The core design of the claw jack addresses a key dilemma: how to insert tools into extremely low clearances and achieve sufficient working stroke?

Traditional jacks (such as vertical hydraulic jacks) have their lifting point aligned with the piston rod axis, and their starting height determines their lowest working point. The claw jack, however, utilizes a revolutionary "split lever" design:

The claw (bracket): A sturdy "claw" that extends beneath the load. It serves not only as a support point but also as the first fulcrum of the entire lever system.

The rocker arm mechanism: When the hydraulic piston extends, it first pushes a rotating rocker arm. One end of the rocker arm is connected to the claw, and the other end serves as a load-bearing point.

Two-Stage Lifting Process:

Low-Motion Phase: The piston extends, driving the rocker arm to rotate. At this point, the rocker arm, using its connection point to the housing as a fulcrum, drives the claw upward to "pry" the load. This stage utilizes the principle of leverage, achieving greater vertical displacement of the claw at the expense of smaller piston stroke, making it particularly suitable for rapid initial lift.

During the heavy-stroke phase, when the rocker arm rotates to a certain angle, the entire mechanism (including the rocker arm and the raised claw) begins to "lift" as a single unit around the fulcrum at the top of the piston. At this point, the operation is similar to that of a standard hydraulic jack, providing a stable and powerful vertical lift.

This compound "prying, then lifting" motion is the fundamental reason why claw jacks can operate from near ground level.