Hi lift jacks

Troopernc

Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2016
Location
Old Fort
One thing I have observed and with a little research understand the why, every serious off reader seems to have a hi lift jack. I used to use a old bumper jack for similar purposes but the big ones seem much better.

So what kind of jacks are good? Do I need a name brand jack? Is there specific things or features to look for or avoid? Lastly how about cheap ones such as the $50 one at Harbor Freight?

Thanks for any advice!

42 in. Off-Road Farm Jack
 
May not be able to get replacement parts (springs, pins) for the cheaper jacks. Keep an eye on the classifieds on here. Usually one ends up for sale about once every other month or so.

The key to these jacks is to keep them lubricated and be very careful. Lots of horror stories about jacks flying out when vehicles move, handles hitting your head, etc.
 
HiLifts are dangerous enough without introducing the cheapness and poor reliability you would likely get from a knock off.


Real HiLidts aren't that much more $. Spend the $ and get the good tool. It's there to save your ass and you want it to work and not put you in the hospital. If you want to steer away from the HiLift brand, I wouldn't venture far and only consider the TJM copy of the HiLift.


HiLifts can be used for all kinds of stuff other than just jacking. Very useful if used correctly.


If you want an alternative, I know Radflo, FOA, and King both makes a jack that is cool, looks like a shock. $$$ but cool and light.

Or you could go all pimp and do the All German Motorsports Dakar style where the Jack is built in to the rig and powered by your power steering system. :D
 
I keep a high lift and a scissors jack on my truck Never used the high lift. Used the scissors jack twice . Once to change a flat on the trail. The other time I used to straighten out bent tie rod and ram in rock garden.
 
Someone needs to make 1/2 of a Ranger Quick Jack (for one side only) that works on 12V.

awww.quickjack.com_media_catalog_product_cache_1_image_455aee98e0176f6c7a79a6f4d861e367d4c5d36.jpg
 
I carry a "Big Red" (Hi-Lift knockoff) jack with me on my Jeep. I will use it as a last resort, but I am experienced with it and like to have it. Some people are, some people aren't. I take very good care of mine and clean/test/lube it along with my regular vehicle maintenance. I have also used my scissor jack for a trail side tire swap. Much safer when the conditions allow.


So what kind of jacks are good? Hi-lift is #1 - I chose a cheaper brand but I will be the one using it/maintaining it

Do I need a name brand jack? Some do, some don't

Is there specific things or features to look for or avoid? Nothing that I can think of. They're pretty simple

Lastly how about cheap ones such as the $50 one at Harbor Freight? Get what you'll feel comfortable using


And I like the Smittybilt one. I would buy it.
 
moldman05 said:
I keep a high lift and a scissors jack on my truck Never used the high lift. Used the scissors jack twice . Once to change a flat on the trail. The other time I used to straighten out bent tie rod and ram in rock garden.
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This is a torin big red farm jack. The hi lift brand failed years ago, and wouldn't let a load down properly.

Never have had a problem from the torin big red farm jack from tractor surprise.
 
Mac5005 said:
This is a torin big red farm jack. The hi lift brand failed years ago, and wouldn't let a load down properly.

Never have had a problem from the torin big red farm jack from tractor surprise.
Click to expand...
Same story here I have a highlift that's been junk from day 1 and the big red has worked flawless for over 10 years and always in the weather and been bent a few times all I do is spray some grease in the pins maybe 1 time a year.
 
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