anyone could recommend the best low profile service jack for me
- Thread starter passca
- Start date
6MocoA
Banned
Depends on your needs.
I have the 2 ton low pro jack from HF and its been great. It lifts really high (23+ inches) is rated just enough for most of my vehicles and has given good service for the last year or so that Ive had it.
The aluminum one at HF ***** - my broke after a couple uses - literally the metal broke.
You can get the 2 ton one for about $120. Just google 'HF 2 ton low profile jack coupon.'
I have the 2 ton low pro jack from HF and its been great. It lifts really high (23+ inches) is rated just enough for most of my vehicles and has given good service for the last year or so that Ive had it.
The aluminum one at HF ***** - my broke after a couple uses - literally the metal broke.
You can get the 2 ton one for about $120. Just google 'HF 2 ton low profile jack coupon.'
619DioFan
Well-known member
I bought the 4 ton rapid lift from HF. I have a 4x4 dodge ram 2500 and wanted one that would lift it with out issue. this jacks does just that. it is also low enough to go under my 89 civic. lifts the civic like it isn't even there. was pleased enough that I bought the 3 ton version as a back up.
Lx460
Well-known member
"The Best", "Professional" and then asking about Harbor Freight discounts...
You my friend, are seriously confused.
Do you want the best or do you want cheap? You cannot have both.
kctyphoon
Banned
+1 for the 2 ton high lift. i bought it to use on my 95 f350 diesel dually.. its asking a bit much from it, but it works fine.. great jack for the money, and the highest lifting one they have... t - handle is really nice, and the top mounted release valve it nice too..
GSMotorrad
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2012
- Messages
- 420
I have the Compac High-Lift Floor Jack — 1.5-Ton Capacity, Model# 90535, it's not cheap.
It's both the best, and as low profile as they get. It's over three feet long and weighs 120 lbs:
Manufacturer's Warranty 3 year limited warranty
Ship Weight 120.0 lbs
Lift Capacity (tons) 1 1/2
Min. Lift Height (in.) 3 7/8
Max. Lift Height (in.) 31 1/2
Safety Valve Yes
Dimensions L x W x H (in.) 41 3/8 x 15 x 6 5/16
Flivver250
Well-known member
What he said
dodge610
Well-known member
I have craftsman and HF they both are good. The HF low profile aluminum 1 has been put to the test and still holds up. Need to get the low profile HF with the foot pedal but havent bit the bullet on that one yet. I even have Montgomery ward 3 ton that still lifts but needs rebuilt.
rlitman
Well-known member
Wow. I too have the 2 ton low profile / long reach jack from HF (68050). And I LOVE it. It is well worth the $129 sale price, though I cannot say I have lifted anything like an F350.
The foot pedal does not give enough leverage to lift the car with your foot, BUT it's great for positioning/raising the pad to the vehicle with your hand while you're on the floor looking up.
It raises much faster than my last jack. The downside is that you need to push quite a bit harder on the handle, but the T handle easily makes up for the difference (and also makes it easier to roll around on the floor). The knob gives you excellent control on the release.
It's wheels are so low profile though, that the frame high-centers and rubs when I pull it out of my level garage floor onto my sloped driveway. Not that that's a real problem.
And that foam wrap is well placed to keep you from scuffing a bumper when you've got it all the way under the car lifting the diff.
OMEGA 29023B, 2 TON
http://www.omegalift.com/ProductDetails/Omega/2TonLowProfileServiceJack/29023B/763
ARCAN XL35 (also in red), also as a MATCO, SUNEX, CORNWELL, MONSTER MOBILE (parts breakdown below, these use the same pump).
https://mobiledealer.com/medias/sys_master/hd4/ha8/8883408601118/Manual.pdf
ARCAN XL2T (last pic. , same as Harbor Freight 2 ton, extra long low profile)
http://www.omegalift.com/ProductDetails/Omega/2TonLowProfileServiceJack/29023B/763
ARCAN XL35 (also in red), also as a MATCO, SUNEX, CORNWELL, MONSTER MOBILE (parts breakdown below, these use the same pump).
