Choosing the Right and Most Reliable SUV Jack

Best rack and pinion jack

HiLift Jack HL604

This is a rather versatile device, since the movement of the rack can be carried out both in the vertical and horizontal planes - this model can also be used as an alternative to a cable or a winch. The jack has good lifting capacity (or rather, tractive effort), so it will be indispensable when carrying out road freight or when traveling on difficult terrain.

Raising an SUV is not a problem. Rearranging is also easy. You need to get out of a deep rut - you are always welcome! Considering that not all modern jeeps are equipped with a winch (and the trend towards this is very clear), such a device would be an excellent substitute.

The auto jack frame is made of cast iron, some parts are made of high-alloy steel. The device is painted with modern black powder paint, metal parts are coated with a layer of zinc for corrosion protection. Mechanical drive.

Highlift Jack easily copes with such an operation as raising a car to change a wheel. The SUV is picked up by any available part, be it a bumper, a wheel, a bumper or a regular bottom part.

HiLift Jack HL604

In the presence of the simplest devices, this autojack can be successfully retrained into a mechanism for extracting posts and other rigidly fixed structures, as well as a powerful press - it is often used in workshops to pull out deformed body parts.

HiLift Jack HL604 Specifications

• tractive effort: 2269 kg.;
• maximum lifting height: 114-1225 mm.;
• device weight: 13.6 kg.;
• length - 1.52 m.;
• packing dimensions: 660x285x175 mm.

Advantages of the model:

• high reliability - according to this indicator, hydraulic and pneumatic jacks are not competitors;
• versatility - the device can be used both as a press and as a winch;
• excellent carrying capacity, which will not be enough only for single copies of jeeps;
• excellent stability;
• minimal maintenance, no need to lubricate the rack and pinion parts;
• high resource due to the absence of intensively rubbing parts;
• rather high lifting speed of a part of the machine.

Disadvantages:

• quite heavy;
• long length, inconvenient for transportation in a car.

The manufacturer is a fairly well-known company specializing in the production of lifting equipment and has been on the market for about a century. The model is time-tested and has proven itself well in off-road events.

What is a rack jack

The tool has high efficiency and high load capacity

This mobile tool is used for lifting heavy loads, in particular vehicles. Due to the simplicity of the design, the device is considered very reliable and durable. The main working elements of such a jack are a perforated rail, a lifting mechanism, a lever, and a support heel.

The product is an indispensable tool for off-road fans. With the help of the tool, you can again put your “four-wheeled comrade” on the move, which is stuck in a swamp or in the snow. Only the rack and pinion variation of the device makes it possible to raise one of the axes of the machine to a height of over one and a half meters.

Best compact rolling jack

ROCK FORCE RF-TR20005 with a price of 4 350 rubles in a compact case, has the following characteristics:

• lifting capacity - 2.5 t;
• pickup height 14 cm;
• hydraulic, weighing 10.2 kg;
• lifting height 39.5 cm.

BelAvtoKomplekt - designed to lift a load of 2 tons to a maximum height of 32 cm. The price, depending on the model, starts from 1,626 rubles. When folded, it takes up a minimum area.

BelAvtoKomplekt equipment is reliable and efficient. It is endowed with a minimally simplified design.

The product consists of a metal base and assemblies, which minimizes the occurrence of malfunctions. The safety valve additionally prevents product breakdown or overloading.

Has wheels for easy movement and a storage case.

ZUBR Professional 43057-2.5-K of the Russian brand costs from 3,400 rubles to 4,000 rubles. It is designed to lift a load of 2.5 t to a minimum lifting height of 89 mm and a maximum lifting height of 359 mm.

The equipment has the following advantages of use:

• the ability to apply for sports cars;
• mobility and compactness;
• access to use in small boxes with limited space;
• high lifting capacity and wide working range;
• the presence of a rotary handle for working in confined spaces.

This is a budget version of the Russian brand. The jack is compact and mobile.

MATRIX MASTER 51028 - compact, has a storage case, which makes it convenient for transportation and storage in the trunk. Suitable for passenger cars. Average cost 3,000 rubles.

