No more Costco jacks

[joeswamp]

OK so I was just about to buy the awesome Arcan jack at Costco when they were replaced with a new model. Lighter, but not as low profile and doesn't fit as far under the vehicle. Argg.

I guess I could bite the bullet and go for the AC Hydraulics jack at Pelican Parts (that's gonna hurt but I won't regret the purchase later) but I'm wondering if there's anything in the middle. I think there are similar jacks to the Costco model but they're in the $300+ range and I'm not sure I want to pay that much for a disposable Chinese jack.

Such a drag as the Costco jack was such an amazing price/performance and you didn't have to pay shipping. And if it failed you could just return it. Why didn't I buy it sooner...

 

[Loscaldazar]

Look at northern tools' arcan 3.5ton jack for $150 (goes on sale for $130, and use a $20 off $100 to get it to $110). If one isn't near, shipping might be killer, but still cheaper than many other jacks. It is the same as the 3.25T sold at Costco.

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

 

[AndrewnTX]

I've had mine for years, must be like over 6... works like a charm and use it hard. Got it after troubles w/ the Craftsman "one pump" that died early..

I see the Arcan on Amazon and Northern Tool http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200413773_200413773
for $250 ... Yes you should have gotten one sooner!

 

[CWP1616L]

Last week when I was in Costco, they had a stack of floor jacks that were half aluminum and half steel.

 

[Burgerkong]

OK so I was just about to buy the awesome Arcan jack at Costco when they were replaced with a new model. Lighter, but not as low profile and doesn't fit as far under the vehicle. Argg.

I guess I could bite the bullet and go for the AC Hydraulics jack at Pelican Parts (that's gonna hurt but I won't regret the purchase later) but I'm wondering if there's anything in the middle. I think there are similar jacks to the Costco model but they're in the $300+ range and I'm not sure I want to pay that much for a disposable Chinese jack.

Such a drag as the Costco jack was such an amazing price/performance and you didn't have to pay shipping. And if it failed you could just return it. Why didn't I buy it sooner...

I don't think Pelican can actually get AC jacks, AFAIK, there isn't a NA distributor anymore?

 

[joeswamp]

Look at northern tools' arcan 3.5ton jack for $150 (goes on sale for $130, and use a $20 off $100 to get it to $110). If one isn't near, shipping might be killer, but still cheaper than many other jacks. It is the same as the 3.25T sold at Costco.

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

Thanks for that, I just checked and there is a Northern Tool in Massachusetts. Will have to swing down there when they go on sale.

 

[joeswamp]

I don't think Pelican can actually get AC jacks, AFAIK, there isn't a NA distributor anymore?

For a long time there was no NA distributor but Pelican took over, if you check their website they have them in stock. $540 plus shipping is big money, but it is about the nicest jack on the planet and rebuild kits are available.

 

[Burgerkong]

There's also Compac as well: http://www.asedeals.com/hydraulicjacks.html

 

[EDGAR]

There are also 2 alternatives from Harbor Freight. There is the 2 ton low profile and the 3 ton low profile. The 2 ton is longer and lift a little higher.

The HF 2 ton is the same jack as the ARCAN 2 ton LX2T model (fifth picture), but the HF 2 ton has a foot pedal and the ARCAN 2 ton does not, everything else is the same. The ARCAN is now on sale at NORTHERN TOOLS for $179.99.

 

[nicksnothereman]

OK so I was just about to buy the awesome Arcan jack at Costco when they were replaced with a new model. Lighter, but not as low profile and doesn't fit as far under the vehicle. Argg.

I guess I could bite the bullet and go for the AC Hydraulics jack at Pelican Parts (that's gonna hurt but I won't regret the purchase later) but I'm wondering if there's anything in the middle. I think there are similar jacks to the Costco model but they're in the $300+ range and I'm not sure I want to pay that much for a disposable Chinese jack.

Such a drag as the Costco jack was such an amazing price/performance and you didn't have to pay shipping. And if it failed you could just return it. Why didn't I buy it sooner...

