Realistically...how often do you use your hi-lift?

[codesertrat]

I've used my Hi-lift a handful of times over the years to get off of a spot where I was hung up on a rock and as a jack and fill technique when stuck in deep snow or sand. Not often, but when it is needed I don't think anything else will do the job. A winch is fine as long as you have a good anchor point; no anchor point = Hi-lift jack time.

My most common use of a Hi-Lift is for breaking loose tire beads to repair or swap tires. Throw the tire under the bumper, position the base of the Hi-Lift at the edge of the bead, break 'er loose.

For changing a tire, I prefer a bottle or other under axle jack.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Last time I used mine

 

[Ghost65]

Last time I used mine

Wow...


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[getlost4x4]

I had one about 10 years ago on my toyota. I was to poor to afford a winch. It went with the toyota when I sold it.

Now I just use my handy Land Rover Jack should the need arise, and I use my winch to pull myself out if I ever get stuck. I just hate all the extra weight.

 

[zelatore]

Last time I used mine

Yeah, I guess that would be the last time you'd use that one.

 

[tgreening]

Last time I used mine

I'm curious. Was this an honest to god Hi-Lift jack or one of the many clones that's popped up over the years? Cast iron doesn't usually take to bending all that well.

 

[mikeJKUR]

Right-O, I was speaking primarily from experience changing tires on my Jeep - the Hi-Lift will get them off the ground, but just barely. Much easier to put a scissor or bottle jack under the axle, shock mount, or A arm and jack just the tire up for changing.

I do have a hi lift, but they're the wrong piece of kit most of the time for maintenance like a tire change - they do have their uses.

I also keep mine inside the vehicle and well lubricated...

I have had the same hi-lift for 10 years and have used it to repair on the trails. At home I have used it several times to jack up one side of the vehicle to rotate the tires.

 

[AndrewP]

I use mine every trip----

Honestly, I've used it once or twice in 10 years to unseat a bead, a couple of times to get off a high center, and as a safety when working on the truck with other support. But the best high lift is the one on your buddies' truck.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I'm curious. Was this an honest to god Hi-Lift jack or one of the many clones that's popped up over the years? Cast iron doesn't usually take to bending all that well.

The real deal purchase in 1976. It was purchased after reading an ad on how it can be used as a winch. Purchased to straighten the frame horns on my wrecked Ford truck. Winching using a Hi-Lift is only easy if you have never done it!

The main runner was replaced by Hi-Lift at a cost of$18 in 2001 shortly after bending it. I still own and it was carried disassembled for several years and never has been reassembled to date.

Having cut my teeth with that jack I can tell you it have been used plenty.

 

[IdaSHO]

I use mine better than a dozen times a year.

not a whole lot, but the things it gets used for are the types of things that NOTHING else that was on hand at the time would work, and the highlift does it like it was born to do it.

It really is a fail-safe for important odd-jobs

 

[PlethoraOfGuns]

Use it all the time! Most dangerous tool I have on the rig, but at the same time the most versatile. Only had one jack slip out on me, and that was user error. Luckily no one was hurt. They are as safe as you make it, just like any other tool.


Jacking up? No problem.


Cribbing is always a good idea.


As is safety supervisors.


Good to assist winching over obstacles.


Bent steering stuff?


No problem, we can clamp them back flat.


Spreading springs apart to get axle back on.


Sometimes you get in a jam and need to slide vehicle over.


Or change tire when you used winch too hard and shred sidewall on previous mentioned tree.


And the best use ever, as a winch! It's so easy, everyone will enjoy using it to winch things! You may find yourself just practicing on your front yard on a Sunday morning.

Note: avoid having to use as winch at all costs, but it will work.

 

[DRTYTOY]

Used it twice on this trip!! First one was to change a CV that let go. Second was to get me out of this lake mud situation. I jacked up the front and rear of the truck and threw rocks in the holes the tires were in and using that method along with winching off of a truck in front of me( There wasn't a decent tree for miles considering it's in a lake bed) I got out of a nasty spot. I agree 100% they are dangerous but if you know that and you know how to use it they are in valueable. On average I think I use mine 5-6 times a year.

 

[pricey]

I've carried one off and on for 20 years in my 4wds. Never used it in anger. Not once. I prefer the tirfor for winching. It has saved my bacon a number of times. Now the Hi - lift sits in the shed in it's bag, waiting for stuck star pickets

 

[danfromsyr]

I used mine to lift a utility pole out of the ground in my farm yard..
that's about all I care to use them for..
but is handy as a 'farm' jack for equipment trailers with blown tires..

I also prefer a Tirfor/grip hoist for winching.. and at ~$400 for 5tons it's a no brainer to own one.
http://www.quadratec.com/products/91109_4310_07.htm

 

[teotwaki]

On my last two trips I had to use the Hi Lift to change tires that had nasty holes punched in them. The trip prior to those I used it to get my trailer through a rough spot and even used the lift mate to lift from the rim and stack rocks under the tire. I also use it every time I hitch up the trailer because I am too busy to weld on some sort of lifter dohicky to the trailer.