Choose the Right Capacity
- Find your gross vehicle weight and front and rear weights on the sticker inside your door or in your vehicle’s manual.
- Be sure to get more weight lifting capacity than you need.
- Don’t go overboard – the higher the capacity, the slower and heavier the jack.
What is the best floor jack in the market?
- The Best Floor Jack Torin Hydraulic Floor Jack. Imagine experiencing a flat tire in a middle of nowhere with a jack that cannot lift your vehicle to enable a swift change of tire. Pittsburg 1.5 Ton Compact Aluminum Floor Jack. Meet yet another lightweight floor jack you can rely on any day. Arcan Black Low Profile Steel Service Jack. More items
What size floor jack should I buy?
Our rule of thumb is that a floor jack needs to be rated for at least three-quarters of a vehicle’s gross weight. So, according to our rule, a one-and-a-half-ton (3,000-pound) jack could lift a car that weighs as much as 4,000 pounds — or two mothers-in-law.
Is a 2 ton jack enough for a truck?
For most sedans and small cars, a two-ton jack will be sufficient for raising a corner. A pickup truck or SUV could require twice that rating (four tons) to give you the margin of safety that you need.
Can a 3 ton jack lift a truck?
Arcan 3-Ton Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack This jack features aircraft-grade aluminum construction that weighs just 56 pounds. It also has a lifting range between 3.75 inches and 18 inches, giving this jack enough lift for most SUVs and light-duty trucks.
Can a 2 ton jack lift a Silverado?
A 2-ton floor jack is recommended for the Chevy Silverado 1500. It can lift 4,000 pounds. The lift point should be flat, level with the floor or the ground, and able to support the base of the jack. You should always use jack stands as additional support while Your car is up in the air.
Can a 2 ton jack lift a Dodge Ram 1500?
A two-ton jack only carries a capacity of 4,000 lbs. In general smaller vehicles are lifted witH2-ton capacities and trucks and SUVs are raised usinG3-ton jacks. A 2 ton jack is not capable of lifting a dodge ram 1500, you will want a 3 ton jack.
What size jack do I need for my F150?
For most F150 trucks, a 3 ton floor jack is best and should mean you work completely safely.
How big of a floor jack do I need for my truck?
Recommendations vary, but you need a jack rated for at least three-quarters of your vehicle’s weight, giving you an adequate safety margin. For example, this Evercraft 2 Ton Floor Jack with Jack Stands is rated for 4,000 lb. (about 1,800 kg).
Are Harbor Freight Jacks safe?
Harbor Freight is recalling 454,000 jack stands because they pose a safety risk and advises consumers to stop using them immediately. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety recall report, the stands were produced between June 2013 and November 2019.
What is better a floor jack or bottle jack?
Compared to floor jacks, however, bottle jacks cannot offer high stability due to their narrow frame; floor jacks provide a more solid solution for tricky operations. Bottle jacks also have a minimum lift height, which may pose problems when working with standard-clearance automobiles.
Will a 3 ton jack lift a Silverado?
The BIG RED jack has a 6,000 lb (3 ton) load capacity, sufficient to lift a Silverado. If you keep the long neck handle in its place and then raise your truck, this floor jack will leave behind an almost 21” area under your vehicle.
Can a 2 ton jack lift a Suburban?
Yes, as long as your SUV is under 4 tons (8000lbs) since you only lift half of it.
Buying a Car Jack and Jack Stands
Mr. Fix-It-Up-For-The-Family Purchase a semi-professional quality jack and jack stands for their strength, safety, and ease of use. They’re well worth the slight additional investment you make on them.
Buy semi-pro quality jacks
Take a look at the lift height of this floor jack, which is 22 inches. Take note of the extra-long pump handle and the extra-wide wheelbase. Do you believe it is safe to crawl beneath your vehicle while it is supported by a car jack? Reconsider your position. If you want to safeguard your life and make your work simpler, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on the correct equipment. However, you must be aware of the signs to watch for. We’ll lay it all out for you in plain English. There are two different pricing levels for floor jacks aimed for do-it-yourselfers: economy ($30 to $40) and semipro ($65 to $99).
Its short wheelbase, narrow breadth, extremely small “saddle” (the section of the chassis on which the automobile rides), poor stability, and limited lifting capacity all contribute to its poor performance.
For an additional $35, you may get a 3-1/2-ton semiprofessional jack (photo).
compared to around 15 in.
Because of the lengthy pump handle, it is possible to install it beneath an engine cradle or differential without having to crawl under the car.
Buy a four-leg car stand
Keep your eye out for the ratcheting teeth on this jack stand. Simply position it in the desired location and pull up on the cradle to automatically lock it in place. To unlock the door, lift the lever. Aside from that, car stands are available in two configurations: a pin lock with three legs and a ratchet lock with four legs. In general, the ratchet design is considerably easier to operate and can handle far more weight, whereas the four-leg foundation gives significantly greater stability.
Do not climb beneath any vehicle that is only supported by the floor jack.
In addition, make sure you have an emergency car kit in your vehicle at all times.
Choosing the Best Floor Jack for Your Truck, Car, or SUV
The mechanical advantage of hydraulic jacks has always piqued our interest. Our ability to lift literally hundreds of tons more than we could on our own is due to a combination of physics and engineering.
So, how do you go about selecting the greatest floor jack for your needs? We jumped on a phone call with Bob Fox from Sunex Tools to benefit from his nearly five decades of industry knowledge and experience.
Choose the Right Material
- Steel is more expensive than aluminum, but it is heavier and more robust. Aluminum is lighter than steel, but it will not last as long and is more costly. Hybrid: This design incorporates both steel and aluminum components to provide the best of both worlds.