https://mobiledealer.com/medias/sys_master/hd4/ha8/8883408601118/Manual.pdf
ARCAN XL2T (last pic. , same as Harbor Freight 2 ton, extra long low profile)
Attachments
Last edited:
+2 on the AC Jacks. Well made, reasonable price, replacement parts available. I think it's made in Denmark. Head and shoulders above China made **** I've used. If you want American made, go with a Milwaukee. The one I have isn't really low profile but it gets under everything that I have. The Milwaukee is the nicest jack I've ever used. When I got it, I could not believe how beautifully made it was. Even the way it was packaged was better than any other jack I've seen. Now, Milwaukee's are hard to get. Very few vendors have them in stock. I ordered mine directly from the manufacturer. Probably took 5 months to get but well worth the wait.
-Valentine
-Valentine
impactsocket
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2014
- Messages
- 769
OTC 5200, 5007, 5206 Ultra-Low Profile Jacks
OTC 5200 Ultra-Low Profile 2-Ton Service Jack --
the perfect jack for high performance shops.
• Ultra-low profile -- minimum saddle height of just 1-7/8".
• Unique, fifth-wheel design provides effortless 360 degree maneuverability --
literally spins on a dime!
• Min. Height 1-7/8", Max. Height 20-1/2"
• Featuring Polyamide casters -- superior to cast wheels due
to their high mechanical strength and thermal properties.
• Foot pedal for quick approach of saddle to lifting point.
• Ergonomic handle for user comfort and enhanced mobility.
• Built-in tray for fasteners and tools
• CE marked -- ASME / PALD tested.
4 Ton Hydraulic Service Jack - 5007
Introducing the OTC 5200 Ultra-Low Profile 2-Ton Service Jack --
the perfect jack for high performance shops.
• Ultra-low profile -- minimum saddle height of just 1-7/8".
• Unique, fifth-wheel design provides effortless 360 degree maneuverability --
literally spins on a dime!
• Min. Height 1-7/8", Max. Height 20-1/2"
• Featuring Polyamide casters -- superior to cast wheels due
to their high mechanical strength and thermal properties.
• Foot pedal for quick approach of saddle to lifting point.
• Ergonomic handle for user comfort and enhanced mobility.
• Built-in tray for fasteners and tools
• CE marked -- ASME / PALD tested.
6 Ton Heavy Duty Service Jack - 5206
•Ergonomic handle for user comfort and easy mobility.
•Foot pedal for quick approach of the lifting saddle to load.
•Built-in tray for fasteners and tools.
•CE marked -- ASME/PALD tested.
OTC 5200 Ultra-Low Profile 2-Ton Service Jack --
the perfect jack for high performance shops.
• Ultra-low profile -- minimum saddle height of just 1-7/8".
• Unique, fifth-wheel design provides effortless 360 degree maneuverability --
literally spins on a dime!
• Min. Height 1-7/8", Max. Height 20-1/2"
• Featuring Polyamide casters -- superior to cast wheels due
to their high mechanical strength and thermal properties.
• Foot pedal for quick approach of saddle to lifting point.
• Ergonomic handle for user comfort and enhanced mobility.
• Built-in tray for fasteners and tools
• CE marked -- ASME / PALD tested.
4 Ton Hydraulic Service Jack - 5007
Introducing the OTC 5200 Ultra-Low Profile 2-Ton Service Jack --
the perfect jack for high performance shops.
• Ultra-low profile -- minimum saddle height of just 1-7/8".
• Unique, fifth-wheel design provides effortless 360 degree maneuverability --
literally spins on a dime!
• Min. Height 1-7/8", Max. Height 20-1/2"
• Featuring Polyamide casters -- superior to cast wheels due
to their high mechanical strength and thermal properties.
