floor jack recommendation

[396foxRN]

Hey, guys. I'm looking to buy a floor jack, and would like some recommendations. My first instinct when buying tools is to look at old, used, heavy duty, overkill items, even if it needs a rebuild. But, I know little on floor jack comparisons. I'm still using the same generic one I've had forever. It's a POS, but works...and want to replace it with something that works smoothly, jacks quickly, has a low profile to sit under the slightly lowered 86 GT clone, has a 3 ton or more capacity (sometimes I take overkill to it's limits, but really only need something that will lift an F150 4x4), and a long reach from the arm pivot to the jacking point. I'm sure a lot of brands fit the bill these days, but would like some inputs from you guys. I also tend to have an aversion to Chinese disposable stuff, though I know that that's just an opinion or personal preference. I like to buy things just once...

So, if going the old and possibly in need of a rebuild brands, what are good brands to look for? If going the new route, what are good and bad brands to consider?

All inputs are appreciated!

 

[doublearon98]

Buying new, get a 3 ton from harbor freight for $80. They are nice

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[Firebrick43]

Milwaukee, Blackhawk and hein-Warner are worth rebuilding. I looked for one for months and finally spent under 100$ for the 2ton low profile high lift HF and so far it's the first thing from HF I have been happy with. Who knows about how long it will last.

 

[wee]

I have (2) of the 3 ton low profile HF floor jacks for 4 years and had ZERO issues with either.

Brian

 

[Garett]

I have 2 Michelin branded jacks I'm really happy with, so good I recycled my other floor jacks. One is over 20 years old, 3.5ton and never let me down. The other is a larger 3 ton low lift is about 5 yrs old now. They were under $200 each on sale when I bought, I'm sure they are offshore like so much of the stuff out there but they are both still working great.

 

[Wamsutta]

The yellow Harbor Freight Daytona. Three year warranty.

 

[Roberts210]

If you want something that will last and not fail you unexpectedly, find an old used Hein Werner, or Milwaukee or even an '80's (Japanese made) Green Craftsman. Get any of those rebuilt and you'll have a great jack that will last longer than any of the ****-Chinese jacks sold at Horror Freight.

You're in Louisville, Ky, correct? Right now there are two vintage, USA-made floor jacks on the Louisville Craigslist. One is a 4-ton Weaver the other is a 2,500 pound American Specialties Dreadnaught. I've never heard of the Dreadnaught, but the seals, etc. are probably pretty generic. GJ member HiBall would know for sure about the Dreadnaught.

 

[paulsomlo]

If you want something that will last and not fail you unexpectedly, find an old used Hein Werner, or Milwaukee or even an '80's (Japanese made) Green Craftsman. Get any of those rebuilt and you'll have a great jack that will last longer than any of the ****-Chinese jacks sold at Horror Freight.

You're in Louisville, Ky, correct? Right now there are two vintage, USA-made floor jacks on the Louisville Craigslist. One is a 4-ton Weaver the other is a 2,500 pound American Specialties Dreadnaught. I've never heard of the Dreadnaught, but the seals, etc. are probably pretty generic. GJ member HiBall would know for sure about the Dreadnaught.

If that Weaver is not busted up (and you have strong back), that would fit your needs. The Dreadnaught is made by Ausco, I believe, another old USA brand.

New? I'd be looking at Compaq and AC Hydraulic, not sure if Milwaukee or Hein-Werner would fit under your vehicle.

 

[Qualitytools]

Take a look at AC Hydraulic the have very nice jacks, expensive but worth it, I have the DKQ20

 

[bpjr]

Don't discount the offshore HF jacks as being junk. I've had good results with their 2.5 ton low profile for home use. Theres a big difference in offshore jacks...in contrast I have a 3t Husky jack that is identical to the 3t Sears and its a POS. It has the exposed gear on the back to relieve pressure and is jerky letting it down no matter how you do it. The HF has hydraulic cyls and bleeds with precise control...no abrupt lowering, ever.

My local mechanic has had a 6 bay repair shop for over 20 yrs and has had several HF jacks in daily service for 6-7 yrs...along side his expensive jacks. I asked him about them and his reply was the HF jacks work and cost a lot less.

 

[bochnak]

Check out the Arcan at costco, $95, low profile, rapid pump etc..

 

[Philbert]

I like my aluminum Harbour Fraught floor jacks 2.5 ton. It has been decent the two years I have owned it. My last one lasted 15 years, it was a China costco one.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I work in automotive service shops and see dozens of the $80 HF 3 ton jacks in use each week. I purchased one for myself last spring when my Craftsman jack **** the bed, it works well and has no problem on my Dodge 2500.

 

[jsmeece]

Check out the Arcan at costco, $95, low profile, rapid pump etc..

I have one of those, and I could not be happier. Great jack for the price, aluminum and steel construction, makes it lighter than an all steel jack.

 

[Stooge]

The yellow Harbor Freight Daytona. Three year warranty.

a buddy picked one up last year, and I am really impressed with it. Super solid and fairly low resting height, just nice to use. if something goes wrong with my 3 ton craftsman, I wouldn't hesitate to pick one up

 

[ken w.]

I'm a fan of the NAPA 3 1/2 ton floor jack that they have on sale for $ 199.00 quite often. It's an import , but I trust Napa over HF.

 

[dogdog]

I have the

2 ton long reach low profile unit (now it's Daytona 3 ton long reach low profile), works nice but heavy as heck steel...
3 ton low profile $80 ones, shorter reach, heavy as heck. heavy as heck...

I liked the HF units, they are heavy duty and unfortunately also Heavy... it does have good set of casters, just too loud to drag in my neighborhood , attracts too many busy bees.....

So I just use my rebuild 2 ton craftsman aluminum jack now with a smaller hf aluminum jack to do the initial lift to get clearance.... for most use at least


But seriously... you have to be more specific on your needs not just Heavy Duty ( that means a lot of things), weight , lift capacity, lift speed, lift height, minimum height, reach, serviceability ? all those ?

 

[James-W]

I have had 2 floor jacks from Harbor Freight for a very long time, one regular lift and one low profile. No problems with either one. Not very expensive and they work just fine. But to be fair, I am not a mechanic so I don't use them every day. When I do need them, they work great.

 

[durant7]

Roberts210, you wrote: " '80's (Japanese made) Green Craftsman. Get any of those rebuilt and you'll have a great jack..."

I have one and was not able to locate a replacement seal. If there is some smart source for seals, I would love to know.

Update: 214-12460 but the parts bag that was taped on is missing....always put everything back together....hopefully I did. If not, it goes to the transfer station.

JD in NH

 

[ike]

i have an arcan, my dad has the yellow HF daytona jack. i like the HF better than the arcan and wish i would have bought one of those instead.

 

[Krokodil]

New? I'd be looking at Compaq and AC Hydraulic

For new you can add OMCN and Mega to your list.

 

[Lettusbee]

Is there such a thing as a floor jack that is easy to roll over a gravel driveway?
I have two trucks, three trailers, and a tractor. Seems like one of em always needs a repair, and it's easier to take tools to vehicle versus moving vehicle with a flat into the shop.

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[WWheeler]

Is there such a thing as a floor jack that is easy to roll over a gravel driveway?
I have two trucks, three trailers, and a tractor. Seems like one of em always needs a repair, and it's easier to take tools to vehicle versus moving vehicle with a flat into the shop.

Aluminum jack so you can manhandle it into position over gravel and other rough terrain and use plywood under it when you put a load on it.