Choose the Right Capacity
- Find your gross vehicle weight, as well as the weights of the front and rear wheels, on a sticker inside your door or in your car’s owner’s handbook. Make certain that you have more weight lifting capacity than you will require. Make sure you don’t go overboard since, as capacity increases, the jack becomes slower and heavier to operate.
If You Don’t Know Jack, You Should Know Bob
Mr. Fox began his professional career in the lifting equipment industry in 1970. He has a plethora of information and has earned a high level of respect in his area over the course of the previous half-century. Moreover, he serves on the ASME board of directors for Portable Automotive Service Equipment, where he contributes to the development of recommendations and rules in the industry. It’s safe to assume he knows a lot about a lot of things. When looking for the best hydraulic jack for your truck, vehicle, or SUV, you will often be directed to two categories: construction materials and capacity.
The Best Floor Jack: Material Type
Steel jacks are by far the most often used since they are the least priced and the most durable of the available options. The trade-off is that they are also the heaviest, which is a disadvantage. Steel jacks are often used in repair shops and service bays at automobile dealerships by professional mechanics. They mostly execute tire changes, and they don’t have to move the jacks very far to do so.
Aluminum
Aluminum jacks are located on the other end of the spectrum. However, they might be less than half the weight of their steel equivalents, making them the most costly and least durable of the three options available. Aluminum jacks are great for mobile technicians, roadside assistance, do-it-yourselfers, and racetracks, where speed and mobility are more important than anything other than cost. Some roadside assistance professionals, according to Bob’s observations, do not anticipate aluminum jacks to survive more than 3-4 months before they need to be replaced.
Hybrid
Hybrid jacks made of aluminum and steel were first offered by manufacturers a couple years ago. The most critical structural components, such as the lift arms and power units, continue to be made of steel, while the side plates are made of aluminum. Surprise, surprise, these hybrids achieve a good balance in terms of both weight and pricing. However, although hybrids may likely be used for mobile Pro applications, heavy-duty customers will continue to rely on steel because of its longer endurance and strength.
The Best Floor Jack: Tonnage Capacity
Steel jacks with a capacity of 1.5 tons are losing ground in popularity to heavier-duty 3- and 4-ton models. But do you really require that much storage space? Most Pro users can get by with 2.5-ton machines, but repair firms often invest in at least 3-ton machines to cover all of their bases. Higher capacity jacks have a slower action and are heavier in weight, but this is the price to pay for the increased capacity. In order to combat this, many Pro-level jacks are equipped with a twin pump piston mechanism that raises on both the upstroke and downstroke only until the jack is under tension.
Finding your car’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) label in the drivers’ door jamb can help you determine the right tonnage capacity for your vehicle.
This information may also be found in the owner’s handbook for the car.
For example, if you know you’ll need 3100 pounds for the front (a little more than 1-1/2 tons), choose a floor jack that can handle 2 or 2-1/2 tons of weight in total.
Except for the satisfaction of knowing that you can lift a larger car, there is no reason to upgrade to a 3- or 4-ton weight capacity.
A Short Interjection
Another thing to keep in mind is that the maximum height of your service jack should be checked. Some may only be able to go up to 14′′ or 15′′. While this method works well on most vehicles, when it comes to trucks with 20-inch wheels, you will either not be able to raise the vehicle entirely or will have to crawl beneath the vehicle in order to find a lower contact point. Which reminds me. have a look at these service jack safety guidelines. And, thanks to Bob, you now have a better understanding of jack(s)!
Tool Time: What to Look for When Shopping for a Floor Jack
(Photo courtesy of Wayne Scraba) I was having trouble with my old floor jack a few weeks ago, so I slid it under my Nova and ultimately managed to lift the vehicle. A significant problem is that the handle must be pushed repeatedly in order for it to raise. When the jack is rolled far under the car–for example, beneath the third member–this may be a real nuisance to remove (more on this later). When I was finished, I attempted to lower the vehicle, but instead of releasing smoothly, it required a great deal of fussing to get it to descend.
- With my ownership of it spanning decades, I decided there was nothing I could do except bite the bullet and get another jack.
- As a result, the following question arose: what characteristics should you seek for while searching for a floor jack?
- So, in no particular sequence, here are some of the fundamentals of the floor jack: Capacity: What amount do you require?
- The beast was a colossal, hulking mass of muscle and steel.
- Lifting near the engine is the worst-case scenario, since a floor jack is likely to hold around 60% of the total weight of the car in this situation.
- Height Requirement: A lot of automobiles on the road are rather low, which might restrict your jacking options somewhat.
- Of course, if your pastime entails driving lifted trucks or SUVs, the minimum height requirement isn’t a major consideration.
Height of Lift: The highest height to which an automobile may be raised is critical.
Except, of course, if you’re into lifted off-roaders with massive tires, in which case you’ll definitely need something with greater lifting capacity to accommodate your needs.
Same goes for the jack pad’s measurements, which correspond to its overall width and length, as well as the jack’s wheelbase dimensions (if applicable).
Particularly vital when the jack is completely lifted is the ability to properly align the jack with the ground.
Material and weight: In the Summit Racing catalog, you’ll discover aluminum jacks, as well as steel or steel/cast jacks, among other materials.
If the jack will be used only in your shop for the duration of its life, a heavier jack makes sense.
The Nova seen in the images is a good example of this.
As previously stated, my ancient jack takes a significant number of full stroke pumps to lift the platform.
The handle comes into touch with the rear bumper of the vehicle.
