What kind of low profile floor jacks are you guys using for your cars? What is the quality?
check ebay, sears, amazon.com or costco, etc. There are a lot of nice low profile floor jacks around. Here is a very high quality one that I'm looking into. I am not sure if I will get one of these, or two of some of the more common types floating around. http://www.ac-hydraulic.com/ Ray
I recently got the 3 ton Magic Lift jack: http://www.alltiresupply.com/p-OME-25037.html It has a low, 4 inch height, is broad, stable and heavy and instantly gets to the first contact height in one pump of the bar. Many places sell it and you can get it for less. As always, when you get the object up to the working height, use a jack stand before getting under anything. aehaas
Lots of threads about floor jacks...and close together FWIW, got a nice light one (I transport it alot) at Northern tool. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200345428_200345428?cm_sp=Customer%20driven-_-Recently%20Viewed-_-Search%20Page
This is the one i ended up getting: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92782 On sale for $149. Slides right under my rear axle and is very sturdy.
Similar one sells at Coscto, only much lighter at 26lb weight, and similar low height. BUT, only goes to 14.75" high, and lifts 3,000lbs. The reason people prefer it, only $100 and comes with Coscto's lifetime warranty. If it breaks, you can return it to any Coscto for a full refund. As others said, there are many quality jacks out there and the HF ones seem to be a popular choice. I am using the Griot's Garage low profile jack, works great, and goes very low, which is mandatory for my 355. http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/in+your+garage/jacks+%26+stands/2-ton+floor+jack.do Lifts 4000lbs, and go as low as 2.25" and as high as 20". Side pedal allows you to lift the saddle up to the lifting point quickly.
I notice the shipping weight is 50+lbs, what does it actually weigh? The costco one might save your back.
45 lbs. I'm just sliding it around the garage floor so I am not concerned with that. Plus I need a 4000 lbs jack not a 3000 lbs jack. HF sells a 3K: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40105 This thing is rock solid and an even lower profile than the 3K aluminum jack that I already have. For $150 you can't beat this. And it comes with a one year warranty.
I was pointing out the weight issue to another poster "Meister" who must carry his in/out of his car, or so he implied.
I think I was wrong...I was in the actual Northern tool store the other day, and the one I bought was $79, not the $100+ in the link. All I know is that the aluminium one I bought jacks the Lotus, Ferrari, vettes, etc.... It's less than 30#'s, and does a fine job. Sorry for the incorrect link.
Here is a HF floor jack rated at 4000 lbs, although this ad doesn't show it, it's on sale for $50 off until Dec 26th, the sale is in one of their current fliers, ($149.95 final price). (I can scan it and send it to you if necessary, it looks very rugged in person) http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92782
I was going to pick up another Craftsman aluminum / steel race jack (about $149), then saw a Torin Black Jack at Walmart - seemed decent, very low (3.3"), good weight capacity (6000 lbs), and decent lift height (17+")...and only $68. No experience with it yet, hopefully does well next week during my major!
I have that Costco jack and while doing my brakes and headlights I had the car on stands. I noticed a puddle of oil under the jack when I went to jack the car up to remove the stands. That damn thing is leaking oil through its seals. I don't think I'm going to cheap out on the next jack. It's not worth the risk.
Harbor Freight. I got the less expensive aluminum racing jack on sale for $79. It works just fine. The more expensive one is the fast pump model, but the less expensive one seems to do the job, it's lightweight, I take it to the track and use it around the garage, no problem. And it's rated for 3 tons. Just fine, IMHO.
I'll second these. The only jack you need to know about. You can buy them from Pelican Parts and others.
Wow, thanks for the tip. My first one works fine so far (2+ yrs) but glad I didn't get a second just in case.
I have the DK20 floor jack from AC. Great performance and quality, though expensive (about $500. as I recall), purchase through ultimategarage.com.