Pfaff-Silberblau MH Machine Lifting Jack

Model MH | Capacity 5 t – 25 t | Hydraulic Jack with Toe / Claw Foot | Dual Lifting Positions (Top Saddle & Floor-Level Claw) | Single-Stage Hand Pump | CE & UKCA Marked | Made in Germany

The Pfaff-Silberblau MH is the specialised hydraulic jack for heavy machine moves and installations where the load needs to be engaged at floor level. Three capacity grades — 5 tonnes, 10 tonnes, and 25 tonnes — share the same dual-position design: a top saddle for conventional vertical lifting, and a toe / claw foot at the base of the jack body that engages loads sitting as low as 25 mm from the floor on the MH 50, 30 mm on the MH 100, or 58 mm on the MH 250. This makes the MH the standard tool for installing or moving heavy industrial machinery, transformers, generators, and base-mounted equipment where a conventional bottle jack cannot get underneath the load. The hand-lever-operated single-stage pump, controlled-descent release valve, and heavy fabricated steel body are designed for repeated daily duty in industrial workshops and on plant installation sites.

Technical Specifications

The Claw Min. Height is the minimum height from the floor at which the toe / claw foot can engage the load — a 25 mm clearance under the load is enough to slide the MH 50 underneath. The Head Max. Height is the maximum height the top saddle reaches with the ram fully extended; the actual lift achieved from a given starting position is governed by the stroke. The Pump Lever Force at Full Load is the force the operator applies to the lever handle at rated capacity — useful for safe-use planning and to confirm two-operator working is not required.

Key Features

• Dual lifting positions: Top saddle for conventional vertical lifting OR floor-level toe / claw foot for engaging loads as low as 25 mm above the floor surface. The choice of lifting point is made by the operator for each application.
• Floor-level claw engagement: The toe / claw allows the MH to be slid under heavy machinery, generators, transformers, and base-mounted equipment that a conventional bottle jack cannot lift.
• Hand-lever single-stage pump: Operator-controlled lift rate via lever pumping; pump force at full load is 38 kg (MH 50) or 40 kg (MH 100 and MH 250) — within single-operator capability.
• Controlled descent via release valve: Smooth lowering at any chosen rate by graduated release-valve opening — the load does not drop freely.
• Heavy fabricated steel body: Robust welded steel construction designed for repeated industrial duty cycles and rough-handling on installation sites.
• Three capacity grades: 5 t, 10 t, and 25 t cover the full range of typical industrial machine moves from light equipment up to heavy production machinery and transformers.
• Compact closed height: Even the 25-tonne MH 250 has a closed claw height of just 58 mm, allowing engagement under loads that bottle jacks cannot reach.
• Operating lever supplied: Each jack ships with its matched operating lever ready for use.

Suitable Applications

The Pfaff-Silberblau MH range is the specialist hydraulic jack for industrial machine moves, plant installations, and heavy equipment handling where the load sits flat on the floor and cannot be lifted by a conventional bottle jack. Typical applications include installing or relocating CNC machinery, presses, injection moulding machines, and machine tools; positioning transformers and switchgear in substations; lifting generators onto foundations; rolling stock and railway equipment maintenance; structural steel base-plate lifting during erection or modification; and heavy industrial pump and motor installations. The MH 50 covers light to medium machinery up to 5 tonnes; the MH 100 covers mid-range industrial equipment up to 10 tonnes; the MH 250 handles heavy machinery, transformers, and base-mounted plant up to 25 tonnes. For conventional vertical lifting where the load has a designated jacking point above floor level, the Pfaff-Silberblau JH bottle jack range offers a more compact and lower-cost solution.

