Qualitytools
Well-known member
I have the 20 and was thinking of getting the 13. In fact I think I purchased it from TIRE TOOL DIRECT back 15 years or so. Do you have a link for them? Thanks
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Best overall floor jack?
- Thread starter Madhat
- Start date
I have the 20 and was thinking of getting the 13. In fact I think I purchased it from TIRE TOOL DIRECT back 15 years or so. Do you have a link for them? Thanks
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Qualitytools
Well-known member
I am not so sure about that as I purchased mine about 15 years ago or so and found my DK20 cheaper than they are now but can't remember what I paid exactly
Buckaroo5
Well-known member
Certainly not the best but I purchased an Arcan from Costco about 3 years ago because of the liberal return policies and relative low price (~$100). I purchased an all steel version over the "hybrid" aluminum/steel version but that was just a personal preference. It was the Arcan XL3000 Steel version that was offered in-store, it has a low profile and high lift capacity: 3" to 19.72" Lift. With those specs it will get under the sedans and lift the SUV and trucks that I have in the driveway. Just my $0.02 and I know you were asking for the "best" and I probably didn't help you in that regard.
I have an Arcan jack purchased from Costco ~10 years ago and I have been very happy with it. It's the all steel version and the label rating says 3.25 ton (XL325R) - I think it was the standard 3.5 ton made by Arcan but they derated it to sell at Costco cheap. It still works great - you do have to slowly open the valve to lower the vehicle but you quickly get the hang of it. Not daily use - probably every two weeks or so.
Sorry, I should have been more clear. Tire Tool Direct is one of the Amazon Marketplace sellers now. So I bought it on Amazon's site, just selected the aforementioned seller.
MJK
Well-known member
Anyone have experience with Esco jacks?
This looks interesting (Esco 90531 3 ton floor jack made in Demark)
This looks interesting (Esco 90531 3 ton floor jack made in Demark)
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Yes they are quality units.
Compac is the actual danish company making them; Esco is a subbrand.
They seem to be slightly more conservative in the sense that they don't aim to have the lowest profile or the biggest lifting range. However, solid well made units meant to last a lifetime just like the AC units.
Edit: I take that back, their new 1,4T-HC 77 looks to hit the spot just like the DK13HLQ
https://www.compac.dk/en/products/jacks-1-5-3-ton/high-lift-jacks-1-5-3-ton/1-5t-hc-black-detail#
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MJK
Well-known member
Interesting, thank you for that and your earlier suggestions!
I'd love to stay with AC to lift my 7800lb truck's front end, but not at the prices I am seeing for DK40s or DK50s.
I'd love to stay with AC to lift my 7800lb truck's front end, but not at the prices I am seeing for DK40s or DK50s.
ex-x-fire
Well-known member
I'd say that early versions of the import jack is a good jack, these were made in Japan in the 70s. Everyone I see is claimed to be original and still working. My fil has one and it just works.
dubdoc
Well-known member
bubinga
Well-known member
bubinga
Well-known member
I heard about Costco's liberal return policy.Certainly not the best but I purchased an Arcan from Costco about 3 years ago because of the liberal return policies and relative low price (~$100). I purchased an all steel version over the "hybrid" aluminum/steel version but that was just a personal preference. It was the Arcan XL3000 Steel version that was offered in-store, it has a low profile and high lift capacity: 3" to 19.72" Lift. With those specs it will get under the sedans and lift the SUV and trucks that I have in the driveway. Just my $0.02 and I know you were asking for the "best" and I probably didn't help you in that regard.
We don't have one around here unfortunately, but is it true they'll pretty much take the Jack back anytime?
bubinga
Well-known member
I could be wrong but if this is the right seal kit I have linked to, it looks like it would have the better
seals too the Jack itself looks just like the Daytona only maybe with the better seals.
I could be all wrong though I'm just sort of learning about this stuff
Torin (Big Red) Seal Kits | Model #T830008 | Lazzar's Floor Jack Repair Parts | Lazzar's Floor Jack & Hydraulic Cylinder Repair Center
Lazzar's Floor Jack & Hydraulic Cylinder Repair Center sells seal kits and repair parts. Looking for the Torin (Big Red) Seal Kits T830008? We have it!
www.hcrcnow.com
This is the jack.
bubinga
Well-known member
OP, what did you ever come up with?