As a point of reference, some race jacks take only a couple complete pumps to reach their full height.
And, if you’re anything like me, the thought of a jack failure is something you’d rather not even consider.
Take your application into consideration and choose the best, highest-quality jack you can afford.
As you can see, purchasing a jack entails a little more work than it appears at first glance.
Lift height is a key consideration when using a jack.
That is more than sufficient for the majority of applications.
(Photo courtesy of Wayne Scraba) A comparison of the fundamental chassis layouts of my old jack and its replacement is shown below.
(Photo courtesy of Wayne Scraba) A low jack is essential for many hot rods and racecars due to their high performance.
(with and without the jack pad).
(Photo courtesy of Wayne Scraba) This one-and-a-half-ton Allstar race jack is the one used in the text as an example.
(Image courtesy of Summit Racing) With a height of only 2-3/4 inches at the nose, Summit Racing’s low profile jack has an unusually low overall height.
A 2-ton rating is also included with the purchase of this item.
This jack has a built-in safety overload function for further protection (we talk about that in the story above).
This long-chassis jack has an overall height of just 2-3/4 inches, yet it has the ability to raise objects up to a height of 24 inches.
(Image courtesy of Summit Racing) Wayne Scraba is the author of this piece.
Owner of a speed shop, he has also produced racing vehicles, street rods and custom motorbike customs, as well as repaired muscle cars.
Six how-to books and over 4,500 technical pieces have been published in sixty various high-performance automobile, motorbike, and aviation journals throughout the world. He is also a published author.
Best Floor Jacks (Review & Buying Guide) in 2021
If you’re planning to conduct your own auto repair, a floor jack is one of the most important items you’ll need to get started. Quality floor jacks that you can depend on don’t have to be expensive to be effective. It is demonstrated by our favorites. Take a look at them in the buying guide provided below.
Best Floor Jacks ReviewsRecommendations
Floor jacks have been referred to as the “chainsaws” of the car industry. When they fail to function properly, they are responsible for a large number of injuries, which causes many amateurs to be wary of purchasing them. First and first, let’s set the record straight: if you’re utilizing a properly manufactured floor jack, there’s absolutely no cause to be concerned. Jacks operate on the principle of mechanical advantage, which states that a sequence of pieces organized in a specific order may lift much more weight than any one of the parts alone.
While this is the case, getting a floor jack that you can rely on is still quite vital.
Do You Need a Floor Jack?
Your first step should be to assess whether a floor jack is the most appropriate instrument for the job. You don’t have to use it for everything; polishing and bodywork, for example, do not necessitate the lifting of your car to complete. Another option is to use a bottle jack, which has a considerably smaller saddle but a much larger lifting capability, or drive-up ramps, which are more convenient to use. However, when used in conjunction with jack stands, a floor jack can be the most effective method of positioning your vehicle in a solid position for a wide range of tasks.
- Stability. Lifting the car with the use of jack stands and floor jacks at several locations ensures that it remains firmly in position. This increases the number of points of redundancy in case something goes wrong. The ease with which it can be used. It’s impossible for every jack to be entirely useable by everyone, but floor jacks multiply force by virtue of their simple, user-friendly design. They make it simple to carry hefty weights, yet they are small and portable enough to have in your car in case of an emergency. Reliability. Anything you use to elevate your automobile will be subjected to a great deal of abuse. When compared to bottle jacks or drive-up ramps, well-constructed floor jacks are considerably more likely to survive for years on end of a variety of operations.
Types of Floor Jacks
The most significant difference between the numerous types of floor jacks available on the market is the material used to construct them. Steel, aluminum, and hybrid structures all have their own set of benefits. Height and tonnage capacity are the two most significant aspects to consider when purchasing a floor jack; we’ll go over them in more detail in the next section, “What to Consider When Purchasing a Floor Jack.”
Steel
Steel is the most heavy-duty material that is commonly employed in the construction of a floor jack. It results in jacks that are robust and durable, and they are difficult to transfer outside of a single garage. Steel is less expensive than aluminum, hence full-steel jacks are often the most affordable options available on the market. They’re also long-lasting, which means you won’t have to replace your steel jack as frequently, which means you’ll save even more money. Their weight, on the other hand, renders them an unsuitable option for tire changes while driving.
Steel jacks are most commonly seen at dealerships and professional garages, as well as in the houses of auto enthusiasts who like to do a lot of DIY maintenance on their vehicles. Steel is the finest material to choose if you do not want your jack to be portable.
Aluminum
Aluminum is both less robust and more costly than steel, making it a less attractive option. Aluminum jacks may endure for a long time if they are only used occasionally, but under repeated stress, don’t expect one to last more than six months before it has to be replaced. Given this, you would question why someone would choose aluminum over steel in the first place. The explanation is that mobility is really important. Aluminum floor jacks are roughly half the weight of steel floor jacks on average, and they can be transported in the trunk of a typical automobile without compromising gas mileage.
Hybrid
Hybrid jacks are comprised of both steel and aluminum, making them extremely durable. The majority of the time, producers will utilize steel for the critical portions of the jack that hold the vehicle’s weight, while everything else will be built of aluminum to keep the jack as light and as small as possible. Achieving a balance between weight, durability, and affordability is the goal of hybrid floor jacks, which are often found in the center of all three of these characteristics. Although they may be able to do everything (we couldn’t resist the pun), they face the risk of becoming jacks of all crafts and masters of none.
Using a hybrid floor jack is most likely to be your first choice when you need to use a portable jack for work purposes, such as when you work at a racetrack or when you are a technician who visits customers’ residences.