• Foot pedal for quick approach of saddle to lifting point.
• Ergonomic handle for user comfort and enhanced mobility.
• Built-in tray for fasteners and tools
• CE marked -- ASME / PALD tested.
6 Ton Heavy Duty Service Jack - 5206
•Ergonomic handle for user comfort and easy mobility.
•Foot pedal for quick approach of the lifting saddle to load.
•Built-in tray for fasteners and tools.
•CE marked -- ASME/PALD tested.
Best for him may depend largely on his budget. There is a huge difference between imported and domestic jack prices. One of the cheaper domestics, Hein-Werner, is no longer USA made, its now "assembled". Also its funny but the cheap china jacks seem to fail less when used more. Healthier for the seals if they're kept moving.
I can only tell you about two low profile jacks, because that's all this hobbyist has owned. My first was an American made American Forge and Foundry "Low Rider". Someone else posted a link to it above. It failed after six months. I rebuilt it. Twice. Both times it lasted a few months then would lose the ability to lift up a vehicle. That's kind of important in a jack.
The other one I still own. It's the cheapie low profile one from Harbor Freight. Hate on HF if you want, but years later it still works like new.
The AFF one is scrap metal now and if there's any justice in this world it will be melted down and reborn as a HF jack.
The other one I still own. It's the cheapie low profile one from Harbor Freight. Hate on HF if you want, but years later it still works like new.
The AFF one is scrap metal now and if there's any justice in this world it will be melted down and reborn as a HF jack.
trackwelder
Well-known member
I have a low profile jack on my want list...this looks to be what I need. I wonder if my industrial rep can get me one.
plain garage
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2014
- Messages
- 198
For the posters that recommended the HF high lift jack, can you confirm or deny if the jack makes a clicking sound as when lifting/lowering with a load on it? Mine does and I'm nervous whenever using it bc no other jacks I have does it.
I did some quick research after reading about the USA claim, unaware of any domestic company producing low profile jacks similar to the FJ200. I simply went to SO's website where it claims they are made in "CHN", which Is the country code for China. Tricky... I did see where a snap on dealer was praising them as U.S. Made, Snap On's website has been wrong before, but I'm leaning towards towards it being correct in this case.
trackwelder
Well-known member
Thanks I will look in to it some more. That's a lot of money even with a discount for a China made jack.
Agreed... Obviously someone is Custom Making it for Snap On, It Might well be a Solid Jack, But i would personally have a hard time shelling out $500 bucks for it. If Snap on was serious about providing a Jack that could be Easily Serviced and provide its Customers with a Lifetime tool, they would offer a Seal kit in the Repair parts Section, versus just a replaceable power unit. It does appear that they offer a 3 year warranty, Which is above what your standard Low Profile Jack comes with, Whether the Service is worth the Cost of admission is yet to be determined.
warmpancakes
Well-known member
The snap on jack is assembled in the USA in greenville south carolina its their design they own the company that assembles it.
Their design? Which company? I definitely see where in the YouTube video claims they are made in SC, My Concern would be in how Heavily invested Snap on is with Shinn fu currently and in the past in regards to filling there lifting needs. Why if they had there own company would they outsource for similar lift equipment? It definitely has some specs that arent common in your lower priced jacks, such as a Magnet in the Reservoir etc... Id be curious to who the REAL OEM is, My Gut based off the drawings tells me that its just a revamped Low Profile made to Snap on specs, Probably the Same supplier as the Monster Mobile jacks and the New Mac Low Profile that recently showed up. Ive had good luck in the Past with Snap on in regards to simply calling them and asking for the OEM of some of there products, If i get a chance ill see what they say Monday.
Just comparing exploded view diagrams here...
Snap On..
Arcan XL2t
Definitely some similarities within the drawings, along with some differences in the frame etc, As i stated earlier Snap on has never Manufactured any of there lifting equipment in the Past, So Unless there is something New on the Horizon its extremely feasible that they are having these jacks made to there specs, Magnet, Ucups all around etc..
Last edited:
Now that I see the Snap On pump, it looks the same as the Arcan pumps. The video do mention it has polyurethane seals but does not specify if the main seal is an u-cup. Maybe only the pump pistons have polyurethane seals. I mention this because there is a relatively new AFF 300T and the AFF spec page says it has u-cups on the pump pistons but says nothing about an u-cup on the main ram. As far as I know, all the AFF jacks use the cheaper and less desirable o-ring and o-ring retainer for the main seal.
Using u-cups for the pump piston is silly since the u-cup should be on the main ram and O-rings should be on the pump pistons. O-rings are two way seals whilst u-cups are one direction seals. The pump piston requires a two way seal to draw oil efficiently from the oil tank and then to push it into the cylinder. A new u-cup might work well when new but its efficiency will drop faster over time than an o-ring. Plus, ucups are more expensive to replace and subject to availability if a reapir kit is not found. As a matter of fact, many early imported bottle jacks and mini jacks used u-cups as the seal for pump pistons. At some point, the manufacturers started using both an u-cup and an o-ring for the pump piston, most likely because the u-cup would be less efficient drawing oil and the oring would then do that job. After that set was used for some time, the u-cup was removed and only the o-ring was used and that is what we still have today, at least in the imported jacks. So advertising that a new jack has u-cups in the pump pistons is not such a great thing, more than an advance, it is going backwards to things that were tested and discarded long ago.
Why pay $500 for something you could have for $99 at Costco (Arcan XL35, if still available) or a little more from Northern Tools. The Arcan frame is very beefy, so the concern would be the pump itself. A Hein Werner 93642 would be a better deal than the Snap On, it is a tested design and parts are available in many places.
The Lazzar web site mentions that Arcans are built by SUNEX, and some of the Sunex jacks use the same pump. Maybe Sunex builds its own jacks or has a contract with a China manufacturer to build jacks to their specs. So maybe Sunex also "builds" the Snap On FJ200 to Snap On specs. Anyway, Sunex should have repair kits to fit the Arcans/ Snap On pumps.
Even Torin, which was the champion of the o-ring and o-ring retainer is now using u-cups in most, if not all, of its jacks. So, if Torin felt the need to improve its jacks by upgrading to u-cups, perhaps in the future OTC might also feel the need to improve their expensive jacks by also using u-cups as the ram seal. Maybe AFF can also get in that band wagon.
The OTC 5200 shown in a previous post, while being expensive ($500 +/-), it unfortunately uses the o-ring ang o-ring retainer as the main seal, so probably a new Torin, which looks very similar, might be a better deal if it has the new u-cup as standard equipment. The OTC 5200 is a rebranded MEGA jack, made in Spain.
Using u-cups for the pump piston is silly since the u-cup should be on the main ram and O-rings should be on the pump pistons. O-rings are two way seals whilst u-cups are one direction seals. The pump piston requires a two way seal to draw oil efficiently from the oil tank and then to push it into the cylinder. A new u-cup might work well when new but its efficiency will drop faster over time than an o-ring. Plus, ucups are more expensive to replace and subject to availability if a reapir kit is not found. As a matter of fact, many early imported bottle jacks and mini jacks used u-cups as the seal for pump pistons. At some point, the manufacturers started using both an u-cup and an o-ring for the pump piston, most likely because the u-cup would be less efficient drawing oil and the oring would then do that job. After that set was used for some time, the u-cup was removed and only the o-ring was used and that is what we still have today, at least in the imported jacks. So advertising that a new jack has u-cups in the pump pistons is not such a great thing, more than an advance, it is going backwards to things that were tested and discarded long ago.
Why pay $500 for something you could have for $99 at Costco (Arcan XL35, if still available) or a little more from Northern Tools. The Arcan frame is very beefy, so the concern would be the pump itself. A Hein Werner 93642 would be a better deal than the Snap On, it is a tested design and parts are available in many places.
