2.5/3" - 19"+ floor jack needed.

[2K4CE]

Lifting range:

Ideal: 2.25" - 20"
Acceptable: 3" - 19"

My current inexpensive floor jack just failed under my kwiklift. Fortunately I had both legs pinned up before I lost it. Aside from making a lot of noise there seems to be no damage done, fortunately.

I'm tired of "bargain" jacks but I'm not yet ready for the high end shop ready jacks either.

I've done a lot of reading in this forum and others, but it seems that Harbor Freight/bargain brand jack discussions are overwhelming.

I want to spend less than $300 on the jack if I can. Quick up is nice, but my last one wasn't.

Its primary job will be bringing up my kwiklift (Raising and lower ~1800-2500lbs 18.5")

I want something that will last a long time and be worth repairing or servicing if it ever needs it. Something that can be bought locally is fantastic too.

I've looked at brands like OTC and NORCO which seem to have /less/ mixed reviews than the bargain brands.

For storage reasons, I'd rather not have one of those jacks with a super long reach.

OTC 1532 looks really nice but only goes to 18"

What say you?

 

[mkirkpatrick]

If you where going to go up to 300 I would look at a 2 ton Hein Warner.
http://www.ohiopowertool.com/p-330-hein-werner-2-ton-professional-jack-hw93642.aspx

 

[2K4CE]

Minimum height is a bit too tall unfortunately.
ARCAN XL35 looks like a nice fit, but it seems a bit on the inexpensive side.

 

[Gman89]

At Northern Tools, they have a special going for the Arcan Quick Lift Service Jack — 3 1/2-Ton, Model# XL35 for 109.00. Its low profile (3 1/2"), and raises up to (21 3/8"). Check it out.

 

[2K4CE]

I do see many glowing reviews on it. Looks like Northern Tools is the best priced.

The 3.5" may be a bit tough on the one side, but we'll see. I'll bite.

 

[mkirkpatrick]

I have the arcan and a old hein warner that I plan on rebuilding this summer. The arcan is a decent jack, it does what I want it to do, but you said you wanted something that would be able to be rebuilt and would last a long time. The Arcan is still a import jack, and can be rebuilt but will not be as durable as the Hein warner, but it is a great value. I picked up the Hein Warner so that I could rebuild it and have a very durable jack, plus it was only 30 bucks.

Just my .02 worth

 

[bgott]

I looked at the Arcan last week, I wasn't impressed with the lifting pad. Too small, too shallow and the ears on the pad didn't stick up very much. Plus, the pad is a bolt on so I don't know if it can be removed and replaced with a regular pad off of an old jack.

 

[2K4CE]

The lifting pad isn't much of an issue for me. So long as it safely grabs the tube on the kwiklift I'm good.