Floor Jack Time

[BigRed390]

Ranger has an extra long low profile lift that would probably be what you're lookin' for. Take a look, they have a grip of floor jacks you can peruse through.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I've got this exact jack (won it in a contest on this board, actually!! ), and if it were stolen tomorrow, I'd have an order in for another one immediately. I'm no pro by any means, but mine sees semi-regular use. I used it last night, actually. Heavy, but it picks a car up quickly, and it never wobbles or threatens to move like a few shorter one's I've used.

 

[drmoonshine]

< rant >Be warned: Sears Aluminum Floor Jacks are Garbage.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950244000P

Failed after lifting 3x and they would not replace/repair it. Horribly designed and manufactured in China. Unsafe.

Buy a Norco jack +/- $200 and you'll never need to buy another.

FYI - Sears removed unfavorable reviews for this (and other?) products. Look at reviews on it and see the reviews that I captured for this back in March 2009 - all now gone from their site. That's fraud folks.

No longer posted at sears.com review of their floor jack


< / rant >

Thanks for the heads up. I be sure next time I'm looking at reviews to imagine a few bad ones. I'm looking for some floor jacks in the $200 range. I just want a decent jack however I am a bit lazy sometimes I would like a foot pedal. Kind of like this one http://www.gesusa.com/Ranger-RFJ-2TX-Floor-Jack-p/118330.htm.

 

[fr0mastaj]

I was in the market for the lowest and longest floor jack I could afford, and it turned out to be the Omega Model 29023.

I've used the heck out of this thing since I got it, and it has no problem reaching the pumpkin or engine crossmember on all my lowered vehicles. I haven't had to use my 2x10 step ramps I made 15 years ago just to get a jack under lowered cars anymore. At only 2.5" tall for the first half of the length of the jack it's slimmer than anything else I've seen.

It also has the single pump stroke to raise it up to touch the car to eliminate excess pumping just to get it up to the car before you start lifting. I didn't care to much about the feature when researching jacks as I never had it before it didn't bother me, but has been a really nice feature now that I've used it.

Here are some comparison pics I took back when I first got it. This is next to the Northern/PepBoys Big Red jack that is pretty much the exact same dimensions as the $39 HF Orange jack I also had for years and gave away to a friend that had no jack..

The pictures really do not do this jack justice, as it is Wayy longer, lower, and heavier than I was expecting, even knowing the specs before hand didn't prepare for the shear size. I can't say about the longevity but I love it so far, I was told Omega does have rebuilt parts available but hopefully I won't need to find out..


Here's the specs:
Capacity - 2 tons
Minimum Ht. - 2.5"
Maximum Height - 20"
Handle Length - 52"
Saddle Diameter - 4 -7/8"
Frame Width - 13.75"
Frame Length - 42.25"
Weight - 123 lbs.

I have had that same jack for a few years now. Love the low profile and quick lift. Does yours take an unusual amount of force to lift cars too? I have to most definitely use both hands + body weight to get it to lift regular sedans; but it will lift. Even my cheap Craftsman trolley jack lifts without such work.

I've lifted many friends and family cars and they all feel the same... cars like a Altima, Camry, Avalon, IS300, etc.

I have changed the fluid before...made no difference...

Perhaps you can provide some insight, HiBall?
________
Vapir No2

 

[a3tripod]

Best floor jack for the money is the low-profile 3.5 ton, quick-rise, Arcan from costco. $95. The red matches my cabinets too

 

[ket-tek]

I have had that same jack for a few years now. Love the low profile and quick lift. Does yours take an unusual amount of force to lift cars too? I have to most definitely use both hands + body weight to get it to lift regular sedans; but it will lift. Even my cheap Craftsman trolley jack lifts without such work.

I've lifted many friends and family cars and they all feel the same... cars like a Altima, Camry, Avalon, IS300, etc.

I have changed the fluid before...made no difference...

Perhaps you can provide some insight, HiBall?

If you go back to the previous page, someone else already mentioned that same question about the jack.. Part of my response is also below.

And as mentioned if your not working on extremely lowered vehicles then this jack really isn't necessary, there are many other long reach jacks out there.

But now you guys have gotten me curious and I'm gonna have to go out there and do some arm strength pump tests and pay attention to how hard it is or isn't.. If it is then I would assume that it's just due to the leverage/angle of gaining an extra 20" of length, that's got to be quite a significant amount of extra pressure, hence why such a monster heavy duty all steel jack is only rated at 2 tons.

I was looking for the longest and lowest jacks out there, and it serves that purpose better than I had even hoped. If someone works on regular height cars, wants easy pumping, and a lighter weight unit there is so much else out there this should not really be on their list.