The Lazzar web site mentions that Arcans are built by SUNEX, and some of the Sunex jacks use the same pump. Maybe Sunex builds its own jacks or has a contract with a China manufacturer to build jacks to their specs. So maybe Sunex also "builds" the Snap On FJ200 to Snap On specs. Anyway, Sunex should have repair kits to fit the Arcans/ Snap On pumps.
Even Torin, which was the champion of the o-ring and o-ring retainer is now using u-cups in most, if not all, of its jacks. So, if Torin felt the need to improve its jacks by upgrading to u-cups, perhaps in the future OTC might also feel the need to improve their expensive jacks by also using u-cups as the ram seal. Maybe AFF can also get in that band wagon.
The OTC 5200 shown in a previous post, while being expensive ($500 +/-), it unfortunately uses the o-ring ang o-ring retainer as the main seal, so probably a new Torin, which looks very similar, might be a better deal if it has the new u-cup as standard equipment. The OTC 5200 is a rebranded MEGA jack, made in Spain.
Attachments
Last edited:
The Thing about those Little trolley jacks and even the bottle jacks was that they utilized BunaN Ucups, The Majority of them where the Black ones with the White backup, Very similar to the 2 piece design that ran rampant in the Shinn fu Sears jacks etc. IMO Poly Cups will carry much more wall pressure, especially with today's hybrid cups, thus enough Vacuum to work effectively on the Upstroke, I suspect a Loaded Cup would work also, which is the what the New HW Long frame jacks use on the Powerside now versus the Vee's. I would also question the Motive behind those cheaper jacks, Was it actually changed from Ucup>Ucup/Oring> Oring based off performance or Manufacturing Cost? We have seen similar changes in regards to Ram seals over the Years, And im a firm believer that they changed them to limit the Longevity of there product, Thus sell More... LOL. I suspect a lot of it has to do with tolerances, there are Definitely examples of both applications in multiple price points, The HW OS/WS series jacks come to mind right off the bat where strictly a Piston seal is used.
Description
• Low height of 3 1/2" to fit easily under a variety of vehicles
• Lift arm is contoured to allow clearance with vehicle's rocker panel
• Premium U-cup seals on pumps and ram pistons for long life
• Professional, one-piece handle design
• Special high-performance hydraulic oil for extreme temperatures and reduced wear
• Internal filtration with magnet in pump reservoir to maintain oil cleanliness
• Powder coated finish for durability
• CE – Not Available, ES, FR
• Meets ASME – PALD 2009 Standards
Time Will Tell, Someone will buy these units simply based off the Name plate.
Last edited:
warmpancakes
Well-known member
snap on district rep had a trailer ful of these, for sale according to him if theres a issue with the pump its 2 bolts to swap the entire unit, drivers will have a pump assembly on the truck for on the spot service
Hiball ill pry him for more info monday
the one thing i did like was the front wheels were all domed and slid sildeways easy
Hiball ill pry him for more info monday
the one thing i did like was the front wheels were all domed and slid sildeways easy
I only saw the video for the Snap On, I did not go to their web site to check the specs as I was just presenting a low rise model for the OP, so the information about the use of an u-cup in the ram was unknown to me at the time of my posting. It is a good thing that Snap On took the care to include the use of an u-cup in its jack. Others don't care to do it. I don't care much about Snap On so I visit their web site between never and seldom.
The mention of premium u-cups used in the Snap On jack does not necessarily means they are using loaded u-cups in the pump pistons, unless the web site specifies so (have not been there yet). If they use loaded u-cups, then it is ok, if not, time will tell. "Premium" can be just a sales pitch...
My comment about the u-cups not used anymore in imported jacks as pump piston seals referred only to regular, unloaded u-cups, as these were the type used in these jacks.