How to Use the Pfaff-Silberblau MH Machine Lifting Jack

1. Verify capacity: Confirm the load weight is within the rated capacity. Never attempt to lift a load that exceeds the rated capacity stamped on the jack body.
2. Choose the lifting position: Top saddle (for vertical lifts under a designated lift point) or toe / claw (for engaging floor-level loads). Select based on the load geometry and lifting point availability.
3. Prepare the standing surface: Position on a level, hard, clean surface capable of supporting the reaction force. Soft ground, gravel, or uneven concrete are not suitable.
4. Position the jack: For top-saddle lifts, place the saddle directly under the designated load lift point. For claw lifts, slide the toe / claw under the load until it engages a structural section — never against thin sheet metal or non-load-bearing surfaces.
5. Verify the jack is square: The cylinder body should be vertical and the base flat on the standing surface. An angled jack can tip under load.
6. Close the release valve: Turn the release valve clockwise to fully closed before pumping.
7. Pump the lever: Operate the lever in smooth, full strokes to raise the load. Pump force at full load is 38 – 40 kg — within single-operator capability across the range.
8. Place supports before working under the load: Once raised, immediately place axle stands, blocks, or other approved supports under the load. Never work under a load supported by the jack alone.
9. Lower the load: Verify the area beneath is clear, then slowly rotate the release valve anti-clockwise to lower at a controlled rate.
10. Stow the jack: Fully retract the piston before storage. Keep the jack vertical to retain hydraulic oil in the reservoir.

Warning: Hydraulic jacks are lifting devices, not load-holding devices. Always transfer the load to dedicated supports (axle stands, cribbing, or rated blocks) before working underneath. Never exceed the rated capacity. The toe / claw must engage a structural section of the load — never against thin sheet metal, casing panels, or non-load-bearing surfaces. The jack is for vertical lifting only.

Safety Information

• Always position on a level, hard, clean surface capable of supporting the reaction force.
• Never exceed the rated capacity stamped on the jack body.
• Use only at the designated lift points on the load — never against thin panels or non-structural surfaces.
• Transfer the load to dedicated supports immediately after lifting. Never work under a load supported by the jack alone.
• When using the toe / claw, ensure the load engages a structural section — never against casing, sheet metal, or non-load-bearing surfaces.
• Inspect for hydraulic oil leaks before every use — even small leaks indicate seal wear and require service before the jack is returned to duty.
• Verify the cylinder body is vertical and the base flat before pumping. An angled jack can tip under load.
• Use the jack vertically only. Horizontal or inverted operation is not permitted.
• Operate the release valve smoothly — sudden full opening can cause the load to descend uncontrolled.
• Workplace operators must establish a Thorough Examination regime under LOLER 1998 / PUWER 1998 appropriate to the duty cycle, typically at intervals not exceeding 12 months.

Inspection and Maintenance

The MH is built for long industrial service with minimal maintenance, but routine inspection is essential. Before each use, check for oil leaks at the cylinder seal, ram, and reservoir; verify the toe / claw and top saddle are undamaged and free of cracks; check the cylinder body for impact damage. Periodically top up the hydraulic oil to the level marked on the reservoir — use only the oil grade specified in the OEM manual. The release valve should rotate smoothly and seal cleanly when closed; stiffness or leak-by indicates internal wear. Air can enter the hydraulic circuit if the jack is laid on its side for extended periods; bleed any trapped air by operating the lever with the release valve open before returning to service. WOLFF Onsite provides hydraulic jack servicing, Thorough Examination, and spare parts for the full Pfaff-Silberblau MH range.

Optional Accessories

• Replacement operating levers: Direct-fit replacement levers for each model in the MH range.
• Hydraulic oil: Manufacturer-specified hydraulic oil for topping up or fluid replacement during service.
• Saddle adapters: Custom load-distribution adapters for use against soft or curved load surfaces.
• Cribbing blocks and axle stands: Rated load-supporting accessories for use alongside the jack — required for any work under the lifted load.

Downloads

• Pfaff-Silberblau MH Datasheet (EN, 2024) — full spec table and dimensional drawings for all 3 models (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions