---
title: Screw jacks
url: "https://zimm.com/screw-jacks/"
datePublished: "2023-11-15T11:51:38+00:00"
dateModified: "2026-08-26T05:48:02+00:00"
author: ZIMM GmbH
lang: en
canonical: "https://zimm.com/screw-jacks/"
markdown: "https://zimm.com/ai/page/screw-jacks.md"
image: "https://zimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/header-image-screw-jacks.png"
---

YOUR REQUIREMENTS – OUR SOLUTIONS

# ZIMM screw jacks | Lifting forces from 2.5 to 1,000 kN for lifting, positioning and adjusting

**Movement tasks**:Lifting · Lowering · Positioning · Adjusting · Supporting · Clamping**Product group**:Screw jacks · Worm gear screw jacks**Lifting force ranges**:2.5 to 1,000 kN per screw jack | ZE-Series – 5 to 1,000 kN · ZE-H-Series – 35 to 350 kN · GSZ-Series – 2.5 to 150 kN**Sizes**:14 **Screw versions**:Trapezoidal screw drive · Ball screw drive**Areas of use**:Machinery and plant engineering · Automation · Cable, wire and tube industry · Automated guided vehicles · Steel hydraulic engineering · Ropeway systems · Wind energy · Maritime logistics · Stage technology · Inclined lifts · Aerospace · Urban security and protection technology · Timber industry · Architecture · Intralogistics · Rail technology · Defence**Quality management**:ISO 9001:2015 · Open to further standards, assessed project-specifically

ZIMM screw jacks convert an input rotary motion into a linear lifting or positioning movement. They lift, lower, position and adjust components or loads reproducibly – as a single screw jack or as a mechanically coupled multi-spindle system with several lifting points. 14 sizes in three series are available, with lifting forces from 2.5 to 1,000 kN per screw jack.

Within the ZIMM modular system, screw jacks and electromechanical actuators can be combined with matching screws, motors, connecting shafts, couplings and add-on parts. This creates coordinated drive systems for a wide range of vehicle, workshop and transport applications. The sizing depends on the lifting force, stroke, speed, duty cycle, number of drive points, installation situation, ambient conditions and the safety concept of the overall system.

ZIMM GmbH develops and manufactures screw jacks, bevel gearboxes, electromechanical actuators and matching add-on parts for industrial lifting, positioning and drive tasks at Millennium Park 3, 6890 Lustenau, Austria.

The selection depends on economy, accuracy, speed and the requirements of the application.

Hardened and ground for outstanding durability and energy efficiency.

Standardised flanges and matching parts are available for commercially available motors.

ZIMM provides corrosion protection ex works. Further protection levels and desired colours are possible.

Matching bearing blocks, as standard.

The sealed gear is lubricated-for-life and designed for high speeds and long operating times.

Lubrication is possible during operation. **Electromechanical actuators must be put into the respective lubrication position for this.*

Prepared holes support different types of installation. Upside-down installation with full nominal load is possible.

![](https://zimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/screw-jack_number.png)

![](https://zimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/screw-jack-gsz_number.png)

### General technical information

## Electromechanics vs. Hydraulics

In a direct technology comparison, electromechanical screw jacks are increasingly replacing classic hydraulic solutions in modern industrial plants. The following comparison shows the clear advantages of ZIMM screw jacks in the areas of cost-effectiveness, precision, and operational reliability:

| Criterion | ZIMM Electromechanics | Hydraulics |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Energy Efficiency | High – energy only on demand | Continuously running pump |
| Positioning Accuracy | Micron-precise, repeatable | Leakage affects precision |
| Maintenance Effort | Minimal, no fluid management | High – oil, filters, seals |
| Environmental Compatibility | No leakage damage, leak-free | Risk of oil contamination |
| Installation Effort | Compact, easy integration | Complex piping & seals |
| Operational Reliability | No fire hazard from oil | Fire hazard in case of leaks |
| Synchronization | Multiple axes precisely synchronizable | Complex, vulnerable to pressure drops |
| Operating Noise | Quiet, no hydraulic pump | Loud due to pump aggregates |
| Controllability / Digitalization | Simple PLC integration, Industry 4.0 | More complex, analog character |
| Cleanliness / Hygiene | Ideal for cleanrooms & food industry | Oil residues are problematic |

## Functionality | Rotating and translating spindle

### R-Screw | rotating

The spindle is fixed to the worm wheel and rotates with it. The nut therefore moves up and down.

### S-Screw | translating

The worm wheel has an internal thread and transforms rotary motion into linear movements as long as the spindle is prevented from rotating.

https://youtu.be/LAiykPtcZBA

## Possible combinations | ZIMM modular system

The ZIMM modular system complements screw jacks with suitable accessories for rotating R-screws and translating S-screws. Depending on the version and application, the selection includes mechanical fixing, joint, protection, safety and monitoring elements.

