Best Aluminum Floor Jack

A floor jack is an essential piece of equipment for any automotive workshop. Whether you want to check for oil leaks or replace the tires, you need some way to lift your car. With a floor jack, lifting the car from the ground while you crawl under it becomes effortless.

When it comes to floor jacks, there are many different options. But one of the first things you have to decide is whether you want to go with steel or aluminum construction. Although steel does offer a better build in some cases, aluminum is often the better choice simply because of its versatility.

With aluminum floor jacks, you have a nice balance of durability and price, making it the more practical choice. And as long as you shop smart and invest in the right model, an aluminum jack will survive just as long as any high-quality steel floor jacks.

In this article, we will give you a quick rundown of the best aluminum floor jacks that you can find from the market that will offer you excellent performance for the price. But before we head any further, let us start with a deeper explanation of why you want to go with aluminum in the first place.

Top 7 Best Aluminum Floor Jack Reviews

Finding the best aluminum floor jack for your workshop or personal use might not be as easy as you might think. Even though you have a basic idea of what you want, as soon as you start searching the marketplace, the endless listings would overwhelm you quickly.

However, you do not need to worry about all that. In the following section of the article, we will give you our recommendation for the best options you have so that you do not need to take the hassle of finding it yourself.

1. Arcan 3-Ton Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack

We are going to start off with an excellent unit by the brand Arcan. The name of the company is quite popular in the car repair industry because of its dedication to building quality machines. This 3-ton aluminum floor jack boasts a fantastic performance with strong and sturdy construction.

The unit, as you already might have noticed, can lift up to 3 tons of weight and has a lift range of 3.75 to 18 inches. Thanks to the quick rise feature, you can reach the maximum length in a matter of seconds with practically no effort on your part. The dual pump piston in the unit is responsible for this efficient feature.

In addition to its impressive lifting capabilities, the unit comes with exciting additions, further enhancing its utility. For instance, you get a reinforced lift arm that ensures maximum strength, and the chassis feature a torsion control. It also comes with a rubber saddle to protect the vehicles finish while lifting.

The quality of the aluminum in the unit is top-grade, promising a lasting performance. It has a built-in bypass and overload valve to protect against over-extension. Furthermore, the handle can be split into two that allow you to store it when you are done with your project easily.

Pros:

• Features aircraft-grade aluminum construction
• Comes with overload and bypass valves for the machine’s safety
• Reinforced lift arm gives you excellent strength.
• Quick raise feature allows you to get maximum lift quickly.

Cons:

• Poor quality control

2. Arcan 2 Ton Extra Long Reach Low Profile Steel Floor Jack XL2T

Next up, we will be reviewing another product by the brand Arcan. However, this unit is aimed at extreme low-profile vehicles like sports cars. Despite the impressive reach of the unit, the price is quite reasonable, making it an excellent investment for any buyers.

The capacity of the unit when it comes to lifting is 2 tons. However, most racing cars weigh way less than that, so you are more than covered there. With a lifting range of 2.75 to a whopping 24 inches, you will have a full comfort when you are working under a vehicle.

It also features dual piston pumps to ensure quick and easy lifting. In addition, the rubber saddle and foam handle bumper ensure the complete protection of your vehicles finish. Further enhancing your control over the jack, the unit comes with a joint release mechanism.

Construction-wise, you have nothing to complain about with the aluminum quality of the unit. It uses the same aluminum that you find in aircraft, and we all know how good that is. For added safety, it comes with bypass and overload valves that ensure the device remains within its limits.

Pros:

• Extremely durable construction
• Comes with safety features to prevent over-extension
• Suitable for extreme low-profile vehicles.
• Easy to store

Cons:

• No apparent cons

3. NOS NSJ0301 3-Ton Aluminum Service Jack

For the next product on our list of reviews, the brand Sunex Tools will be making its appearance. The NOS aluminum service jack by the brand is one of their top sellers because of the quality and performance it offers. It is also quite an affordable option making it a viable purchase for beginners.

The unit features a total lift capacity of 3 tons with a lifting range of 3.75 to 18.125 inches. This combination of range and the weight capacity is time-tested and suitable for any auto-repair shops. Although one thing that we did not like is how heavy the entire unit is despite the manufacturers claiming it is lightweight.

It comes with a two-piece handle that you can store easily when you are done using your device. The inclusion of the bumper pad on the handle means that you do not have to worry about scratching the car when you use it. You also get safety valves in the unit to prevent overloading.

