I need a floor jack for a Silverado 1500 and a Kia Sorento so I'm thinking 3-ton. I looked at the few made/assembled in USA jacks which are way out of my price range. Are there any non-Chinese made jacks that won't break the bank and won't collapse on me? I've looked at used jacks on Craigslist but most are so beat up I can't tell what they are or where they were made.
Floor Jack recommendations
- Thread starter netbrad
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whateg01
Well-known member
Too bad about the used market. I have several "old iron" jacks that I was able to pick up fairly cheap. Bought a 4t long frame walker for peanuts because it wouldn't Jack. Turned out, the cylinder had been rebuilt but nobody ever put any fluid in it. I've also bought them because they must be broken since it takes a bunch of pumps to reach the vehicle - no quick pump feature.
I've read a lot of good thing about the Daytona jacks but I don't have one. My daughter's bf does and he likes it
I've read a lot of good thing about the Daytona jacks but I don't have one. My daughter's bf does and he likes it
Indexmill
Well-known member
Op, the short answer to your question is: No. No, you can't buy a new, non-Chinese floor jack for a moderate price.
However, you can certainly buy a used Made in the USA floor jack for less than $100 and then spend time a $50 to make it work.
However, you can certainly buy a used Made in the USA floor jack for less than $100 and then spend time a $50 to make it work.
engineer2
Well-known member
The HF Daytona low-profile long-reach is a good jack for trucks. I got mine last at year's black Friday sale for $169, but they are higher now.
Thanks. I'm wary of Daytona since Harbor Freight couldn't make jackstands that didn't fall down.
Taiwan would be OK but there isn't an easy way to differentiate between those and Chinese. I also looked at "assembled in USA from global components" but $600 was way too much.
ex-x-fire
Well-known member
I'd look for a used 1970s Sears jack. These are the green models made in Japan and seem to hold up pretty well.
superspec
Well-known member
The Daytona and Pittsburg jacks are the only way I would go. My Pittsburg gets used just as much as the matco Jack at work.
Unless you go to 500-1000, you are stuck with new jacks such as the harbor freight line. Perhaps Home depot Husky line. Used for 100, 50 into it, ?? I used to look on and off for months and not 1 single item or deal like that popped up. I went to searching for new. I prefer Compaq, but see no reliable distributor. I may try AC from Pelican, but I wish they made a long reach hi lift 2 or 3 ton. lam willing to go up to 800 if i can get a 15-20 year reliable jack. I need a fairly low profile, with a lift above 20 inches. I can drive up on 2 x 6 or 2 x 8's if needed.
71firebird400
Well-known member
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- Oct 25, 2016
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If $600 is too much then just grab a HF jack and be done with it.
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
Those Daytona jacks are used by so many shops around me. Everyone at work uses them too. I assume HF must’ve done something right if they are used by just about everyone around. I haven’t ever seen a US made jack even. Jack stands, yes. But not a floor jack. Must be before my time.
mbunimog
Well-known member
I would **** it up and get a good one. The AC jack made in Denmark is my choice
I love it. Easy to use lifts high
I love it. Easy to use lifts high
That's like saying you won't buy a Ford truck because Ford made the Pinto.
I agree every shop I've been in has a bunch of the Pittsburgh or Daytona jacks. I also realize this thread is from November and the OP has likely already bought a jack but if not, HF has a coupon right now that brings the Daytona 3 ton low profile down to 150
Big Bad Dad
Well-known member
Watch the HF deals on the Daytona jacks. It gets confusing when they put out the coupon for the regular low profile 3 ton jack. I have a Pittsburg 3 ton low profile, as well as a Daytona 3 ton low profile long reach jack. The long reach is really what you want for a high vehicle like a pickup. They cost more, but the extra lift is pretty necessary for trucks. I am really impressed with my Daytona. The Pittsburg is adequate, but I would spend the extra $$ for the Daytona if I had it to do over..
engineer2
Well-known member
The long reach is good for a lot of regular cars too. It can reach from the front bumper to the control arm without any trouble.
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mbunimog
Well-known member
Over the last 30 years I have bought 6 or 8 hydraulic jacks that are now all junked because they failed to lift and could not be repaired easily. So likely spent 2000 dollars or more. Spending the 700 dollars for an AC high lift that has all parts readily available is a no brainer to me.
BigLeagueSmoes
Well-known member
Like others have said, the Daytona low profile long reach is a really great option and hard to beat, not just for price, but overall performance regardless of price. Yes it’s made in China and yes it’s sold at Harbor Freight, but unless you’re ready to shell out $600-$1000 you won’t be able to find a better jack. I have two and they work great, never had a problem. Heck, even Scotty Kilmer swears by them 
Coach James
Well-known member
Harbor Freight doesn't make anything, they contract from other companies. I have no idea how many companies make jack stands, but I do not believe every "brand" comes from a different factory. The recall of some HF jack stands was not because any failed, as none did. It was a preemptive action on the part of HF.
