Caterpillar Bottle Jack

The Caterpillar name represents rugged, professional-grade equipment built for demanding applications. CAT branded bottle jacks bring this reputation to portable hydraulic lifting, offering heavy-duty construction and reliable performance for automotive, industrial, and agricultural users who expect equipment that works as hard as they do.

Bottle jacks are among the most efficient lifting tools available, using hydraulic force multiplication to lift tremendous weights with simple hand pumping. Caterpillar-branded bottle jacks position themselves in the professional tier, targeting users who need dependable performance in commercial and industrial settings.

This guide covers the CAT bottle jack lineup, specifications, proper use, and how these jacks compare to alternatives in the professional lifting equipment market.

About Caterpillar branded tools

Caterpillar Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. Beyond their iconic yellow machinery, CAT licenses their brand for various tools and equipment including automotive products.

Brand licensing

CAT bottle jacks and automotive tools are manufactured through licensing agreements rather than direct Caterpillar production. This is common for major equipment brands—the licensor provides brand standards and quality requirements while specialized manufacturers handle production.

Key licensing partners for CAT tools have included various Asian manufacturers producing to CAT specifications. The brand oversight typically ensures quality levels above generic imports while pricing remains competitive with other professional-tier options.

What the CAT brand means

For bottle jacks, the CAT brand generally indicates:

Commercial-grade construction materials
Quality control meeting brand standards
Competitive warranty coverage
Availability through CAT dealer networks and major retailers
Price positioning in the professional tier (above budget, below premium)

CAT bottle jack product line

Caterpillar bottle jacks are available in various capacities to suit different applications.

Common capacity ratings

Model Capacity	Metric Equivalent	Typical Applications
4 ton	3,600 kg	Passenger cars, light trucks
6 ton	5,400 kg	SUVs, vans, light commercial
12 ton	10,900 kg	Heavy trucks, trailers, equipment
20 ton	18,100 kg	Commercial vehicles, industrial
30 ton	27,200 kg	Heavy equipment, commercial fleet
50 ton	45,400 kg	Industrial, construction machinery

Specifications overview

CAT bottle jack specifications vary by model, but typical features include:

Minimum height. 180-290 mm (7-11.5 inches) depending on capacity.
Maximum height. 350-460 mm (14-18 inches) for standard models.
Lift stroke. 120-200 mm (4.7-8 inches) ram travel.
Screw extension. Additional 50-80 mm (2-3 inches) on most models.
Base dimensions. Varies with capacity; larger jacks have wider bases for stability.
Weight. 2-25 kg (4.5-55 lbs) depending on capacity.

Features and construction

Build quality

CAT bottle jacks typically feature:

Steel construction. Heavy-gauge steel body and ram for durability.
Powder coat finish. Yellow or black powder coating for corrosion resistance.
Machined components. Precision-machined ram and cylinder bore.
Quality seals. Industrial-grade hydraulic seals for leak resistance.
Integrated pump. Built-in hydraulic pump with one-piece handle.

Safety features

Overload bypass valve. Prevents operation beyond rated capacity.
Controlled release. Release valve allows gradual lowering.
Wide base. Stable footprint reduces tipping risk.
Saddle design. Shaped saddle helps center load.

Hydraulic system

The hydraulic system in CAT bottle jacks operates on standard principles:

Single-acting cylinder with spring return
Ball or poppet check valves
Adjustable release valve for controlled lowering
Pre-filled with hydraulic jack oil (typically ISO VG 22 or 32)

For information on hydraulic fluid for bottle jacks, see our bottle jack oil guide.

Proper use

Before lifting

Verify jack capacity exceeds the load weight
Inspect jack for damage, leaks, or worn components
Ensure release valve is closed (turn clockwise)
Position on firm, level surface
If lifting vehicles, engage parking brake and wheel chocks

Lifting procedure

Position jack under appropriate lift point
If using screw extension, adjust height before pumping
Pump handle with smooth, full strokes
Lift only high enough to accomplish the task
Never work under a load supported only by a jack
Use jack stands for any sustained support

Lowering procedure

Ensure area under load is clear
Slowly turn release valve counter-clockwise
Control descent speed by adjusting valve position
Close valve once load is fully lowered
Retract screw extension if used

Critical safety rules

Never exceed rated capacity. The rating assumes ideal conditions; stay well under it.
Never work under an unsupported load. Always use jack stands for service work.
Center the load. Off-center loads create dangerous tipping forces.
Level surface only. Slopes and uneven surfaces cause instability.
No modifications. Never weld, drill, or modify jack components.