What to Consider When Buying a Floor Jack
Having determined the type of structure you want for your floor jack, there are various more specifications to take into consideration. Your jack must be low enough to fit under your car while yet being tall enough to provide you with sufficient clearance to work. It also has to be strong enough to support the weight of your automobile. Continue reading for more information.
Weight Capacity
What is the maximum amount of weight that your chosen jack can safely support? Assuming you are aware of the fact that you should never, under any circumstances, for any length of time, use a jack to raise more weight than it is rated for (and you are aware of this now if you weren’t before), you’ll want a jack that is rated for the weight of your car. If you don’t know how much your car weighs, you can find out by Googling the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Then look into the carrying capacity of any floor jacks you’re considering acquiring.
There’s one more thing to keep in mind: If you raise more than the jack’s capacity, many of them will simply not activate the hydraulics. This might be the reason why your floor jack is failing to engage on a regular basis.
Height Range
Which jack do you like to use, and how much weight does it securely support? You’ll want a jack that is rated for the weight of your car if you’re aware that you should never, under any circumstances, and for any length of time, use a jack to raise more weight than it is rated for (and you are aware of this now if you weren’t before). If you don’t know how much your car weighs, you can find out by Googling the brand, model, and year. Then you should look into the carrying capacity of any floor jacks you are considering buying.
There’s one more thing to keep in mind: If you raise more than the jack’s capacity, many of them will simply not activate their hydraulic systems.
Saddle Size
Size of the saddle, also known as “platform size,” relates to the amount of jack surface area that is in direct contact with the vehicle. A larger platform equates to a more stable higher stance in comparison. A larger platform, on the other hand, does not automatically imply a better jack. In general, it is safer, but it may not be able to grasp specific portions of your chassis due to the way it is designed to fit. That’s why some mechanics employ bottle jacks in their work. Rule of thumb: The more surface area on your jack’s saddle you require, the higher the lift height you intend to achieve.
Best Floor Jacks FAQs
Floor jacks appear to be a straightforward tool, but their proper use necessitates a great deal of consideration and practice. Providing you follow our recommendations, purchase a lift with the appropriate weight and height capacity, and always use it in conjunction with jack stands and wheel chocks, you should have no problems. In this section, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions that you might still have about the program.
Q. How do I use a floor jack?
Make sure you park your car on a level, firm surface. Place the wheels in the opposite direction of your desired lift point. The jack handle should be installed and used to position the jack under the lift point. Pump the handle until the saddle is in contact with the chassis of your vehicle, then continue pumping until the saddle is at a height that allows you to work. Finally, set your jack stands and then carefully lower the floor jack until it can be withdrawn without damaging them.
Q. How do I choose the best floor jack?
Find one that is strong enough to support the weight of your car while still being short enough to fit below your chassis. Make certain that the maximum height is appropriate for your jobs.
Q. When should I use a floor jack?
When you need to work on the underneath of the car, a floor jack comes in handy. Oil changes, tire rotations, and transmission maintenance are the most prevalent examples of this type of maintenance.
Our Top Pick
The Blackhawk B6350 Fast Lift Service is available in black and red. Jackeasily performed admirably in all of our testing. This professional-grade steel floor jack is designed for heavy-duty use over an extended period of time, and it is simple to operate for both professionals and beginners.
It’s also available for a fairly low cost of purchase. As long as you don’t require the portability of your jack, the Blackhawk B6350 is a solid choice for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Purchase the Blackhawk B6350 Black/Red Fast Lift Service Jack for overall quality or the Pro-Lift F-767 Low Profile Floor Jack for a fantastic deal if you are searching for a floor jack but don’t have the time to do extensive comparison research.
Best floor jacks for 2022
You can have the best-equipped garage in the world, along with the best equipment in the world, but none of those goods will be of any use if you are unable to access the components of your vehicle that need to be maintained. A floor jack should be included in your toolkit if you need to change your oil, replace a flat tire, or conduct any other type of maintenance on your car or truck. Most individuals don’t require one, with the exception of those who pay others to perform this type of job, who already have a sophisticated hoist or raise arm in their garage, or who drive a brodozer that is so high that a middle-schooler could walk below it without ducking.
- More information may be found at:Best radar detectors for 2022Jacks.
- Roadshow is a collaboration between Craig Cole and Roadshow.
- These considerations include the weight capacity, maximum height, and garage size.
- Continue reading to learn about the many types of jacks available and to determine which floor jack is the most appropriate for your needs.
- Torin’s best screwdriver sets for 2022 may be found here.
- It has a lifting capacity of up to 3 tons (6,000 pounds), a 20-inch lifting height, and is backed by a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
- This low-profile floor jack should be able to glide under even the most violently lowered automobiles, and its near-67-pound weight and high-duty steel construction (with an emphasis on heavy) ensure that it will survive for years to come.
Pittsburgh Tools is a collection of tools that are used in the Pittsburgh area.
A 3-ton (6,000-pound) lifting capability is provided by this machine, which has been painted a striking red and is constructed of durable welded steel.
With its rapid-pump mechanism, this jack will be up and running in no time, and its low-profile design should allow it to be used under a broad range of cars.
In addition, the user reviews are good.
Pro-Lift If you’re on a limited budget but still want a floor jack, this Pro-Lift device is a good option.
This welded steel automobile jack has a lift capability of 1.5 tons (3,000 pounds) and is constructed entirely of steel.
It also comes with a handy carrying box, which makes it one of the best portable car jacks to have in your car or truck in case you ever suffer a flat tire and need to get it fixed quickly.