I have not noticed it needing anymore effort to pump than my HF or Northern Jacks require. I'm not sure if there are any other super easy to pump jacks that people are comparing to?

Even if it did take a bit more muscle to pump, I would not care as the profile and length of the jack fit the bill. Most of my vehicles are bagged or lowered well beyond the ground clearance of most typical lowered vehicles, and I've needed a jack like this for years..

There are many other very long jacks that will easily reach the pumpkin and engine crossmember of normal height cars.

Either you "need" a jack like this or you don't, and if you don't "need" this profile of a jack, I'm sure there are probably better jacks for the money.

-------------------

 

[ket-tek]

The ATD-7325 is the same jack, from the same production line, just a different color. And a little cheaper.

It sure does look like the ATD is the same jack.

As far as pricing I bought the omega from ASEdeals at the same time I ordered my lift and other accessories so I actually got the jack for less than the ATD costs after a great discount. So it's all good, but others that may interested in a jack this low may want to check the out the ATD.

 

[ckucia]

I had a Craftsman 3 ton for about 10 years.

When we're getting ready to go camping, I pull the trailer along side the house hooked to the truck the day before we leave - my wife loads it up while I'm at work.

With the fridge running, I used to put the floor jack under one side to level it off. When I get home, I shut off the fridge, released the jack, and away we go.

Last time, the jack stuck. I could not turn the release valve. I tried beating on it with a hammer to the point I just busted off the little star wheels. Ended up lifting the camper with a 4x4 while my wife yanked the jack out.

Got back and looked around. The HF jack was pretty much identical to the Craftsman and was on sale for something like $70. I have something like six jack stands, and I always slide the wheels under the frame after removing them as extra insurance so I only need the jack to get the car in the air. The standard steel jacks are plenty low enough for our vehicles.

Anyhow, the HF jack had a couple minor issues - one of the large cast iron wheels had a crack in the hub and the other was drilled off-center. I basically took both completely apart, and used the best parts off both to make one good jack - most of the parts were off the new one. I also welded the two-piece handle together to make a one piece that didn't loosen over time like the old one did - I never took the old one apart anyhow.

Most importantly, though, I got myself an assortment of washers, and used some of the extras from the old one to tighen up some of the sloppiness in the mechanism and on the wheels. It made a huge difference. I wish I had taken some pics but a few dollars in washers and time can turn an OK jack into a really nice jack. That, and greasing up all the joints and shafts before reassembly. It also makes it a lot quieter than when everything rattles around as you drag it across the driveway.

Another thing I did was take a white paint marker and mark the shaft where the valve is tight, and where it is completely loose. I always hated not knowing when the valve would release and when heavily loaded, it sometimes releases pretty quickly. Now I at least have an idea where that point is.

Just my experience. I'd like to find an old "shop-quality" jack, but so far none have come up for sale in my area for the money I can spend.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Hey Ryan,

Check out my HAMB post recently asking the same question.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=462813

 

[HIRISC]

Thanks for the heads up. I be sure next time I'm looking at reviews to imagine a few bad ones. I'm looking for some floor jacks in the $200 range. I just want a decent jack however I am a bit lazy sometimes I would like a foot pedal. Kind of like this one http://www.gesusa.com/Ranger-RFJ-2TX-Floor-Jack-p/118330.htm.

You're probably fine with Ranger jacks. Rest of their stuff is good.

 

[specializedaggie06]

I second the Arcan. I recently went through the "which jack to get that has high lift, low clearance, cheap, and wont **** out" question. If you have a Northern tool close ... its the way to go.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200345429_200345429

Andrew

 

[Andy4639]

I bought this one a while back from HF> I love it for what I bought it for. Working on the golf carts it is wonderful. It has the pads that just lift out so it will lift stuff level.
For $149.00 it's worth every penny.

Here it is with one side out picking up the drag cart. It's only good for 1500Lbs though and thats more than enough for the dragster. It's nice and level and it ant coming off.

 

[AZAV8]

I bought the Craftsman 6000# (3 ton) aluminum jack for use with my Class C RV. I wanted a low weight (aluminum) jack to carry with me and I needed the larger capacity. I carry a piece of plywood to use with the jack to spread the load. I like the link to the off-road accessories for jacks. Thanks for the help. The low profile helped for positioning under the rear of the RV.

Phil

 

[Charles (in GA)]

If your Craftsman is USA made, Its either made by Blackhawk or Hein Werner. If its Green/White its Jap.

I think we went thru this before. I have a Blackhawk made Craftsman that was Green/white when I bought it new. I repainted it red and black, but it was Green and white for years before that. I have a neighbor with an identical Blackhawk made Craftsman that is still Green/white and in immaculate condition.

