Best floor jack?

Post by **rguzz** » 07 Jun 2016, 15:56

My old sears floor jack (early 80's) died and I need a replacement. Should be light weight and doesn't need to have over 2 tons capacity will be used on Audi and Volvo only most likely. Budget is somewhat limited not looking to spend thousands. Thanks, input appreciated. Will not get super frequent use so buying a cheap one and using it to death before the warrant expires isn't best option for me. Needs to last.

Post by **oragex** » 07 Jun 2016, 16:08

I have an 2T Michelin blue one about 10 yrs old, still good. It has a slow release valve which is crucial. The only thing I would change is how heavy it is to carry - basically I don't lift it but rather push it with my foot even give it a kick under the car to get it on the under side of the car. So an aluminum one would be my best buy. Just a thing, the lever on some jacks must be pushed down each time from a vertical position in order to lift, on Volvo some lifting points are far under the car so such jack won't be easy to use.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 15 Jun 2016, 20:11

rguzz wrote:Should be light weight and doesn't need to have over 2 tons capacity...

Having mass, is your friend.

I would suspect most floor jacks are made overseas these days.

Here is one with a decent sized saddle, along with a manual, but its "assembled in USA."

There are ways to repair a floor jack...if your used o-rings, they are cheap to fix. There are web sites and youtube videos for DIYer...just Google your model number...

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 16 Jun 2016, 08:45

I had an old floor jack die and when I checked it was low on hydraulic fluid- went to Autozone and bought some, added it and it works again. Just check the fluid- that may be all it is. or as 93Regina mentioned, o-ring replacements are not difficult either if this is your issue. My symptoms were that it had a hard time cranking up and then it would lose it's ability to stay up...(ummm- that doesn't sound so good- we are talking about floor jacks and nothing else! Ha!).

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 19 Jun 2016, 16:12

I have this one...
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-ton-alu ... 62309.html

It was a gift and also opt'd for the max warranty coverage. Warranty is no longer active and it's been trouble-free since acquired.

Don't leave a floorjack out in the cold, rain/snow and always use it with commonsense (level ground operation, dont exceed the capacity, dont power wash it.. )

Post by **oragex** » 19 Jun 2016, 16:54

beigg wrote:I have this one...
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-ton-alu ... 62309.html

It was a gift and also opt'd for the max warranty coverage. Warranty is no longer active and it's been trouble-free since acquired.

Don't leave a floorjack out in the cold, rain/snow and always use it with commonsense (level ground operation, dont exceed the capacity, dont power wash it.. )

+1 I also prefer storing it with the lifting arm and the handle socket completely lowered. this way, their pistons are not kept exposed to air.

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 20 Jun 2016, 01:06

oragex wrote:
beigg wrote:I have this one...
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-ton-alu ... 62309.html

It was a gift and also opt'd for the max warranty coverage. Warranty is no longer active and it's been trouble-free since acquired.

Don't leave a floorjack out in the cold, rain/snow and always use it with commonsense (level ground operation, dont exceed the capacity, dont power wash it.. )

+1 I also prefer storing it with the lifting arm and the handle socket completely lowered. this way, their pistons are not kept exposed to air.

A given!

Just the same ideology goes for torque wrenches. Never stow away preloaded. Relieve the spring tension and clean the grit off after every use!

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 20 Jun 2016, 01:06

oragex wrote:
beigg wrote:I have this one...
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-ton-alu ... 62309.html

It was a gift and also opt'd for the max warranty coverage. Warranty is no longer active and it's been trouble-free since acquired.

Don't leave a floorjack out in the cold, rain/snow and always use it with commonsense (level ground operation, dont exceed the capacity, dont power wash it.. )

+1 I also prefer storing it with the lifting arm and the handle socket completely lowered. this way, their pistons are not kept exposed to air.

A given!

Just the same ideology goes for torque wrenches. Never stow away preloaded. Relieve the spring tension and clean the grit off after every use!

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 06 Dec 2016, 01:59

beigg's message was so important it had to be said twice.

Harbor freight has low profile, high lift jacks with rapid pump handles for less than $200.

Post by **abscate** » 01 Apr 2017, 13:05

Very happy with my Pittsburgh brand Al jack, low profile
Light weight
Roller on front, no casters
Single handle for both pump,and valve action

HF of course for low price less 20%