Tronair 9473-010 – Columbus Jack 20-Ton Axle Jack

The Columbus Jack 9473-010 is a 20-ton (18 metric ton) hand-carry aircraft axle jack designed for lifting aircraft during wheel, brake, and landing gear maintenance. It provides a compact, portable solution for flight line and hangar operations. The jack’s sturdy construction and simple hand-pump design make it ideal for both field use and scheduled maintenance applications.

Operators must ensure that all personnel understand the jack’s maximum vertical lifting capacity of 20 tons and avoid exceeding this limit. Using the jack on uneven surfaces or with improper placement may cause injury or aircraft damage. Always follow the aircraft manufacturer’s jacking procedures and verify the jack is properly aligned with the designated lift point before applying load.

Before the first operation, inspect the jack for shipping damage, remove any packaging material, and check for oil leaks or missing parts. Cycle the hand pump several times to bleed air from the hydraulic system, ensuring smooth ram extension. Performing this initial setup improves hydraulic performance and prevents premature wear.

To lower the load, slowly open the release valve to allow the rams to retract under control. The descent speed is directly related to how quickly the valve is opened. Once the aircraft is fully supported on its gear, retract the extension screw completely before removing the jack.

The relief valve should be tested using a jack tester to confirm that it engages between 20 and 22 tons of load pressure. If the setting is off, adjust the cap screw slightly using an Allen wrench – clockwise to increase, counterclockwise to decrease – and re-secure with a lock wire. Never exceed 10% above rated capacity, as this could compromise safety and component integrity.

Each Columbus Jack 9473-010 jack comes with an Operation and Maintenance Manual, a Certificate of Conformance (CofC), and a Load Test Report. These documents confirm compliance with ISO 9001:2008 quality standards and provide detailed procedures for use, inspection, and troubleshooting.

Columbus Jack offers two OEM kits for servicing the 9473-010: the KD9473 Repair Kit, which includes replacement parts for seals, rings, and mechanical components, and the KC9473 Seal Kit, designed for hydraulic system overhauls. Both kits use factory-approved components to maintain performance and warranty coverage.

Use aviation-grade hydraulic oils compatible with Buna-N seals, such as Royco 782 or AeroShell Fluid 41. The correct fluid level is 0.5” to 1” below the fill port when all rams are collapsed. Maintaining proper oil type and level ensures smooth operation and protects seals from premature wear.

Perform visual inspections before each use, looking for oil leaks, damaged components, or worn snap rings. Every six months, grease fittings, wipe down rams, and cycle the jack under no load. Annually, conduct a full certification test per Columbus Jack’s maintenance bulletin RJM 147, verifying that hydraulic pressure holds steady for at least three minutes at full load.

When not in use, keep the jack in a clean, dry environment and ensure it is fully retracted. Exposure to Skydrol or other hydraulic fluids should be avoided to prevent damage to seals and paint. Covering the unit or storing it in its optional H-4807 transport case helps protect it from dust, corrosion, and mechanical impact.

Columbus Jack provides a 12-month limited warranty from the date of shipment against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty covers replacement or repair of defective parts, provided the jack hasn’t been modified, misused, or serviced with non-OEM components. Unauthorized alterations or failure to follow the operation manual voids this coverage.