Most stuff at mass retailers is re-branded anyway. You can probably find it at another retailer (to a degree) you just have to look for it (unless it was discontinued ages ago). Could even ebay or craigslist it. I see these on craigslist some time (not sure if it's the same model though I know it's a costco jack) and usually the price is a little higher than retail; meh, if that's the one you want then you might have to pay 10-15% more to get it.

 

[CWP1616L]

What's the warranty on those HF jacks?

 

[EDGAR]

The HF warranty is only 90 days.

 

[mnster]

Of course you could buy a new HF jack to replace the broken one. Then return the broken jack with the new ones receipt after 80 days or so (to seem realistic) for full refund. Done it with many tools. Just gotta out smart the system. Of course you could do it the right way to begin with by adding a extended service plan to warranty it longer.

My 4ton HF jack has been phenomenal. I've owned several Craftsman floorjacks that have been total ****. I've also used many top brand made in the US jacks at work. The HF jack lifts my large Suv with hardly a strain yet isn't slow to pump. Has a decently low profile for the girlfriends car and raises plenty high to lift my SUV without blocks. I know OP said no Chinese jacks and I felt the same way till I've gotten time with the jack. But, figured it was worth mentioning as its been rock solid the past 2 years. Quality unit very well made.

 

[czgunner]

My super sweet wife heard my moanings about not buying the Arcan jack from Costco and surprised me with one of the new "hybrid" jacks tonight.
What do you guys think? Should I keep it or take it back?
Is this new jack something that will last the long run?
Is there a jack available around $150-200 that is better quality?
I'm a pro tech, so I have kind of high expectations from my tools, that said, this is for the house and will only be used on my own vehicles.

 

[gsingh]

Are the arcan jacks from costco good? They still have them at the one i go to, my dad was actually thinking about buying one, but i didnt know if they were any good.

 

[wjamyers]

I'm using the HF 2 ton, hi-lift (23-3/4"), low-profile (2-5/8").

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-heavy-duty-low-profile-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-68050.html

Put a hockey puck on the saddle, get another 3/4 inch out of it. works great with the HF 6-ton, 24" jack stands and I've got >8 tons of excess capacity for piece of mind. I can get nearly full extension of my arm under the car on my creeper.

It's a damn good combo for the least amount of money.

If I had to complain about something it's the speed with which it will drop the car. I always take my sweet time when lowering.

 

[Evan(CA)]

Got my Costco Arcan 3.5 ton for 99.99+tax. It's awesome, I have zero complaints. The build quality is fantastic for a 100 dollar jack. It's sturdy! I've seen the HF 2 ton side by side with this and it's an absolute POS in comparison.

 

[nicksnothereman]

What's the warranty on those HF jacks?

If it fails they'll buy you a coca-cola...in the hospital.

People seem to use these for years so I guess they're actually decently made.

 

[senor fozz]

I haven't seen the pelican before but the performance justifies the price in my opinion. I think you should get what you want and the pelican does not appear that you would be ******* money down the toilet buying it.

 

[jdcompman]

There are also 2 alternatives from Harbor Freight. There is the 2 ton low profile and the 3 ton low profile. The 2 ton is longer and lift a little higher.

The HF 2 ton is the same jack as the ARCAN 2 ton LX2T model (fifth picture), but the HF 2 ton has a foot pedal and the ARCAN 2 ton does not, everything else is the same. The ARCAN is now on sale at NORTHERN TOOLS for $179.99.

Another +1 for the HF jacks. Surprisingly they work very well and last a long time! Had mine for a couple years now and still works flawlessly!

 

[Loscaldazar]

Are the arcan jacks from costco good? They still have them at the one i go to, my dad was actually thinking about buying one, but i didnt know if they were any good.

Same as the costco jack everyone loves.

 

[SteveCh]

Are the arcan jacks from costco good? They still have them at the one i go to, my dad was actually thinking about buying one, but i didnt know if they were any good.

