Ordered a Milwaukee Jack

[kornjulio]

Yup - I took the plunge today and ordered a Model 20 to replace my Craftsmanchicom. It's been a good jack, but lately it's been real finnicky when lowering the load. Mine is an old truck, but I still don't like dropping it onto the jackstands!

Not wanting to put any more money into China's economy; I called up the good folks at Milwaukee and after a quick conversation with a real person (no press 1 for English, para Espanol press dos...) who spoke English I said ship it.

I'll post a follow-up and tell you how I like it! Fingers crossed!!!

 

[benjamming]

What's the difference between the model 20 & model 40? It looks like they both have dual pumps. I guess 2 ton vs. 4-ton. What was the difference in price? I bet it will be a step up from my Hein-Werner bought 1-2 years ago. If I bought another jack, it would probably be the model 40.

I notice on their website that jack stands are still listed, but I thought they stopped making those a year or so ago?

 

[Hiball]

Im sure you will be nothing but pleased with there design, According to my book the 20 and 25 are 2 ton models and the 40 is a 4 ton. The reason it has 2 pumps it because 1 is the quick side and the other is for the load end. Secondly i wouldnt say they are better than your hein werner unless you have one of the taiwan series labeled under "Winner". Congrats on your purchase and kudos for taking the "Made in the USA" route.

 

[kornjulio]

Not sure what the difference in price is between the 2-ton I got and the 4-ton. I went with the 2-ton because, well, I don't have anything and don't expect to have anything that big. And at $414 for the 2-ton; it's expensive enough!

 

[colinb]

I've had a Model 20 for about a year now, and the first thing I noticed (apart from its impressive weight) was the simplicity of the design; it looks as though it has been unchanged for decades.

I'm not sure if the company sells a rubber pad to go in the saddle, but I didn't get one when I ordered the jack. (I typically just use a small block of wood.) The handle doesn't have a spring or even a stop to hold it in an upright position -- it's either down engaging the piston, or it's slightly forward, resting against the back of the lift arm. Note that this isn't a problem, but it serves to help illustrate that this unit is based on a very simple (some might say 'antiquated') design.

I have had plenty of experience using the excellent Spanish-made low-profile jack that's sold by Griot's (the one with a wheel in the middle), and after noticing the great features it has, I was *very slightly* disappointed to see how basic the Milwaukee is. That said, the Milwaukee is so sturdy and well-built that, with occasional home use, I believe it will last multiple human lifetimes. I know of no Chinese-made tools that approach this level of durability.

--Colin

 

[tube_guy]

I also own a model 20. I've owned it for about 7 or 8 years now and I've been extremely happy with it. It's got that old timey "just works" USA quality. If I needed another quality jack, I wouldn't even look at any others. You'll be happy with it.

 

[Flash21]

I've had a Model 20 for about a year now, and the first thing I noticed (apart from its impressive weight) was the simplicity of the design; it looks as though it has been unchanged for decades.

I'm not sure if the company sells a rubber pad to go in the saddle, but I didn't get one when I ordered the jack. (I typically just use a small block of wood.) The handle doesn't have a spring or even a stop to hold it in an upright position -- it's either down engaging the piston, or it's slightly forward, resting against the back of the lift arm. Note that this isn't a problem, but it serves to help illustrate that this unit is based on a very simple (some might say 'antiquated') design.

I have had plenty of experience using the excellent Spanish-made low-profile jack that's sold by Griot's (the one with a wheel in the middle), and after noticing the great features it has, I was *very slightly* disappointed to see how basic the Milwaukee is. That said, the Milwaukee is so sturdy and well-built that, with occasional home use, I believe it will last multiple human lifetimes. I know of no Chinese-made tools that approach this level of durability.

--Colin

Awesome first post Colin -- Thanks for the feedback. Well written with a lot of detail. Milwaukee is definetely on the top of my list when I look for a new jack.

 

[cashishift]

I also own a model 20. I've owned it for about 7 or 8 years now and I've been extremely happy with it. It's got that old timey "just works" USA quality. If I needed another quality jack, I wouldn't even look at any others. You'll be happy with it.

I just wish they weren't ~700 bucks

 

[benjamming]

I doubt that is any more expensive than they were 20 years ago, but I don't know for sure. Anyone have historical prices?

 

[tube_guy]

I paid about $350 or so 7 or 8 years ago. I just checked out Hyjacks.com, and they're charging $615 now. For that price, maybe I would at least look at some others .

 

[colinb]

I believe I paid about $450 in 2008, direct from Milwaukee.

 

[kornjulio]

The UPS man made a stop today & my jack is assembled & in the garage!

It's smaller than my C-man, but it's got a larger saddle. The only thing I'm not liking so far is the pump doesn't kick in until you're most of the way through the swing; but I can understand the benefit. With the handle upright, some joker can't twist the handle and drop the load. I think it'll serve me well for many years to come.

BTW, it was $414 + $50 shipping direct from Milwaukee.

 

[Hiball]

The UPS man made a stop today & my jack is assembled & in the garage!

It's smaller than my C-man, but it's got a larger saddle. The only thing I'm not liking so far is the pump doesn't kick in until you're most of the way through the swing; but I can understand the benefit. With the handle upright, some joker can't twist the handle and drop the load. I think it'll serve me well for many years to come.

BTW, it was $414 + $50 shipping direct from Milwaukee.

I can see no benefit of not getting full stroke on the swing, Is this on the quick side or the low end?

 

[Vinko]

I doubt that is any more expensive than they were 20 years ago, but I don't know for sure. Anyone have historical prices?

I talked to a guy a few months ago who used to sell Milwaukee. He told me was selling them, 10 or 15 years ago, for about $600+ or so. I think it was one of the top models for heavy shop use.

 

[tonydanzah]

can you post some pictures of the lift and release linkage?

 

[aProductofUSA]

Here is a video that clearly shows the quality of the Milwaukee. I believe for a busy garage, you need at least one Model 40 to take the load off of your other less expensive jacks, that way you get more of your money's worth out of your Chinese investment. I also like what you say about calling Milwaukee directly. They are barely making it now with the competition, but amazingly there are enough of us out there to keep them alive.

Here is a good place to purchase:

http://www.naltic.com/theservicejack.html

Lastly a great article on why we buy cheap!

http://www.naltic.com/whyitischeap.html

 

[rockchucker]

Maybe some pics of height clearance too! Thanks for sharing!

 

[71flh]

I paid $10 for a model 20 a few months ago. It needs a gasket and I don't know what else. I should figure out how to fix it...

Any hints?

 

[CRTDI]

I paid $10 for a model 20 a few months ago. It needs a gasket and I don't know what else. I should figure out how to fix it...

Any hints?

You'll find an illustrated parts list and Milwaukee Hydraulics contact info here:

http://milwaukeehydraulic.com/model20.pdf

 

[71flh]

Great! Now I just have to figure out how it comes apart and find a kit...
Thanks!