You guys are killing me.
I have a half a mind to return the Menards yellow jacket clone, and spring for the AC hydraulics DK13HLQ
You guys are killing me.
I have a half a mind to return the Menards yellow jacket clone, and spring for the AC hydraulics DK13HLQ
anndel
Well-known member
Have the same for 16 years and so far only replace the jack oil every year and grease the *******. I bought a 3 ton 2 yeas ago and use both.
MJK
Well-known member
I added a DK20HLQ to go with my 10 year old DK13HLQ. It lifts the front of my 7800lb truck without issue.
Pelican has rebuild kits for both in stock, although I have yet to need them. No regrets here.
IMO the only reason not to have the DK13HLQ would be cost, space or if you are working on heavier vehicles. Long reach, smooth release, high lift, easy to move around. Mine has been under numerous low profile sports cars where nothing else I've ever had would reach. e.g. the center jacking points on E46M3s with the car flat on the ground so that the outer jacking points can be used for jack stands.
Pelican has rebuild kits for both in stock, although I have yet to need them. No regrets here.
IMO the only reason not to have the DK13HLQ would be cost, space or if you are working on heavier vehicles. Long reach, smooth release, high lift, easy to move around. Mine has been under numerous low profile sports cars where nothing else I've ever had would reach. e.g. the center jacking points on E46M3s with the car flat on the ground so that the outer jacking points can be used for jack stands.
Badgerstate
Well-known member
I like my Craftsman 3-ton floor jack a lot. Its all steel and built like a tank. IMO, you dont need to go out and get a high-end jack but you definetly dont want to cheap out on something that you are lifting cars up with.
bubinga
Well-known member
I ordered the AC hydraulics DK13HLQ from Amazon warehouse.
I have a feeling the bolts they are referring to are going to be missing, they do show a picture of mounting the top handle but they don't show a picture of the bottom where they say,
Then place lever in tipping gear, and secure it with tip-
ping gear screw fitting into slot in tube lever.
Is that pretty much self-explanatory?
And with the screw or bolt I need be pretty much self-explanatory?
Also they say,
Important: It is mandatory to lubricate axle
(9106200/9106900) for tipping gear every month! If
not you risk “long” holes in the pump – and this is NO
warranty!
Again they don't show an illustration is this pretty much self-explanatory?
I'm probably not going to be using the Jack everyday either.
They say if not you risk long holes in the pump. I guess they're talking about wallowing out holes in the pump somewhere?
If these units would require warranty, we are not responsible for shipping this to Denmark I hope?
Yes. Some years ago I bought an aluminum 3 ton jack from them. Worked great for many years, then the seals started leaking. I checked around but didn't have much luck figuring out what size or type seals to get. We were not on a good financial spot either, so took it back no issues. Went to HF and bought a $50 jack instead. Been many years with it, still works but I hope to get a Daytona or the long reach low profile soon.
MJK
Well-known member
I have no idea how to answer that. The jack comes more or less assembled:
- main unit minus saddle and handle
- the saddle cup. Saddle cup pad is an accessory
- the handle tube. Screw to retain tube on the bottom is part of main unit.
- the plastic handle that goes on top of the tube (includes nut and screw to retain)
If anything is missing, your best bet is to order replacements through pelican.
I’ve never needed warranty work, or preventatively maintained much. The swivel caster feet ride on bearings that could probably use a clean and lube every few years.
Apart from that, use and enjoy.
if you want pics of something, let me know.
- main unit minus saddle and handle
- the saddle cup. Saddle cup pad is an accessory
- the handle tube. Screw to retain tube on the bottom is part of main unit.
- the plastic handle that goes on top of the tube (includes nut and screw to retain)
If anything is missing, your best bet is to order replacements through pelican.
I’ve never needed warranty work, or preventatively maintained much. The swivel caster feet ride on bearings that could probably use a clean and lube every few years.
Apart from that, use and enjoy.
if you want pics of something, let me know.
bubinga
Well-known member
Amazon cancelled my jack stands that were from Amazon warehouse.
