Best High Lift Floor Jack For Truck, and SUVs
No matter what you are looking for, this is the right place to get the best high lift floor jack for car, truck, and SUVs. A jack for the car is a very important piece of kit which should not lack in your armory if you want your at home car mechanic to be classified as well equipped.
You will need it to ensure that, you are capable of getting access to your vehicle’s parts. When you want to replace your tire, there will be a need for you to lift your car high using a good jack. A car jack is an equipment which you will need to trust. Getting your car lifted can be very dangerous as you will be lifting several tons of metal in the air. That is why the tool you use must be one that you trust completely.
Comparison Of High Lift Floor Jack
High Lift Floor Jack Reviews
1. Arcan XL2T Black Low Profile Lift Floor Jack
This is a unit which is compact and sleek when it comes to design and at the same time, sturdy enough to lift the small to the medium-sized car with the capacity it has. It is one that is well designed and it doesn’t matter whether you are a weekend enthusiast or a professional mechanic, it is going to serve your interests perfectly well.
It is a floor jack which is ideal for moving under the vehicle.which has a ground clearance that is minimum. Its minimum height for lifting is 2.75 inch which could make it one of the lowest available in the market.
If you decide that this is your unit of choice, then it comes with a body length of 32 inches making it easy to slide under whatever car and reach a point of lifting depending on your preference.
The jack pump system of this unit is dual making it powerful enough to lift loads which are heavy with a lot of ease. Using this unit, you will be able to get the maximum lift with less effort from your end. Its handle is connected to the frame by a U-joint which is rigid, making it a sturdy piece to use.
Pros
1. Complete safety standards
2. It has a high quality built
3. It is a design with a low profile
4. It gives a smooth lifting operation
5. Good value for money
Cons
1. It is expensive
2. W1617 3 Tons High Lift Floor Jack By Performance Tool
I bought this particular high lift floor jack for my father and one year down the line, and he is still all praises about it. It is a jack which has a lifting height of about 21 and ¼ inches and it tends to be one of the cheapest options in the class of high lift floor jacks which are used by the trucks.
For overload protection, there is a fail-safe built, which does not allow the jack to be able to work if the load exceeds the anticipated one. It is a floor jack which meets or exceeds all the ASME standards.
Although it is not ideal for lift heavy-duty trucks, it will work well with your light-duty trucks or an average full-size truck. It has a basic lifting capability which is good enough to do repairs which are basic for your SUVs or small truck.
Pros
1. A build-in overload protection
2. It meets or exceeds the ASME standards
3. It has a 21 ¼ lift height
4. It has 6000 lbs lift capacity
5. Good for use with your small truck or SUVs
Cons
1. Cannot lift heavy duty trucks
3. Hi-Lift Jack HL484 Steel Jack
At times, it might not be easy to predict how the load will be. That is the reason why you will need to equip yourself with this particular high lift jack for rough times. And being compact in nature, it will readily fit in your car without occupying much space.
This is a jack which has been in the market for quite a while and with it, maintained the quality in performance and that is why it is still earning trust among more users like me and my father.
It seems to provide exceptional and quality performance which will ensure that you are in control of any situation that comes your way when using it. If you are in need of pushing, clamping, pulling, winching or lifting, then this jack will readily provide all that for you.
It is designed using a mixture of steel components and cast components for stability and durability. It also features powder coating, which ensures that it is protected from corrosion and thus, suitable for all types of weather.
Using this particular jack, you will be able to lift, pull, and push a vehicle of up to 7000lbs in weight capacity. It has the power to operate in mountains and jungles. You will utilize it for off-roading adventures.
Pros
1. Multi-purpose uses
2. Heavy-duty material construction
3. Can be used for vehicles up to 7000lbs weight capacity
4. Designed to last for a long time
5. Can be used for heavy duty rescue
Cons
1. Not recommended for changing tires
4. Powerbuilt 620422E Triple Lift Jack
It comes with a lifting capacity of up to 4000pounds making it be capable of lifting even the heaviest of bikes. If you are looking for as sturdy but compact motorcycle jack without having to spend a lot of money, then this could be the right choice for you. It is strong enough to hold your dirt bike, vehicle, ATVs or even a truck.
If you don’t have to carry several jacks for different uses, then this might be the jack to opt for. It is a unijack which doubles as a jack stand and a bottle jack. It is able to accommodate vehicles that have low lifting points, as low as 8 – 5/8 inches. Its maximum lifting height is at 18 – 3/8.
Apart from lifting your truck, bike, and car, this particular floor jack has the capability of replacing and removing vehicle transmissions. Its triple lift design makes it stand out. It comes with a removable lift saddle and padded lift rails which are able to allow the tools to fit in various models of vehicle frames.
