Best 3 Ton Floor Jack Reviews

It is far easier to hurt yourself while under a car than to fix something. People can and have died due to not having the correct jack.

Weight capacity, lifting process, vehicle stability, and several other facts like these are simple yet extremely important.

Hence, you need to get the correct jack for the job and use it according to the recommended process. Here, we have 5 three-ton floor jacks that are currently ruling the market. We also have a guide to lead you to the best 3 ton floor jack as well as a tutorial for using one of those.

Best 3 Ton Floor Jack Review

Here are the reviews of the top five products in the market. If it meets your requirements, you can certainly buy them.

1. Arcan ALJ3T 3-Ton Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack

There is a reason behind the popularity of the Arcan ALJ3T despite its high price. And that is, it serves you all the technical benefits of a high tech floor jack along with the brand name that you can trust your life on.

The primary built material of the product is aluminum. But not just any aluminum! It gives you aircraft-grade aluminum, which is strong and light at the same time. It increases maneuverability.

Adding to the maneuverability are the ball bearing mounted swivel casters. They make positioning the jack very easy and also increases its stability along with the rubber covered paddles.

However, the swivel feature only exists in the rear caster wheels. To make the positioning even easier, there are side mount handles which you can also use to carry the jack.

Yes, you can carry the 56-pound jack just with the side handles as the jack handles are detachable like all other high-end jacks. There is a quick-lock system on the jack handles, which you can unlock and store easily. The jack handle is also padded to give you maximum comfort.

Nevertheless, you will just need 12 full strokes to get to the top position of 18.125 inches from the low position of 3.75 inches. This means that every stroke will get you a third of an inch higher.

It can raise a 3-ton vehicle so quickly because it has a dual-piston mechanism. Hence, you can use it with cars, trucks, and SUVs. And you will be getting this top-notch service for a long time because both of these pistons have special dust shields to prevent hydraulic contamination.

You will have an increased chassis torsion control here. The jack also prevents over-extension with bypass and overload valves.

Pros

• Low profile of 3.75 inch
• Easy positioning
• Fast rise with dual pumps
• Long handle
• Dust shield
• Strong construction

Cons

• Requires routine bleeding
• Some units have poor exterior finishing

2. Torin T83006 Big Red Hydraulic Trolley Floor Jack

This is your regular above average hydraulic trolley floor jack.

So, why is it on our list if it is just above average?

It is here because it packs all of the features a trustable jack should have in a meagerly priced package. Yes, it is priced at the lower end of the market, although having a lot of lucrative features that any workshop would require.

Despite being a low priced product, it has a maximum lifting range of 17.25 inches, which is comparable to lots of its expensive peers. This also gives you a low profile of 5.875 inches.

With this beast, you will be able to lift up to 6000 pounds or 3 tons. So, all standard cars, light trucks, and SUVs won’t be a problem for this machine. Moreover, the manufacturers also included an SUV adapter holder on the side plates. This makes the jack even more suitable for big SUVs.

But Torin knows that with this power comes some responsibility for your protection. Hence, they included a safety bypass feature. It prevents overloading and keeps you safe from any probable accidents.

Now let’s come to the topic where the big red scores the most, convenience. It is effortless to maneuver and position. There are smooth wheels that swivel 360 degrees. Furthermore, the low weight adds more to its convenience.

Pros

• Good for the money
• Excellent load capacity
• Safety bypass

Cons

• Wheel joints are not that good

3. Performance Tool W1616 Yellow Steel Frame-Service Jack 3 Ton (6,000 lbs) Tool

There are lots of variants of this product. If you have used any of the lower capacity jacks of this brand, you should not be comparing that with the 3 ton or higher capacity jacks. Because, although they look the same, they are very different in size, technology, and capabilities.

This model was primarily intended for personal use. Keeping your home garage in mind, this beast was painted a beautiful bright yellow. So, you don’t need to hide this anymore. It can sit idle in a corner looking pretty. Truckers and SUV owners will love this.

But don’t go to the looks that much because this is a beast after all. You will be able to pick up 6000 pounds or 3 tons with a few strokes. And, it can do that quickly because of the dual pistons. They double your downward force even before sending it to the lever.

Speaking of premium services, it also has a bypass valve that you will only notice in some of the best floor jacks in the market. So, you never have to worry about over pumping the jack. Overload protection will give you maximum safety.

Although having a shallow profile of 4.625 inches, it can pick your vehicle up to a maximum of 19.75 inches. After reaching that point, it is also able to stay still until you finish your job. The extra-long frame facilitates stability even more.

Also, it is excellent in terms of convenience. The two rear wheels have 360-degree swivel capability. And they are also very good quality wheels.

Bleeding the floor jack is also very easy. You have to disengage the hook and remove the kick plate. Then put the handle in place and rotate it counterclockwise. Lastly, you have to pump it and open the filler valve to complete the process.

Pros

• Dual-piston
• Extra-long frame
• Bypass valve
• Easy bleeding
• Great looks

Cons

• The carry case is not that good
• Wiggly handle

4. Arcan 3 Ton Professional Grade Aluminum and Steel Service Jack HJ3000

This is the second jack from Arcan. Just like the previous one, it is a hybrid jack. By hybrid, it means that it is made with both steel and aluminum to ensure both durability and maneuverability. It only has a weight of 58 pounds, where 3-ton jacks in the market generally weigh 80 to 100 pounds.

Typically they don’t sell these products all year round. They will sell it around summer and stop during winter. So, get your hands on it before someone else does.

This Arcan jack also features a dual pump lift system that jacks up a vehicle quicker and more efficiently. It also has a low entry height of 4.25 inches. And, you can raise the jack-up to 18.5 inches with just seven full strokes. These are above-average numbers for a 3-ton jack. The lowering of the jack is also smooth and slow.

The saddle of the jack has a rubber top that gives your vehicle more stability. Wheels are made of pure steel to take the heavy load. There are aluminum handles on the sides and steel casters on the rear of the device. These casters can swivel 360 degrees.

Altogether the product has a large construction. It is 24 inches long and 12 inches wide (including the handles).

As all Arcan jack handles, this one also has a foam padded handle. Hence, it is effortless to pump the device. The push pin lock system on the handle is effective and easy to use.

Lastly, there is a step by step instruction of the setup process in the package. You need to follow that precisely if you don’t want to mess up the jack.

Pros

• Seven stroke raise
• Good built quality
• Foam padded handle
• Low weight
• Rubber saddle

Cons

• Minimum height is 0.25 inches more than the marketed 4 inch

5. Liftmaster 3 Ton Heavy Duty Ultra Low Profile Steel Floor Jack

The Liftmaster 3 Ton is a legend in the jack lift business. Although it is quite heavy, you won’t find a more durable jack than this not only on our list but in any US market. It will still be by your side after years of abuse. You won’t be needing a warranty for that as its past users are its biggest guarantor.

However, I warn again this is not your average jack that you can keep in your trunk. It is a professional piece of equipment which is also very heavy, 72 pounds, to be exact. Nevertheless, the smooth wheels make it easier to maneuver. The rear wheels are swivel capable as well.

Other than the wheels, you will also have a rubberized saddle that will hold the vehicle still. This is also very versatile. Use it for stones, heavy furniture, or other bulky items.

Though not recommended, you can use this in all kinds of awkward positions. However, it will not work if it stands perpendicular to the gravitational force.

Even after years of use, the lowering mechanism will still be smooth and slow, unlike many other cheap jacks. And, you won’t have to worry about routine maintenance for this product.

Another highlight of the product is the minimum height. Despite being the heaviest on the list, it also has the lowest profile of three inches. You will have dual pistons to make your lifting far quicker. It shouldn’t take more than ten full strokes to lift it to the maximum position of 19.7 inches.

Lastly, it also has a foam padded handle. The handle is long and robust following the main body. It is made with knurled steel for stronger grip and durability.

Pros

• Strong handle
• Durable body
• Dual-piston
• 3-inch minimum height
• Good maximum height
• Strong handle
• Versatile

Cons

• Heavy
• No side handles

Key Considerations While Buying a 3 Ton Floor Jack

Remember, in most cases; you are trusting your life on this product. So, you need to research thoroughly before getting one home. Here are all the points you need to think about.

Durability

The first and foremost requirement of a floor jack is durability. If it is not tough, then skip it. Hence, you need a jack that is made with heavy-duty materials like stainless steel.

However, a hundred percent steel jack would also be heavy. So, look for a jack that also has aluminum or other low weight metals where steel is not required, such as jack handle and side handle.

Low Profile

Check whether the jack will go under your vehicle or not. If you are working with multiple automobiles, then get one that has 4 to 5 inches of minimum height.

Maximum Lift

Eighteen inches of lift is ideal for a jack. However, you can go down as per your requirement. You don’t need that much just to change a tire. But if you are working professionally, then never go below 18 inches. Instead, you can have more for the same price.

Quick Lift

Generally, manufacturers use dual pistons to acquire the fastest lift. These pistons double your force before sending it to the lever. Without any load on the saddle, nine or ten full strokes for reaching 18 inches can be considered fast. Although you will find faster jacks in the market.

Maneuverability

This is very crucial. First of all, you need a jack with a low weight. Further, buy one that has side handles. The wheels should be strong and stable. And, the rear wheels should also have swivel capability.

Saddle

The saddle should be broad. It should also be rubberized to give you more stability.

Easy Setup and Maintenance

These two can be annoying for some. There should be a well-designed guide for setting up the jack. The oil bleeding process should also be well communicated, and the process itself should not be complex.

How to Use a Floor Jack?

You need to read this part carefully if you don’t have any previous expert advice. Because not doing this correctly can cost you a lot.

First of all, here are some tips that you need to keep in mind.

• Scissor jacks are not a substitute for floor jacks. They are only for emergencies and changing tires.
• Use floor jacks on a secure surface.
• Make sure your vehicle is level.
• Don’t place your jacks where you want your jack stands, which is generally the part of the body that extends down near the tire.

Now you need to find a spot underneath your vehicle where you can place the saddle. Here are some spots you can use to place your jack.

• Toe hooks (front or rear)
• Stabilizer bar
• The place where the lower control arm comes into the vehicle’s body
• Body mounts
• Any part of the main structure
• Spots you need to avoid
• Any angled surface or curved area
• The control arm
• Oil pan
• Engine
• Transmission
• Rear stabilizer bar
• Lower shock mount area
• Trunk bottom
• Any exhaust components
• Fuel line
• Break line
• Other mechanical components

After you find your spot, you need to get the jack under it and start jacking. Make sure that your release valve is not open. After you have your wheels off the ground, place jack stands.

Never go under the vehicle just with the floor jack. You need to have jack stands. Before getting under the vehicle, give it a good shake to make sure that it is stable.

Air Purging

If your jack has lost its effectiveness in pumping, you might be able to fix it with air purging. Here is a step by step process of doing that –

• After getting the handle in place, twist it to open the release valve.
• Get the handle in the lowest position,
• Pump it several times with the release valve open.
• Locate the screw in filler plug on the oil chamber and loosen it just enough to let the air escape. Your filler plug might be located under a plate that might need unscrewing.
• Now, tighten the filler plug. Check whether the pump has returned to its original effectiveness. Repeat the process if you are not happy with the result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common question about floor jacks –

Q: Can I use ATF as hydraulic oil?

Ans: No, only use conventional hydraulic oil. If your manufacturer is recommending a particular one, then go for that. I can assure you that you are being lazy, as hydraulic oil doesn’t cost that much.

Q: Are hydraulic fluids and hydraulic oils the same?

Ans: No, they are not. Even plain water can be considered as a hydraulic fluid. Don’t use hydraulic fluids in your jack.

Q: When should I bleed my jack?

Ans: When you notice a decrease in the lifting speed, it would be the right time to bleed your jack. If you are getting a 2nd hand jack, you can bleed it before starting to use it.

Q: Can I use a pad if my jack is not reaching the car?

Ans: Don’t do it unless you have good experience with the tool.

Q: Can I lift heavier than the recommended amount?

Ans: Though jacks can go way more than the recommended amount, you should never try it. It does work. But you could be inviting a brutal accident.

Conclusion

You need to understand the work you are doing and buy your jack accordingly. Don’t be skimpy with these products. If you need a 3-ton, purchase the best 3 ton floor jack in the market. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

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