Boeing 737 Jacks: A Basic Guide for Aircraft Mechanics

Jacks are a notable element of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations in the aviation industry, enabling mechanics to lift and stabilize various parts of an aircraft to safely and efficiently access hard-to-reach areas. Given the extensive maintenance required to keep aircraft airworthy, jacks are indispensable tools in any aviation MRO setting. Among the numerous aircraft in service today, the Boeing 737 stands out as one of the most widely used and recognized commercial models, necessitating jacks that are tailored to its design and maintenance needs. As many mechanics may come across a Boeing 737 in their line of work, it becomes important to be aware of the common types of jacks used for the model, as well as what considerations should be made for tool investment.

Whether maintenance personnel want to access the bottom side of a fuselage, wings, or landing gear assemblies, aircraft jacks of varying design are regularly used to enable a number of tasks to be carried out. When an aircraft like the Boeing 737 needs to be lifted off the ground in a safe and controlled manner, fuselage jacks are a common category of ground support equipment (GSE) that is employed. These jacks are typically placed at strategic points along the fuselage to ensure even weight distribution and stability, preventing damage from stress concentration or hazards to workers. Another essential type is the tripod jack, which is used for many aircraft to lift the nose or tail during landing gear maintenance procedures. Tripod jacks provide the advantage of being highly adjustable, allowing mechanics to position and orient them exactly as needed under an aircraft's load points.

There are a number of dependable brands that market aircraft jacks and GSE that are specifically tailored for use on the Boeing 737, and compatibility is always important to guarantee safe lifting and support that minimizes any risk of damage or harm to the aircraft, equipment, or personnel. Using jacks specifically designed for the Boeing 737 can also reduce setup times and allow for more precise adjustments during maintenance.

When it comes to acquiring aircraft jacks, mechanics and MRO operations must consider whether it is best to rent, purchase, or finance their ground support equipment. The decision largely depends on a number of factors, some of the most important being the size of one’s business, the scale of operations, and financial situations. Smaller MRO facilities or those that do not frequently service Boeing 737 aircraft may find renting compatible jacks to be the most cost-effective option for short-term investments.

On the other hand, larger operations that regularly service the Boeing 737 and similar aircraft might benefit from purchasing more specialized jacks outright. Ownership ensures that any equipment is always available when needed, eliminating potential delays and increased downtime associated with renting last minute. Purchasing can also be more economical in the long run, especially if the equipment is used frequently. Financing options are also available for those who wish to purchase jacks but prefer to spread the cost over time, which can be an attractive option for MRO facilities that want to invest in high-quality jacks without immediately depleting their capital reserves.

Regardless of whether one chooses to rent, purchase, or finance their aircraft jacks, proper maintenance of this GSE is essential. Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure that all equipment parts are in good working condition and free from any defects that could compromise safety. Components such as hydraulic systems, seals, and load-bearing elements should all be frequently checked and replaced when necessary to maintain reliability and longevity. Neglecting maintenance can lead to equipment failure, which not only leads to replacement costs, but can also result in damage to an aircraft, harm to personnel, and other various issues.

For those seeking competitive procurement options on quality-assured parts and equipment for aircraft jack and other GSE needs, Keep You Flying is your one-stop shop. To accommodate the diverse requirements of aviation professionals, we maintain a diverse selection that serves countless applications and operations. Moreover, we also account for projects that demand parts that meet exacting industry standards and specifications with curated catalogs for such offerings. Take the time to explore all that we have in stock, and do not hesitate to kick off purchasing at any time through the submission of a Request for Quote (RFQ) form on our website to receive pricing options from our staff. Experience how our team can provide unrivaled fulfillment services to address all your needs with care and efficiency when you take the first step today.