Torin Hydraulic vehicle jacks, which are simply jacks with swivel-caster wheels and lengthy handles, have been covered thus far in this list.
In terms of mechanical operation, they are among the most straightforward on the market, depending on a threaded screw and a crank handle rather than hydraulic fluid and a pumping mechanism.
Aside from being lightweight and small, this floor jack is also easy to store in your vehicle in case you get a flat tire.
Torin Another form of jack to think about is the bottle jack, which is an alternative to the floor and scissor jacks.
These jacks are little, relatively economical, and outrageously strong all at the same time.
Additionally, the company provides a diverse choice of different types, including jacks that can hold 4, 6, 10, 12, 20, 30, and even a stunning 50 tons, or 100,000 pounds!
Standtall You won’t find a better electric jack for the money anywhere else.
It’s essentially an upgraded scissor jack, with the addition of a tiny motor that rotates the jack’s threaded part, allowing the car to be raised with the push of a single button.
There’s also a lift capacity of 3 tons (6,000 pounds), but that’s not the only thing it has to offer.
This arrangement is also a good value, as it costs only $103.
This right here, ladies and gentlemen, is a serious floor jack, a high-quality, professional-grade jack of the highest kind.
Constructed by OTC, a well-known business across the world, this air-assisted hydraulic jack works like a charm and is packed with several high-end features.
This is the pinnacle of the Jacks’ achievements.
In addition, it weighs a whopping 196 pounds, making it virtually unbreakable.
You should look into this little, light-weight jack if you’re searching for something small and portable.
It elevates in only 3.5 pumps and has a maximum lift range of 14.75 inches.
How about a whopping 1.5 tons (3,000 pounds) of coolness?
Hi-Lift Here’s something a little out of the ordinary.
In addition to assisting with winching loads, clamping things down, and spreading them apart, it is also appropriate for usage off-road to assist with rescuing you from hazardous circumstances.
As a safeguard against accidentally exceeding that large number, it is equipped with a shear bolt, which is meant to prevent it from being lifted over its absolute maximum height.
Despite its strong construction, this jack is just about 28 pounds in weight.
People appear to be enthusiastic about this tool.
Rhino RampsJacks are fantastic, but if you’re not comfortable using one, there are other options available.
Not only are they extremely inexpensive, but they are also really simple to use.
And that’s pretty much it; you’ve just raised your car or truck enough to perform some serious work, and you accomplished it without the need of a floor jack or anything else.
As a result of their 17-degree inclination, they can be driven up by low-riding cars, and the non-skid surface decreases the likelihood of wheelspin while driving up them.
These ramps, which are available for purchase for $55, weigh less than 21 pounds and have received a 4.6-star rating from more than 1,600 customers.
Comparisonofbestfloorjacksin2022
| Product Name | Price | Other Features | |
| Best premium jack | TCE hydraulic ultra-low-profile, heavy-duty jack | $216 | Lifts up to 20 inches, rated at 3 tons, quick-lift piston, two-year warranty |
| Best affordable, low-profile jack | Pittsburgh Automotive, heavy-duty, low-profile jack | $150 | Nearly 24-inch maximum lift height, 3-ton capacity, quick-lift piston |
| Best value-priced jack | Pro-Lift hydraulic trolley jack | $51 | 12-inch maximum lift height, 1.5-ton capacity, includes storage case |
| Best scissor jack | Torin Big Red T10152 | $22 | 15.125-inch maximum lift height, 1.5-ton capacity, drop-forged construction, compact and lightweight design |
| Best bottle jack | Torin Big Red T90803B | $37 | 18-inch maximum lift height, 8-ton capacity, adjustable upper stop, 1-year warranty |
| Best electric jack | Standtall SY007 | $103 | 17-inch maximum lift height; 3-ton capacity, 2-minute lift time; kit includes electric impact wrench, mini air compressor, gloves and more |
| Best professional-grade jack | OTC HDJ5P | $1082 | 5-ton capacity, professional quality, roller- and ball-bearing wheels |
| Best compact aluminum racing jack | Pittsburgh HA68053 | $100 | 14 three-quarter inch maximum lift height, 1.5-ton capacity, lightweight aluminum construction |
| Best mechanical jack | Hi-Lift Jack HL484 | $98 | 48-inch maximum lift height; 7,000-pound capacity; rugged construction; mechanical design; can be used for lifting, pulling, winching and spreading |
| Best jack alternative | RhinoGear 11912ABMI ramps | $50 | 8-ton capacity, 17-degree ramp angle, rugged plastic construction, lightweight design, anti-slip surfaces |
5 things to know about floor jacks
- If your car is only supported by a jack, one of the most essential things to remember is that you should never get beneath it to inspect it. Never, ever try anything like this since it is extremely risky. The jack might fail and you could be injured or crushed to death if it is bumped by another vehicle. Yeah, it’s not very attractive. Always utilize jackstands to support the vehicle in the event that the auto jack, you know, doesn’t work properly. You may be able to get away with not utilizing jack stands if you’re merely switching out wheels or doing something else that doesn’t need you to crawl underneath the vehicle or truck, but even in these cases, it’s better to be safe than regrettable. If the floor jack falls, it is unlikely to injure you, but it is likely to cause damage to the car, which is never a good thing. As an alternative to jack stands, a sturdy pair of wheel chocks is also highly suggested. As you might expect, these little wedges can prevent a vehicle from rolling backwards when it is lifted. This can result in a variety of complications. It’s true that the vehicle’s parking pawl, transmission, or parking brake (or all three) should be able to keep it from rolling away, but it’s always a good idea to have a little extra insurance
- If you’re in the market for a new floor jack, there are many options to consider, but rolling floor jacks are probably the best choice for the majority of do-it-yourselfers. They’re adaptable, not overly huge, and powerful enough to raise even a large vehicle such as a full-size truck. Using automobile ramps instead of a jack can save a significant amount of time, but they are not suitable for every situation. Because there is still weight on all of the wheels while using ramps, they aren’t very useful for conducting oil changes or other underbody repairs. However, they are quite useful when performing tire changes or other underbody repairs. Finally, if a vehicle is not additionally supported by jackstands, it is not safe to get below it. You have been forewarned.
