Craftsman 48181, Operator'S Manual

5

Maintenance

To Add Oil:

• Position jack on the level ground and lower 

the saddle.

• Remove the oil fill screw. 

• Fill the oil reservoir until oil level is just over 

the top surface of the inner cylinder. Replace 

oil plug.

• Perform Air Purge Procedure described on 

page 2.

To Replace Oil:

• Fully open release valve by turning handle 

counterclockwise as far as it will go.

• Remove the oil fill screw. Turn the jack over 

so that old oil will drain from the oil fill hole. 

• Turn the jack back over after the oil has 

drained. Refill through oil fill hole. Keep dirt 

and other material clear when pouring. Fill to 

just beneath lower rim of hole. Replace oil fill 

screw.

• Perform Air Purge Procedure described on 

page 2.

Lubrication

• Add lubricating oil (WD-40) to all moving parts 

when needed.

• For light duty use, lubricate every six months.

• For heavy and constant use, lubrication is 

recommended every month.

MAINTENANCE

Rust Prevention:

• Check ram and pump plunger on the Power 

Unit Assembly every two months (or sooner, 

based on usage) for any signs of rust or 

corrosion. Lift the jack as high as it goes 

and look under and behind the lifting arm. If 

signs of rust are visible clean as needed and 

wipe down with with an oily cloth or cloth 

sprayed with WD-40.

• When storing the jack, always have the 

saddle and pump plunger in the down 

postion.

ALWAYS USE A GOOD GRADE 

HYDRAULIC JACK OIL. DO NOT USE 

HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID, ALCOHOL, 

GLYCERINE, DETERGENT, MOTOR 

OIL OR DIRTY OIL. USE OF AN UN-

RECOMMENDED FLUID CAN CAUSE 

DAMAGE TO YOUR JACK.

Air Purge Procedure

During shipment, air may get into the 

hydraulic system causing reduced lifting 

performance. Perform Air Purge Procedure 

described on page 2.

• Continue to pump jack handle to lift vehicle to 

desired height. 

• After lifting, support the load with 

appropriately rated vehicle support stands 

before working on vehicle. 

WARNING:

 Never work on, under, or around a 

load supported only by a hydraulic jack.

Lowering the Jack

• Raise load high enough to clear jack stands; 

then carefully remove the stands. 

• Carefully open the release valve by slowly 

turning the handle counterclockwise.

• After removing jack from under vehicle, if 

saddle has not fully descended, push it all the 

way down. This will reduce ram exposure to 

rust and contamination.