Considering an AC floor jack

[RickP330]

Hi Guys,
My import jack has failed and I really don't want to buy junk anymore. I want to buy a jack I'll never have to think about again and the generation that comes after me won't either.

I see AC jacks are pretty well regarded around here. I have to admit I like this one, but the lift capacity is a little low which makes me pause about having one universal jack:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074QSCV5Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Alternatively this one is a little closer to standard capacity:

Amazon.com

My application will strictly be passenger cars (sport type - hence low profile) and light trailers and other misc use.

Any other options or preferred retailers you guys like? I really know I can rely on you guys for resonable recommendations. Much Thanks in advance.

Kind regards,
Rick

 

[mobiledynamics]

DK13HLQ is the defect for low pro.
Heavier stuff, I also have DK20

Dunno how low profile is the DK20HLQ compared to the 13 for *sports cars clearance*

Great jacks.

 

[drtyler]

The AC jacks are great. I have the DK13HLQ and use it often.

i bought mine from pelican parts when they had a special, but I would have no issue with amazon or any other retailer.

Jack was packed fairly well for shipping from AC.

Here’s a DK20HLQ (2.2 ton) for $389

AC Hydraulic DK20HLQ 2.2 Ton Long Reach Hydraulic Jack

AC Hydraulic DK20HLQ 2.2 Ton Long Reach Hydraulic Jack

www.mobiledistributorsupply.com

 

[ace10]

I've had a DK13HQ since 2004/5.
It's never let me down, so to speak.

At the time, it was the only way to lift an S2000.

Due to the length of the "wheelbase" and low ride height she can get hung up going over garage door thresholds.
A hockey puck fits perfectly in the saddle.

 

[RickyPetite]

I have the DK20Q and really like it. I use SafeJack Rennstand's which demand a low-profile floor jack during positioning. The unit is well built and should outlive me. I considered the DK13HLQ but decided against it because of its lower capacity and the suspicion that it would be difficult to use on the side of the car in a confined space (single bay garage). In most applications, the DK20Q works great. On cars with central lift points that are way under the car, the reach on the DK20Q is borderline. I can usually make it work although it would be nice if its reach was longer.

 

[MJK]

I have both the DK13HLQ and the DK20HLQ. The 13HLQ is what you want for low sports cars with central jacking points (e.g. e46m3, S2000). The 20HLQ lifting pad is the same height, but the thicker beam prevents it from sliding all the way under the car the way the 13 does. If you want to be able to lift the front end of a 3/4 ton diesel truck, the 13 won't do it. The 20 will.

Pelican has a jack pad that is available as an accessory. I'd recommend it. Mine oldest one is 10+ years old and still going strong.

 

[Qualitytools]

I have had the DK20 for close to 20 years now and Love it, I use it on my BMWs due to low clearance. Highly recommend the AC Hydraulic jacks.

 

[afazz]

I splurged on a DK13HLQ 10-12 years ago and it has been fantastic. I use it almost exclusively on Volkswagens and it has been great. I also have a Harbor Freight 4 ton for lifting my truck, trailer, or other random equipment, but I will probably upgrade to a DK20 soon. I rebuilt the DK13HLQ once, it started to bleed down under pressure but the rebuild kit was available on Pelican Parts and the process wasn't too difficult.

 

[Steve_P]

I've also had the DK13HLQ for 5+ years. I don't use it that often, but it is nice. If you want a low profile and high lift jack, I don't know if anyone can match it. I wouldn't recommend it for lifting anything at its rating- I have a 4000 lb Tacoma, I'm guessing the front is ~3000 lbs, and the AC didn't want to lift it, so I didn't push it. It's fine on my 3200 lb Evo with 60% on the front wheels.

 

[RickP330]

The AC jacks are great. I have the DK13HLQ and use it often.

i bought mine from pelican parts when they had a special, but I would have no issue with amazon or any other retailer.

Jack was packed fairly well for shipping from AC.

Here’s a DK20HLQ (2.2 ton) for $389

AC Hydraulic DK20HLQ 2.2 Ton Long Reach Hydraulic Jack

AC Hydraulic DK20HLQ 2.2 Ton Long Reach Hydraulic Jack

www.mobiledistributorsupply.com

That's a fantastic price - thanks for the link. That jack ranges from $900 dollars. I did a quick bit of shopping around, but it's the best price by far. I pulled the trigger on it, so I'll post some thoughts about it once I receive it.

Thanks again guys - what a great call and get me away from the cheap imports. Hopefully, the last jack I'll ever have to purchase again.
Rick

 

[RickP330]

Hey Guys,
New tool report. This thing is twice as long as my old jack, but much lower profile and lifts twice as high! This thing is a monster, and I absolutely love the quick rise pedal, I new I could always count on you guys for much better than average purchase. I choose the free shipping so it took like two weeks to get here by Fed X freight. It came strapped down to a pallet at 180 lbs shipping weight. My first time buying from mobile distributor - but the purchase experience was just fine.

 

[drtyler]

That's awesome, I'm glad it worked out. The price was really good.

If I didn't already have the DK13HLQ and a Milwaukee 20 (2 ton), I would have bought one of those for myself. I think you'll be very happy with it.

 

[Treeman]

Man, your delivery experience was about 10,000% better than my Hein Werner experience 1 year ago.

The second, better attempt:

 

[RickP330]

Man, your delivery experience was about 10,000% better than my Hein Werner experience 1 year ago.

Hi Treeman,
Yes, I cannot believe it. Luckily I did not need it in a big hurry and I was able to tolerate the free shipping which took two weeks. I was tracking it every day though LOL. It was strapped down to a pallet, which I think is the reason it came so unmolseted. If it were not I do not think I would have been so lucky. It was Fed Ex freight - they really did a good job, although it took forever. I don't know how they can afford to ship free like that, not that I mind!
RP

 

[MJK]

Excellent!

 

[RickP330]

Just a quick follow up,
I finally had the chance to use the jack in "anger" for the first time on a real job. It really is a luxury and makes an arduous task just a little easier to do. What really struck me was the ease with which it rolls around and the total control in lowering full loads. I mean real control in lowing loads, no other import jack can match that. The quick rise pedal is just too cool not to use every time, especially since it's so low.

The downsides: it's long, takes up twice the space in my shop. Talk about low profile, the jack will bottom out rolling over the smallest imperfections in the floor and as a by product of the excellent control in lowering loads - you really need to help it compress all of the way to get it fully lowered if there is no load on it.

The conclusion, it's just an awesome jack - totally worth the money if you are willing to spend it. So glad I went for it.
Thanks
RickP

PS: another person following this, tried a follow up purchase. The jack is out of stock and they say they are not replenishing stock. I think I just got lucky at that price beak - if it does come back I suspect it might not be at that price anymore. Another testament to the Garage Journal. I would never have found that without your help and probably just have purchased another import again. Thanks again.