Selecting A Home Floor Jack

[1cargarage]

Hello fellow GJers,

As the title suggests, I am in the market for a new floor jack to use primarily at my home. I work on vehicles in my driveway since apartment living rarely affords a tenant a garage large enough to accommodate a vehicle, tools, and reasonable workspace. I have been using my neighbor's "Big Red" jack for the longest while, and while we are happy to offer one another access to our own tools, it is not the ideal jack for me.

Some gripes about the Big Red jack:

• The initial height is too tall (~4-4.5")
• The height raised per pump could be much more efficient, especially in order to make initial contact with the vehicle, which wastes time
• The lowering operation requires a surgeon's dexterity (which I have honed over the years) in order not to drop the vehicle like a ton of bricks

I am (like most of us on here) pretty particular about the tools that I spend my money on, and this purchase will be no different.

My Ideal Home Jack Criteria:

• Low profile (initial height of ~2.5")
• Moderate capacity (2-4 ton)
• Height adjustable saddle (perhaps interchangeable too to accommodate varying vehicle surfaces)
• "Quick Lift", "Dual Pump", "Rapid Lift", etc. (feature that I have seen on some jacks that puts the jack in contact with the vehicle in 1 pump)
• 100% Mechanical (I do not have an air compressor at the moment and I would like to be able to take the jack with me in the pickup if need be)
• Lowering control that I don't have to pray to God prior to using
• USA Made (Am I dreaming on this one?)
• Budget ~ $300 (Won't go over $350)

The one I have my eye on is the MAC JSA200LCX Msrp: $389.99
It does not meet all my criteria, but comes closer than anything else I have found in my limited searching (I used the search function on the forum too )

Link--> http://www.mactools.com/ShopOnline/Product/tabid/120/productid/319101/variantid/309860/Default.aspx

I have access to a pretty sweet MAC discount on the order of 30% which would bring this baby down to ~$275

Does anyone have any other recommendations?
Does anyone have experience with this jack or any newer MAC jacks? If so, how are they?
Does anyone know if MAC is manufacturing their own jacks? If not, then who is?
Does anyone know where MAC branded jacks are made?

Thanks in advance guys and gals.

 

[Farmall450]

Try the Napa 3.5* ton, which goes on sale for $299 I believe every few months. Really heavy duty, really nice, fast rising, nice rubber pad to meet vehicle, but not US made.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C.../Floor-Jack-3-5-Ton/_/R-NLE7916420_0438142875

Edit: My napa has it for 299 now so maybe it goes on sale for $199 or $249.

 

[zkling]

The COO , minimum height and price are a tall order.

On the Napa jacks. I use one on a regular basis and it is a solid unit. China made, so your out on that one but otherwise they are nice. The Hein Werner and Milwukee are nice but don't go that low and are more $, but get you into USA

And not to be pedantic, but technically what you are probably looking for is a hydraulic jack. A mechanical jack uses kinematics through, gears and cams to lift. Very old tech.

 

[94yj]

i have this jack and it is nice and it will fit under a john Deere riding mower with no problems just a thought

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

 

[Farmall450]

The COO , minimum height and price are a tall order.

On the Napa jacks. I use one on a regular basis and it is a solid unit. China made, so your out on that one but otherwise they are nice. The Hein Werner and Milwukee are nice but don't go that low and are more $, but get you into USA

And not to be pedantic, but technically what you are probably looking for is a hydraulic jack. A mechanical jack uses kinematics through, gears and cams to lift. Very old tech.

The one I listed doesn't go super low, probably 3-4, I guess I'm thinking it is fine for all things truck related. They have smaller models, those probably do. Not exactly sure...you sure want a low jack.

 

[zkling]

The one I listed doesn't go super low, probably 3-4, I guess I'm thinking it is fine for all things truck related. They have smaller models, those probably do. Not exactly sure...you sure want a low jack.

They make a little 2 ton that is ~2.75" min height. ~$200 IIRC

 

[paulsomlo]

Of the few jacks made in USA, the Hein-Werner 2 ton is the only one that will fit your budget. About the lowest delivered price I've seen is $337, but the lowest minimum height is 4 1/2": http://www.shinnfuamerica.com/ProductDetails/Hein-Werner_Automotive/Service_Jacks/HW93642/522

 

[1cargarage]

Try the Napa 3.5* ton, which goes on sale for $299 I believe every few months. Really heavy duty, really nice, fast rising, nice rubber pad to meet vehicle, but not US made.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C.../Floor-Jack-3-5-Ton/_/R-NLE7916420_0438142875

Edit: My napa has it for 299 now so maybe it goes on sale for $199 or $249.

The minimum height on this one is 4.0" but thanks for the recommendation. I do not have a NAPA really close by. I usually go to O'Reilly when I need certain things so it's good to know that they have these.

The COO , minimum height and price are a tall order.

On the Napa jacks. I use one on a regular basis and it is a solid unit. China made, so your out on that one but otherwise they are nice. The Hein Werner and Milwukee are nice but don't go that low and are more $, but get you into USA

And not to be pedantic, but technically what you are probably looking for is a hydraulic jack. A mechanical jack uses kinematics through, gears and cams to lift. Very old tech.

I browsed briefly the selection of Werner and Milwaukee and agree that they look very nice, but are pretty pricy and fall short of most of my criteria but thank you for the suggestions.

Regarding mechanical vs hydraulic I was wondering about that distinction. I know that tools and devices discussed on GJ typically fall under the umbrella of electric, pneumatic, hand, or mechanical, but did not consider hydraulic to be its own class. Thank you for extending that olive branch.