As for the use of only O-rings (and retainers) in imported jacks as a main seal, well, these should be way cheaper in volume than u-cups, so it is understandable that companies may want to use only o-rings instead of u-cups to save some pennies. Anyway, most customers don't care or don't know about the seals in the jacks so they will buy whatever is for sale. As for longevity, maybe the quality of the materials used today may not be as not as good as earlier materials, but anyway, seals are supposed to be changed at some point in time and the companies selling seals count on that. Seals, of any material, will not last forever. Other types of hydraulic equipment gets the seals serviced regularly, after a set number of hours, or if these fail before that set numbers of hours, but floor jacks seals are expected to last 20-30 years, something which is very optimistic and unlikely. There have been some cases were seals supposedly lasted many years (25+)but that would be an exception, not the norm.
Poly u-cups should work well as piston seals as one of the "qualities" of the poly u-cup is that it seals better at lower pressures than regular u-cups. The o-ring turns the loaded u-cup into a squeeze seal at low pressures whilst the unloaded u-cup is just a compression seal with less capabilities at low pressures. This does not means that the regular u-cup will not seal at low pressures, just that is not as good as a squeeze seal, like an o-ring or a loaded u-cup. On the long run, a regular u-cup may lose efficiency ( may depend on the tolerances maintained and quality of materials) before an o-ring or a loaded u-cup will.
As stated in the HITECHSEALS.COM web site about loaded u-cups:
The O-Ring Loaded U-Cup is a unique design that combines a precision molded "U" configuration packing with an elastomer loader. This seal was originally designed to improve the low pressure sealing capabilities of a
standard lip type packing but the design principle has been effective in dealing with high and low temperature and pressure extremes, including vacuum. While originally designed as a unidirectional sealing device, with the proper design and accessories, the O-Ring Loaded U-Cup can also be used as a bi-directional seal.
The basic theory behind the O-Ring Loaded U-Cup is that when you add a "loader or energizer" to a lip seal, you turn it into a squeeze seal that provides high sealing force at low pressure. As the system pressure
increases, the lip loading also increases, automatically compensating for the higher pressure while maintaining a positive seal. A rubber energizer typically has a better compression set, or memory than urethane and will
enable the U-Cup to have a longer life expectancy.
Anyway, if a manufacturer decides to use unidirectional (unloaded) u-cups in the pump pistons, (instead of bi-directional seals), and these fail before expected, what do they care, better for them if they sell a repair kit. They just want to sell jacks, after that (when the warranty ends), it is the buyer's problem.
Just remember, regular u-cups were designed as unidirectional seals, so buyer beware. If anyone wants bi-directional use, get loaded u-cups or get o-rings.
The mention of premium u-cups used in the Snap On jack does not necessarily means they are using loaded u-cups in the pump pistons, unless the web site specifies so (have not been there yet). If they use loaded u-cups, then it is ok, if not, time will tell. "Premium" can be just a sales pitch...
My comment about the u-cups not used anymore in imported jacks as pump piston seals referred only to regular, unloaded u-cups, as these were the type used in these jacks.
As for the use of only O-rings (and retainers) in imported jacks as a main seal, well, these should be way cheaper in volume than u-cups, so it is understandable that companies may want to use only o-rings instead of u-cups to save some pennies. Anyway, most customers don't care or don't know about the seals in the jacks so they will buy whatever is for sale. As for longevity, maybe the quality of the materials used today may not be as not as good as earlier materials, but anyway, seals are supposed to be changed at some point in time and the companies selling seals count on that. Seals, of any material, will not last forever. Other types of hydraulic equipment gets the seals serviced regularly, after a set number of hours, or if these fail before that set numbers of hours, but floor jacks seals are expected to last 20-30 years, something which is very optimistic and unlikely. There have been some cases were seals supposedly lasted many years (25+)but that would be an exception, not the norm.
