Old walker jack

[v8only]

I found an old Walker jack for $100.00 seems to work ok but is slow to lift. The guy wants $100.00 but it's missing the cover plate.

Is this a good buy? Is this a good "everyday" jack or should I Keep looking?

He said it's a 2 ton I never got the length of it but it's probably 2.5' long.

Thanks

 

[Jazz1]

Get a 3 ton floor jack. Much easier to lift with. I paid $60 for a HF 10 years ago, no issues. That jack is for "brand hound". It does not operate properly and is missing parts.

 

[csp]

That Walker jack is 100x the jack any HF jack is. A rebuild kit is probably under $50 and will last for years and years.

 

[SEV22XS]

I think it's a good price you won't find a new jack that will last 50 plus years chances are it is just low on oil if I had to guess. Good jack try bring him down on price and buy it.

 

[v8only]

What does the top pull on the handle do? I see that it raises a pin to move it to a different position??

 

[Speed4Life]

100 is great for that especially if you don't have to ship it anywhere. You could probably find a cover plate for it if you keep an eye out long enough.

 

[thecj3man]

What does the top pull on the handle do? I see that it raises a pin to move it to a different position??

It unpins the handle so that you can swing it down. Most Walkers have 3 positions you can pump from.

 

[v8only]

I am going to look at it again tomorrow. Any thing I should look for to ensure its good? How long should it take to pump up? Obviously it shouldn't leak but any tell tale signs it's no good and might need a new ram?

 

[csp]

It's very doubtful that it would need a new ram. If it's low on fluid and won't pump it a refill and/or rebuild kit should fix it. Seals and low fluid are what keep these from working, barring any physical damage which should be quite obvious if there is any.

A rebuild thread of what I believe is the same jack you're looking at:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51556

 

[ajchien]

I've got a similar vintage Jack. Except mine is a "shorty" 782 2 ton.

A hydraulic guy or someone who knows more about jacks will tell you more, but it has some kind of dual pump system where if there's no load, it lifts very quick - maybe 4 pumps and it's at full height. When it hits a load, it'll lift a bit slower but has more power. In practical use, that means it takes a half pump to reach the lift point, you line it up, a second half pump to hit the lift point, and now you're lifting.

I also have a 3t HF Jack, and my walker - although it's 70 years older - seems as if the technology is 100 years in the future compared of the HF. I don't know jack about hydraulics or rebuilds. I bought mine for $50 and paid $275 for a professional rebuild. I still think I made out well because buying an equivalent quality new Jack today will be $500.

 

[On-Wheel]

Tie a rope ,while in up position,around handle.Flip it over side to side looking at the ram.Any rust,pits or gouges.If ram is bad a new seal kit won't fix that.Should be smooth.You really don't have to use a rope but it might make it easier for a good inspection of the ram. A solid every day jack as long you don't over lift it.Theres lots of threads on this jack.

 

[yaidunno]

I've got the 4 ton version of that myself. They are wonderful for lifting a long ways under vehicles. It pumps the same whether it's lifting 1 ton or 4. They are a good deal longer than 2.5 feet though, closer to 4. That is their only downfall being cumbersome to use.

It sounds as if the "high speed" cylinder is not pumping oil, for whatever reason. They should go to full lift in 4-5 pumps if memory serves me correctly. Rebuilding them is quite easy.

 

[v8only]

So i just got off the phone with the old fella selling it, hes a type of guy that doesn't want to talk or BS old and miserable is the right word i guess.

I cant look at it today but he took a verbal offer for $50.00 and a Crown Royal Whiskey.

Now i dont want to bring home a dam paper weight, why do we think the high lift cylinder isnt working is this a "rebuild kit" fix or is there more involved maybe missing parts? etc.

Last and most important IF this jack is rebuild able how accessible are major parts? or will i need to fabricate parts? I understand that there is no aftermarket support but are the seal kits and vital organs of the jack available?

 

[willymakeit]

Look at the post on here mentioned earlier about hyd. jacks.
Its extensive and should give you all the contacts and info you need.

 

[crguy]

I wouldn't have a HF jack on the place even if it was free. I do have a Walker I bought new 40 years ago that works just like new.

 

[rburke65]

I have to think it is rebuildable. $100 or $50 and the whiskey .....not a problem.