Frequently Asked Questions

	» Why can't I access the Owner's Manual section of Malabar's Web site? » How can I get Malabar equipment updates or new product announcements? » When should jack load gauges be calibrated? Does Malabar guarantee load gauges accuracy? » Is the jack load gauge necessary for an aircraft jack? » Why is the frequency of replacement of jack casters so high? What can be done to mitigate this problem? » Why does the reservoir gasket leak on my Model 642S or similar hand carried axle jacks? » What type of fluid is recommended for Malabar aircraft jacks? » Why does the air operated pump/reservoir gasket leak? » Why does the air operated hydraulic pump cycle but not operate the cylinder? » Are special tools required to repair Malabar jacks? If so, how do I find out what tools are recommended? » Is there a product repair seminar available? » Does Malabar have a kit to use aircraft tire pressure to operate the axle jack? » My tripod jack upper bearing(s) show signs of excessive wear? What is the problem and is there a solution? » Does Malabar provide preventative maintenance procedures?


Question:	Why can't I access the Owner's Manual section of Malabar's Web site?
Answer:	This section is password protected. Malabar Owner's Manuals are only provided for use by Malabar's representatives and customers. To obtain a User Name and Password, contact sales@malabar.com or send a fax to 805-584-1624. Please include your name, organization and email address with your request for access.


Question:	How can I get Malabar equipment updates or new product announcements?
Answer:	Contact sales@malabar.com or send fax to 805-584-1624 requesting to be put on Malabar's mailing list. Subsequently, you will be included on our mail list and receive future product updates and announcements.


Question:	When should jack load gauges be calibrated? Does Malabar guarantee load gauges accuracy?
Answer:	No specific time for re-calibration is specified since load gauges are a load indicator only and do not accurately measure load. Since aircraft jack hydraulic operated load gauges are not a device for recording or measuring, calibration schedules (when and if desired) are determined by user preference. Malabar does not guarantee accuracy of load gauges mounted on aircraft jacks.


Question:	Is the jack load gauge necessary for an aircraft jack?
Answer:	The load gauge is an accessory or optional item on all aircraft jacks. It is not recommended for axle jack applications where the jack is subject to frequent high speed towing or other conditions that would induce excessive shock or vibration. Load Gauges are usually specified on tripod jacks that are moved infrequently, towed at slow speeds (less than 5 mph) and rough or uneven surfaces are avoided. A load gauge does not accurately measure load. It's only purpose is to provide an approximate indication of load. (Most aircraft jack load gauges are hydraulic pressure gauges that measure the internal fluid pressure of the jack. Jack plunger(s) seal friction, mechanical side load on the jack plunger(s), weight of plunger(s) and the accuracy of the gauge itself all contribute to reduced accuracy. For additional information see Load Gauge Technical Paper (PDF)


Question:	Why is the frequency of replacement of jack casters so high? What can be done to mitigate this problem?
Answer:	High speed towing (in excess of 5 mph) or towing over rough or uneven surfaces are the primary cause of premature caster wear or failure. Jack caster wheels are usually less than 10 inches (254 mm) in diameter and at excessive wheel speed, usually above 8 mph, the caster assembly will oscillate causing excessive heat, wheel tread wear and bearing failure. For Malabar mobile axle jacks (45 ton to 90 ton) a low cost jack transporter (or other combination units) is available for transport at up to 20 mph. Refer to the jack accessories, for information.


Question:	Why does the reservoir gasket leak on my Model 642S or similar hand carried axle jacks?
Answer:	The jack includes a manual reservoir vent valve. This valve must be opened when the jack is being operated. If the vent valve is closed when lowering the jack, the reservoir gasket seal could be damaged due to internal pressure caused by fluid returning from the cylinder to the reservoir. The reservoir gasket must be coated with an approved non-hardening sealant when performing a repair or overhaul. Refer to the jack Owner's Manual for operating procedures, repair procedures and spare parts.