So, you’ve made it this far; have you gained any new insights? Roadshow is a collaboration between Craig Cole and Roadshow.
You can’t go wrong with any of these jacks
If you choose a powerful bottle jack, an inexpensive scissor jack, or even a set of ramps, you will find that repairing and maintaining your car will be far easier. Even though each of the items discussed here has its unique set of pros and weaknesses, any one of them should be adequate for the average home mechanic. Aside from their many different forms and sizes, floor jacks are available at a wide range of rates. From high-end, professional-grade devices that cost hundreds of dollars to low-cost ones that cost $20 or less, there is a jack to suit practically everyone’s demands and financial situation.
Get started now!
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The Best Floor Jack for Trucks and SUVs
If you purchase a product after clicking on one of our affiliate links, BobVila.com and its partners may get a commission. Image courtesy of Amazon.com The size of everything matters when it comes to truck and SUV maintenance. Compared to a regular car’s tires, brakes, suspension, and even oil filters are significantly bigger and more powerful. Because to the over-built architecture, heavier cars and higher ride heights are the result. As a result, a regular automobile jack may not be sufficient for the job.
These jacks are capable of lifting greater weights and reaching greater lifting heights, providing home mechanics with the range they require to lift a vehicle or an SUV off the ground in their own homes.
- In terms of overall performance, we recommend the Blackhawk B6350 Black/Red Fast Lift Service Jack
- In terms of value for money, we recommend the Powerbuilt 620471 Unijack, which has a 6000-pound capacity. BEST UPGRADE:Arcan 3-Ton Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack
- BEST ELECTRIC:E-HEELP Electric Car Jack 5 Ton 12V Kit Car Jack Lift
- BEST PNEUMATIC:BIG RED Torin Pneumatic Air Hydraulic Bottle Jack
- BEST EL
Image courtesy of Amazon.com
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Floor Jack for Trucks
The lifting of a large piece of metal, plastic, or steel from the ground requires some physical strength. Fortunately, the muscle comes from the jack and not from yourself. However, before you go out and buy a floor jack, there are a few things you should think about first. Consider the following list of factors while buying for the finest floor jack for trucks:
Vehicle Type
An enormous physical disparity exists between the size of a tiny automobile and that of a 3/4-ton pickup truck. This makes sense when considering why a larger, more durable floor jack may be required for lifting a heavy truck off the ground. These floor jacks are normally capable of lifting bigger loads and have greater lifting ranges. The height regulations for trucks and SUVs are less stringent than those on sporty sedans and coupes, which means floor jacks don’t have to be as low-profile in order to slip beneath them.
Several different types of jacks can be used beneath a truck or an SUV, including bottle jacks, electric jacks, and scissor jacks.
Manual vs. Electric vs. Pneumatic
Lifting a car may be accomplished in three ways: by utilizing muscular strength, by using an electric engine, or by using compressed air to lift the vehicle.
- Manual jacks are those that need the user to pump a handle or turn a crank in order for the jack to lift a car. Even though these jacks are designed to make the most of their mechanical advantage, they need more effort to operate than the other alternatives. When it comes to operation, electric jacks are comparable to hydraulic jacks, except that they include an electric motor that works a hydraulic pump or spins a crank. The majority of these jacks are powered by the car’s 12-volt electrical system
- Pneumatic pumps, on the other hand, are powered by compressed air from a compressor, which is used to power the pump and elevate the vehicle. Many of them also feature manual backups that function similarly to a conventional bottle jack.
Material
It’s no secret that the majority of jacks are quite hefty. From hydraulic floor jacks to bottle jacks, these are all thick, hefty equipment that must be handled with care. They have to be since they’re constructed of heavy-duty steel that can withstand loads of up to 3 or 4 tons. Floor jacks often have reinforced parts in the raising arms, whereas bottle jacks typically have solid bottoms to sustain the weight of the bottle. Furthermore, many floor jacks are equipped with steel wheels that, while they may not roll very well, are excellent for sustaining the weight of a truck or an SUV.
Lifting Mechanism
When it comes to selecting the finest floor jack for trucks, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of various jack styles and models. They differ in the manner in which they raise the car.
- Floor jacks, also known as trolley jacks, are large mechanical devices with long arms that slide underneath a vehicle and raise when the operator presses a lever. Bottle jacks are small and lightweight (usually weighing between 10 and 20 pounds), and they are placed directly beneath the jacking point. A hydraulic fluid is pushed upward by the user’s pumping of the handle, lifting the vehicle as a succession of pistons are pushed upward. When using scissor jacks, the two ends of the jack are pulled closer together, which forces the lifting pad to rise and raises the car.
Floor jacks are the most rapid, but they are also the least portable of the options. Scissor jacks are lightweight and portable, but they take a long time to lift a car off the ground. In terms of portability, bottle jacks are more portable than a floor jack, and they are faster than scissors, making them an excellent choice.