I've been holding out for months for a Hein Werner, but I just couldn't come up with $400 or so for a new jack. I did find some for $350-ish, but shipping on the cheaper ones put the cost way over the ones with free shipping. So I finally gave in and bought the new Costco hybrid a few weeks ago, $99. I have limited experience with it, of course, but it is very smooth and raises quickly. Lets the cars down gently. Very nice. No idea how it'll hold up, but for a home-user at least I am quite happy, even though I'd sworn off imports.

I've looked this one over pretty thoroughly and seems to be very nicely put together. So far, anyway.

 

[wjamyers]

Got my Costco Arcan 3.5 ton for 99.99+tax. It's awesome, I have zero complaints. The build quality is fantastic for a 100 dollar jack. It's sturdy! I've seen the HF 2 ton side by side with this and it's an absolute POS in comparison.

a strange statement considering they appear to be nearly the exact same thing.

Is it the black paint that does it for you?

 

[Loscaldazar]

Frame is different on the HF jack. Look at the sides in between the casters. Welds on the Arcan are nicer too.

 

[SlowAl]

Except for the color, the construction of the saddle pivot, the saddle itself, the way the caster mounts are flipped 180 degrees between the jacks, the foot pedal and apparently padded lower handle section on the HF unit, yes they're exactly the same!

 

[jacked_72]

I have not compared the HF jacks to anything, but in my recent jack rebulding, I've come to learn that there are only a couple of companies manufacturing these jacks. It wouldn't surprise me one bit that the HF jack has the same ram as the Arcan. Also, Hein Werner are made by Shinn Fu, who apparently makes a lot of house branded stuff, including my old Sears jack.

I'd be curious to know who actually makes the HF and other brands of jacks. I could see a better piston seal being used in the higher priced jacks, but I'm betting most of the home use stuff is pretty nearly the same with minor variations.

 

[joeswamp]

Even if they are the same design, they could come from different factories. The Costco could come from the same factory in which they make iPhones, and the HF could be made by five year olds in a factory with dirt floors. Or vice versa.

To clarify: Costco still sells Arcan jacks, but they no longer sell the model they've sold for the last ten years. They now sell a lighter steel/aluminum model that doesn't lift as high or provide as much clearance for rolling under a vehicle. Quality of the new jack is also unknown -- the previous Costco jack had a pretty good reputation.

I think I'm going to check out that HF two ton as it does have several good reviews...

 

[jacked_72]

Even if they are the same design, they could come from different factories. The Costco could come from the same factory in which they make iPhones, and the HF could be made by five year olds in a factory with dirt floors. Or vice versa.

Hard to respond to that argument.

 

[donthelegend]

I'll add another positive review for the HF 2 ton. Goes on sale for $109 periodically, the "regular sale" price is $139. Bought the extended warranty and I'm not worried about it (I've had it for about 6 months now and it gets used 3 out of 4 weekends a month while wrenching on jeeps or sports cars). I couldn't find anything else that comes close in terms of minimum and maximum lift height.

And remember, jacks are for lifting vehicles so you can put jackstands underneath, not for working under!

 

[wjamyers]

Except for the color, the construction of the saddle pivot, the saddle itself, the way the caster mounts are flipped 180 degrees between the jacks, the foot pedal and apparently padded lower handle section on the HF unit, yes they're exactly the same!

good eye.

but none of that makes the HF unit a "POS" in comparison with the Arcan, in fact, the foot pedal and the padded lower handle are improvements, especially that pad sparing the bumper.

 

[Evan(CA)]

good eye.

but none of that makes the HF unit a "POS" in comparison with the Arcan, in fact, the foot pedal and the padded lower handle are improvements, especially that pad sparing the bumper.

Most roll cabs "look" the same in advertised photos too. My jack is actually the 3.25 Arcan. It's red and has a padded lower section on the handle but is otherwise identical to the one you pictured. The tow truck who came to haul away my parts car shell just a couple of days ago had the HF 2 ton jack. It didn't have the lift height to get the shell off the stands and I had to bring my jack out. If you saw the two units side by side you'd understand. The Arcan was significantly heavier and just an all around better made jack. Everything from the welds, wheels and just overall feel was significantly better. The best part....IT'S CHEAPER THAN THE POS HF JACK! Sorry but the best thing anyone can say about anything from HF is that it's "acceptable", "good for the money" etc and in this case the money point is moot.