Charles

 

[bb1970]

It isn't a fancy low profile jack. But this is the only one I have I can get under my lowered Riviera (barely). It's a Walker that is probably older than I am. And I'm 40.

 

[george4]

I second the Arcan. I recently went through the "which jack to get that has high lift, low clearance, cheap, and wont **** out" question. If you have a Northern tool close ... its the way to go.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200345429_200345429

Andrew

Picked one up today for $89.99 + about $9 tax at Costco.

 

[chief ben]

I fixed this up to lift my Trike up to work on it,

 

[Hiball]

I think we went thru this before. I have a Blackhawk made Craftsman that was Green/white when I bought it new. I repainted it red and black, but it was Green and white for years before that. I have a neighbor with an identical Blackhawk made Craftsman that is still Green/white and in immaculate condition.

Charles

YeS.. Yours is the first Blackhawk designed Sears jack that ive ever seen. I didnt recall it being Green and White, I see now that you painted it Red. I will say that the majority of the Green/White Jacks where made in Japan utilizing Yasui designed Hydraulics. Ive seen Hundereds of the Green/White Jap units versus only your Blackhawk one, I suspect it was a very limited run.

 

[IH82BL8]

I've been using one of these for 8 1/2 years with no problems and no regrets:

http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_ACHyd1_pg1.htm

The Omega has a lower profile, but the AC has a higher lift.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads12/1+DSC_5903c+721200932856.jpg

And, since you're also going to be using jack stands, here's a good way to store them. This gets them up off the floor and out of the way, but still accessible to the garage and the driveway.

 

[SteveL]

I'm still using the blue Lincoln that I bought new back in 1977 for $175. That was a lot back then! I've had the seals replaced once in all those years and it still works great. Made back in the days when the handles were all one piece and heavy as hell.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Picked one up today for $89.99 + about $9 tax at Costco.

Got my Costco Arcan jack last week. Best deal going and works well too,
plus you can't beat Costco's return policy, in case anything happens.

 

[groucho]

I've been considering one of these for under $200 on CL, new in box. (check out their other models on Google...Arcan floor jack)

3.5 TON CAPACITY
PROFESSIONAL LOW LIFT JACK

* Thick frame side plates and reinforced lift arm
* Side mounted handles
* 12 pumps to the top under load
* Bypass and overload valves
* Ball bearing mounted rear swivel caster wheels
* 2 piece handle for easy storage
* Rubber saddle pad and foam bumper pad
* Dual return springs

XL35R

Specifications
Low Lift Height 3-1/2"
High Lift Height 21.375"
Overall Length 27.5"
Overall Width 14"
Net Weight 101.41 Lbs.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I've been considering one of these for under $200 on CL, new in box. (check out their other models on Google...Arcan floor jack)

3.5 TON CAPACITY
PROFESSIONAL LOW LIFT JACK

* Thick frame side plates and reinforced lift arm
* Side mounted handles
* 12 pumps to the top under load
* Bypass and overload valves
* Ball bearing mounted rear swivel caster wheels
* 2 piece handle for easy storage
* Rubber saddle pad and foam bumper pad
* Dual return springs

XL35R

Specifications
Low Lift Height 3-1/2"
High Lift Height 21.375"
Overall Length 27.5"
Overall Width 14"
Net Weight 101.41 Lbs.

Why not just go to Costco and get it for $89.95?

 

[groucho]

Why not just go to Costco and get it for $89.95?

Are you sure about that?

 

[kbuhagiar]

Are you sure about that?

Quite sure - check this thread for all the information you need:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36136&highlight=costco+jack

The Costco here in South San Francisco had three left as of last Friday 11-19-2010.

 

[groucho]

Quite sure - check this thread for all the information you need:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36136&highlight=costco+jack

The Costco here in South San Francisco had three left as of last Friday 11-19-2010.

Well, I guess Costco's on my list for today. My Craftsman just died yesterday. It's been a great jack since around 1984. So, I can't *****. I'd think about repairing the cylinder, but I get easily aggravated while searching for a kit

 

[kbuhagiar]

Well, I guess Costco's on my list for today. My Craftsman just died yesterday. It's been a great jack since around 1984. So, I can't *****. I'd think about repairing the cylinder, but I get easily aggravated while searching for a kit

Just one word of caution: This sucker is heavy - it weighs over 100 pounds - be careful!

 

[hdossett]

Are you sure about that?

Well, I just picked one up, $92.99 + 11.35% tax (AZ) @ Prescott Costco!