Poly u-cups should work well as piston seals as one of the "qualities" of the poly u-cup is that it seals better at lower pressures than regular u-cups. The o-ring turns the loaded u-cup into a squeeze seal at low pressures whilst the unloaded u-cup is just a compression seal with less capabilities at low pressures. This does not means that the regular u-cup will not seal at low pressures, just that is not as good as a squeeze seal, like an o-ring or a loaded u-cup. On the long run, a regular u-cup may lose efficiency ( may depend on the tolerances maintained and quality of materials) before an o-ring or a loaded u-cup will.
As stated in the HITECHSEALS.COM web site about loaded u-cups:
The O-Ring Loaded U-Cup is a unique design that combines a precision molded "U" configuration packing with an elastomer loader. This seal was originally designed to improve the low pressure sealing capabilities of a
standard lip type packing but the design principle has been effective in dealing with high and low temperature and pressure extremes, including vacuum. While originally designed as a unidirectional sealing device, with the proper design and accessories, the O-Ring Loaded U-Cup can also be used as a bi-directional seal.
The basic theory behind the O-Ring Loaded U-Cup is that when you add a "loader or energizer" to a lip seal, you turn it into a squeeze seal that provides high sealing force at low pressure. As the system pressure
increases, the lip loading also increases, automatically compensating for the higher pressure while maintaining a positive seal. A rubber energizer typically has a better compression set, or memory than urethane and will
enable the U-Cup to have a longer life expectancy.
Anyway, if a manufacturer decides to use unidirectional (unloaded) u-cups in the pump pistons, (instead of bi-directional seals), and these fail before expected, what do they care, better for them if they sell a repair kit. They just want to sell jacks, after that (when the warranty ends), it is the buyer's problem.
Just remember, regular u-cups were designed as unidirectional seals, so buyer beware. If anyone wants bi-directional use, get loaded u-cups or get o-rings.
Last edited:
No Disagreement here... Im a firm believer in Loaded Ucups for that sole purpose, With the exception that sometimes they cause some drag issues, that the Springs cant always overcome when utilized on the Main Ram. IMO even a Standard POLY Ucup versus the BN is still much better in regards to Wall Pressure, Also Not sure what Snap on deems as "Premium" in regards to Loaded or Not, but somewhat of a Moot point.
I would venture to say i have sent out probably 100 or better of Ucups to replace the 2 piece design. Its a Very Common request.. LOL
My Picture taking isnt the best, but you can see on the 2 piece design that it lacks the ID squeeze, basically the ID is the same on the front side versus the back, Where is the Poly Piston Loaded Ucup is smaller to aid in sealing at No/Low Pressure even on the Upstroke. I definitely recommend that they still utilize the Upper Oring, It can only help and also control any fine particles that might want to find there way into the system.
Last edited:
trackwelder
Well-known member
I really want to buy a quality low profile jack this years that will last. Seems like we have the best jack guys on the case, thanks.. 
I really want to buy a quality low profile jack this years that will last. Seems like we have the best jack guys on the case, thanks..
I generally try and stay out of the "Which is the Best" threads in regards to floor jacks, but I can't help admiring the Compac low profile units.
marlinspike
Well-known member
I have the Compac High-Lift Floor Jack — 1.5-Ton Capacity, Model# 90535, it's not cheap.
It's both the best, and as low profile as they get. It's over three feet long and weighs 120 lbs:
How tall is it at the bend point, and how far back is the bend point from the jacking pad?
The big issue I learned with these china jacks is not only the seals Its the poor machining that wears the seals out much faster. The Torins I tore down are full of tiny metal shavings, from use or machining I dont know, more likely both?
My US made HW isnt long/low like I wanted but after using it enough & thinking about it, its somehow lifted everything I needed lifted without any big issues and shops all over the world have no big problems with lowered cars using Lincoln/HW as I see them in shops still used daily. My tire shop has a few AFF & OTC jacks piled in the corner but use an old true blue..lol
I asked why once and got the frown/head shake.