The model has hydraulics and a safety valve, so its use is permissible both for an individual car enthusiast and for operation in a workshop.

The jack is equipped with a lever handle, the use of which reduces the applied forces to a minimum and a sturdy frame that guarantees resistance to high loads. The presence of the case provides the possibility of compact storage.

The manufacturer's mark indicates professional use.

According to user reviews, this jack is the best in its segment, has reliability and quality.

As a minus, the cost of a jack with a German origin can be called.

The best rolling jacks for a passenger car

There are many companies that manufacture rolling units. You can find among them both domestic and foreign

But you should not focus only on expensive foreign models, you can find an analogue of such a cheaper product, the manufacturer of which will be a domestic company. The choice of a rolling jack for a passenger car is difficult to make

Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with each model and its manufacturer separately.

The Matrix Master 51028 hydraulic unit with a lifting capacity of 2 tons has many positive reviews. Its lifting height is 385 mm. At the same time, the minimum is only 135 mm.

The advantages of the model are:

• rubberized handle;
• wide support platform;
• stability;
• safe fixation of the raised load;
• additional carry handle;
• safety valve against exceeding the permissible lifting of the load.

Such a tool must be installed on a level surface and used only to lift a load. He is not able to maintain weight for a long time. Therefore, during its operation, additional support is needed.

The Airline AJ-3F-390P jack can lift a load weighing up to 3 tons. The branded unit has a lot of both positive and negative reviews from users. The advantages of this model include the lifting height (up to 390 mm) and an additional rod for securing the load at a certain height. The tool is small and weighs 12 kg. As in the previous version, such a unit is not designed for long-term retention of the load.

Note!
Most of the manufactured models are sold with a case and an additional repair kit. This greatly facilitates their transportation and maintenance .. The "Autodelo 43222" rolling jack can withstand a load of up to 2 tons

Its lifting height is up to 385 mm, and the minimum pickup is 135 mm. The advantages of this model are:

The "Autodelo 43222" rolling jack can withstand a load of up to 2 tons. Its lifting height is up to 385 mm, and the minimum pickup is 135 mm. The advantages of this model are:

• use of the tool at temperatures up to -20 ° С;
• additional handle and handle for transportation;
• safety relief valve.

This unit is quite compact, so it won't take up much space in the trunk. It is recommended to install the tool on a level support, while using additional stands to hold the load.
"Avtodelo 43222" Automotive jack Ombra OHT203 is capable of withstanding a load of up to 3 tons. The lift height is 533 mm. This option is suitable for both regular crossovers and heavy cargo models.

Weighing 19 kilograms, it has a fairly small size, only 67 × 27 × 20 cm.Of the advantages, it can be noted:

• smooth lifting of the load;
• removable rubberized handle;
• robust construction.

Disadvantages of the tool - a rather high price compared to other options, a small support bowl. Such a lifting mechanism is not able to hold the load for a long time.

The Sorokin HobbyLine Jack 3.520 tool is the most frequently purchased model of a domestic manufacturer. Such a jack can withstand a load of up to 2 tons, and has a maximum lifting height of up to 300 mm. With dimensions of 430 × 200 × 135 mm, it weighs only 6 kg. When using the tool, it is necessary to use safety stands, since it is not able to hold the load for a long time.

Which to choose

When buying, first of all, you need to decide on the brand and dimensions of the device. Which one to choose? There are many manufacturers of rack and pinion jacks. But if you want to purchase a really high-quality and reliable tool, then you will not find a better original jack from the American company Hi Lift. This company has been producing rack jacks for over a hundred years, and their products are used by the most inveterate jeepers.

Hi-Jacks are available in only two colors - black and red. They are made of ductile iron and have several steel parts. Such jacks are considered the standard of reliability and quality. They cost, of course, a little more expensive than models from other manufacturers, but they fully justify their price. At least, modifications longer than 150 centimeters do not bend, unlike tools from Chinese manufacturers. By the name of the model, you can determine its length. So, Hi-Lift Jack HL-485 has a length of 48.5 inches (120 centimeters), and HL-605 - 60.5 inches (150 centimeters). It is these models that are most popular among off-road lovers.