I am looking for a "low-profile" jack for getting under low cars like some of the BMWs, VWs, Audis, and all the other slick rides out here in Southern California. I often work on friend's vehicles, whether I am wrenching or doing a detail, and a low profile jack reaches to 20", which is the same height as most of the 2-4 ton jacks I have seen, so I'm not losing any overall reach, just gaining access to lower vehicles.

Another benefit of that MAC unit is that it is a long-reach jack which allows the user to access lift points anywhere under most vehicles while maintaining a full range of motion of the pump arm. I just need to talk to the MAC guy and clear up some details of who makes them and where they are made.

Thanks again for the suggestions and knowledge people.

 

[paulsomlo]

I would be very surprised if they were not made in china or taiwan. I think there are only three USA manufacturers, Hein-Werner, Milwaukee, and Weaver. And if the MAC were made here, it would probably be made by one of those companies and look like one of their jacks.

 

[Hiball]

The Mac is definitely a import, more than likely a Omega 29023 as Shinn Fu runs rampant with truck brands.

 

[Thunderbisciut]

I just bought a Summit G1020, which is an AFF 202T. What's the difference between the 200T and the 202T? No idea, still waiting to hear from AFF on that. I went through Summit since it was only $8 to ship.

It is made in China unfortunately, but I had a limit of $250 on this purchase, and NEED a jack with under a 3" height. That limited my options. I'm very pleased with it, very solid feeling. The one thing I don't like is the 2 piece handle, but that goes for all 2 piece jack handles. I plan to make a replacement handle for it shortly.

 

[rtole]

When I was service manager I bought 2 hein werner jacks. 500.00 each. Standard looking 3 & 1/2 ton. This was for shop use, they did not see much use since all bays have a hoist. Those things only lasted 6 months. They disapointed me big time. I dont have any input on your criteria.......but I dont hold hein werner in all that high regard. I bought a matco beast years ago.......standard jack again, that thing has been used in a truck shop to lift semi steer axles, (untill I caught them) and one day I looked at it......its an import. I paid way to much for it.......its probably just a rebrand......bit its served me very well. I also have had great results with norco jacks in everyday use.

 

[rtole]

When I was service manager I bought 2 hein werner jacks. 500.00 each. Standard looking 3 & 1/2 ton. This was for shop use, they did not see much use since all bays have a hoist. Those things only lasted 6 months. They disapointed me big time. I dont have any input on your criteria.......but I dont hold hein werner in all that high regard. I bought a matco beast years ago.......standard jack again, that thing has been used in a truck shop to lift semi steer axles, (untill I caught them) and one day I looked at it......its an import. I paid way to much for it.......its probably just a rebrand......bit its served me very well. I also have had great results with norco jacks in everyday use.

 

[absolutelybillsmood]

I have a Craftsman Jack its Chinese, but it hasn't caused any trouble in the 3 yrs I've had it.

 

[1cargarage]

I just bought a Summit G1020, which is an AFF 202T. What's the difference between the 200T and the 202T? No idea, still waiting to hear from AFF on that. I went through Summit since it was only $8 to ship.

It is made in China unfortunately, but I had a limit of $250 on this purchase, and NEED a jack with under a 3" height. That limited my options. I'm very pleased with it, very solid feeling. The one thing I don't like is the 2 piece handle, but that goes for all 2 piece jack handles. I plan to make a replacement handle for it shortly.

I'm not a big fan of the 2 piece jack handle myself.

 

[Hiball]

When I was service manager I bought 2 hein werner jacks. 500.00 each. Standard looking 3 & 1/2 ton. This was for shop use, they did not see much use since all bays have a hoist. Those things only lasted 6 months. They disapointed me big time. I dont have any input on your criteria.......but I dont hold hein werner in all that high regard. I bought a matco beast years ago.......standard jack again, that thing has been used in a truck shop to lift semi steer axles, (untill I caught them) and one day I looked at it......its an import. I paid way to much for it.......its probably just a rebrand......bit its served me very well. I also have had great results with norco jacks in everyday use.

Hein werner never made a 3 1/2 ton in domestic form, that goes for the old regime along with the New walker based units.

 

[EDGAR]

The MAC JSA200LCX is a rebranded OMEGA 29023. It is made in china by Shinn Fu (but Shinn Fu also makes the Hein Werners in USA). It uses an u-cup instead of the less desirable o-ring and o-ring retainer as the main ram seal. Maybe the Omega could be bought for a little less if you shop around. Also, check the parts breakdown below.



http://www.shinnfuamerica.com/Temp/1154.PDF

 

[Farmall450]

I saw the omega online for $250.

 

[Snappy]

Whatever you decide to get, make sure you are using jack stands for support after is up in the air. Just a word of safety

 

[1cargarage]

Whatever you decide to get, make sure you are using jack stands for support after is up in the air. Just a word of safety

Thank you.

 

[EDGAR]

You can also check out the ARCAN XL2T Ultra Low Lift floor jack. It has a minimum lift of 2.75" and a maximum lift of 24". Made in china but easy to fix. It does use an o-ring and o-ring retainer for the ram main seal and not the better u-cup seal.

Northern Tools has it for $219.99, link below. In the Northern Tools link there is a video of the jack in use, just scroll down a little.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200514333_200514333

Or you can check out the Harbor Freight model 68050, 2 ton low profile floor jack, which is suspiciously too similar to the Arcan but at a lower price. This one has a foot pedal, the Arcan does not.

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

 

[Tbirdtc]

I am loving the hf t handle jack I have had it 2 years 1.5 in daily service at a shop
I like the pedal & really like the release knob no oh **** factor at all
I also have a 4 ton for heavy stuff
Your budget buys both

 

[BlackHawk1]

I saw the omega online for $250.

Link?

 

[kiatech]

Isn't the napa 3.5 ton just a rebranded arcan 3.5 ton?