Hi all! Today we will talk about rolling jacks - lifting mechanisms that are useful for those who prefer to repair and maintain their own car themselves. Compared to hydraulic bottle jacks and mechanical jacks with screw mechanisms, rolling jacks are characterized by a large working stroke and high work productivity.
Today on the domestic market there are many rolling jacks from various manufacturers, which quite naturally causes difficulties in choosing the appropriate model, especially for untrained users. That's why we've handpicked the seven best trolley jacks up to 3 tons that you can buy in 2022.
Rules for choosing lifting mechanisms
You need to be very careful when purchasing a floor lift. Important aspects that the buyer should pay attention to when purchasing:
Choose a jack that is only tied to a specific type of car.- The most important factor here is ground clearance. Ground clearance is determined by how high off the ground the jack contacts the vehicle when lifted. Vehicles with low ground clearance are easier to lift using conventional hydraulic floor jacks. They can be used in low profile versions for sports and racing cars. They are also a favorite for most sedans, SUVs, vans, coupes and trucks.
- All floor jacks are designed for a certain maximum load capacity. You need to make sure that the maximum power on the jack exceeds the lifting weight of the machine and possible load and will allow you to use it for a long time. Typically this rating is provided in tons, with 2-ton and 3-ton units being the most common. Most compact and economical mid-range cars can be safely lifted with a 2-ton lifter. For luxury full-size cars, vans, minibuses and mini-trucks, three-ton units are suitable.
- Build quality. A well-built jack has mostly metal parts, while a cheap one has a lot of plastic components. In addition, the quality of the finish is often an indicator of the strength of the material. If the metal has a polished surface with beautifully painted areas, it means the manufacturer is openly displaying reliable parts of the devices, but when the paint is carelessly applied with visible overspray, the manufacturer may be trying to hide poor quality metal underneath. High quality devices are heavy weight and operate very smoothly.
Rating of the best rolling jacks for trucks
These models have greater load capacity, size, and weight.
The best models of cargo rolling jacks have a more reliable design and are protected from overload.
Such models are usually used at car service stations.
Kraftool High-Lift 43455-10
Description. The lifting device is designed to work with vehicles weighing no more than 10 tons.
The design of the jack is made of high quality steel.
The support platform is capable of gripping the machine at a distance of 160 mm from the ground level and lifting it to a height of 560 mm. The working stroke of the tool is 400 mm. The weight of the cargo jack is 130 kg.
The load is lifted smoothly, without jerking. To quickly lower the vehicle, a regulator is provided in the design.
When lifting the machine to a height, the model can hold it in this position for a long time due to the use of a lock.
Kraftool High-Lift will appeal to its users due to its ease of use.
The pedal assists in lifting, accelerating the process of raising the support platform.
The lever handles are finished with an easy-to-grip rubberized material. The base of the jack is equipped with metal wheels. The front pair rotates 360°, which makes maneuvering the tool in the work area comfortable.
Pros of Kraftool High-Lift 43455-10
- Durable design.
- Confident rise.
- Convenient to use.
- Presence of a lock.
Cons of Kraftool High-Lift 43455-10
- Heavy weight of the tool.
- Overcharge.
Kraftool 43455-5
Description. This model in the Kraftool line of cargo jacks is used for lifting light-duty trucks, minibuses, and special equipment weighing up to 5 tons.
It can also be used to replace wheels and repair full-size SUVs and crossovers.
The machine is picked up at a small height compared to similar models - 150 mm. Lifting is carried out at a distance of 560 mm from the surface, working stroke of the device: 410 mm. Model weight – 95 kg, packaged dimensions – 1570x290x420 mm.
The load is lifted using a convenient lever and pedal and does not require significant effort.
The surface of the metal parts of the structure is covered with a protective anti-corrosion layer that prevents the formation of rust on it.
The support area in contact with the machine is equipped with a rotating mechanism, which allows you to quickly install it in the desired position.
The model will be an indispensable tool for technical centers specializing in working with light-duty vehicles and other vehicles.
Let's name the advantages of its use:
- The presence of wheels on the base greatly facilitates the movement of the jack along the surface.
- Rubber pads on the metal handle prevent hands from slipping during surgery.
- The presence of a lock allows you to hold the load at the desired height.
- There is a mechanism for quickly lowering the tool.
Pros of Kraftool 43455-5
- Attractive appearance.
- Withstands intensive work of lifting machines.
- Works at any temperature.
Cons of Kraftool 43455-5
- Large dimensions.
Matrix 510675
Description. The jack has a reinforced design, which allows it to lift any type of transport, as well as loads up to 20 tons.
The operator can select the desired operating mode of the hydraulic device for lifting or lowering.
If necessary, you can remove the support platform to install additional structures.
The model begins lifting machines from a height of 220 mm. The maximum weight lift is 680 mm from the ground, the working stroke is 460 mm.
Working with heavy vehicles required strengthening the design of this model. During production, parts with thicker metal walls were used, which accordingly increased the weight of the tool. Its weight: 225 kg, length of the packaged tool: 1650x370x430 mm.
Despite working with heavy equipment, the Matrix jack is stable. This is due to the large base area.
The safety valve installed in the model blocks its operation if the weight of the load exceeds that declared by the manufacturer.
Such a professional lifting device will primarily be of interest to specialists from technical centers for servicing various types of machines.
It is convenient to use: the presence of wheels will ensure the movement of the tool around the machine service area.
The folding handle with rubber grip makes the jack easy to use.
Pros of Matrix 510675
- Thick iron.
- Long working life.
- Copes with lifting any machines at different temperatures.
Cons of Matrix 510675
- High price.
Regarding the quality of work, no comments were found from consumers to the manufacturer.
Models of equipment for lifting no more than three tons
Usually everyone knows that the lifting mechanism is universal, but of course it can differ in models.
It is worth focusing on those models that, according to customer reviews, are the most reliable. So, let’s look at the most common models of lifting devices, characterizing them. The first model is Inforce TA830020 . It helps replace wheels, for example, on gazelles or SUVs whose weight does not exceed three tons. In such a mechanism, the support bowl usually has an unusual toothed shape, which helps the lifted load not to fall off.
But this model is best used not alone, but together with a stand, the function of which is to provide insurance. The model itself has a small body coated with a special varnish to prevent corrosion. The model meets all standards, including international ones.
The next model is the Inforce TA83003C, which belongs to the class that is usually used by professionals to lift vehicles not exceeding three tons in the tire shop. This model moves easily and is securely attached to the surface.
Another model is Airline code AJ-3F-390P , which is designed to lift a load of less than three tons.
When I bought this model, I was surprised: it was a small box. I was pleased with the comfortable bag that I received as a gift.
Andrey, Moscow