Features of choosing a jack for an SUV

Owners of passenger cars, especially of a compact class, may not think too much about choosing a suitable jack - almost any model may be suitable, the only question is choosing the right type. With SUVs, everything is not so simple, because here you need not only to decide on the choice of the desired type, but also to carefully study the characteristics of the model you like:

• carrying capacity. Before going to a car shop, be sure to look at the registration certificate of your jeep - it indicates the mass of the car in an empty state. Add about 200 kg to this value. (the mass of fuel and refueling fluids, as well as junk that you store in the trunk). The mass of the heaviest representatives of the class of full-size SUVs does not exceed 2.5 tons, so a jack with a carrying capacity of 2-3 tons will be enough;
• lifting height is an equally important parameter. To replace a wheel on any surface, 40-50 cm is enough. If you have to lift a car out of a deep rut, this may not be enough, but other off-road properties of the car should help you. If you do not count on them, and you often travel along muddy roads (fisherman, mushroom picker, hunter), then it is better to have a meter jack;
• pickup height, that is, the distance between the bottom and the ground. By definition, an SUV has a large clearance, so even with a flat tire, 15 cm will be enough to put the jack in the right place. For cars, this value should be lower;
• ease of lifting. Of course, most of the physical effort will have to be spent when working with mechanical lifts. Pneumatics in this regard is a clear favorite, and hydraulic auto-jacks are intermediate.

So, summarizing the above, we will answer the question of how to choose a jack for an SUV with the following theses: hydraulic devices are the best for most characteristics, but if you find yourself in unpleasant situations very rarely, it makes sense to pay attention to cheap mechanical counterparts, if only they have sufficient carrying capacity

The main characteristics of a rack and pinion jack, which you should pay attention to when choosing

When buying or making your own rack and pinion automotive structures, you need to pay attention to the main characteristics that a high-quality tool must meet.

The following qualities affect the efficiency and safety of work:

Carrying capacity - in the instructions for the jack, it is indicated in tons.
Compliance of the support platform with the established standards. The site must be stable and not fluctuate during work
Therefore, when buying, you need to pay attention to the shape of the base to be correct.
An important parameter when choosing is the pickup height

This element can be of different shapes, but the indicator does not affect the quality of work.
Also, special attention is paid to the lifting height
This is the difference between the distance from the pick-up to the support platform.
Effort essential for lifting a load. It depends on the maximum permissible weight

This parameter is different for different types of mechanisms.

Important!
The quality of the mechanism will be influenced by the fixing strength of the support platform.

Device Leading Features

Rating and description of the best car jacks

When deciding how to choose a jack, it is recommended to pay attention to the reviews. Important factors when choosing are:

• financial availability;
• ease of use;
• breakdown complaints.

Based on this data, you can choose the best jack for your car.

Top screw models

Rhombic screw jacks are one of the most popular models in the automotive market. It is a compact and stable design. The main advantages are:

• long service life, rare breakdowns;
• the lifting of the machine is carried out in accordance with the vertical plane.

If necessary, repairs are carried out very quickly.

If it is necessary to select a screw tool, it is recommended to opt for "Encor 1 t 28580". This device is well suited for small car owners. It features low cost, compact design. The downside is considered to be a small carrying capacity. It reaches only 1 ton.

Enkor 1 t 28580

Best rack and pinion models

If you need to raise the car to the maximum height, you need to choose a rack jack. The advantage of this type of tool is the ability to work with large weights.

The vehicle can be raised to the maximum permissible height with the 505175 Matrix rack jack. The carrying capacity makes it possible to use this tool both for the repair of any passenger car, and for the "Gazelle". It is equipped with a robust metal structure that raises the vehicle in stages up to 1000 mm.

Important!
Matrix 505155 is a rack and pinion jack for soft lifting and lowering of vehicles. It is made of durable metal, has a long service life

The position of the tool is very stable due to the reliable support platform.

