If you have a hydraulic jack plate, you know how convenient they are. But what do you do when the power goes out and you need to lower the plate manually? Here’s how:
First, find the release valve on the hydraulic jack. It is usually located near the bottom of the unit. Once you find it, turn it counterclockwise to release the pressure in the system.
Next, locate the manual lowering lever. This is usually a large knob or handle that is easy to spot.Turn this lever clockwise to slowly lower the hydraulic jack plate.
Once the plate is lowered to your desired position, turn off the manual lowering lever and secure it in place with a pin or clip.
Then, turn on the release valve to allow pressure to build up again in the system.
- Place the jack plate in the lowered position
- Locate the hydraulic adjustment knob on the side of the jack plate
- Turn the knob counterclockwise to lower the jack plate
- Continue turning the knob until the desired height is reached

Credit: www.amazon.com
How Do You Lower a Manual Jack Plate?
Assuming you are referring to a boat jack plate:
There are two types of manual jack plates, hydraulic and screw-type. To lower a hydraulic jack plate, simply push the down button or lever.
To lower a screw-type jack plate, turn the knob or handle clockwise until it is in the lowest position.
Why Won’T My Atlas Jack Plate Go Down?
If your Atlas jack plate will not go down, there are a few potential reasons why.
First, check to see if the hydraulic fluid is low. If it is, add more fluid and try again.
Next, check for any leaks in the hydraulic system. A leak can cause the pressure to drop, preventing the jack plate from working properly.
If there are no leaks and the fluid level is good, then it’s possible that the pump or motor has failed.
This would need to be replaced in order to get the jack plate working again.
Finally, make sure that all of the connections are secure and there is nothing blocking the jack plate from moving freely. If everything looks good but it still won’t move, then you may need to call a professional for further assistance.
How Do Manual Jack Plates Work?
Manual jack plates are designed to be used with manual winches to raise and lower loads. The plate is placed on the ground and the load is placed on top of the plate. The winch is then used to lift the load off the ground and onto the plate.
The plate can then be moved to another location and the process repeated.
Why is My Jack Plate Not Working?
If your jack plate is not working, there are a few things that could be the issue. First, check to make sure that the power supply to the jack plate is turned on. Next, check the fuse for the jack plate.
If neither of these are the issue, then it is likely that the motor on the jack plate has failed and will need to be replaced.
adjusting manual jackplate (slide master)
Bob’S Jack Plate Stuck in Up Position
If you have a Bob’s Jack Plate that is stuck in the up position, there are a few things you can try to get it unstuck. First, check to see if there is anything blocking the jack plate from moving down. If there is, remove the obstruction and try again.
If the jack plate still won’t move, you may need to lubricate the jack plate mechanism. This can be done by spraying WD-40 or another lubricant onto the jack plate and moving it up and down a few times. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the jack plate.
Conclusion
If your hydraulic jack plate is not working properly, you can try to manually lower it. First, check the fluid level in the reservoir and make sure it is full. If it is low, add more fluid until it reaches the full line.
Next, check the hoses for leaks or cracks. If you find any damage, replace the hoses. Finally, check the pump for damage and make sure it is working properly.