Once the vehicle is raised up, it has a convenient system for locking which ensures that the jack is held in place. With this particular feature, there will be no need to purchase a separate jack stand.
Pros
1. Has a nice built
2. It is capable of lifting both the body on and unibody frame vehicles
3. It comes with a locking safety bar which holds the jack in place
4. It combines the power of a jack stand and a bottle jack in a single unit
5. A flat and broad base for enhancing stability mostly on surfaces which are soft
Cons
1. It is heavy
5. Pro-Lift F-767 Ton Capacity
It is an incredibly low profile floor jack which features a low design which will allow you to fit various types of cars. It has a built-in safety valve meaning that, if you choose to buy it, you will have increased protection while working under it.
Its construction is sturdy, built from heavy-duty materials for the safety of yourself and that of your car. It offers a lift range of between 3.5 inches to 14 inches. Its overload protection is one of the safest designs which you will find among other floor jacks. And even though it is cheap, it is likely going to deliver value for your money.
Pros
1. It has extra safety features
2. It has patented bypass system
3. No over pumping
4. Heavy-duty steel design
5. Good lifting range
Cons
1. The handle is too short
6. Arcan ALJ3T High Lift Floor Jack
I bought this high lift floor jack one year ago and I have no regret over my decision. I can say that it has a reputation for being among the best floor jacks which you can purchase for home use. This is due to the fact that it is lightweight, with a size of about 56 pounds which is something rare for a floor jack of 3 tons.
Its main feature is the adjustable lift weight which is at 3 ¾ minimum and this is good especially when you are working with vehicles which have a low profile. It makes it easier to fix the car while operating at a height which is safe. If you are a first time user, this might be the best one to purchase.
Another thing I like about this particular floor jack is that it has a quick lock feature. When you are using the jack, it is the lock which allows you to keep it at a height or position that is right. This is the process, helps in ensuring that, you will be able to continue working on your car without the worry of an accident due to loss of position. If you are looking for a floor jack with stability, this might be one of them.
It has dual pistons to ensure that, it is shielded against contaminants such as dust particles, rust, and bacteria. This feature makes it to even last longer. It is a versatile jack when it comes to its usage in the vehicle. It can be able to operate on mid-sized vehicles as well as trucks. If you are looking for a high-quality floor jack, which can do your work, then you can try this one out.
It has reinforced arm strength which helps in lifting up your car easily. All you have to do is 12 pumps and it will be at its maximum height, making it great for workers in the garage who need a floor jack that can easily lift up the car.
One of its disadvantages is that at times it fails to hold a load. But the good thing is that it comes with a limited warranty of 1 year and in case if that ever happens, you will have enough time to get a replacement. It is light and it comes with a safety valve in case you expose it to an excessive amount of weight.
Pros
1. It is one of the most stable in its category
2. No contaminations to the fluid due to the presence of the piston
3. Overload and bypass valve safety feature
4. Affordable
5. One year limited warranty
Cons
1. At times it fails to hold the load
7. Blackhawk B6350 Floor Jack
This might be one of the best floor jack which you should ensure that you have with you. It offers a high capacity of lift up to 3.5 tonnes using fast lift technology that provides high efficiency. It is a jack which comes in a design which is unique where you can easily fit the jacking point.
It uses a swivel saddle which enables you to be able to position safely so that you are sure that you will be safe. With its construction which is heavy duty, you can be able to lift heavy loads easily and in a more efficient way. You also have a guarantee that you will be able to use it for a very long time due to the fact that, steel is a material which is durable for long term use.
It comes with a bypass device which prevents any type of damage which might be caused due to over-pumping and also a safety valve which is built-in those guarantee operations which are safe.
Pros
1. Has a bypass device
2. Easy to fit at the jacking point
3. Uses fast lift technology
4. It has a swivel saddle feature
5. Sturdy and heavy duty steel construction
Cons
1. It is extremely hard for one person to move it as it is one of the heaviest jacks
What Are the Different Types Of Car Jacks?
There are different types of car jacks which you will be able to find in the market including:
1. Hydraulic Bottle Jack
It is a car jack which has a cylindrical shape. Its mechanism allows for a lever to be inserted so that you can be able to pump and create pressure inside the bottle jack. It tends to work as a floor jack except that, it is smaller and compact and doesn’t have wheels. Its downside is that, just like the scissors, it's being stable is dependant on the surface where you place it.
2. Scissor Jack
This is the type of jacks which manufacturers of the vehicles included in the cars. The legs of the scissors are drawn together by pulling a long screw which is turned. When the legs draw closer, they tend to grow higher at the same time.