I done the brakes & rotated tires on a Lexus SC430 & brakes on a Neon too over weekend with no issues what so ever, those are fairly low cars. I have had to drive Vettes up on a board or brick to raise a couple times over the yrs myself, long before low jacks where made even, Its easy enough. A whole lot cheaper than buying a junk china jack every couple yrs.
Sorry folks, its unreal too me even thinking of paying $500 or even $300 for a china made jack but so many people do and its mostly do to the sticker / marketing that is spent today on them not the history of service done by the jack itself.
I still watch on ebay people paying over $300 for a used old Snap-On jack while the same jack blue with HW goes for $150 if lucky. The 2 ton vs 2.5 ton sticker I guess does it? I've seen many used China made SO jacks go for $300 on there, its amazing. Snap-On has done its marketing job very very well no doubt.
Arcans XL35 fails within a few yrs just as HF btw depending on use. More its used the longer it lasts is true, seals harden fast when sitting. XL35 was the last china jack I ever considered before buying a US HW so I read alot of posts (hype) about them.
According to Shin the main cylinder/frame on HW 2/3 tons today is still made right here in the states but no way to confirm?
Maybe someday someone will swing into the KS plant and demand a tour???...lol
If they where the least bit smart they would state in writing what parts are made here with Made in USA statements if its so? How hard is that HW?
My US made HW isnt long/low like I wanted but after using it enough & thinking about it, its somehow lifted everything I needed lifted without any big issues and shops all over the world have no big problems with lowered cars using Lincoln/HW as I see them in shops still used daily. My tire shop has a few AFF & OTC jacks piled in the corner but use an old true blue..lol
I asked why once and got the frown/head shake.
I done the brakes & rotated tires on a Lexus SC430 & brakes on a Neon too over weekend with no issues what so ever, those are fairly low cars. I have had to drive Vettes up on a board or brick to raise a couple times over the yrs myself, long before low jacks where made even, Its easy enough. A whole lot cheaper than buying a junk china jack every couple yrs.
Sorry folks, its unreal too me even thinking of paying $500 or even $300 for a china made jack but so many people do and its mostly do to the sticker / marketing that is spent today on them not the history of service done by the jack itself.
I still watch on ebay people paying over $300 for a used old Snap-On jack while the same jack blue with HW goes for $150 if lucky. The 2 ton vs 2.5 ton sticker I guess does it? I've seen many used China made SO jacks go for $300 on there, its amazing. Snap-On has done its marketing job very very well no doubt.
Arcans XL35 fails within a few yrs just as HF btw depending on use. More its used the longer it lasts is true, seals harden fast when sitting. XL35 was the last china jack I ever considered before buying a US HW so I read alot of posts (hype) about them.
According to Shin the main cylinder/frame on HW 2/3 tons today is still made right here in the states but no way to confirm?
Maybe someday someone will swing into the KS plant and demand a tour???...lol
If they where the least bit smart they would state in writing what parts are made here with Made in USA statements if its so? How hard is that HW?
Last edited:
OTC 5200, 5007, 5206 Ultra-Low Profile Jacks
OTC 5200 Ultra-Low Profile 2-Ton Service Jack --
the perfect jack for high performance shops.
• Ultra-low profile -- minimum saddle height of just 1-7/8".
• Unique, fifth-wheel design provides effortless 360 degree maneuverability --
literally spins on a dime!
• Min. Height 1-7/8", Max. Height 20-1/2"
• Featuring Polyamide casters -- superior to cast wheels due
to their high mechanical strength and thermal properties.
• Foot pedal for quick approach of saddle to lifting point.
• Ergonomic handle for user comfort and enhanced mobility.
• Built-in tray for fasteners and tools
• CE marked -- ASME / PALD tested.
+1
I have the red version that Griot's Garage used to sell. Same manufacturer (Mega). Love it.
trim
Well-known member
I love my Arcan XL35. I have had it for about 3 years and it has been a great jack. Fairly low profile for a heavy jack.