The aluminum construction of the unit features extreme durability and ease of use. With reinforced lifting arm and a thick side plates, it will give you a stable and powerful lifting experience. Thanks to the massive utility it brings to the table, the unit is a perfect addition to any auto repair workspace.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality
•  Great lifting capacity
• Handle feature bumper pad
• Reinforced lift arms provide increased strength.

Cons:

• Quite heavy despite being advertised as lightweight

4. OTC 1532A 2-Ton Capacity Aluminum Racing Jack

Most people on a budget feel compelled to go with knock-off brands simply because they cannot afford a well-known brand. However, with this offering by OTC, you will not have to make that compromise. It features everything you want from an entry-level floor jack without an absurd price.

It has a lift capacity of 2 tons, which should be fine in most cases. With its 3.5 to 18 inches of lift range, you will not have any trouble lifting a low-clearance car to operating heights. Additionally, the 45-inch handle provides perfect leverage and puts a minimal effort on your part.

Speaking of the handle, it is a two-piece component. So, when you are done with your repairs, you can simply disassemble it for easier storage. The unit also comes with rubber saddle pads to protect the finish of the vehicle when you are working on it.

Despite featuring aircraft-grade aluminum construction, the unit is surprisingly lightweight. With a weight of only 43 pounds, it is extremely easy for the user to move it around the workshop. It also features side-mounted handles to further enhance its portability features.

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable construction
• Decent lifting capacity and an excellent range
• The two-piece handle disassembles easily.
• Takes only five pumps to reach the maximum height

Cons:

• Nothing to complain about when you consider the price.

5. Liftmaster 3 Ton Aluminum and Steel Low Profile High Lift Floor Jack

Liftmaster is one of those brands that you cannot overlook when you are buying any type of car jack. They offer a good balance of price and performance that you will not find elsewhere. This particular model by the brand comes with everything that you expect from this brand.

The unit offers excellent lifting capabilities with a capacity of 3 tons and an ultra-low 2.95 inches of the lower limit. Its upper lifting range is also much greater standing in at around 19.5 inches, giving you extreme flexibility when working on the vehicle. Do not worry; the heavy-duty lifting arm is more than capable of delivering this lifting range and weight.

If that was not enough, the unit is also loaded with a quick lifting hydraulic system that allows you to reach the upper lifting range quite fast. The hydraulics also contains a safety valve that ensures the unit operates under the manufactured specs without causing over-extension.

The build quality of the unit is also extremely durable. You do not need to think about getting a replacement anytime soon, thanks to its strong aluminum construction. The lifting arm is made of solid steel and will not cave to the pressure of lifting vehicles on a regular basis.

Pros:

• Massive lifting range offers you greater flexibility.
• Excellent build quality
• Comes with safety valves to prevent over-extension
• Features dual piston pumps for quick lifting

Cons:

• No apparent cons

7. BIG RED T815016L Torin Hydraulic Low Profile Aluminum

If you are on a tight budget and can afford to compromise a bit on lifting power, then this offering by the infamous Big Red is a perfect choice. With such a big name backing it up, you can be sure that it will give you exactly what you pay for without any issues whatsoever.

The total weight capacity of the lift is around 1.5 pounds, so you might not have the best luck if the vehicle is heavier than that. This unit is aimed at lighter vehicles, which is apparent from its limited lifting range of 3.5 to 14 inches. However, it has a nice lower limit, which means you can easily lift cars with low clearance.

As you would expect, the unit features padded bumper handles to protect the vehicle while working. The handle length is decent, providing you with good strong leverage. Additionally, it comes with built-in safety valves to prevent over-extension or lifting beyond its recommended weight capacity.

The construction quality of the unit is excellent, featuring durable aluminum and steel. With the addition of the side handles, you will have no trouble moving it from one place to another. Furthermore, the non-slip knurled handle ensures ease of use and satisfactory work experience. It is a great little unit for people who do not require a lot of lifting power

Pros

• Compact design
• Lightweight yet durable construction
• Easy to use
• Comes with safety features to protect against overload

Cons:

• Mediocre lifting capabilities.

8. Neiko Pro 20272B Premium Low Profile Aluminum Floor Jack

To wrap up our list of reviews, we will be looking at a premium-level unit by the brand Neiko. It comes with many quality features and highly durable construction, making it worth a purchase. Despite being such a high-quality tool, the price is well within a reasonable range.

This unit features 3 tons of lifting capacity with a decent range to go with it. Its minimum lift range is 3.75 inches, and the maximum lies around 19.25 inches. The range is well-balanced, and you can work with a variety of vehicles using this tool. For an auto repair shop, this unit offers a lot of versatility.

