Choosing the best floor jack for your garage sounds simple enough — that is until you begin your search and quickly get overwhelmed by all the choices. There are smaller car jacks, budget floor jacks, low profile jacks, high-lift jacks, aluminum jacks, 2-ton, 3-ton, and heavy duty floor jacks just to name a few. So we decided to make things easier for you by narrowing down all these choices as we review the top 5 floor jacks based on your needs.
The jacks that we have listed are rolling hydraulic floor jacks designed for cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Also known as trolley jacks for the rolling frame they are affixed to, these types of jacks are easy to move around your garage, driveway, or workshop and are known for being very versatile as well as stable.
One thing we want to note is that most floor jacks available today are made overseas. American made floor jacks can be purchased, but you will pay on average three times or more the price for one. While we would like to recommend American made jacks, it just doesn’t make economic sense since due to the fact there seems to be little evidence that such a jack performs three times as well and is worth that high a price for the average consumer.
If you are not sure that a hydraulic floor jack is for you or not, we also have an article on choosing car floor ramps that be of help for you.
Best small floor jack
If you don’t have much room to store a full size floor jack or you are on a tight budget, then it only makes sense to try and find a smaller floor jack that will meet your needs.
Pro-Lift F-767
That is why the first jack on our list is the Pro-Lift F-767. This is a smaller, budget car jack with a 2 Ton lifting capacity, all steel construction, and a lower profile design. It’s primarily designed for small to medium sized cars and trucks, though it will work fine on larger vehicles. If you just need a jack for the occasional oil change, tire rotations, or changing out for winter snow tires, then this is a great choice for an inexpensive jack.
The smaller size makes for easier storage and it even has a convenient lifting handle for when you need to pick it up. At just 30lbs, it’s fairly easy to store away or roll around the garage floor. This is also an ideal car jack for those that live in an apartment or condominium and only have a small amount of space to keep a jack.
One fact you may need to consider is that the smaller size reduces the total lifting height to 14”. While this height works fine for most applications, some may find the height too limiting for larger trucks and SUV’s.
Also, a common question is the amount of effort required to lift a car since the jack is smaller and has a shorter pump handle. Well, we are happy to report that pumping under load does not create any extra effort. It just requires more pumps to lift your vehicle than the larger models do.
Benefits and specifications
- All steel construction for long life and durability
- Lower profile design with a lift pad height of 3-1/2” to 14”
- Bypass valve protects from over pumping
- Easy lift handle for transporting
- Great choice for a smaller garage, condo, or apartments
- Low price
Click here for the best price with free shipping
Best value floor jack
There are quite a few floor jacks to choose from in this category and is one of the reasons people tend to get overwhelmed when trying to make a choice. Finding the best value can be hard, particularly if you don’t know what to look for.
Pittsburgh Automotive Heavy Duty 3-Ton Floor Jack
We narrowed down the choices, however, and believe that one of the best floor jacks for the money is the Heavy Duty 3-Ton Low Profile jack by Pittsburgh Automotive.
This jack has many of the features that people look for in a hydraulic floor jack and it does it at an inexpensive price. In fact, we like it so much that our own family members have purchased three of these so far.
To start, it has a 3-Ton capacity which means it can lift large trucks as well as cars. It also has a very low profile design with the lifting saddle pad at only 2-7/8” and a maximum lift height of 19-3/4”. It’s one of the best low profile jacks available and it fits well under our lowered track car. The rapid pump dual piston design actually lifts cars fairly quick as well. Pittsburgh states 3-1/2 pumps, but we feel 4 full pumps is more accurate.
A feature that we really like is the extra-wide front steel wheels. This helps to keep the jack stable and spreads the load better if you are working on a softer surface such as asphalt or interlocking garage floor tiles. The all steel construction also makes for a very durable design. Though it is not a lightweight at over 70lbs, it’s right in the ball park for a steel floor jack of this size.
One quick note, the lifting handle is a 2-piece design which has turned out to be a benefit for when we need to transport the jack in the back of a car or in the storage compartment of the car trailer. The two handle pieces are no longer than the jack itself which makes it very convenient.
Benefits and specifications
- Low profile – Excellent for sports cars, lowered vehicles, or flat tires
- Lift pad height of 2-7/8” to 19-3/4”
- 3-Ton lifting capacity – Great for both cars and heavy trucks
- All steel construction with extra-wide front steel wheels
- Weight – 74lbs
- Dual piston rapid pump design
- Meets 2005 ANSI/ASME Pald Standards
- Universal joint release mechanism insures accurate control when lowering
- Foam bumper pad on lower lift handle to protect vehicles
- Great low price makes for best value
Click here for best price with free shipping
Best Low Profile Floor Jack
Sometimes just having a low profile for a floor jack is not enough. The ability to get the jack far enough under the car to lift at a particular cross frame member can be an important requirement as well. Another requirement may be the ability to lift the vehicle high enough to place on tall jack stands — sometimes both.
Arcan XL2T 2-Ton Low Profile High Lift floor jack
This is why we list the Arcan XL2T 2-Ton low profile, high lift service jack as the best jack to meet these requirements. What makes the Arcan XL2T unique is the 32” reach that far exceeds most low profile floor jacks.