I have seen a lot of Daytonas in use by commercial garages around here.
Coach
I seen a fair few Daytonas in pro use with mixed results in the long haul .
AC Hydraulics do some nice jacks, if want cheaper look at northern tools yellow jacket, it a better/safer construction choice effort than the HF ones, tractor supply and menards also do a version that better construction component choices over HF Daytona .
AC Hydraulics do some nice jacks, if want cheaper look at northern tools yellow jacket, it a better/safer construction choice effort than the HF ones, tractor supply and menards also do a version that better construction component choices over HF Daytona .
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
Good to know. Is that in relation to their Super Duty jacks or just the regular Daytona? I just had a Northern Tool open by me and I’d like to buy something from there to bring them some business.
Super duty
Not saying they junk but they don't do the time in real professional environment .
Rapid pumps have habit of failing, warranty on one for that, tyre shop had ram seals fail .
The price is getting close to 300 bucks, if buying these cheaper jacks then you got do homework make sure best construction options are included and best warranty .
Personally I'd spend more for US or European made jack, Back when 150>170 bucks on sale/coupons it a cheap punt, now it getting to point it smarter look at alternatives and more so if fussy on longevity/quality/design or intending use in more professional environment .
Floor jacks ive bought new are whatever I can find for a good price. One is over 20 years old and another is 6. The older one slowly leaks down with load but other then that they've both been good. Both were under $80 and both used for large cars and full-size trucks.
You shouldn't crawl under a car supported only by a jack. I'd get whatever jack of your choice to support your vehicle weight and get some jackstands to meet your needs of quality and trust.
Buying the best is a no brainer for most people with enough money to buy the best. But often you cannot or should not because you can’t afford to, even if in the end you will have to buy several tools instead of one and will ultimately spend more. If you cannot presently afford to buy the best for 3x as much, do what people here are doing and research to find the best of the rest — more affordable substitutes.
I wanted a 911 Turbo when I was younger but could not or should not have bought one. So I modded my BMW to perform like one in as many respects as possible. 15-20 years later, everything I have spent would have bought a used 911 Turbo back then. But that does not mean it would have been a good idea for me to buy a 911 Turbo when I had much more pressing financial priorities.
^
It really about calculating if you can afford the cheaper option .
At 300 bucks the 3 ton super duty is not the disposable price it was couple years back .
For occasional users then better construction of cheaper jacks with usable warranty package likely be good enough but for more professional type environment it cheaper and more productive long term spend twice as much on one than dealing with issues and second purchases of cheaper option .
It really about calculating if you can afford the cheaper option .
At 300 bucks the 3 ton super duty is not the disposable price it was couple years back .
For occasional users then better construction of cheaper jacks with usable warranty package likely be good enough but for more professional type environment it cheaper and more productive long term spend twice as much on one than dealing with issues and second purchases of cheaper option .
mobiledynamics
Well-known member
While discussing jacks.......current fleet is DK20 and DK13HLQ
I'm in need of a 2 ton -aluminum- jack.
Was going to just get a Daytona one...
Napa has a Carlyle one as well - but I suppose it comes out of the same cookie cutter places that make the 2 ton jacks that across all brands that look similar with a different paint job
I'm in need of a 2 ton -aluminum- jack.
Was going to just get a Daytona one...
Napa has a Carlyle one as well - but I suppose it comes out of the same cookie cutter places that make the 2 ton jacks that across all brands that look similar with a different paint job
^
Is a lot of factories in china making these jacks all based on same basic design concept and supporting component sourcing .
3 main things consider is your amount of usage, actual component spec of options you considering and your ease of using any supplied warranty over the full length of warranty .
As soon as in scenario of more professional use then the cheaper jacks are not always cheapest longer term ...
Is a lot of factories in china making these jacks all based on same basic design concept and supporting component sourcing .
3 main things consider is your amount of usage, actual component spec of options you considering and your ease of using any supplied warranty over the full length of warranty .
As soon as in scenario of more professional use then the cheaper jacks are not always cheapest longer term ...
Not in my searches. if decent, or a decent price they are already snagged. Some are fishy, and some sit on there for a year or more, the ones we all stay away from. I have read this suggestion many times on many forums, and every single time I have looked, there are NONE. It is worth a shot, but since everyone is doing that, there are NONE available. Maybe if your full time job is to scour a 300 mile radius every day, several times a day, that is not worth it. Unfortunately, for me it is going to be AC, or Menards if I drive up North to see my sister. I am in the Tampa market. So no warranty drop off to Menards. And I may go a lesser Husky just because I have gift cards. Their version of the copied HF, NT, Menards, Torin and SnapOn is 350 dollars, way more and only a 1 year warranty. Not sure why so high. Agree with your first sentence 100%, your second sentence is worth a try, but not many hits. I know you do not care, just my 2 cents.
whateg01
Well-known member
When looking for used, location matters, as does timing. There's an old walker, long frame (appears to be) 4T a little over an hour from my house for $65. If I didn't already have one and an S4, I would be all over that.
