Does a long reach low profile aluminum jack exist?

[Rusty67]

So I'm in the market for a new floor jack. I've owned this Ranger but left it with my parents:
http://www.asedeals.com/store/ranger-floor-jack-low-rider-super-long-rfj-3000lpf/

My piece of junk floor jack that I've had since I was a punk teenager that I brought with me when I moved is on its last leg and quite frankly not worth rebuilding since it doesn't get low enough to be practical for me.

I want a new jack and I'm happy to buy the Ranger again but I got hit by a Buick last year and I'm still not back to full strength so the idea of an aluminum jack is appealing to me now. Is there anything out there like that Ranger but made of (at least partially) aluminum? I understand there is a strength and cost element here so that might not be a reality. I haven't been able to find one so I thought I'd check in here.

Also if that is a unicorn jack that isn't available (likely from what I can tell), is the Ranger the way to go again or should I go with a similar Omega or Arcan or something else? I'm a home gamer but I'm single and don't have any kids so I can spend a little more on this than people with more mouths to feed.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Schwaben 011362SCH01A

ECS Tuning has them for 209+ 60 ish for shipping

 

[apollo11]

Nice piece

 

[Rusty67]

Ah ya, I totally forgot about that jack. I need to get some measurements and find out if I will be able to lift my car from the front K member with that jack. The ranger will slide right in and lift the entire front end of the car all at once which is something I'm looking for.

Have you used that jack at all? I've never heard of Schwaben before I saw them about 2 months ago. I got side tracked and forgot it even existed.

 

[apollo11]

The red one is 7+ inches shorter

 

[ChrisLS8]

The Schwaben is about 1/2 an inch taller than the Ranger for lowered saddle height. Not sure how much clearance you had with the Ranger

 

[Rusty67]

It wasn't so much the saddle height as much as it was the rear section of the jack body closer to the handle. The Ranger slid easily under my front bumper and what not on the front of my car. It also slid right under the gas tank to my rear axle no problem.

If the slim section of the Schwaben is long enough the main body height won't matter.

 

[pbon]

Also check Arcan, Torin, Harbor Freight. For very long reach low profile you may need steel.

 

[Rusty67]

So anyone used more than one of these jacks or has anyone used the Schwaben? I'm interested in hearing how it performs.

 

[Hiball]

So anyone used more than one of these jacks or has anyone used the Schwaben? I'm interested in hearing how it performs.

Like 99% of the Import Jack market, the majority of them use the same "core" design in regards to the hydraulic unit, that doesn't mean that they are all spec'd the same in regards to seal type/frame dimension/handle length etc. If you jump over to the HF Aluminum framed low profiles, your gonna see alot of similarities. I do like the newer twin pump quick lift jacks over the single pump units from the past, they have less seals, thus less to go wrong.

Hope this Helps, Good luck on your search..

 

[Rusty67]

I get that most of the jacks are very similar but there are differences between the brands so I was hoping someone who has used multiple can give me real life feedback about why one might be better than the other or that there really is no difference.

Also, I'm open to buying a non-import jack but I don't think I've seen a USA made one similar to the Ranger and certainly not an aluminum body one like the the Schwaben. If you have any suggestions I'd be happy to look at them.

 

[Hiball]

I get that most of the jacks are very similar but there are differences between the brands Eh Sometimes so I was hoping someone who has used multiple can give me real life feedback about why one might be better than the other or that there really is no difference.

Also, I'm open to buying a non-import jack but I don't think I've seen a USA made one similar to the Ranger and certainly not an aluminum body one like the the Schwaben. If you have any suggestions I'd be happy to look at them.

I'm not aware of any aluminum, low profile domestic made floor jacks similar to the Schwaben, but like Ranger they aren't manufacturing there jacks, it's just what they specified or rebranded. In regards to what you are looking for, I think you will need to stay off shore. IMO when you dealing with these price points, i always reccomend dealing with a supplier that can handle any warranty claims with ease. I haven't scoured the Norco lineup lately, but they have a pretty solid reputation for service and might have something that fits your needs.

 

[Rusty67]

After looking at the aluminum jacks I decided that I wanted to go with the steel units. I'm going to try an Arcan this time around. I looked at the Omegas and there were a number of reviews saying the jacks lasted about 2-2.5 years before the cylinder stopped holding pressure. On the other hand, every review I saw for the Arcan jacks were 5 stars. I already have had a Ranger and didn't ever have a single issue with it but I wanted to try something new. Also, the Arcan's lowered height was a tad higher but the max height was 4" taller. Maybe next time I'll buy the Jegs jack which seems to be the same jack as the Schwaben.