You never know when you’ll require a tire change or an emergency car repair on your way to work. Lifesaver at such a crucial moment can be a simple hydraulic lifting jack. However, conventional bottle jacks are usually quite bulky, and hence the obvious best solution lies in an aluminum floor jack.
A top-notch aluminum floor jack can lift tons of loads and weigh almost nothing when compared to the steel alternatives. It’s more like a compact package that serves as an excellent tool for lifting both higher and low-profile vehicles.
Especially if you own a repair shop, you’ll definitely need one of these to sneak underneath. It’s about time you gave your old heavy jack some rest. Here’s a quick how-to on picking the best aluminum floor jack in the market.
Best Aluminum Floor Jack Till Date
Even great enthusiasts can get distracted by the abundance of false advertisements in the market. To make sure you stay on the right track, we’ve gathered seven of the most valued products out there. Here we present the findings from research conducted by our experts regarding their upsides and downsides.
1. Powerbuilt 620479E Xtra Floor Jack with Safety Bar – 2 Ton Load Capacity
Strengths
When it comes to low profile floor jacks, there’s hardly any competitor for the 620479E from Powerbuilt. This one can easily sneak under any stock or modified vehicle even if it is only 2.75 inches high from the ground. It also meets the ASME standards, meaning top performance for lower vehicles.
You can use it to raise any passenger car out there since it has a lifting capacity of 2 tons along with a strong saddle to withstand the pressure. Even such heavy vehicles can be effortlessly raised to 15.5 inches using this jack. That will give you enough space to work beneath the car.
Most amazingly, it comes with a steel safety bar that slides under the lifting arm so that the jack stays secured at the fully raised position. Thereby the need for a jack stand gets eliminated. As a result, you’ll find this jack suitable for unibody vehicles, as they don’t offer many opportunities for positioning a stand.
Furthermore, the strong construction of the 620479E will make sure you can lift cars for years before you have to think about replacements. Finally, it weighs less than most others down the list and is easily portable with the help of its wheels.
Shortcomings
- The locking process of this jack is not pretty accurate every time.
2. Arcan ALJ3T 3-Ton Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack
Strengths
What sets the ALJ3T apart from most other products out there is that it’s durable and long-lasting yet lightweight construction. To give it such qualities, Arcan has used aircraft-grade aluminum that is both strong and featherweight at the same time.
Apart from the unique material, it comes with dual pump pistons with which you can raise its saddle to load at lightning speed. Moreover, it consists of reinforced lift arms for an increased amount of strength, better chassis torsion control, and maximum durability.
Best of all, this powerful jack can easily lift heavy vehicles that weigh up to 3 tons. So, you can pretty much use it for raising any passenger SUV or sports car from 3.6 to 19.4 inches without any hesitation.
On top of that, your vehicle is likely to stay safe and scratch-free, as it features a saddle made of soft rubber followed by a foam handle bumper. Also, you won’t have to worry about its quality, as it meets the ASME safety standards.
Besides, since ALJ3T features a handle mounted on the side, you can position it right on the spot every time. And then, to make sure it fits inside the trunk of your car, the handle comes in 2 pieces, which you can easily attach before using.
Shortcomings
- Its silver color coating is not of top quality
- It may get scratched due to regular use.
3. 1.5 Ton Compact Aluminum Racing Jack with Rapid Pump
Strengths
PITTSBURGH surely wins the battle in the design area since its ha68053 has a pit crew quality design. It has been machined from aircraft-grade aluminum that makes it durable and lightweight at the same time. To add a finishing touch and protect it from scratches, they also gave it a sapphire anodized coating.
Speaking of lift range, you can raise the height of your car anywhere from 3.375 to 14.75 inches. Besides, controlling the load in any handle position will be as smooth and precise as it gets due to the universal joint release featured in this jack.
The most exciting part about the ha68053 is its rapid dual pumping system that will allow you to lift your car with far fewer pumps. And getting it lifted was never this easy, as it features a two-piece knurled aluminum handle for ensuring a steady grip no matter how heavy the load is.
