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Working on automobiles requires a couple of different things. First, you have to have the skills to perform work on a vehicle in order to fix the problem. Even for smaller tasks like changing your oil, you should know what you’re doing, either from experience or by purchasing a service manual for your vehicle.
Next, you have to have the right tools for the job. Whether it’s a wrench to remove bolts or a screwdriver to remove screws from a cover, you have to have a stocked toolbox for most vehicle repairs.
One other important thing that you should have before you start any type of automotive repair work or maintenance is a jack, and a floor jack is a good choice used by many professional and amateur mechanics.
Top Rated: Ten Best Floor Jacks of 2017
| Picture | Name | Brand | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Arcan XL2T Black Low Profile Steel Service Jack | Arcan | $$$$ | 4.9 |
 | Powerzone 380044 3 Ton Aluminum and Steel Garage Jack | Milestone Tools | $$ | 4.8 |
 | Torin T90403 4 Ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack | Torin Jack | $ | 4.7 |
 | Blackhawk B6350 | Blackhawk | $$ | 4.7 |
 | Powerbuilt 620422E Heavy Duty 4000 lb Triple Lift Jack | Alltrade | $$ | 4.7 |
 | Sunex Tools 6602ASJ Aluminum Service Jack with Quick Lifting System | Sunex Tools | $$$ | 4.7 |
 | JEGS Performance Products 80006 Professional Low-Profile Aluminum Floor Jack | JEGS | $$$ | 4.7 |
 | OTC 1532 2-Ton Capacity Aluminum Racing Jack | OTC | $$$$ | 4.7 |
 | Pro-Lift F-767 Grey Low Profile Floor Jack - 2 Ton Capacity | Pro Lift | $ | 4.5 |
 | Torin T83006 3 Ton SUV Service Jack | Torin Jack | $$ | 4.6 |
| Picture | Name | Brand | Price | Rating |
Guide: What Is A Floor Jack?
Contents
A floor jack is a piece of equipment used to lift something heavy off of the ground. In most cases, these are used to jack up cars, trucks, and motorcycles, allowing a mechanic easy and safe access underneath the vehicle. By using one of these products, you can more easily get to the underside of your vehicle and access the most important parts.
This is a necessity if you need to drain oil, tinker underneath, or even change your tire.
What are the Advantages of Owning a Floor Jack?
The distance from the ground to the underside of a vehicle is very small, and it can be very tight, dangerous, or even impossible to get underneath to complete repairs. With one of these jacks, you can easily have access underneath. It’s also a must-have when you’re changing a tire, since you can lift the vehicle off of the ground to remove the old tire easily and replace it with a new one. These jacks, when used properly, make it safer and easier to get underneath any type of vehicle, whether it’s a car or motorcycle.
If you work on cars for a living, this is a necessity. If you want to tinker around with changing your own oil or performing other minor maintenance, the first thing you need to do is purchase one of these jacks.
What are the types of Floor Jacks?
If you work in an automotive repair shop and you need to replace a jack or buy extra ones, you may already know about the different types. However, if you’re new to purchasing this type of equipment, it is important to know which types of jacks are available so you can make the best purchase. After all, you don’t want to spend money on something that won’t fit your needs or just isn’t what you expected. Get on the road to making a sound purchase by learning more about the three different types of jacks, what they’re used for, and the differences between them.
- Scissor jack – These are commonly found in many trunks, as they are often used for performing quick tire changes while out on the road. These are very small, lightweight, and affordable, and many cars include them for free. These are not meant to raise a car very high, and they are best for use for very basic automotive repairs.
- Hydraulic jack – These jacks are very portable, as they are attached to a trolley with wheels. Once pushed into place, a handle is used to activate the hydraulic mechanism that lifts up a car. These are much stronger and more durable than scissor jacks and can be used with almost any vehicle for a variety of repair and maintenance tasks.
- Bottle jacks – These have the same basic concept as a hydraulic jack, but the design is much different, and it has a higher minimum lift point. This means that it won’t fit underneath smaller vehicles, but it is perfect for use with trucks and lifted vehicles.
Which Models are the Best on the Market in 2015?
Torin T90403 4 Ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack – If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a jack for your truck or lifted vehicle, this bottle jack is one that you should consider purchasing. Not only does it have a high load capacity, but it’s also very easy to use and comes at an affordable, budget-friendly price.
Powerzone 380044 3 Ton Aluminum and Steel Garage Jack – If you want a high-quality jack with a low price tag, this top-selling product is one that you should add to your list. This jack is made of lightweight aluminum, so it’s ultra-portable, but don’t think that means it’s cheap. This is a stable, sturdy jack that has a high load capacity and is great for most general repairs and maintenance.
Arcan XL2T Black Low Profile Steel Service Jack – If you want durability and versatility, you’ll find both in this jack from Arcan. This model is very durable, easy to use, and has a high load capacity. Best of all, the design makes it the perfect fit under almost any vehicle.