Maintenance

Regular inspection

Before each use, check:

Visible damage to body, base, or saddle
Oil leaks around cylinder or fittings
Smooth operation of pump and release valve
Condition of handle and socket
Ram surface for scoring or pitting

Hydraulic fluid service

Check fluid level annually or when operation becomes spongy
Top up with proper hydraulic jack oil only
Change fluid every 2-3 years or when contaminated
Bleed air if jack feels soft or doesn't lift fully

Storage

Store with ram fully retracted
Keep in dry location to prevent corrosion
Store upright to prevent oil migration
Protect from impact and dropping

When to replace

Replace the jack if you find:

Cracks in body, base, or saddle
Bent or damaged ram
Persistent leaks despite seal replacement
Unable to hold load (sinks under pressure)
Release valve won't seal properly

Comparison with other brands

CAT vs premium brands

Compared to premium jacks from Blackhawk, Hein-Werner, or Lincoln:

CAT typically costs 20-40% less
Premium brands may offer heavier construction
Premium brands often have longer warranties
CAT provides good value for professional use

CAT vs budget brands

Compared to economy jacks from Pittsburgh, generic imports:

CAT typically costs 30-50% more
Better material quality and machining
More consistent quality control
Better seal and component life expectancy

Market positioning

CAT bottle jacks occupy the professional tier—above budget options but below premium industrial brands. This makes them appropriate for:

Professional mechanics and service shops
Fleet maintenance operations
Farm and agricultural use
Serious home mechanics wanting quality
Construction and industrial applications

Where to buy

Retail availability

CAT bottle jacks are available through:

Caterpillar dealers. Authorized CAT equipment dealers carry branded tools.
Auto parts stores. AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA stock select models.
Home improvement stores. Home Depot, Lowe's carry CAT tools.
Online retailers. Amazon, Walmart, tool specialty sites.
Industrial suppliers. Grainger, MSC, Fastenal.

Typical pricing

Capacity	Typical Price Range
4-6 ton	$30-60
12 ton	$50-90
20 ton	$70-130
30 ton	$100-180
50 ton	$150-280

Warranty

CAT tool warranties vary by retailer and region. Typical coverage is 1-3 years for manufacturing defects. Keep receipts and register products when applicable to ensure warranty service.

Alternatives to consider

Similar professional-tier options

Torin/Big Red. Comparable quality and pricing, wide availability.
Powerbuilt. Good mid-range option with decent quality.
Husky (Home Depot). Store brand with reasonable quality.
Kobalt (Lowe's). Store brand alternative.

Premium alternatives

Blackhawk. Professional quality, higher price point.
Hein-Werner. Industrial quality, excellent durability.
Lincoln. Long history of quality hydraulic equipment.
Sunex. Professional tool brand with good reputation.

Frequently asked questions

Are CAT bottle jacks made by Caterpillar?

CAT bottle jacks are produced under license by manufacturing partners, not directly by Caterpillar Inc. However, they must meet Caterpillar's brand quality standards.

What's the warranty on CAT bottle jacks?

Warranty varies by retailer and region, typically 1-3 years for defects. Check with your specific retailer for warranty terms.

What oil should I use in a CAT bottle jack?

Use standard hydraulic jack oil, ISO VG 22 or VG 32. See our bottle jack oil guide for details.

How do I bleed air from my CAT bottle jack?

Open the fill plug, fully extend and retract the ram several times with the release valve open, then top up oil and close the plug. Repeat if needed.

Can I use a CAT bottle jack on its side?

Bottle jacks should only be used in the upright position. Horizontal use can cause oil starvation and hydraulic failure.