When there are many different types of
floor jacks to choose from,
how do you know which one is right for you? Is
there any one product that will meet your needs?
To make the proper
floor
jack choice, you must first consider the
vehicles that you will be working on. Are they
pickup trucks with oversize tires and lift kits, or
heavy duty trucks? Do you work on performance
vehicles and street tuners that are low to the
ground? How about everyday tire service and
grocery-getters? Floor jacks come in a variety of
designs, so making the choice starts with
identifying your needs and then selecting a jack
that meets the criteria.
For heavy duty trucks, such as a bread delivery van
or a pickup truck with big tires and a lift kit,
choose a floor jack that has higher tonnage and lift
range. The long-chassis service jacks are designed
to handle heavier loads and higher than normal lift
points. For example, the 4-ton and 10-ton floor
jacks can lift up to 25-plus inches, giving you
added lifting height required with these vehicles.
They also have an additional feature that helps you
lift higher loads with minimal effort. Some of these
jacks have air assist that eliminates high effort
pumping; instead using an air cylinder to do the
heavy work for you.
Performance vehicles and street tuners are a unique
category since most of these cars are lower to the
ground than the average automobile. Typically, the
aluminum floor jack has improved access designed
specifically for these vehicles, and therefore, can
reach under some of the most wild body kits and
suspension upgrades. Another added benefit with
aluminum floor jacks is that they are lighter,
making them easier to move around the garage.
For the rest of the vehicles on the road, a standard
floor jack that provides versatility for a number of
applications is the best choice. Heavier than the
aluminum category, they provide the application
range from subcompacts to light trucks. These jack
designs are typically found in most automotive
repair shops and tire shops. They are the workhorses
of the floor jack world and represent a majority of
the floor jacks in service today.
When considering the right floor jack for you, it is
also important to think about jack stands. Jack
stands come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Not
only do the stands provide an added element of
safety, but they also provide additional stability
under the vehicle so you are able to do your work
effectively. The heavier the load is, the wider the
base and saddle is to accommodate these
applications. Smaller, lighter jack stands are
designed for smaller vehicles. It is important to
also note that when you are selecting a jack stand,
the load rating is stated for use in pairs. For
example, a 6-ton rating is 3-tons each. As a pair,
they offer 6-tons of load-bearing capacity when used
together.
For more information, contact: Sara Scarlato at
(262) 656-5350 or [email protected].