 

[IMStuner]

Even if they are the same design, they could come from different factories. The Costco could come from the same factory in which they make iPhones, and the HF could be made by five year olds in a factory with dirt floors. Or vice versa.

To clarify: Costco still sells Arcan jacks, but they no longer sell the model they've sold for the last ten years. They now sell a lighter steel/aluminum model that doesn't lift as high or provide as much clearance for rolling under a vehicle. Quality of the new jack is also unknown -- the previous Costco jack had a pretty good reputation.

I think I'm going to check out that HF two ton as it does have several good reviews...

I got this 4 weeks ago and my Costco still have them

 

[Adam.C]

Of course you could buy a new HF jack to replace the broken one. Then return the broken jack with the new ones receipt after 80 days or so (to seem realistic) for full refund. Done it with many tools. Just gotta out smart the system.

I can't tell if you are kidding or not, but I believe this dishonest practice is what ruined Craftsman. I remember buying a used lawnmower at Craftsman and asking the sales manager why it was so cheap and not broken in any way. He said they called it Sears Rent a Tool. People bought tools, used them, then returned them for a refund or store credit, taking advantage of Sears' return policy.

I think I asked for one replacement craftsman socket in 20 years and did so sheepishly. I think some folks here "renewed" their ratchet handles each year for a replacement and now complain that the warrantees are getting scaled back and quality is slipping.

 

[eddie1278]

I really want that red Arcan jack but ofcorse everything I want is always discontinued.

I emailed Costco to see if any stores in a 20 mile radius has any left keeping my fingers crossed they do!

I don't have Northern Tool in my state of PA and the shipping is an extra $65. Not sure if the jack is worth close to $200 or I am willing to pay that.

 

[felchi80]

Anyone know if any costco around NY, MA, VT, NH still have the arcan in stock??

 

[felchi80]

Or the other question would be... would you pay 185 bucks (140 + 65 shipping -20 coupon) from northen tool for this jack?

 

[fourtythree]

I know many people on here love to sport a HF hate *****, but if you're looking for an alternative to the Costco jack, the HF low profile is tough to beat, especially when you can get the 3 ton for 80 bucks shipped to your door. I've had mine for over a year now and its been flawless.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

I can't tell if you are kidding or not, but I believe this dishonest practice is what ruined Craftsman. I remember buying a used lawnmower at Craftsman and asking the sales manager why it was so cheap and not broken in any way. He said they called it Sears Rent a Tool. People bought tools, used them, then returned them for a refund or store credit, taking advantage of Sears' return policy.

I think I asked for one replacement craftsman socket in 20 years and did so sheepishly. I think some folks here "renewed" their ratchet handles each year for a replacement and now complain that the warrantees are getting scaled back and quality is slipping.

I agree with Adam. I'm not "casting stones" here, but if you want to steal from a store, maybe it would be better to man-up and use a ski-mask. OK...that was tongue-in-cheek. I'm just thinking, "stealing is stealing".

Phil

 

[felchi80]

I know many people on here love to sport a HF hate *****, but if you're looking for an alternative to the Costco jack, the HF low profile is tough to beat, especially when you can get the 3 ton for 80 bucks shipped to your door. I've had mine for over a year now and its been flawless.

which one do you have?

this one? Maximum Lift Height 20 in. Minimum height 2-3/4 in.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-heavy-duty-low-profile-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-61253.html

this one seems interesting as well... higher light height at 23-3/4 in., just a little worried about the 2ton rating...
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-heavy-duty-low-profile-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-68050.html

 

[Zeke]

I have checked and I think Pelican does have exclusive US distribution rights to AC Hydraulics. They are on Amazon but listed as currently unavailable. They are great jacks built for a lifetime and then some.