OP, It is all perspective, as Mr B and others stated, the only decent priced jacks are made in China. Almost all others are made in China and assembled in the USA to fool you. The SnapOn copied 1100 dollar version is made in China. And as M pointed out, he purchased several jacks that failed and it would have been way cheaper to purchase the expensive AC. And in the end, he would still need a good Jack. Save and wait. Now I have to dig into AC and see if they are made in China and assembled in Denmark. Does anyone know as ofJanuary 2023? I did see this on their EU website, so it appears it is all done in Denmark:
Moral of the story, for under 1000, AC Hydraulics and if under 300, IF YOU wish, the copied SnapOn from Menards, 2nd place, Northern Tool. But they are not rated greatly at NT. Don't take my opinion, make your own
and Good luck.
MADE IN DENMARK, ALWAYS. All production of AC Hydraulic products take place in Viborg Denmark. It has done so since the founding, and it will continue to do so, following the values and goals of the Christensen family.
And, unfortunately, Compac has no US distributor (or a place that is reliable). I like a few of their jacks as well, also made in Denmark. I even stopped in the ENESCO US Compac distribution and repair shop, ENESCO and spoke to a member of management there. I am 15 minutes from their shop and repair center). None left and they no longer sell for them. They make a cheap Chinese knock-off branded Enesco. I recommend to stay away from it. We are not only jacked, but we are screwed in the USA. I also could not find any EU shoppes to ship overseas and contacted Compac themselves and they said they could not sell and ship to the USA.Moral of the story, for under 1000, AC Hydraulics and if under 300, IF YOU wish, the copied SnapOn from Menards, 2nd place, Northern Tool. But they are not rated greatly at NT. Don't take my opinion, make your own
and Good luck.
And they throw them in the trash when they leak or stop pumping.
Perspective for new is different from 20 years ago. I have a Craftsman 3 ton from the 80's or 90's. Still works properly to this day, does not leak, keeps load up. Never added or changed the oil. But they are not made today. I just need a little lower and definitely higher lift.
They were still chinese junk 20 years ago. The 6 year old one is still going.
Snap on and on and on
Lawn darts?
The question would be how long are they lasting in shop use. Even if they only last a year or two with that daily use and abuse that's decades of home use. So even if a cheap jack only lasts 5 years it can be replaced several times for that 1000 budget for a "good" jack and there's no guarantee it won't fail at some point either.
The biggest problem is going to be seals and o rings and good quality ones can break down or go hard over time too.
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It's all about cost to repair right? It's not the fault of the jack. It cost $10 to source parts to repair in some countries, and yet it costed $150 to source the parts that no one seems to carry. not sure how you do math. but if you buy a $200 Daytona and needed $150 in parts excluding labor to repair it 5 years later, I did go buy a new one @$200... just doesn't seems so logical to repair. Is it repairable ? I have source that Craftsman Aluminum jack and repair the seals. Shinfu USA or some thing... $100 in parts for a $200 Jack some years back, not even from craftsman, as they listed it as no parts for repair.. is it even make sense to repair? probably not if I have to include shop labor... All in the numbers game, not a problem with repairable.
If you like numbers giving it this way...if the daytona costed $200 and the Snap-on costed $1200 about 5x the price give or take.
Daytona lasted 5 years and snap on lasted 10 before needing to repair... which one is more economical.?
good quality jack never breaks down, cause they are smoking the high and mighty magic shroom.,
The Hein Werner 93642 is $400 on Amazon right now. I have two of these, and they're great and use a decades-old proven pump design with u-cup seals, parts are available, etc. I've had a bunch of HF jacks over the last 25 years and they all have leaked, or leaked down, after a few years. HF has always designed in planned obsolescence for returning business by saving a dollar by using o-rings instead of u-cup seals. The Daytona may be a quality design using good seals, so it may be an exception to what I said, but AFAIK no one here has torn one fully down.
ajchien
Well-known member
If I ever bought an import jack that lasted 5 years in my modest frequency DIY work, I would have be happy. My reality is that I have had import jacks last 1 day, 1 month, 6 months and 13 months. the early failure ones got returned to the stores. Along the way, ive taken a few apart to try to replace seals etc. of the ones that were past warranty. There are things I wind up seeing that are disappointing. Stuff like pistons that are not cylindrical but slightly bent, left over machining burrs where seals are supposed to sit. I can replace those seals, but there’s no way the seal is going to last sitting next to metal burrs and such. Since a lot of people do happen to like their import jacks, I’m currently under the conclusion that it is quality control that is lacking, and that there is an acceptable percentage of early failure by some brands.