Lift planters, beds, and equipment confidently always. Enter weight, jack count, and real-world factors fast. Get per-jack tonnage, plus downloads for your records securely.
| Total load (kg) | Jacks | Safety | Dynamic | Distribution | Incline (deg) | Recommended rating (ton) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 2 | 1.40 | 1.05 | 1.10 | 0 | 0.5 |
| 450 | 2 | 1.50 | 1.10 | 1.20 | 3 | 1.0 |
| 800 | 4 | 1.35 | 1.08 | 1.15 | 0 | 0.5 |
| 1200 | 4 | 1.60 | 1.15 | 1.30 | 5 | 1.5 |
| 2000 | 6 | 1.50 | 1.12 | 1.25 | 2 | 1.0 |
The calculator first converts the total load into kilonewtons: W(kN) = mass(kg) × 9.80665 ÷ 1000.
Required per-jack force is computed using a conservative factor model: Fj = (W ÷ n) × SF × DF × UF × IF × FF.
Per-jack tonnage uses metric ton-force: ton = kN ÷ 9.80665, then the rating is rounded up.
Safety note: this tool supports planning. Use stable cribbing, level pads, and follow manufacturer limits.
Hydraulic jacks in garden work are often used to level sheds, raise small trailers, or lift landscape stones. Capacity must exceed the real load plus uncertainty. This calculator converts your entered weight into force and divides it across the number of jacks. It then multiplies by safety, dynamic, uneven‑share, incline, and surface factors to protect against surprises during setup and pumping. On typical outdoor surfaces.
Load distribution is rarely perfect outdoors. Soft soil, shifting blocks, or unequal lift points can cause one jack to carry more than its share. The uneven distribution factor models that risk. For example, with four lift points you might assume only three share the weight at first. Increasing the factor is appropriate when pads are small or supports are temporary, and note the center of gravity.
Dynamic effects matter when the lift starts, stops, or settles. Breakaway friction, bumps, and tool handling can momentarily increase required force. The dynamic factor adds a controlled margin without guessing a completely new load. Use higher values when lifting equipment with sticky tires, corroded parts, or when the load may shift as it rises. Plan for smooth, incremental pumping, especially with tall, narrow loads in gardens.
Incline and surface conditions change the apparent demand on each jack. Even a small slope can encourage sliding, increasing friction and side loading. The incline factor approximates this by scaling with the sine of the angle, while the surface factor accounts for mud, gravel, or wood pads. Reduce risk by leveling the area, using larger base plates, and adding cribbing for stability, and prevent kick‑out.
After you compute the required per‑jack rating, select a jack with a certified capacity above the rounded recommendation and verify stroke length matches the lift. When comparing to an existing jack, the pass/fail check highlights shortfalls. Record assumptions in the export so you can repeat the setup. If any factor feels uncertain, increase it and re‑run the calculation for quotes and future jobs.
Choose a jack rated above the recommended per‑jack tonnage after rounding. Favor certified ratings, and add extra margin if the surface is soft, the load may shift, or you cannot confirm exact weight.
Outdoor lifting has uncertainties: uneven sharing, breakaway friction, slope, and soft ground. Factors let you model these risks separately and avoid under‑sizing, instead of guessing a single oversized number.
Use manufacturer specs, vehicle scale tickets, or component weights. For stones or planters, estimate volume and density. When unsure, assume higher weight and increase the safety factor.
Stroke does not change rated capacity, but it affects whether you can reach the lift height safely. If you need stacking or cribbing, plan it and increase uneven‑share and dynamic factors.
Yes. The result is a required per‑jack rating in tonnage. Match it to the equipment rating you have. For pneumatic systems, keep pressure limits and hose safety in mind.
Reduce the load, add more jacks, improve the base and leveling, or choose a higher‑capacity jack. Never rely on a jack that is below the calculated requirement.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.