Features to Evaluate
Once you’ve decided to purchase a jack and you know about the basic types available, it seems logical to then make your purchase, right? Instead of just rushing out to buy this piece of equipment, you need to know what to look for in each product that catches your eye. In addition to your own set of criteria, keep an eye out for these four very important features.
Type
As mentioned earlier, there are three main types of jacks. You’ll need to think about the vehicle you’ll be using your jack for, as well as what you plan to do. Scissor jacks, for instance, are good for smaller tasks, and they store easily in a trunk, but they’re not a great choice for anyone who wants to perform more expensive repairs or maintenance.
Warranty
You should be able to purchase a piece of equipment and have it work right out of the box. It is also not unreasonable to expect to get quite a bit of service from your equipment before it needs to be repaired or replaced. With a warranty, you’re protected against potential defects that can lead to premature problems.
Capacity
Putting a car up on a jack that is not designed to hold the full weight not only puts the vehicle at risk for damage, but if the car falls, you can be seriously injured. Check the load rating for every jack and make sure that you purchase the proper one to hold your vehicle safely in place.
Type
Torin T90403
This is a bottle jack that is best used for trucks or vehicles with a higher lift.
Powerzone 380044
This is a hydraulic jack that works with most vehicles.
Arcan XL2T
This is a hydraulic jack that works with most vehicles, including motorcycles.
Warranty
Torin T90403
All jacks from this manufacturer come backed with a 1-year limited warranty that protects against defects.
Powerzone 380044
With the purchase of this product, you’ll receive a 1-year limited warranty against defects.
Arcan XL2T
This comes backed with a 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Capacity
Torin T90403
This jack holds up to four tons.
Powerzone 380044
This jack is rated for up to a three ton capacity.
Arcan XL2T
This product has a two ton capacity.
Final Results: Our Floor Jack Reviews
Best Cheap Floor Jack: Torin T90403
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great product, as evidenced by this model from Torin. This bottle jack is the ideal solution for anyone who drives a truck, SUV, or lifted vehicle. This jack is just about 7 ¾ inches high, so it slides easily in place underneath a truck. It fully extends and lifts up to 12.25 inches, allowing you to more easily change a tire or perform other minor maintenance on your vehicle.
This jack is not only affordable, but it is also very durable and even comes with a warranty. At this price point, you can even purchase two for added stability and safety when lifting your vehicle. It holds up to four tons, and if that isn’t enough power for you, this company sells similar jacks with higher weight capacities up to 50 tons.
Pros:
It is affordable. It is easy to use. Ideal for trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, and other larger vehicles that sit higher off of the ground. Comes with a warranty. It is very stable, small, and very portable.
Cons:
It may lose pressure more quickly than more expensive products. Some may leak hydraulic fluid during or after use. It won’t fit under most smaller, lower vehicles.
Best Floor Jack for the Money: Powerzone 380044
For shoppers looking for a budget-friendly jack that’s portable but still heavy-duty for any type of automotive work, this top-selling product from Powerzone makes a great choice. This floor jack is made of aluminum, so it’s easy to move from place to place, and the lifting arms is made with steel to give you that safety and security you’re looking for.
Other notable features include a rubber padded saddle to protect the frame of the vehicle, a safety valve to prevent overloading the jack, and swiveling rear wheels for mobility. It is very easy to use, stable, and the hand removes to fit inside of a vehicle.
Pros:
It feels well-made. It is not overly expensive. C with a warranty. Easy to use. It has safety features. It has a high weight capacity. Very portable and easy to maneuver.
Cons:
The front wheels are a little cheap feeling. Some fluid may leak out over time.
Best Floor Jack Overall: Arcan XL2T
When you’re working on a vehicle, you want to make sure that you stay safe. A cheap jack may seem like a good idea, but you’re putting your life at risk with an inferior product. For safety you can count on, the Arcan XL2T is a jack that is designed for performance and safety.
You can safely lift up to 4,000 pounds with this jack, which is made with solid steel for the durability and stability you expect. This has a low-profile design, so it fits under just about any vehicle, even cars that have been lowered and sports cars. Other standout features that make this a great pick include a double pump for faster, more efficient lift, an extra-long chassis, and a height range from 2.75 to 24 inches, making it a good choice for minor maintenance as well as larger repairs. It also complied with ASME PALD 2009 standard for safety.
Pros:
Heavy-duty steel for strength. It has a low-profile design, allowing it to fit easily under many different vehicles. Easy to use. The double-pump action makes it more efficient. It complies with safety standards. It comes backed with a warranty.
Cons:
It is a bit expensive. Letdown may be uneven at times.
In Conclusion
Anytime you go to work on a vehicle, whether you’re changing a tire or you need to get underneath to examine what needs a major repair, you have to have a solid jack that can not only withstand the weight of a vehicle but also is designed to keep you safe while underneath the car.
If you’re looking for a high-quality floor jack to add to your home, shop, or garage, the Arcan XLT2 is a solid choice. This jack has a durable all-steel design, is easy to use, has a high weight capacity, and works with most vehicles, making it one of the most versatile, durable, and safe jacks on the market today.