best all around floor jack? advice

[bailbondz]

whatsup guys,

so I'm lookin for a decent all around floor jack (preferably something with quick-life tech or something similar) that can be used for low to mid weight vehicles. also, im going to need something that is relatively low profile because ill be using it for off-road vehicles as well (4 wheelers etc.). I've been managing with a scissor type-jack with a larger than average saddle (needed for the 4 wheelers) but its a pain. I want to steer away from the twisting screw mechanism.

Hydraulic seems to be the way to go, does anyone have first-hand experience with one of the powerzone or arcan floor jacks? If not, do you have a better recommendation?

 

[djcslice]

I have the arcan XL35 when they sold them at Costco. All in all, I think its a great jack. Low profile, high lift, high capacity. It looks like you can occasionally get a decent deal at Northern when its on sale and there are coupons.

 

[48fordnut]

My low dollar H/F alum jack has been doing me well for over 10 yrs now. Light enough to be picked up instead of rolling over grass or other rough surface. Wish I had bought 2 ,if this one fails. It fit under a 27 hot rod roadster, and a ft eng dragster, so it is low profile.

 

[LB-1911]

Worth a look

Arcan ALJ3T Aluminum Floor Jack - 3 Ton Capacity
3-ton capacity while only weighing 56 pounds
Dual pump pistons for fast rising action, 3.6" to 19.4"
Reinforced lift arm for added strength, chassis torsion control and durability

One of several sources -
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200413773_200413773


Two of several previous threads
Napa floor jack OEM and worth it over HF?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=305372

The best floor jack for the money
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171003

 

[bailbondz]

I appreciate the fast responses. your not the first to suggest the ALJ3T and I've pretty much narrowed down my search between that one and the the Powerzone 380044 both of which get decent reviews, for example https://www.pricenfees.com/best-floor-jack.html they placed the Powerzone ahead of the ALJ3T (almost double the price). From what I can gather they're pretty much the same as far as specs go (both are 3-ton capacity) but the ALJ3T needs about half an inch of less ground clearance. The Powerzone seems to be the way to go for me because 4-inches clearance is not a problem for what I'll be needing it for.

Is there something significant I'm missing here that can justify the $100 price difference between the two?

 

[ImStricken06]

you wont be disappointed.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The difference between the "best" and the cheapest floor jack (assuming the same capacity and approximate frame size) is in the internal seals. Because there are extreme pressures involved, these are more than just simple O-rings. The more seals you have (like in a 2 speed jack) the higher the failure rate.

If you have an expert repairing a jack, they can re-machine the piston to accept better designed seals.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have this HF model. Low profile, high lift, t handle, foot pump, rapid pump jack. IMO it's the most for the money, and it does my Honda and my f350 diesel dually. I love it.

http://t.harborfreight.com/2-ton-lo...050.html?utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/

 

[rlitman]

I have this HF model. Low profile, high lift, t handle, foot pump, rapid pump jack. IMO it's the most for the money, and it does my Honda and my f350 diesel dually. I love it.

http://t.harborfreight.com/2-ton-lo...050.html?utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/

+1

I have the exact same one and love it!

 

[bailbondz]

I have this HF model. Low profile, high lift, t handle, foot pump, rapid pump jack. IMO it's the most for the money, and it does my Honda and my f350 diesel dually. I love it.

http://t.harborfreight.com/2-ton-lo...050.html?utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/

I took the plunge and went for this one. 2 tons should be more than enough plus it takes only 3.5 pumps for max lift which is exactly like what I was looking for.

Will post up back in a couple days to let you know what I think.

 

[Cruzomatic]

I have two floor jacks. A husky version sold from HD and one from HF like above, but not the low profile. Between the two, I like the HF one better.