However, just having a long reach is only part of the equation. Arcan supplements this reach with a low profile trolley frame that allows the jack to roll far under the car. Most low profile jacks don’t do this since the frame of the jack gets much taller a few inches or so past the saddle pad.
The results of this design is a 2 -3/4” lifting pad height that can lift as high as 24”. This long reach creates an excellent jack for lifting exotic sports cars and lowered vehicles that require access to lifting points far under the car. It also makes for convenient lifting of trucks and SUV’s where you need to roll the jack far under the vehicle to reach lifting points that may require a higher than normal lift height.
As a note, do not confuse the Arcan XL2T long reach jack with the Arcan XL20. The XL20 is a standard sized floor jack that does not have a high lift and long reach. It also has a taller lift pad height of 3-1/2”.
Benefits and specifications
- 32” long reach, low profile design with a high lift
- Lift pad height of 2-3/4” – 24”
- Extra-Wide front steel wheels
- All steel construction for long durability
- Weight – 97lbs
- Dual piston rapid pump design
- Meets ASME Pald 2009 Standards
- Universal joint release mechanism insures accurate control when lowering
- Foam bumper pad on lower lift handle to protect vehicles
- Great value for a low profile, specialty floor jack
Click here for best price with free shipping
Best aluminum floor jack
Aluminum floor jacks have slowly been gaining in popularity. Though more expensive, they are well-liked by the performance car crowd who frequently participate in autocross, drag racing, and other high performance driving events.
Their weight savings make for easier transport and most perform just as well as their all steel counterparts. Plus, we have to admit the fact that some of these aluminum jacks are just damn good looking.
NOS NSJ0201 2-Ton Aluminum Service Jack
Our choice for the best aluminum floor jack is the NOS NSJ0201 2-Ton service jack. At just 47lbs it’s one of the lightest jacks in this group. It comes equipped with convenient side handles for easy lifting when transporting, plus a two piece pump handle for easy storage in the back of a car or storage compartment.
The dual piston rapid pump design makes for quick lifting with a rubber protected saddle pad to protect from scratches to the underside of the vehicle. It’s constructed of thick aluminum for stability and strength, including all steel front wheels and rear casters.
Though the weight savings advantage for garage use doesn’t have that big an impact, it can be very convenient if you need to store the jack someplace other than on the garage floor.
We recently purchased this jack for easier transportation in a car trailer after numerous friends of ours referred us to the NOS line of aluminum jacks. We have to admit that it’s an impressive looking jack and very well made. At 35lbs lighter than the 3-Ton Pittsburgh Automotive floor jack that we have been hauling around, it’s definitely a welcome addition and has performed flawlessly to date.
Benefits and specifications
- Light weight at only 47lbs
- Thick aluminum construction for added durability
- 2-Ton lifting capacity
- Lower profile design with lifting pad height of 3-1/2” to 19-1/2”
- Dual piston rapid pump design
- Safety valve prevents overloading
- Universal joint release mechanism insures accurate control when lowering
- Rubber padded lift saddle to protect underside of vehicle
- Two piece pump handle with foam bumper pad
- Best value for an aluminum floor jack
Click here for best price with free shipping
For those that feel they need a heavy duty aluminum floor jack, NOS has a 3-Ton version of this jack with all the same features as well. However, for just a few dollars more you can actually purchase the professional version of their 3-Ton aluminum jack and get a some extra features that are well worth the small additional expense.
These features include black coated side plates, polished front trolley brace, foam wrapped side lifting handles for comfortable transportation, and best of all, heavy duty nylon (no, these are not plastic) front wheels and rear casters that make for quite rolling.
It weighs in at only 58lbs for a 3-Ton jack and gets tremendous reviews by those who have purchased it.
Click here for best price with free shipping
Best multi-use floor jack for vehicles, ATV’s, and motorcycles
Sometimes a traditional floor jack just isn’t enough to get the job done for some people. In these cases, a multi-use floor jack that can also lift ATV’s and motorcycles in addition to cars and trucks can be a better choice.
Powerbuilt 620422E Heavy Duty Triple Lift Jack
If you find yourself in this category, then the Powerbuilt Heavy Duty Triple Lift Jack is the best multi-use jack since it does all that and more.
Besides the great reviews for this jack, what makes it unique is the large, flat padded platform that is affixed to the lifting arm. This platform makes for a functional lifting pad for motorcycles, ATV’s, transmissions, differentials, lawn tractors, and more. Just lift out the saddle pad and it’s ready to go.
With a 2-Ton lifting capacity, it has a minimum lift pad height of 6” with the saddle pad in and 5-1/2” with the saddle pad out. The max lift range is 17-1/2” with the saddle pad in and 17” with it out.
Another great feature to this jack is that the all steel design also includes a safety lock-out pin that will hold the jack in place and eliminate the need to use jack stands. Plus, it has built in tie-down loops over the rear casters. This allows you to use tie-downs when securing a transmission, differential, or motorcycle to the large lift pad.