You won’t have to worry about causing any harm to your vehicle since the handle is equipped with a foam bumper. Due to its rubber saddle pad, it can lift vehicles weighing up to 1.5 tons without causing any damages to them. All these wonderful features come in a compact shape making it easy to store and carry along.
Shortcomings
- The lift capacity could have been a bit larger at such a price.
4. NOS NSJ0301 3-Ton Aluminum Service Jack
Strengths
Here comes another heavyweight champion with a large lifting capacity of 3 tons, the NSJ0301. You can use this floor jack to lift any passenger vehicle in the market with its enormous strength and chassis torsion control coming from thick side plates and reinforced lift arms.
Even with such power, the NSJ0301 will amaze you with its ultra-lightweight construction. They have been able to keep its weight at only 58 pounds by using extra light aluminum, which means increased portability.
You won’t need more than a few pumps to raise your vehicle between 3.75 to 18.125 inches. That means you can use it for cars of different heights. Its quality is further assured with ASME PALD 2009 standards and a one-year warranty.
Apart from that, you can lift your vehicle in the blink of an eye with the help of its dual pump system designed for rapid lifting. Lowering the load is as controlled and precise as lifting because of a universal joint release mechanism.
Furthermore, to prevent overloading, it comes with unique safety valves. While lifting, your vehicle will stay safe from scratches due to the rubber saddle, and since the handle features a soft bumper pad. The handle comes in 2 pieces, which along with the side handles enable easy transporting.
Shortcomings
- It doesn’t have any protective coatings on the surface.
5. JEGS 80077 3 Ton Professional Low-Profile Aluminum Floor Jack
Strengths
The JEGS 80077 is indeed a front liner when we consider floor jacks having enormous strength and lifting capacity. With a capacity of 3 tons, it is one the most popular jacks among professional mechanics and automobile enthusiasts.
Despite such strength, its lightweight aluminum construction and wide track wheels will let you move this 58-pound jack with quite ease. Moreover, it comes in an eye-catchy yellow color that makes it easily noticeable in your workshop.
Most importantly, you’ll find this tool quite versatile, since the minimum and maximum height of its saddle is 3.5 and 19.25 inches, respectively. So, it is usable against both low clearance sports cars and the higher SUVs as well.
Furthermore, you’ll find a hydraulic lift feature to get easy height adjustments with a smaller number of pumps. Not to mention the strong grip provided by its knurled handle that comes in two pieces for easy transport. To make sure the maximum rated load capacity is not crossed, it features overload and bypass valves.
One feature that helps the 80077 to stand out is its rotating rubber saddle that easily moves 360 degrees for easy positioning. Also, you’ll get further help in positioning due to its dual side handles. Lastly, this product meets the ASME PALD 2014 standards that assure its performance quality.
Shortcomings
- The pumping system works a bit slower than expected.
6. New! 3000 Lb Aluminum Racing Car Auto Floor Jack Rapid Pump Lift
Strengths
If 3 tons is the capacity mark that you’re aiming for, the 6930SG from Liftmaster can be a tough candidate to consider. The most noteworthy part of this floor jack is its unique heavy-duty steel arm that delivers increased strength while lifting.
To make sure it doesn’t become too heavy, they have used lightweight aluminum construction that balances the weight excellently with the arm. As a result, you won’t have to get worn out for carrying this powerful shiny jack around.
Not only is the 6930SG suitable for cars with lower frames but also an ideal pick for those with a high chassis. You can use it as a low-profile jack, as it can sneak under cars that are only 2.95 inches high when the saddle is removed. On the other hand, 19.68 inches high pickups and SUVs are well within its range.
Moreover, if you’re in a hurry, its dual pumps with a quick lift hydraulic system will come handy and lift your car within seconds. Well, since you’re not aware of the weight of every vehicle you lift, you may damage the jack due to overloading. To prevent such incidents, it features safety valves as well.
Shortcomings
- The jack being way too low requires a number of pumps before it can finally reach higher vehicles.
7. Neiko Pro 20272B Premium Aluminum Dual Pump Design
Strengths
You’ll be amazed by the capacity to weight ratio of this 20272B since it weighs only 57 pounds despite the 3-ton lifting capacity. The industrial-grade aluminum alloy Neiko used to build it not only keeps the weight to a minimum but also provides excellent durability.
