Concrete Block Producing Equipment/Jesson Lightning II MK 2 \ Lightning IV brick\block makers
The Lightning II MK2 and Lightning IV Brick/Block Makers are all-steel constructions, which function as "egg-laying" machines capable of making a variety of concrete bricks and blocks at a high output rate. Several interchangeable moulds are available and special moulds can be made to order.
The Lightning II MK 2 is fully manual, but can be fitted with electric vibration, if required, while the Lightning IV is electrically operated, but can also be supplied with a petrol engine. A unique feature of the Lightning II MK 2 is a mechanical size assessment stop, which prevents odd-sized products being made.
Operating the Lightning II/IV Machines
For brick or block production a smooth, level 10 cm thick concrete slab is needed, large enough to accommodate 1.5 days output, that is about 300 m² for the Lightning II MK 2 and about 750 m² for the Lightning IV.
Both machines have a concrete bin, from which the moulds are filled. The concrete is tamped up to a predetermined height and, leaving the compactor down, the mould is lifted off the bricks/ blocks and the machine rolled back to the next drop point, where the mould is lowered, the compactor raised and the cycle repeated. After 24-36 hours moist curing, the products are stacked and kept wet for 7-10 days, then dried.
| Lightning 11 MK 2 | Lightning IV | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size of machine (length x width x height) | 140 x 110 x 140 cm (55 x 43 x 55 in) | 230 x 150 x 130 cm (91 x 59 x 51 in) | |
| Weight of machine | 90 kg | 650 kg | |
| Size of crate for shipment (palleted) | 150 x 120 x 150 cm (59 x 47 x 59 in) | 240 x 160 x 140 cm (94 x 63 x 55 in) | |
| Weight of packed machine | 100 kg | 700 kg | |
| Brick and block sizes (same for both machines) | Imperial dimensions | Metric dimensions | |
| Standard brick sizes (1 x w x h) | a | 22 x 10.4 x 7.5 cm (8.7 x 4.1 x 3 in) | 19 x 9 x 9 cm (7.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 in) |
| Standard hollow or solid block sizes | b | 44 x 22 x 22 cm (17.3 x 8.7 x 8.7 in) | 39 x 19 x 19 cm (15.4 x 7.5 x 7.5 in) |
| c | 44x 15x22cm(17.3x5.9x8.7 in) | 39x 14x 19cm(15.4x5.5 x7.5 in) | |
| d | 44 x 10.4 x 22 cm (17.3 x 4.1 x 8.7 in) | 39 x 9 x 19 cm (15.4 x 3.5 x 7.5 in) | |
| Energy input | manual | electric motor (1or 3-phase) / petrol engine | |
| No. of bricks per cycle / output rate | a | 12 /650 bricks per hour | 28 (on side) / 1500 bricks per hour |
| No. of blocks per cycle / output rate | b | 2 / 80 blocks per hour | 4 / 375 blocks per hour |
| c | 3 / 90 blocks pet hour | 5 / 375 blocks per hour | |
| d | 4 / 100 blocks per hour | 7 / 375 blocks per hour | |
| Labour force required | 1 machine operator + 3 helpers | 1 machine operator + 5 helpers |
| Price (ex works) valid June 1991 R = South African Rand |
Lightning II MK 2 1650 R (» 600 US0 | Lightning IV 9500 R (» 3500 US0 |
| (incl. 1 mould/compactor unit; other moulds cost more or less, depending on the type and size) | ||
| Authors | Ericblazek |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-3.0 |
| Cite as | Ericblazek (2006–2025). "Concrete Block Producing Equipment/Jesson Lightning II MK 2 \ Lightning IV brick\block makers". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026. |