There are some things that you need to be aware of, however, with a multi-use jack such as this. The design does not allow for a low profile so it may not fit under some smaller vehicles and sports cars. The max lifting height of 17-1/2” may not be high enough for tall trucks and SUV’s as well and should be considered.
Also, because the large lifting pad is permanently affixed to the lifting arm, the width of the jack may prohibit using the saddle pad on some lifting points on the sides of a vehicle when accessing them from directly in front or behind the vehicle.
Benefits and specifications
- All steel design with a 2-Ton lifting capacity
- Lift pad range of 6” to 17 1/2”
- Weight – 85lbs
- Removable saddle pad
- Large padded lift platform is 12” long by 9-3/8” wide
- Built in tie-down hooks over rear casters
- Locking safety bar eliminates the need for jack stands
- Meets or exceeds ANSI standards
- Great low price
Click here for best price with free shipping
Hydraulic Floor Jack Maintenance Tips
The first think you want to do when you receive your new floor jack is to properly bleed or purge the system of air. Air can sometimes be introduced into the system during the assembly, shipping, and transportation of the floor jack and could potentially cause it to fail while under load.
The process is simple and your instruction manual should describe it step by step. It usually just requires opening the release valve by turning your jack handle counter clockwise, then remove the oil fill plug with a screwdriver, and then pump the handle up and down ten times or so. Reinstall the fill plug and you are ready to go. Even though it’s new, checking the oil level at this time is advisable as well.
Periodically inspect your jack, including the oi level. Jack fluid can be purchased from your local auto parts store, home improvement center, or here on Amazon. Keep the hinge points and wheels of your jack well lubricated and check for loose nuts and bolts. Some jacks even have Zerk fittings for this. Always use a heavy grease and not oil.
Never use your jack as a jack stand. More people have been hurt due to jack failure without use of a supporting stand. We have reviews of the best jack stands here if you need a set.
When transporting a jack, always open the release valve. Never transport it on its side or upside down. Doing so can cause air to enter the closed system and cause jack failure when lifting.
Finally, keep your jack clean and store it in a dry environment. It will last longer and make it easier to inspect or notice leaks.
None of these floor jacks have real hydraulic U-cup seals on the Ram. All they have is an O-Ring which means they are simply designed to fail in just a couple years. Many of them fail after a few uses.
Anyone looking to buy a good floor/service jack better buy one with real U-cup seals “on the ram” and with seals available if repair is needed. In other words a “Serviceable” service jack which is a term long forgotten by jack manufacturers. These are not rebuildable/ serviceable mainly due to lack of parts offered and brittle castings/threads that simply fail to reassemble correctly without chipping, cracking.
Never on your life trust an O-ring designed jack, they are JUNK!!
Hello Ben and thank you for your input. We do not disagree that hydraulic U-cup seals are superior to an O-ring seal. At issue, however, is the economics of purchasing a jack with the U-cup seals. Most jacks these days with such a seal are generally U.S. made and cost an average of 3 to 4 times the amount of jacks with O-ring seals. Also, it’s difficult to find a low profile jack with U-cup seals. Most have a minimum height of 4″ which is not low enough for many of your modern day sports cars. Also, the quality of jacks made overseas has improved tremendously in the last 5 years or so. The reviews these jacks are getting now back that up. We confidently admit that if you needed a floor jack for everyday use, the benefits of a quality jack with U-cup seals definitely out weigh the costs. However, most people are buying floor jacks for occasional use at home and the cost of the more expensive jacks just don’t justify the price.
Hello Ben, could you please mention those brands? I hope you had included it in your comments.
Yes, please mention those brands
I have had my Hein-Werner 2-ton jack for over 30 years. It’s used very rarely but works perfectly…no leaks or hesitation. It’s made in the USA and it was very expensive. However, many friends have gone through several cheaper jacks in that time. I think jacks that get used infrequently tend to rust and the seals rot but not my H-W. I am in the process of buying a used (25 year old) 5-ton long chassis Hein-Werner…the asking price is over $500. It’s for my truck and RV. I consider it pretty fair for that quality.
That’s great to hear Hab. Unfortunately Hein-Werner was bought by the Shinn Fu Company of America (no joke) more than a few years ago. The company is located in Taiwan. Many of the Hein-Werner products are now a combination of parts from overseas and the U.S. and few are completely U.S. made. This includes both jacks and jack stands. Many of their products now state assembled in the U.S. and not made in America. The older U.S.A. made products are now increasing in value because of this.
Thank you Shea for your very informative breakdown. You are right when you say that not everyone needs an expensive jack, I purchased a cheap one from Walmart that I’m returning because of your information. I now can buy a better inexpensive good jack and have it for occasional use. I kind of like the Nos 3 tons 58lbs Aluminum.
Thanks
I need a floor jack with a lift greater than 30 inches. The Harbor Freight model 42820 and the American Forge & Foundry model 2110A lifted that high but neither are sold anymore. Do you know of an available floor jack with lift greater than 30 inches?
Hello Frank. Compac makes a 1-1/2 ton floor jack with a 31.5″ lifting height. You can find them at Northern Tool or ASE Deals. They are a more expensive jack, but the quality is good. They are made in Denmark and parts are available to completely rebuild the seals if necessary.