This jack is from warehouse deals too.
I got it for $460.92 plus tax.
I hope they don't end up canceling my jack order.
It hasn't shipped yet.
This jack is from warehouse deals too.
I got it for $460.92 plus tax.
I hope they don't end up canceling my jack order.
It hasn't shipped yet.
mbunimog
Well-known member
I ordered the AC DK20HLQ from Pelican. It is on backorder but hopefully will ship soon. I have two other jacks but this one will lift higher, quicker, extend further, and go under lower cars with more control. Looking forward to receiving it
I recently replaced my nearly 30 year old Sears Jack with an Arcan, simply because my cars sit too low for the 4 3/4” Sears unit. I was getting by with driving my Corvette on cut 2x8 until I “launched” two of them down my driveway across the sidewalk.
So far, I am happy with the Arcan. It has a 2.75“ to 24” working range. The drop mechanism is pretty good.
So far, I am happy with the Arcan. It has a 2.75“ to 24” working range. The drop mechanism is pretty good.
Attachments
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Is anyone selling the Compac here in the USA?
16again
Well-known member
You won't regret this purchase!
demarpaint
Well-known member
I find using words like best on forums like this can get you in trouble. I have a 4 ton HF jack that's a beast and has served me well so far. I won't use the word best though, I'd rather not get involved in a **** storm. 
lalojamesliz
Well-known member
I have the yellow Daytona jack from HF. It's supposed to be a copy of the snap-on jack..... works great
mbunimog
Well-known member
I am from Denmark originally so it made sense to order the AC jack to support the old country
bubinga
Well-known member
Did you get the 20 or the 13?
bubinga
Well-known member
Ok, you got the heavy duty 20 it looks like almost 2 and 1/2 ton capacity correct?
I got the standard duty 20 I think it is like ~1.3 ton capacity.
I like it but finding it a little bit hard to jack up my Pontiac Grand Prix at the front cross member but I only use it a few times.
I started out with the handle in the full upright position though it might be easier to jack it from a more horizontal position then I have been using.
I still have to try it the garage was a little too crowded too comfortably try it as I was advised.
bubinga
Well-known member
No I'm sorry my mistake I'm confused not enough sleep LOL, I have the standard duty 13 not the 20 I still might get the 20 though
mbunimog
Well-known member
Yes the heavy duty 20HLQ AC jack. It is expensive
bubinga
Well-known member
Ok, got it.
It has the ~heigjt of the 13, with the capacity of the 20.
I get a little mixed up with all these different models but in other words I have the standard duty 13 which has approximately the same height as the one you're getting but yours has a higher weight capacity.
The DK20HLQ has a maximum jack height of 31.5 inches, the perfect height for high ground clearance vehicles such as SUVs and vans.
( And yours is ~2.2 tons )
ajchien
Well-known member
For AC jacks … The number is the capacity, HL is the higher lift, and Q is the foot pedal.
bubinga
Well-known member
MJK
Well-known member
Just a heads up, there are more differences than just weight between the 13HLQ and the 20HLQ. They do the same thing, but the arm/beam is thicker on the 20. So, it won't slide under low sports cars as far as the 13 will. Let me know if you need a photo and I'll try and get one.
RickyPetite
Well-known member
Agree. I have a DK20Q. The saddle is low enough to get under all my vehicles. Love the foot pump to raise the saddle quickly. Smooth mechanism. Heavy and well built.
1foxracing
Well-known member
I still use pneumatic tools so I decided to try one of these new fangled air bag jacks available all over Amazon. The one I got was $140 and works fine so far in initial testing .
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09536H6XJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09536H6XJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
merkyworks
Well-known member
I still use pneumatic tools so I decided to try one of these new fangled air bag jacks available all over Amazon. The one I got was $140 and works fine so far in initial testing .
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09536H6XJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Interesting idea for a floor jack. Concerned with how well it handles side loads and resists flopping over. It’s already leaning more than I would be comfortable with.
MJK
Well-known member
^^ pretty cool idea, but there is not enough money to get me to crawl under there without a LOT of additional support.