This type of car jacks is built for some certain model of vehicles as they will only be able to fit the lifting points which are found on the car. It is a portable car jack which is found in a compartment in the trunk of the car, designed for storing the jacks.
3. Floor Jack
Apart from being great when changing tires, it is common when doing repairs and another purpose of general maintenance for the car. It bases its work on the hydraulic pressure principle to be able to lift objects which are heavy with such ease.
To ease replacement under the car, they come with 4 wheels, together with a handle which is long enough to use when operating the lift mechanism. They come in various weight capacities and thus, there is a need to ensure that you check your vehicle’s gross tonnage before you buy the floor jack.
Purchase one which has a weight capacity which is higher. The main downside of this particular car jack is that they tend to be heavy and bulky and thus, not practical to place them in your car trunk.
4. High-Lift Jack
These type of jacks are specialty and are specifically designed to raise vehicles which are off-road or any other vehicle which has a chassis which is lifted. They are able to raise vehicles up to 5 feet high with a lifting capacity of 7000 pounds. They tend to be exceptionally long with the shortest one being 3 feet. It is impractical to place such a jack into your car.
5. Adjustable Jacks
They are normally used for both residential and commercial settings, they are similar to auto automatics but are sold mostly together with hydraulic pumps which allow the car to be lifted with less effort. All you will need to do is to ensure that, you pump the handle three times or four for the car to be able to rise up at an acceptable level in order for work to start.
6. Farm Jacks
It is a jack which is vertical in design and it is good to use for jobs involving pulling and lifting. They tend to be commonly used by people who live in regions which have rough terrain which receives weather inclement during the months of winter as they help in getting the vehicles out of the ice, rocks and other grounds which are uneven during unfavorable conditions of the road. Their operation mechanism is different from that of floor jacks but when it comes to basic lift job they perform the same.
7. Piston Jacks
These particular jack types are used for lifting operations that are beyond the ordinary floor jack. They are capable of lifting up to 50 tons but for it to operate smoothly, it requires a large space. It cannot operate in low profile vehicles.
Things That Need To Be Considered Before Making A Purchase
It can be tricky to pick up the right jack for your car but if you utilize this guide, it might become simpler. When you know what you are looking for in a car jack, it becomes easier for you to compare various brand and come up with a decision which is well informed based on must have needs and bearable compromises.
1. Construction
The overall build quality of the jack needs to be considered when you are purchasing a jack for your car. Get one that is made of solid metal. Consider getting heavier jack for the car instead of the lightweight ones since they will be in a position to offer stability.
The sad thing about buying a car jack is that you will not have an opportunity to try it out before purchasing it. All you will have are the online reviews which you will need to go through and find out what those who used it before you are saying about the same.
2. The Jack Weight
Most of the jacks for cars are rated in tonnage. Mild sized, economy, compact and cars which are subcompact can be easily raised using a 2-tonne hydraulic car jack while SUVs, mid-sized cars that are luxurious, trucks and vans, can be lifted easily using a 3-tonne hydraulic jack. If you are not sure of the tonnage of your vehicle, or of the jack tonnage, you can go to the buyers manual and consult.
3. Profile
It is important to note that, not all vehicles are equal. A sports car cannot be the same as a 4x4 which has great offroad clearance. The vehicle which you drive might somehow determine what type of jack you will have to choose.
4. Capacity
There will be no need to have a jack which will not be in a position to be able to lift your vehicle. When you try to overstretch the maximum lift capacity, it could become dangerous for you and the vehicle.
If you are not sure about the weight of your vehicle, check your owner’s manual or the website of your manufacturer to get the right specifications. Based on that, go ahead and choose a model which will be able to get the vehicle off the ground.
5. Jack Speed
A dual piston floor jack tends to do fast lifting as compared to the models which are a single piston. The size of the handle also matters. A long handle makes lifting easier and faster.
6. Warranty
If you are buying an expensive car jack, then ensure that it has a reliable warranty. While it is okay to have a two-year warranty, most of the jacks for cars available in the market come with a 1-year warranty.
7. The saddle
This is the jack part which rests under the jacking point. When there are materials to cushion on the saddle top will reduce the damage to your car at the point of jacking.
8. Mobility
Ensure that if you are using a floor jack, it has pivoting wheels and sturdy so that you can move the jack with ease.
9. Mechanism for lifting
A floor jack pump that is dual will be able to allow the lifitng of the jack using less time and effort. But it is important to note that, such jacks are expensive as compared to the machines which have one pump.
10. Lifting arm
When the lifting arm is long, it makes it easier to lift the load. But on the negative, such an arm will be prone to distortion unless you find one which is constructed from materials which are sturdy. If possible, use one lift arm instead of utilizing a lift arm with two pieces.
