FLAT JACKS – LIFTING BAGS
& LOW HEIGHT CYLINDERS
HYDRAULIC JACKS • HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS • PUMPS • SYNCHRONOUS LIFTING SYSTEMS
RENTALS • SALES • SERVICE
“Lifting Solutions for Tight Spaces: Exploring Freyssi Flat Jacks, Enerpac Cylinders, and Simplex Lifting Bags”
In the world of heavy lifting and structural support, not every job offers the luxury of space. That’s where compact, high-powered lifting tools shine—delivering precision, safety, and strength in the most confined environments. From Freyssi Flat Jacks used in permanent structural adjustments, to Enerpac Low-Height Cylinders for versatile on-site lifting, and Simplex Hydraulic Lifting Bags for rapid-response elevation, each of these tools brings a unique solution to a specific challenge. Let’s explore how these technologies are shaping industries across the United States.
Freyssi Flat Jack
Freyssi
Low Height Jacks
Enerpac
Air Lifting Bags
Simplex
Ultra Flat Cylinder
Enerpac
Freyssi Flat Jacks:
Permanent Power in Structural Engineering
What They Are
Freyssi Flat Jacks, developed by Freyssinet, are thin, steel-welded hydraulic jacks designed to exert pressure between structural elements—most notably in concrete and masonry applications. They consist of two steel plates enclosing a fluid chamber. When pressurized, the plates expand and apply uniform force.
Where and How They’re Used
Freyssi jacks are primarily used in:
Masonry crack repairs
Structural adjustments and releveling
Preloading of post-tensioned concrete elements
Load transfer in buildings and bridges
These jacks are often inserted into slotted joints or gaps, inflated with hydraulic fluid, and then grouted in place to become a permanent load-bearing component.
Accessories Needed
High-pressure hand or electric hydraulic pumps
Pressure gauges
Grouting equipment (for permanent applications)
Protective shims or plates to distribute pressure evenly
Industries in the U.S.
Civil and structural engineering
Historical preservation and restoration
Transportation infrastructure (bridges and tunnels)
Interesting Fact:
Once installed and grouted, Freyssi flat jacks can remain in place for decades, effectively becoming part of the structure they helped reinforce.
Flat Jack
Freyssi
Flat Jack
Freyssi
Flat Jack
Freyssi
Flat Jack
Freyssi
Enerpac Low-Height Hydraulic Cylinders:
Maximum Power in Minimal Space
What They Are
Enerpac’s line of low-profile hydraulic cylinders—also known as hydraulic pancake jacks—are designed for jobs requiring high force in extremely tight vertical clearances. Models include:
CUSP Series: Single-acting, spring return
CULP Series: Lock nut load-holding design
LPL Series: Extra-low profile for extreme constraints
Key Specs:
Rated for 10,000 psi (700 bar)
Feature Nitrocarburized coating for corrosion protection
Comply with ASME B30.1 standards (except BRD-RD-Series)
Where and How They’re Used
These cylinders are ideal for:
Bridge bearing replacements
Steel mill maintenance
Heavy machinery positioning
Power plant infrastructure projects
Their compact design makes them invaluable in applications where standard jacks simply won’t fit.
Accessories Needed
Hydraulic pump (manual, electric, or air-powered)
High-pressure hoses and couplers
Pressure relief valves
Synchronization controls (for multi-jack lifts)
Industries in the U.S.
Construction and civil engineering
Energy sector (nuclear, hydro, wind)
Shipbuilding and aerospace
Heavy equipment maintenance
Interesting Fact:
Despite their small height (as little as 1.5 inches), Enerpac flat cylinders can lift over 100 tons, making them true powerhouses in tight quarters.
RSM Low Height
Enerpac
LPL Low Height
Enerpac
CUSP Ultra Flat
Enerpac
CULP Flat Cylinder
Enerpac
Simplex Hydraulic Lifting Bags:
Fast, Portable, and Precise
What They Are
Simplex hydraulic lifting bags are inflatable, high-pressure air bags made from reinforced rubber or Kevlar. They are compact, lightweight, and capable of lifting enormous loads within seconds.
Where and How They’re Used
Simplex lifting bags are widely used for:
Vehicle extrication and rescue
Railroad car re-railing
Industrial maintenance
Mining and pipeline operations
They are especially valuable in emergency scenarios where rapid deployment and compact equipment are critical.
Accessories Needed
Air compressor or SCBA air bottle
Regulator and inflation hoses
Control manifold (to direct airflow safely)
Base pads or interlocking plates for stability
Industries in the U.S.
Fire and rescue services
Mining and utilities
Railroad maintenance
Military and disaster response teams
Interesting Fact:
Simplex lifting bags can inflate in under a minute and lift up to 86 tons, all from a platform less than 1 inch thick when deflated.
Lifting Bags
Simplex
Lifting Bags
Simplex
Lifting Bags
Simplex
Lifting Bags
Simplex
Conclusion: The Right Tool for the Right Space
While each of these tools—Freyssi flat jacks, Enerpac low-profile cylinders, and Simplex lifting bags—solves the challenge of lifting in confined or complex environments, they each serve distinct roles:
Freyssi jacks offer permanent support in precision structural applications.
Enerpac cylinders provide repeatable, high-load lifting in industrial and construction settings.
Simplex lifting bags are portable and rapid, ideal for emergency and field use.
Together, they demonstrate the engineering innovation required when raw strength must meet tight spatial constraints. Whether you’re restoring a century-old bridge, adjusting machinery in a steel plant, or saving a life in a vehicle rescue—these tools are lifting the load when space and time are limited.
