What Are Climbing Jacks?

Climbing jacks (also known as jack-up systems) use a hydraulic cylinder system combined with load-holding blocks (or climbing frames) to gradually lift heavy loads in stages. After each stroke, the system “climbs” higher by inserting spacers or blocks beneath the load, locking it into position before the next lift.

Enerpac’s Climbing Jack Systems often include:

• Hydraulic cylinders with lock-nut or synchronized lifting

• Modular frame designs to support stacking and guide movement

• Electronic control units for synchronization and safety

• Load monitoring and feedback systems

These jacks can lift hundreds to thousands of tons with millimeter precision—safely, efficiently, and with full control.

Where and How Are They Used?

Enerpac Climbing Jacks are commonly used where extremely heavy loads must be lifted, staged, or aligned over significant heights. Typical applications include:

• Bridge launching and bridge slide-ins

• Precast girder and beam placement

• Lifting and lowering heavy industrial modules

• Jacking oil and gas platforms into position

• Power plant equipment installation

• Heavy transport system interface lifts

Each lift is executed in a step-by-step process, allowing loads to be raised incrementally and safely. The use of lock blocks ensures the load is mechanically supported at every stage, even if hydraulic pressure is lost.

Accessories and Components

Enerpac Climbing Jack Systems are fully integrated with components that enhance safety, synchronization, and lifting control:

• Load-holding cribbing blocks or climbing frames

• Hydraulic power units (HPUs)

• Programmable control panels with real-time feedback

• Load sensors for synchronized lifting

• Safety valves and limit switches

• Transport frames and lifting attachments

The systems can be scaled up or down based on project size and weight requirements.

Industries in the USA That Use Climbing Jacks

Enerpac Climbing Jacks are found in some of the largest and most complex engineering projects in the United States:

• Civil Infrastructure – For bridge replacements, viaduct assembly, and highway load shifts

• Oil & Gas – For offshore rig assembly and topside lifting

• Power Generation – In hydroelectric and nuclear plant construction

• Heavy Construction & EPC Contractors – For modular plant lifting and movement

• Shipbuilding & Ports – To support dry-docking, hull section alignment, and crane installation

These systems are vital when conventional lifting gear cannot provide the load capacity, height, or safety margin required.

Why Choose Enerpac Climbing Jacks?

Enerpac’s solutions lead the industry for a reason:

• Modular and scalable systems for any project size

• Synchronously controlled lifts for perfect load distribution

• Fail-safe mechanical locking between each step

• Customizable configurations for complex geometries

• Field-proven in major infrastructure and energy projects

Every system is backed by Enerpac’s engineering support and global service network—ensuring success from planning to execution.

Interesting Facts

• Enerpac climbing jacks have been used to lift entire bridges and stadium roofs into place.

• The systems can be operated remotely for improved worker safety.

• When combined with Skidding Systems, climbing jacks allow lateral and vertical movement of structures weighing thousands of tons.

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