Best electrical models

Electric jacks are very easy to use. They can be connected to the electrical or vehicle electrical system. The driver sets the required height using the control panel. The disadvantage of such a device is its high cost.

One of the popular models is the JackGB-A20. It has an increased lifting capacity, reduced grip. This model has gained popularity due to its ease of use; when working with the tool, it is not required to maintain the evenness of the surface.

The best inflatable models

Inflatable tools have a great advantage - they allow you to raise the car with a minimum ground clearance. The device is inflated using exhaust gases. This type has many advantages:

• no physical effort is required;
• the rubber bag can be positioned under the car, which is at any height;
• The tool weighs only 2 kg and takes up very little space.

Inflatable device

The model of Sorokin firm is popular. It is equipped with a splitter, which makes it possible to use it with two exhaust pipes. The disadvantage is the high cost of the tool. The jack itself consists of an inflatable lift cushion, a hose for connecting to a pipe and two rugs.

Note!
It is a versatile device that can be used even in wetlands. Often used in construction, when it is necessary to lift equipment on an uneven surface.

The best rolling models

Hydraulic jacks are divided into rolling and bottle jacks. Which jack is better: rolling or bottle jack? To answer this question, you need to consider in detail their characteristics. The bottle jack can lift loads up to 50 tons, but it has little support, which can make the tool unstable. When the vehicle is lifted, this jack moves slightly.

In contrast to the bottle rolling jack, it drives under the car and the load will always be vertical. The most popular are small floor models. They are affordable and are often purchased by motorists to repair their cars on their own.

Tire fitting uses rolling garage jacks. They are very heavy, up to 40 kg.

The advantages of using a rolling jack include:

• ease of use;
• small pickup height;
• rigid construction that ensures safety.

The disadvantage of such a tool is the need to maintain a flat surface, ineffective work in the cold season.

KRAFTKT 820002 belongs to the best rolling jacks. The main positive side is low cost. It is convenient to use for both passenger cars and SUVs. It can lift the vehicle up to 380 millimeters.

KRAFTKT 820002

Construction type

Structurally, jacks are very different from each other. The diamond-shaped format familiar to many ordinary drivers is still popular. Firstly, it is simple, like all the mechanics, and secondly, the height of the roll is low. "Bottles" are more compact and more reliable, but they always have an increased requirement for height between the threshold and the ground. There are, of course, double-rod ones, but reliability often suffers there due to the complicated design. Rolling, good platform and ease of use, in general, if you need a universal tool, take it. Yes, the weight and dimensions are different, but it's worth it. Off-road enthusiasts often buy high-jacks and inflatable jacks. With the first, everything is clear - this is the rail, which it is desirable to cling to the power bumper. If you have one. Inflatable ones are not for every fan - they constantly suffer from punctures, in the cold such a thing can simply break due to poor-quality rubber. What weight do you need to work with? In general, if you have a B-class passenger car, then any jack will suit you, look only at the pickup height. There is a place here for both screw and inexpensive bottle bottles.Almost all the best jacks can cope with a mass of up to 1.5 tons. If your car is big and heavy, then look in the direction of expensive rolling or rack and pinion tools. Why not save money From personal experience, I think that it is better to buy a jack more expensive and with a higher carrying capacity than your current car weighs. Because, roughly speaking, the safety of machine operation directly depends on the jack. A poor-quality tool is not enough that the car can damage, so also injure you. And the safety margin is a good reserve for the future and new cars. After all, jacks are bought for a single year. It's Interesting The Best Car Vacuum Cleaners It is difficult to call a car vacuum cleaner an essential device. But if you need to clean up the salon, it is not enough like hands, because for the "big brother" you need to look for food. Let's talk about the best car vacuum cleaners

Specifications of rack and pinion jacks

These tools have found their widespread use when performing assembly and disassembly, as well as repair and construction work. Among the main types of this equipment are gear and link mechanisms. The latter are complemented by a swinging arm that moves the rail. Rack and pinion jacks use a gear, which is driven by a crank, instead of a drive lever. A ratchet is provided to hold the load on the axis of one of the gears.

