I'm looking into buying a new floor jack both of mine just broke. I'm probably going to buy an aluminum one and want to know of a good brand. Thanks

 

try doing a search on floor jack in this section. There was at least one long discussion.

hj

 

Why aluminum? In terms of weight savings- ok, buy strength/reliability/safety, unless you are buying a NSCAR spec unit (which for home use would be $$$$), a steel unit should be great for manys, many years.

 

Weight savings is the main reason. I have bought two in the past couple years and both have broke.

 

I have 2 Craftsman 3-ton jacks I got them on sale for $70 with tax. Also if you work under your truck/car use stands.
~Gage~

 

We just got an OTC Stinger two speed that came with two 6 ton stands for I think the $100-$150 range. Without a load it reaches most jacking points with one or two lever strokes and lifts most things with ease. We've used it for jacking up semi axles too, thought that might be pushing it.

 

i just bought a old Weaver 2ton and rebuilt it, the best i have ever seen.

info
Castle Equipment Co Weaver Jack Hydraulic Service Jacks and Jack Stands MADE IN USA

my jack
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=104289

 

I will say if you want to carry the jack in the vehicles much, and aluminum is nice for that. I have one I carry for use when on the road. Otherwise, no reason to turn away from a steel unit, especially when cost is considered. I have some cheapies that lasted years, and others that maybe don't do as well. For shop use I suggest getting the larger 2 1/2 or 3 ton. It is easy to overload the little ones.

 

Just an FYI- back i the 80's 99% of the commercial service jacks hydraulics were made by a company called ConQuip (IIRR), 100% of their production was in Mexico. While I am not a fan of chinese products, most if not all are coming from there...if I had my personal choice, I would buy "old school" and have it rebuilt, but fora new purchase, I would check out Torin......yeah, I know, although their parts are Chinese made, they are at least assembled and tested in Ontario, Calif.

 

I have a Torin that was returned on warranty as it would not stay up. The check valve apparently had some particle holding it open, as I took it home and got it working fine. Where I was working, the warranty stuff just went in the dumpster, so I took it home after it was tossed.

I also have another that was used at a local shop, not sure why they ditched it, but added some fluid to it, and is now one of my best jacks. I have quite a collection these days... I have a low profile Goodwrench bought from Wally world, still working well, and have had it for several years, the one I bought from a discount store over 10 years ago still works, but the frame blew out of it after being twisted a few times. I could maybe save it again, but have enough of them now that I don't need to. I have one other that at this time I don't even recall where it came from, but works well. Want to say ti was tossed from a shop as well, never did anything with it.

 

i have an old snapon 10 ton unit i bought for $25 not working about 10 years ago.
i brought it home and oiled the release lever, then applied a little heat to get the oil to soak in.
it sat in a trailer for 4 years with the lever in the down position and was rusted there.
it works great, but weighs around 500 lbs.
the other 2 are small 3 ton units. one was a no name on it bought at a swap meet 20 years ago for $10, and the other one is a harbor freight i picked up last year for $50 since the release on the no name is acting up.

 

The best one I ever had was a Walker. Wish I still had it - got stolen.