Height Range
The maximum range of the finest floor jack for trucks must be greater than that of a regular car jack, for obvious reasons. With so much suspension movement, these cars will expand when the vehicle is lifted, making it more difficult to elevate the vehicle and pull the wheel off its mounting point. A conventional automobile jack is only capable of lifting 12 to 14 inches. Due to the fact that SUVs and trucks sometimes require to be hoisted to heights greater than 16 inches, this is rarely a sufficient height for these vehicles.
This is crucial to keep in mind because bottle jacks tend to be slightly higher than other types of jacks, such as floor jacks or scissor jacks.
Saddle Size
The saddle of a jack is the section of the jack that comes into contact with the vehicle. These are commonly seen on floor and bottle jacks and are spherical in shape. Scissor jacks have a tendency to be square in shape. Construction of trucks and SUVs is sometimes referred to as “body-on-frame construction,” which indicates that there is still a substantial steel structure running the length of the vehicle (as opposed to modern cars, which use unibody construction). As a result, the frame is frequently the most effective location for lifting a vehicle, and saddle size is not necessarily a significant consideration.
However, when it comes to mounting a jack on a control arm or suspension component, a bigger saddle size (up to 3 or 4 inches in diameter) may provide a more sturdy platform for raising the car during installation.
Weight Capacity
A normal truck weights between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds, or 2.5 to 3.5 tons, depending on its configuration. However, this does not always imply that a 2.5-ton or a 3.5-ton lift is required. Because jacks only elevate one corner (or at most, one half) of the car at a time, they are never subjected to the whole weight of the vehicle throughout the lifting process. It’s wise to err on the side of caution, though, because they are huge trucks.
Investing in a heavy-duty floor jack with a 3-, 4-, or 5-ton capacity will guarantee that you’ll always be able to move the car when the situation calls for it, and you won’t have to worry about exceeding the jack’s lifting capability when necessary.
Handles and Rollers
A heavy-duty floor jack can be difficult to manoeuvre about a garage shop, especially when it is loaded. Fortunately, most really heavy jacks (some of which weigh more than 80 pounds) are equipped with wheels, which make transporting them at least a little bit simpler. They also have lengthy handles with knurled grips, which may be used to drag them around while wearing gloves. Bottle jacks are not equipped with wheels, rather they are equipped with handles. The jack must be manually put beneath the jacking point, but the handle will then pump the jack up, exactly like a floor jack would do in the same situation.
Our Top Picks
It may be difficult to lift a vehicle, but finding the finest floor jack for trucks and SUVs does not have to be a time-consuming endeavor. The following list contains some of the best jacks available on the market, which should make your job a little simpler. When comparing and contrasting different options, keep these main points in mind at all times. Image courtesy of Amazon.com It is recommended that anyone seeking for a high-quality floor jack for their pickup truck or SUV look into purchasing a Blackhawk Fast Lift Service Jack.
- Also included are two swiveling wheels for simple steering and a long handle with rubber grip to make moving the jack about the shop less of a chore.
- The big 4-inch saddle swivels, which might be useful when trying to find the best position from which to lift anything heavy.
- Image courtesy of Amazon.com Home mechanics on a tight budget are constantly on the lookout for multipurpose gadgets that can save them money.
- It is possible to use this bottle jack and jack stand combo to safely raise a 6,000-pound car while also transforming it into a jack stand.
- It features a lift arm that has been carefully constructed with various locking points to allow for speedy raising and securement of the jack in position.
- Image courtesy of Amazon.com The 3-Ton Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack from Arcan is a lightweight addition that is well worth considering.
- It also offers a lifting range of 3.75 inches to 18 inches, which is sufficient lift for the majority of SUVs and light-duty vehicles.
Pump pistons on either side of the car help raising the vehicle faster and simpler using this floor jack.
This jack is equipped with a rubber saddle pad to provide a secure hold on the jacking point, as well as a large footprint to ensure stability when under load.
It is equipped with an electric jack, an impact wrench for loosening and tightening lug nuts, a flashlight, an air compressor, and a few more useful equipment in case of emergency.
The electric jack has a lifting capability of 5 tons and a lifting range ranging from little more than 6 inches to slightly less than 18 inches.
Users may also put the jack in the tiny tool kit together with the other equipment, which allows them to be stored below their truck seats or in the trunk of their SUVs.
Because this bottle jack is equipped with an air-powered pump that functions on compressed air, it makes lifting large automobiles a snap.
With a broad, sturdy base for stability and steel construction, this bottle jack is a great addition to any home or business.
With a lifting range ranging from 10.5 inches to slightly more than 20 inches, and a weight capacity of up to 20 tons, it is an excellent choice for lifting large vehicles and SUVs.
FAQs About Floor Jacks for Trucks
Even with such a comprehensive understanding of the finest floor jacks for trucks, there may still be some questions that need to be addressed in the future. Here is a list of some of the most often asked questions concerning floor jacks, as well as some of the answers. Make sure to look for your answer in the section below.
Q. What kind of floor jack is needed for a truck?
Most jack designs will work; however, be sure that it has a minimum weight capacity of 3 tons or 6,000 pounds, as well as a minimum lifting height of 16 inches before using it.
Q. How do I choose a floor jack for my truck?
The most important consideration when selecting a floor jack for a truck is ease. The most appropriate type of jack for this application is a regular floor jack. For roadside emergencies, a bottle jack, due to its small size and mobility, may be preferable to the other types of tools.
Q. Where is the best place to lift a truck with a floor jack?
Because most vehicles are still constructed of body-on-frame construction, lifting from the frame is typically the most effective method. If you plan on lifting a truck, consult the owner’s handbook for the vehicle beforehand.