Question:	What type of fluid is recommended for Malabar aircraft jacks?
Answer:	MIL-H-5606 hydraulic fluid is the recommended fluid for all Malabar jacks. Other compatible hydraulic fluids are: SAE5W, SAE10W and ATF (automatic transmission fluid). For temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, we only recommend the use of MIL-H-5606. When temperatures fall below zero degrees Fahrenheit, we recommend using MIL-H-5606 cut to 50 percent with aliphatic naphtha.


Question:	Why does the air operated pump/reservoir gasket leak?
Answer:	The question usually applies to the following Malabar mobile axle jack models: 50P9AR, 60P9, 60P10, 65P9AR and 65P10AR. On models manufactured prior to September 1995, the jack reservoir was bolted to the frame. Over time, this configuration may loosen due to towing or other in service conditions causing the air pump/reservoir gasket to fail. On current models, the reservoir and frame are welded together, eliminating the use of bolts. For all units in service prior to September 1995, we recommend welding the connection. For additional information, please contact sales@malabar.com


Question:	Why does the air operated hydraulic pump cycle but not operate the cylinder?
Answer:	The question usually applies to the following Malabar mobile axle jack models: 50P9AR, 50P9, 60P9, 60P10, 65P10, 65P9AR and 65P10AR. All Malabar jacks are shipped without hydraulic fluid in the jack reservoir. After filling the reservoir it is necessary to prime the air operated pump at the "bleed" fitting. Refer to the jack Owner's Manual for complete instructions for this procedure. Note: The secret to priming the pump is to slowly operate the pump by only partially opening the air valve.


Question:	Are special tools required to repair Malabar jacks? If so, how do I find out what tools are recommended?
Answer:	Malabar tools are recommended for repair and overhaul on all Malabar axle jacks and tripod jacks. On some models, like the 60P9, 60P10 and 65P10, it is almost impossible to repair them without the proper tools. All Malabar Owner's Manuals reference the correct tool part numbers for repair and overhaul. For additional information consult the Owner's Manual or contact sales@malabar.com


Question:	Is there a product repair seminar available?
Answer:	Malabar conducts a 2 day hands-on Product Repair Course at our facility in Simi Valley, CA. This repair course is specifically designed for GSE Mechanics who maintain Malabar products. The course includes a repair manual for each attendee with illustrated parts lists, preventative maintenance procedures, recommended tools and overhaul information. In addition, jack test equipment and special tools are demonstrated for the course attendees. For additional information, please contact sales@malabar.com


Question:	Does Malabar have a kit to use aircraft tire pressure to operate the axle jack?
Answer:	Yes, Malabar Tire Slave Kit, part number 871420, is available. The kit includes a pressure hose that connects from the aircraft tire valve stem to the axle jack air inlet connection, a pressure regulator and all required fittings. Refer to jack accessories for additional information.


Question:	My tripod jack upper bearing(s) show signs of excessive wear. What is the problem and is there a solution?
Answer:	All aircraft tripod jacks must be level for proper operation. In addition, the aircraft must be raised and lowered in a level attitude. Excessive side loading is the primary cause of tripod jack bearing wear or failure. Many tripod jacks, especially for wide body aircraft, include adjustable swivel feet for leveling the jack prior to operation. For hangar floors with excessive slope, tripod jacks with adjustable swivel feet should be used. As an option, aluminum shim plate kits (with various thicknesses) can be used under the jack foot pads. For additional information, please contact sales@malabar.com


Question:	Does Malabar provide preventative maintenance procedures?
Answer:	It is Malabar's policy to provide suggested guidelines for maintenance and testing procedures for our products. It is the responsibility of the end user to determine when and how often this testing should take place. Frequency of use, time in service, equipment condition and our customer's policies are all determining factors. Refer to the Preventative Section for more information. Please do not hesitate to contact this office with any questions or concerns.


(Issued: 01/03)