Moving on to lifting range, it can reach a minimum height of 3.75 inches, which means you can use it for low clearance vehicles. On the other hand, 19.25inch is the maximum height limit for it, meaning compatibility with higher cars.
In addition to that, this floor jack has a unique dual plunger structure that will help you to lift the load in a flash. And to prevent overloading beyond the rated lift capacity, it comes equipped with excellent safety valves.
Thanks to the rubber dotted saddle, its enormous power won’t cause any harm to your vehicle since it hardly leaves any scratches or dents on the frame. Moreover, you’ll find the 20272B ideal for not only professional tire changes and repair services in shops but also roadside emergencies.
Besides, with the help of its swivel rear casters, you can effortlessly position the jack exactly where it needs to be. There is also a dual-handle set up on the main body so that you can easily carry it from time to time.
Shortcomings
- It’s not an ideal option for modified sports cars that are extremely low.
The Route to Best Aluminum Floor Jack
Perhaps you’ve had one of those old fashion steel floor jacks before. Therefore, you know the basics about what to expect and what to avoid. However, aluminum floor jacks are a bit different, and the things worth knowing before grabbing one are these below.
Load Capacity
Aluminum floor jacks can usually lift cars that weigh up to 3 tons. Go for the maximum capacity if you often require to lift heavy cars or trucks. Otherwise, if you’re seeking a jack for occasional tire changes or road emergencies, find one that matches the weight of your car.
Lifting Height
Low profile aluminum floor jacks can reach as low as 2.5 to 3.5 inches and will sneak under most of the sports cars. And when it comes to maximum height, you should aim for those that can reach at least 18 to 20 inches. By ensuring this range, you’ll most likely find it useful for high pickups or SUVs as well.
Durability and Longevity
Make sure to look for aircraft-grade aluminum build since this material is not only lightweight but also durable. Also, it will be wise to search for special protective coatings such as a sapphire anodized one. Such coatings will keep the jack safe from scratches and make it last for decades.
Safety Standards
Safety standards such as the ASME and PLD are great parameters that ensure the quality of a floor jack. So, always make sure the one you pick meets the ASME standards or at least has a one-year warranty.
Lifting Mechanism
Those equipped with a dual-piston pumping system are the best among aluminum floor jacks. Such a mechanism, along with reinforced lift arms, will make sure you can easily lift the heaviest of vehicles with a minimum number of pumps.
Portability
Aluminum floor jacks have a lightweight construction and are usually easy to transport. However, to make sure you stay hassle-free while carrying your jack, it is advised to look for two-pieced handles. Because such handles will fit well inside the trunk of your car.
Additional Features
Features such as universal joint release mechanisms and locking perches can prove to be handy for load control and easy lowering. Also, side handles and rotating saddle pads are a few of the features that may seem like small enhancements but play an important role in positioning the jack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I remove the saddle pad from the arm?
Ans: Yes, you can, at least with some of the top-notch jacks. If the minimum height when the saddle is included falls short while sneaking under your car, removing the pad may help. But beware of the fact that such actions may leave scratches on the car.
Q: How many pumps do these require for reaching max height?
Ans: Well, the number of pumps usually varies depending on the pumping mechanism and the maximum height. However, the ones with the dual pump system require at least 6 or 7 strokes to reach the full height without load.
Verdict
Whether you’re a professional mechanic or an automobile enthusiast, the superiority of an aluminum floor jack over the alternatives remains immense. We would love to believe that our detailed review sections helped you hunt the best aluminum floor jack for taking on the world of vehicle lifting.
Nevertheless, we found the Powerbuilt 620479E to be a product worthy of your investment. This ultra-low-profile floor jack can be an ideal choice if you deal with low clearance sports vehicles.
Alternatively, if a large lifting capacity is a factor you need your floor jack to include, our suggestion would be the JEGS 80077. Due to its excellent strength and durability, you will enjoy fluent lifting for years, which is definitely worth the money.
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