Modular tripod-jack design puts maximum focus on the user - The new TJ Series

The A350-1000, carrying almost 370 passengers, arrived at MLA Malta International Airport two hours ago. In air service until just before, the long-haul aircraft needs to interrupt its assignment now. It is going in for maintenance. The hangar has been prepared and the team is ready for the night shift to perform maintenance on the wide-body aircraft. Hundreds of different tools are ready for the A350. Many of them will also be used this night. The A350 is jacked up. Primarily tripod-jacks are important here. The newest tripod-jacks of the TJ Series are used.

 

 

Modular system for maximum flexibility

The TJ Series are wide-body tripod-jacks with a maximum configuration. Starting from the simple pneumatic drive unit up to fully automatic lifting and lowering with an EJAL system, everything is available. The new Series holds strictly to user requirements. In other words: One tripod-jack can be used for several aircraft models and manufacturers.

 

But what advantage does the modular system being used provide exactly?

 

Most importantly, modularity provides more flexibility in manufacturing. Components can be stored in the warehouse and are easier to install or replace. Another advantage: reduced delivery time. Customers only have to wait for 8 to 10 weeks before they can put their TJ Series tripod-jack set to work.

 

Another advantage of the modular concept? The customer can individually assemble his tripod jack just how he needs it.

Variants of drive unit:

  • Pneumatic drive unit
  • Electrical drive units with 9 different gear pumps for the various electrical drive variants

Options of undercarriage:

  • Hydraulically-adjustable swivel castors
  • Spring loaded swivel castors <30t
  • High-speed undercarriage

Safety lock nut:

  • Manual or
  • Electrical

Optional:

  • Data communication
  • Operator panel

 

Highest quality standards – far exceeding the legal requirements

All current national and international directives and standards were considered with the new TJ Series. How we ensure the health and safety of your personnel and aircraft? As is customary for HYDRO, every single TJ tripod-jack that leaves production is tested with 150% proof load.

 

All TJ variants are OEM-approved by Airbus & Boeing

The TJ Series is listed in the TEB (technical equipment bulletin) for Airbus. As fitting for his aircraft, the customer sees the TJ Series as a recommendation for tripod-jacks. Also Boeing recommends the new TJ Series in the so called “On-Aircraft GSE and Maintenance Tooling Lists”. Boeing provides every customer with such a list that applies to his aircraft. Various tools for the different tasks are contained in this list.

 

What makes the TJ Series different from other wide-body tripod-jacks?

Several tripod-jacks with different configuration options are available on the market. What set the TJ Series apart from the other tripod-jacks available on the market?

 

Universal application

Universal application due to their multipurpose application platform.

Improved efficiency
  • Height of adjustable wheels can be adjusted from one side
  • Centralized control for single operation
User friendliness and ergonomic design
  • Language independent pictograms have been implemented
  • The ladder:
    • Increased space in the platform between the railing
    • Closed “Railing Basket” Available on each jack
    • Gate of the “Basket” is closing automatically (no chain)
  • Fast and easy turning of manual safety nut by “Hydro standard” trapezoid thread
  • All foot plates have spherical bearing for uneven underground
  • Silent pneumatic pump
  • Remote operator panel (electrical version)
  • Motor-driven lock nut (electrical version)
Robust design
  • Drive components are covered and protected with a painted hood
  • Long lasting components
Maintenance friendliness
  • Most of the pieces are screwed or bolted, not welded
  • Gauge can be calibrated via Minimess adapter. Adapter can be reached easily from the outside
  • Checking fixture can be installed
  • Instructions included for assembly after shipping
Safety
  • 150% proof loaded
  • Over-pressure valve to not exceed the lifting capacity
  • For electrical version: Maintenance remote panel for service tasks, sensor and parameter settings and failure diagnosis

What improvements were made?

The requirements of the users were the primary motivation in developing the TJ Series. In the version with hydraulic wheels, for example, the new operating concept allows the tripod-jack to be leveled from a single point. It is no longer necessary to run from foot to foot to manually adjust the height individually. However, this is just one example of the usability. What other features does the TJ Series have?

  • Ladder and platform comply with the DIN EN 1915 standard
  • Various options available and easy to install due to the modular design of the jack (e.g. stroke measurement, fork lift pockets)
  • Similar operator panel for all drive options
  • All hydraulic components and lines are available as spare parts
  • Defined shipping dimensions

EJAL makes the following possible:

  • Step by step guided process with 9” touch display
  • Synchronized lifting and lowering
  • Permanent control of the inclination
  • Less personnel required
  • Time saving procedure
  • Greater safety for personnel during lifting and lowering process

Optional: Latest generation of EJAL systems for synchronized lifting and lowering

The EJAL System (Electronic Jacking And Leveling) may be used with tripod-jacks. The advantage? The jacking process is considerably easier and safer.

 

 

Picture: The next generation of EJAL systems - more than 300 systems have already been sold

The EJAL appeared on the market in 1987. MBB, today part of Airbus Germany, was sold on the system as the first customer. They were followed by many more customers. A new generation was developed especially for the A380 in 2004. More than 300 EJAL systems have been delivered to customers worldwide to date.

 

Another new generation of EJAL was developed for use with the new TJ Series tripod-jacks. Numerous customers were surveyed to bring usability to a new level. The result?

 

The next expansion stages are already being planned. In the future, it will also be possible to access the user manual on the color display or to perform an electronic lifting height measurement.

The result?

  • The operator panel was slimmed down to the main functions and became cleaner. Additional functions that are rarely used can now be accessed using an enlarged 9" color touchscreen display.
  • The operator is taken by the hand and led step-by-step through the lifting process. This is significantly safer in terms of the process and the application and represents an increase in usability.
  • The components have been standardized. With little effort, the system can now be adapted to the requirements of, for example, the German and the American markets.
  • The newest network technology is used to provide communication between the operator console and the tripod-jack. It is considerably easier and more reliable to exchange data on diagnostics, maintenance or status.

Everything is finished by the next morning. The A350-1000 leaves the hanger and returns to regular service. The TJ tripod-jacks do not get much of a breather. Immediately on the next evening, they are being used for a Boeing 787-9.

 

 

Interested in our new TJ tripod-jack series? Your local sales contact is happy to help!

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