balloon tyres still as frail as they were five •years ago, no doubt we should find quite a demand for superior jacks, but as matters are just now, the motorist seems content with the cheap accessory supplied with the original tool-kit. It is wise to try the jack furnished with a new car- Occasionally it is quite unsuitable for the job. It may not have enough lift without a block under the base, or the lifting surface may not fit snugly under any part of the axle.