Tips on How to Use a Car Jack Safely
When you are working on your car, it is a must that safety comes first. And this includes working with a floor jack. This is the way to use a floor jack in a safe way:
- Ensure that you check that your floor jack has proper operations before you embark on using it. Any sign of damage on it or a leak should be a sign that you need to replace it.
- You will need to always use a floor jack using the weight rating which is right for your particular car
- Don’t go for cheap, low-quality floor jack as you cannot place a tag on your safety
- Ensure that, before you start using a floor jack, your car is in a solid, firm, flat and stable, even surface. The car has to be in the park position and the emergency brake should be engaged.
- On the wheel which is opposite the one you are working on, place a wheel chock. If you are currently working on the right wheel on the front, then you will have to place a chock on the wheel on the front left. This is to ensure that, you prevent accidental rolling.
- To support your vehicle, ensure that you use a jack stand while you are at work. It is a measure for precaution just in case the floor jacks fail
- Ensure that you test the stability of the jack before you start working under your vehicle.
- Make sure that the floor jack is placed in the right lifting points on your vehicle. Consult with your vehicle’s manual to learn where the lifting points are.
- When you are through with working on your vehicle, ensure that no part of your body is still under the vehicle for you decide to lower the jack.
FAQs
1. Can You Lift Heavier Than The Specified Lift Capacity?
If the jack you are using is new and in good condition, then it is possible that it is capable of lifting more than the specified capacity. To avoid unnecessary accidents, the manufacturers ensure that, they make some safe margins. But I for one, would not advocate for that and thus, I recommend you use a jack according to the specified capacity. For sure, you don’t want your car to fall on you while you are working under it.
2. Do I Need Jack Stands Or Is A Floor Jack Enough?
You will need to always use jack stands when you start working under your car. It doesn’t matter even if you have a floor jack that is high quality. It is possible for a floor jack of any kind to get an internal leak or a problem of sorts and make the car fall on you. If such an accident happens, it will be hard for you to survive it. That is why, it is important to take precautionary measures and ensure that, you have at least 2 jack stands that are under your car, which is of a capacity which is right for it. You don’t have to risk your life doing a task.
3. Where Is The Best Place To Lift My Truck With My Floor Jack?
You have to always check your owner or service manual to get to know the lift spots that are on your vehicle. If you lift your vehicle on spots which are not the lift spots, can result in serious damages to the engine and your body. In case your car has a frame, then do the lifting on it, and not on its body. If you lift on the body, it can cause the frame to fall especially if the body is rusty.
4. How Do I Lift My Car With A Floor Jack?
All you need to do is to ensure that, you close the pressure valve by turning the handle, then pump it using the handle. When you want your floor jack to be lowered, you will need to turn the pressure valve the opposite way. You can check out the floor jack manual on how to use it well. You will need to always put the jack stands under your car before you go under the car.
5. Are There Any Other Tasks For Which I Could Use A Floor Jack?
Though floor jacks are mostly used to lift up a vehicle part so that repair can be performed, they can also be used for an array of other repairs. Even you will find them in car shops, they tend to also be popular in amateur car enthusiasts and DIYers.
6. Am I Safe Under The Car If I Am Only Using A Floor Jack?
Never rely on a jack alone to hold a vehicle up if you are working under the car. Always use jack stands to ensure that they support the weight of the vehicle while you are doing the undercarriage work. For you to have extra safety, you can stick up some wood or tires underneath for redundancy in case the jack stand fails.
7. Must The Lifting Capacity Of The Floor Jack Be 100% The Same As The Weight Of My Car?
The rule is that the floor jack needs to be rated for at least the vehicles ¾ gross weight. With this rule in mind, a jack that is 3000 pounds can be able to lift a car which weighs as much as 4000 pounds. So the weight of the jack is not 100% proportional to the weight of the car is lifted.
8. I Have A Jack Which Doesn’t Reach Up, Must I Use Pads To Lift It Higher?
If you are careful, then you can as long as you have experience. Remember that, the use of pads can make the car to tip off and fall if you are careless with it. Instead of taking the risk, I would recommend that you just get the right floor jack for the job. But there are some specific pads meant for specific floor jacks, you can check them out and buy.
Conclusion
For you to get the right jack for your car, there is a need for you to know everything about the particular brand which you are interested in. And this should match well with your car size. What I have listed above are some of what I consider to be the best high lift floor jack for car, trucks, and SUVs. Use the pros and cons to be able to find out which one will work well for you. If you do so, you will end up with one of the best high-quality product that will last you for a very long period of time.
Source:
- https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/all-about-car-jacks-and-stands
- https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/equipment/hitch-accessories/hitch-jacks2.htm
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