Hydraulic Floor Jacks

[Antichrist]

I've actually been using a Nothern Tool 3 ton for about 8 years. The only complaint I have is the wheels needing loctite on the threads. I use it frequently, including adding a spreader bar and lifting the entire end of my disco with it serveral times. Seems like a very decent jack considering it was only about $150.

 

[madizell]

I have been using a Craftsman Model 328.12160 2 ton floor jack for almost 30 years. It still works perfectly, has never needed rebuilding, doesn't leak down no matter how long it is left under a load, and except for heavy and the steel wheels squeek if you don't keep them lubricated, I can't find a fault with it. It easily lifts any vehicle I have ever had. Perhaps all the problems with Sears lifts lately are the current outsource or the model purchased.

But I still use jack stands.

 

[devinsixtyseven]

Perhaps all the problems with Sears lifts lately are the current outsource or the model purchased.

But I still use jack stands.

Hit the nail on the head. I was all set to buy a Craftsman last fall, until I read the reviews.

I've already returned one of the big red floor jacks and will likely eventually return this one too.

BTW don't get the "spider" jack unless you have a specific need. Neat idea, but it can travel sideways which is not good if you need a lift along a line to be safe. It's great for some things, at least, and good enough for how I use it.

My jack stands are Made In America from scrap 3/8" plate and 4"OD heavy gauge pipe. Not adjustable, but I don't worry, either.

-Sean

 

[chuck45]

I have been using a Craftsman Model 328.12160 2 ton floor jack for almost 30 years. It still works perfectly, has never needed rebuilding, doesn't leak down no matter how long it is left under a load, and except for heavy and the steel wheels squeek if you don't keep them lubricated, I can't find a fault with it. It easily lifts any vehicle I have ever had. Perhaps all the problems with Sears lifts lately are the current outsource or the model purchased.

But I still use jack stands.

I use a Sears 2 Ton #328.12040. I don't know exactly how old it is but I'd say I may have bought it in the late 70's. No idea what it cost. It does say made in Japan so it's probably of decent quality. I've never done any maintainance and it always works; I just wish it lifted higher.

 

[Pontiac]

Need some help identifying an old school floor jack. I purchased the Sears 2 ton, model 328.12040, in 1972. It has served me well for forty years.

Last summer I had the opportunity to purchase the “big brother” to this jack. I believe to be a 4 or 5 ton. Unfortunately the identification label is gone.

Can anyone validate the tonnage and part number of this other Sears jack for me?

Thanks
jcingebrand@live.com

 

[Nullifier]

Holy old thread WOW!!! can't validate your old jack but it is getting hard and expensive to get high quality jacks these days. I purchased or should I say my wife purchased me one of those AC jacks for Christmas a few months ago. It is great I can actually jack up the tacoma and last week my dad brought his saturn over for me to service and i had no issues getting under it. I usually have to drive it up on boards to get a floor jack under it.

Seems like old vintage jacks never die. Just swap seals and reoil periodically and they are good to go.

 

[dwh]

Can't ID the jack, sorry. But this thread reminded me of a neat trick I'd originally seen on SCORE race trucks so I thought I'd share. Floor jack on a skid plate for off-road use:

 

[keezer37]

As a reference, this is a 20 year old Sears 3 ton. $100 dollars and free jack stands!
Extension block sold separately.
The frame length is about 24 3/4" and the frame width is just shy of 7". Model # 375.5011??. Can't believe it's just a sticker and not stamped on. If you need cylinder dimensions let me know.
I've never did one thing to it in as far as maintenance goes and like most things I don't touch, it's worked well all these years.

A tension spring that holds the handle in the upright position broke (headbanger). A cursory look on Sears website (they do have an extensive parts section) and a visit to their local appliance/tool store has yielded no results. If you find repair/rebuild kits, I'd like to know.

 

[sctracker]

I bought one made by Performance tool, not very expensive, pretty sturdy and it hasn't let me down in over a year. Its low profile, lifts pretty high.

Super cool skid-jack!

 

[ttora4runner]

Gonna bring this thread back to life but my brother is in the market for a floor jack that won't break the bank for his lifted tacoma but he'll also be using it on my parents 2wd 4runner and my sisters minivan.

Looked at Torin, TrueBlue, Arcan, Hein-Werner, Craftsman, etc.

 

[keezer37]

Look for the availability of replacement parts, it can last a lifetime. My 20 year old $100+free safety stands Craftsman recently got a new lease on life. Found the Keep the Handle in the Upright Position Spring in the Sears catalog online and got a couple needed o-rings from a hydraulic shop in the local industrial park.
Good for another 100,000 miles.

I should scroll up more often.

 

[Stumpalump]

The Harbor Freight aluminum racing jack is extremely popular with off road teams. Its the same jack others put their name on. You can rebuild them with the universal o-ring kit you buy from them as well. Google info on it and even find nice brackets to hold them in race vehicles.

 

[temple]

I just pay for the warranty and then it doesn't break any more. Go figure. It's as if the have a good pile and a bad pile. If you pay for the warranty, they grab from the good pile.