![](https://zimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/zimm-modular-system-screw-jacks-1.png)

![](https://zimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/zimm-modular-system-screw-jacks-2.png)

## Areas of use and applications

ZIMM screw jacks are used for the precise lifting, lowering, positioning, and adjusting of components or loads. They are suitable for applications where reproducible linear motion, robust mechanics, and controlled integration into machines or systems are required.

https://youtu.be/aRImK2vYktc?si=aZhlnHsQpikbgRXP

https://youtu.be/9jJvNfyGWHw

https://youtu.be/Z64laItkYr8?si=nmrp630GBgIr7YR2

## Frequently asked questions about ZIMM screw jacks

A screw jack converts an input rotary motion into a linear lifting or positioning movement. A worm drive inside the gear housing transmits the torque to the screw, or to a nut thread in the worm wheel. The gear ratio and the screw lead turn a high input speed into a slow movement with a high lifting or positioning force. The term worm gear screw jack is also in common use.

ZIMM screw jacks are available in 14 sizes with lifting forces from 2.5 to 1,000 kN per screw jack. The sizes are 2.5 / 5 / 10 / 25 / 35 / 50 / 100 / 150 / 200 / 250 / 350 / 500 / 750 and 1000 kN. The ZE-Series covers 5 to 1,000 kN, the ZE-H-Series 35 to 350 kN and the GSZ-Series 2.5 to 150 kN. The load actually permissible additionally depends on stroke, installation position, buckling and tensile loading, speed and duty cycle.

The choice depends on the design of the system. With the R-screw the overall height remains constant and the nut, together with the elements attached to it, is the moving part – suitable where there is no clearance above the screw jack for an extending screw. With the S-screw the screw extends out of the gear housing; this requires the corresponding clearance and an anti-rotation device for the screw. Further selection criteria are the load linkage, guidance, protection of the screw and the intended installation position.

Trapezoidal screw drives are economical, insensitive to shock loading and, depending on screw lead, friction, lubrication and version, can be statically self-locking. Their lower efficiency limits lifting speed and permissible duty cycle. Ball screw drives achieve a considerably higher efficiency and are therefore suitable for higher speeds, longer duty cycles and higher cycle numbers. They are not self-locking and, where loads have to be held, require a brake or an equivalent holding element. Where lifting tasks are safety-relevant, the possible self-locking of a trapezoidal screw drive does not replace the required holding, locking and safety concept of the overall system.

The duty cycle describes the ratio of movement time to total cycle time and is stated as a percentage. At a duty cycle of 20 %, a screw jack runs for 12 minutes within one hour and is at rest for 48 minutes. It largely determines the heat generated in the screw drive and, alongside lifting force and stroke, is the most important variable for selecting the size. It is influenced by the magnitude of the load, the lifting speed and the chosen screw version: high loads and high speeds mean more friction and therefore more heating. The assessment requires the movement time, the pause time, the number of cycles per hour and the ambient temperature. A high duty cycle combined with a long stroke is the most frequent reason why a size that initially appeared suitable has to be reassessed.

An ambient temperature of 20 °C to 25 °C is regarded as standard. Ambient temperatures below 10 °C and above 40 °C require particular attention; deviations from the standard range must be stated with the enquiry and the order, as they affect the design and the operating behaviour. In operation the components heat up to differing degrees – the screw can reach a considerably higher temperature than the gear housing. Degree of protection, corrosion protection, lubricant and sealing version are defined according to the actual operating and ambient conditions; separate versions are available for clean room, food industry and corrosion protection applications.

Several screw jacks can be connected via connecting shafts, couplings and bevel gearboxes to form a mechanically coupled multi-spindle system. All lifting points are then moved by one drive and run in mechanical synchronism. Alternatively, several drive axes can be synchronised by the control system, for example using servo drives with position feedback. Which variant is suitable depends on the number and arrangement of the lifting points, the required synchronisation accuracy, the load distribution and the available installation space.

The following information in particular is required for the technical design:

- movement task
- required lifting or positioning force
- stroke and lifting speed
- duty cycle and number of cycles
- number of drive points
- installation situation and ambient conditions

In addition, information on the required repeat accuracy, load distribution, control system, sensors and safety requirements is needed. A drawing or sketch of the installation situation supports the technical assessment.

## Our screw jack range

Depending on the area of use and application, 14 sizes in different series with a lifting force of 2kN to 1000kN are available.

## Submit your inquiry for a lifting or positioning task now

Are you planning a lifting, positioning, adjusting, or clamping task and require a quotation or technical support for ZIMM screw jacks? Describe your application and attach a drawing, sketch, or specification sheet. Our application engineers will support you in selecting the correct series, size, and matching screw, motor, connection, and attachment technology from the ZIMM modular system – including project-specific custom applications.