Floor Jacks – Hydraulic Floor Jacks – Ranger Products
Our top-of-the-line garage floor jacks will never let you down, whether they’re proudly performing their lifting responsibilities or safely tucked away in the corner. We have carefully developed our floor jacks to handle a broad range of weight capabilities and lifting applications, allowing you to simply elevate practically anything you need lifted in your shop or garage with ease. What is the best hydraulic floor jack for a garage that I can purchase? If you need a lifter for general purpose, every-day jacking, all-around solid lifters, such as the RFJ-3T garage floor jacks and the RFJ-3TP garage floor jacks, are also good options.
- You’ll enjoy the low-ground-clearance lifting capacity of the RFJ-3000LPF low-profile garage floor jack if you have a large number of bespoke, low-profile automobiles that need to be maintained and repaired.
- To conclude, Ranger is delighted to offer the fantastic RBJ-25TL air-bottle garage floor jack as well as the RFJ-10TL long-frame floor jack for super-duty, heavy lifting applications.
- Ranger has almost a dozen different floor jack types to choose from to meet your specific lifting requirements and preferences.
- Make sure you pick up a set of Ranger jack stands, and never work on or under a vehicle that isn’t supported by jack stands or other means.
RBJ-30TL(5150443)
The Ranger RBJ-30TL is the undisputed king of rolling floor jacks, with a lifting capability of 60,000 pounds, making it the most powerful machine in the garage.
Installing a shop air line is all that is required to enjoy complete ease of use and excellent safety when lifting five-axle semis and other heavy-duty equipment. Prices start at $ 1270 with FREE SHIPPING! More information may be found here. Purchase Right Away
RFJ-2TX(5150058)
This is a 2-ton, “Euro-style,” low-profile garage floor jack that is ideal for reaching jack positions that are difficult to reach. Our popular, low-profile floor jack has been developed with an expanded chassis, which provides good leverage while jacking up heavy loads. AVAILABLE IN LIMITED SUPPLIES Starting at $ 480 (with free shipping), this item is a steal! More information may be found here. Purchase Right Away
RFJ-3000LPF(5150060)
Using this 1.5-ton super-long floor jack, you’ll have no trouble reaching the jacking points on most automobiles with low ground clearance. Starting at $ 390 (with free shipping), this is a great deal! $ 355 (USD) SAVE $ 35 AND RECEIVE FREE SHIPPING! More information may be found here. Purchase Right Away
RFJ-3000AL(5150061)
It is made of aircraft-grade billet aluminum, making the RFJ-3000AL a dependable and lightweight floor jack for any application. In just four rapid pumps, it reaches its maximum height! Prices start at $ 335 plus FREE SHIPPING! $ 305.00 Save $ 30 and receive FREE SHIPPING! More information may be found here. Purchase Right Away
RFJ-4000AL(5150085)
The Ranger RFJ-4000AL aluminum racing floor jack weighs just 39 pounds, but it provides heavyweight performance, optimal strength, decreased weight, less pumping effort, and enhanced lifting speed despite its lightweight design. Starting at $ 370 (with free shipping), this item is a steal! $ 335 OFF $ 35 SAVINGS! FREE SHIPPING! More information may be found here. Purchase Right Away
RFJ-6HD(5150446)
The Ranger RFJ-6HD “low rider” garage floor jack smoothly raises 3 tons and is equipped with a quick-pump design. It is available in black. It also lifts the jack stand by 21 inches, allowing you to get the most out of the maximum height of your jack stand. Prices start at $ 335 plus FREE SHIPPING! More information may be found here. Purchase Right Away
RFJ-10TL(5150434)
This heavy-duty garage floor jack with a long chassis is ideal for heavy-duty lifting applications up to 20,000 lbs. It safely raises enormous automobiles 23 inches in the air, providing great working space without the need for strain or worry for human safety, as well as the safety of the vehicle being lifted. Starting at $ 1230 (with free shipping), this item is a great value. More information may be found here. Purchase Right Away
RFJ-3TP(5150440)
Garage floor jack from the RFJ-3TP professional series that weighs three tons is ideal for use in an auto shop or in your own personal garage. Its raise of just over 19″ makes it an exceptionally fast-lifting jack, making it ideal for fast-moving shops and private customers who want a commercial-grade jack in the comfort of their own homes. Prices start at $ 276 with FREE SHIPPING! Free shipping on orders over $250! Save $ 26 on orders over $250! More information may be found here. Purchase Right Away
RFJ-3T(5150414)
For professional shops and household garages, this 3-ton capacity super-duty garage floor jack with 21-inch maximum raise and a low-profile design is ideal.
It is suitable for the majority of light-duty lifting applications. Prices start at $ 335 plus FREE SHIPPING! More information may be found here. Purchase Right Away
RFJ-3TQP(5150418)
The perfect quick-pump garage floor jack for those who are short on time. Lifts the saddle to the chassis with a single simple pump! Starting at $ 270 (with free shipping), this item is a steal! FREE SHIPPING on orders over $ 245! More information may be found here. Purchase Right Away
RFJ-5000HD(5150056)
The Ranger RFJ-5000HD super-duty garage floor jack lifts 2.5 tons with ease and is extremely durable. This outstanding lift capability is further enhanced by a super-low 3″ collapsed pad height, which provides maximum user ease while also increasing lifting strength. Starting at $ 300 (with free shipping), this item is a great value. More information may be found here. Purchase Right Away
Lift Now,Pay Over Time
Your equipment purchase is made simple by the availability of convenient monthly installments. Read on to find out more