Opened box, inserted handle, jacked car up! Sweet!

It will replace the Craftsman 2.25t toy from sears that was such a pain that I used blocks (as ramps) instead of the jack. I'll just keep the CM in the truck, it is better than the OEM jack, just not very much!

Now what to do with all that lumber? Oh yea, leave it in the RV for when I boondock in BLM uneven disbursed camping areas.

Note to self, "Must stop reading GJ, makes me spend money."

Harold

P.S. I was thinking about the HF SKU # 94629 rated @3t, and weighted in @77#, $59 this weekend, but I think I will like this one much, much, more!

 

[groucho]

I've been considering one of these

What a turd. Just returned mine. I was surprised because Costco usually sells pretty usable stuff

 

[Vettman]

I've got three. The racing jack (aluminum) for lightweight lifting. The 2 ton Allied Hydraulics I've had for 20+ years. Never a problem. Note: all 3 of these were mfg. in China.
The new (red) I just purchased from Costco.

 

[groucho]

I've got three. The racing jack (aluminum) for lightweight lifting. The 2 ton Allied Hydraulics I've had for 20+ years. Never a problem.
The new (red) I just purchased from Costco.

Let me know how you like the Costco one. I bought and returned mine today.

 

[atch]

http://www.grizzly.com/products/2-5-Ton-Low-Profile-Garage-Jack/H8093

grizzly; had it about 2 or 3 years and it works great. very low and gets under Clarence's front crossmember

 

[kbuhagiar]

What a turd. Just returned mine. I was surprised because Costco usually sells pretty usable stuff

Care to elaborate?

 

[groucho]

Care to elaborate?

1-it jacks up a lot slower than you'd think by the implications made on the box
2-for a 7000 Lb (3 1/2 ton) rating, it sure takes a lot of effort to raise 1000 Lbs
3-after raising the car, I'd twist the handle 3 times before the car would lower
4-at that point the action on the handle gets very lumpy and you have little control of how abruptly the car comes down
5-rolling the jack across the shop floor reveals a wheel on the rear that wobbles like it's 30 yrs old and been severly abused.

I'm a huge fan of Costco, and do somehow believe they have some sort of quality control in place in their buying dept. But, this jack was very disappointing

 

[kbuhagiar]

1-it jacks up a lot slower than you'd think by the implications made on the box
2-for a 7000 Lb (3 1/2 ton) rating, it sure takes a lot of effort to raise 1000 Lbs
3-after raising the car, I'd twist the handle 3 times before the car would lower
4-at that point the action on the handle gets very lumpy and you have little control of how abruptly the car comes down
5-rolling the jack across the shop floor reveals a wheel on the rear that wobbles like it's 30 yrs old and been severly abused.

I appreciate your input; thanks for the update.

Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've already been through around 20 up-down cycles, and I haven't experienced any of those symptoms.

However, I will take note and pay attention. Like I said before, I kept the box and receipt - JUST in case!

 

[Vettman]

Let me know how you like the Costco one. I bought and returned mine today.

I haven't really had much opportunity to use the Costco jack yet. I've seen the same jack marketed under several different marks, at prices ranging from $89.00 (Costco) to $249.00. I think as with most everything manufactured in China, it's a "**** shoot". Fortunately I've been lucky. Most of the items I've purchased have been free of defects. If you look around most everything is now made in China even brands that at one time were manufactured in the U.S.

 

[groucho]

I appreciate your input; thanks for the update.

!

No problem. I'm now motivated to fixing my 26 yr old Sears jack, which I suspect might have been made by Hein Werner

 

[kgorman]

Just ordered a dk20 off pelican for $399, looks like they have a couple left.

 

[robertearl]

Just ordered a dk20 off pelican for $399, looks like they have a couple left.

I have had an AC hydraulics jack for 5 years now. It is the best jack I have ever had. Love the way it only comes down slow no matter what. They are not cheap, but they are a damn good jack.

Reb

 

[BADSIX]

just a little heads up on the china jacks. i had one just like the o/p'ers its a nice light weight jack that i used for several years. then it started to leak oil then it wouldn't lift. so i took it apart to see if i could fix it. what i found was a badly rusted pited cylinder. these things do not have a seal on the shaft where it exits the cyinder. my problem was i washed my jack a few times when it got dirty and dusty. the water runs right in the cyinder through where the shaft exits and lays in there as there is no way for it to get out. soon you have a rusted pited cylinder that leaks. moral of this story don't get your jack wet

 

[glntom]

What a turd. Just returned mine. I was surprised because Costco usually sells pretty usable stuff

mine works great, maybe you got a lemon. my only complaint is the weight. I have been using it for 2 years.