In both types of the described jacks, a load-bearing rail with a cup acts as the main unit. If the load has a low supporting surface, then a rack jack will help in this, the lower end of the rack of which is bent at an angle of 90 °

Considering the types and types of jacks, you can note that an important feature of rack and pinion devices is the low location of the lifting platform. On sale you can find options in which the distance to the floor is only 90 mm

Such equipment can have one-, two- or three-stage transmission. Each variety is used for lifting loads:

• up to 6 tons;
• from 6 to 15 tons;
• more than 15 tons, respectively.

Such devices can work in vertical or horizontal position... The devices are easy to maintain and simple in design, maintainable, and also provide a high carrying capacity, which reaches 20 tons.

What to look for when choosing a jack

First of all, you need to make sure that there is a bypass valve on the device. It is responsible for relieving excessive oil pressure if the jack is heavily overloaded. If there is no such valve, then it is not surprising that it does not cope with the weight stated in the description. It is better not to buy such products, since, most likely, they were made in artisanal conditions.

Healthy! Missing a bypass valve can cause oil squeezing out, stem deflection, and more. As a result, you can get badly hurt.

Typically the bypass valves will be labeled “do not adjust”. This warning means that the valve has been adjusted at the factory, and independent attempts to "reflash" the device will only lead to its breakdown.

It is equally important that the product is made of quality materials that are securely fixed. As a rule, only branded models can boast of all this.

Which car jack is better to choose

Owners of heavy vehicles (from 2 tons) should pay attention to the rolling model with wheels. It is very convenient, but it usually weighs up to 10 kg, so this option is more suitable for service stations.

Those who often drive off-road should take a closer look at the rack and pinion jack, which can pull the car out of the frame, serving, among other things, as a winch.

Of the inexpensive models, bottle models deserve attention; they are the most popular.For drivers looking for a product with a smaller size and weight, and even with an optimal price-performance ratio, the diamond jack is suitable. It has the most simple design and there is simply nothing to break down here.

If you need to lift a machine weighing up to 3 tons, you can limit yourself to the Sorokin 3.693, Kraft KT 820005 and Matrix High Jack models. Owners of the "iron horse" weighing up to 2 tons will be pleased with the Airline AJ-R-02 product. The owners of trucks weighing up to 4 tons will be helped by Autoprofi Dt-04.

This video will help you decide on the choice of a rhombic, rolling or bottle jack:

Of course, with the best car jack available, you don't have to be afraid to stay in the middle of the road with a flat tire. After that, he can come to your aid more than once, helping out when replacing, for example, shock absorbers, or when carrying out minor repairs that require free access to the bottom.

How the device works

Ratchet jack

Basically, it uses a rhombus jack - a geometric figure, in which symmetry is the main property. It follows from this that when the length of one of the diagonals changes, the second will increase with the same size of the sides.

In the jack, the adjustment of the value of one of the diagonal is realized by means of the axis on which the thread is applied. When twisting, the axis pulls together two adjacent corners of the rhombus, while the other two diverge, increasing the distance between them. Due to this, there is a rise.

In the mechanical version, the axle is driven by a connecting rod handle. On more advanced models, a ratchet is built into the handle, which allows you not to make a full turn with the handle, and therefore spend less effort and facilitate the rotation process in conditions of insufficient space.

Electric jack

Recently, manufacturers have started to produce electric rhombic jacks. Such a system facilitates the already simple lifting process, but at the same time loads the battery, so it is better to lift with the engine running. In case the car's battery runs out, they have the option of manual control. However, craftsmen have already adapted to twisting the device with an ordinary screwdriver, into the cartridge of which an ordinary construction anchor-hook is clamped.

Therefore, do not envy the owners of expensive electric jacks when you can be smart. We should also mention the hydraulic modification, in which the rhombic mechanism is driven by a piston. From the technical point of view, this option loses the main advantages of a mechanical jack - it has more weight, much higher cost, and is inferior in reliability. In addition, in winter conditions and in unheated luggage racks, its performance becomes difficult due to a decrease in the fluidity of the oil.

Pneumatic device