Furthermore, the unit is super maneuverable, allowing you to place it exactly where you want thanks to the high-quality swivel caster wheels that you see on the rear of the unit. To ensure the safety of your vehicle, it comes with a rubberized dotted pad that does not scratch it while lifting.

This unit features an industrial-grade aluminum alloy construction making it extremely sturdy and durable. The handle feels rigid and gives you decent leverage while the steel side handles allow for easy transport. It is truly a premium level unit with a price that is acceptable even for budget buyers.

Pros:

• Amazing build quality
• Easy to position thanks to the swivel caster wheels
• Versatile lifting capacity
• Perfect for both professional or personal use

Cons:

• The release valve is very sensitive.

Steel vs. Aluminum Floor Jack| What is the Difference?

The majority of people when buying a floor jack tend to go for one material over the other without having a proper idea of the benefits and setbacks. That, according to our opinion, is not a good line of thinking. You would necessarily be limiting yourself to a single material without understanding why you are doing it in the first place.

Let us get one thing out of the way first. Regardless of whichever material you go with, quality is a different thing. You can find high quality aluminum floor jacks that can wipe the floor with steel made units. Similarly, some steel floor jacks will often give you a better performance than an aluminum model at a similar price.

However, there are still some advantages and setbacks that comes from these materials. In the following section, we will try to give you a complete picture of what you can expect from these two materials in terms of weight, cost, performance, and durability.

Weight

Typically, aluminum is a lighter material compared to steel. For this reason, naturally, an aluminum floor jack will be lightweight. Steel units tend to be bulky and can often be a nuisance if you want to move it around the workshop. However, with transport wheels, you can eliminate this issue to some degree.

If you want a floor jack that stays rooted in a single position in the workshop, a steel unit might be acceptable. But for people who want to move their tool frequently, the practical choice would be to go with an aluminum floor jack. Their comparatively lighter weight also makes them quite easy to use.

Durability

Durability is obviously a deciding factor when you are buying a floor jack. Whether you are buying an aluminum floor jack or a steel one, you want it to last you for a long time. The common misconception among many people is that steel floor jacks are the more durable ones of the bunch.

However, the material of construction is not the only factor that plays a role in the durability of a floor jack. There are many components in this tool that contributes to its durability. In fact, steel units tend to get rusty over time, which is not an issue with aluminum floor jacks. Both of these materials, as long as the build quality is solid, will give you durable performance.

Performance

The performance of the floor jack, depending on where you use it, is also a driving factor in your satisfaction. In a garage condition, an aluminum jack is almost always a better investment. Since a garage can get messy from oil leaks and other environmental factors, an aluminum floor jack stands a better chance of resisting these hazards.

On the other hand, for personal use, a steel floor jack might be a good idea. Since it usually costs less, and you will not expose it to regular use, you should not face any issues in terms of durability and performance.

Cost

When it comes to price, steel tends to be cheaper. If you have a very tight budget, steel floor jacks might be something worth considering. However, these days, you can also find high-quality aluminum floor jacks at a comparable price eliminating the need to compromise on your material selection.

Typically, it is better to go with a lower-tier aluminum floor jack instead of going with a steel unit for a vehicle workshop. For the reasons mentioned above, an aluminum unit will often be the better choice in any environment where you will use it on a daily basis.

Things to Consider when Buying the Best Aluminum Floor Jacks

Before investing in an aluminum floor jack, you need to put some thought into a few different aspects. Buying this item is not as simple as you might think. Since you want your investment to last you quite a while, you need to assess the different components of this machine critically.

It is not that hard when you think about it. In fact, you already have two factors covered. For one thing, you already know that you want to buy a floor jack instead of a bottle jack. Furthermore, you also know that you want to go for aluminum as its construction material.

But unfortunately, that is only the beginning. There are plenty of other issues that you need to think about apart from its type and construction material. In the following section of the article, we will give you a quick rundown of everything you need to consider when buying the best aluminum floor jack.

• Type of Vehicle

The first thing you want to consider when choosing your floor jack is the type of vehicle you are planning to lift on a regular basis. For a repair shop owner, this decision can be somewhat difficult as he needs to deal with different kinds of cars that a customer might bring.

As you already know, floor jacks are low-profile units that work with only low-profile vehicles such as sports cars. So when you are repairing an SUV, you do not want to roll in your floor jack. Make sure you also have a general idea of the design of different cars as it would help you in choosing the right unit.

• Lift Capacity

One of the most important elements of a floor jack is its lift capacity. This refers to the total amount of weight that the jack can lift off the ground successfully. To understand this element, you also need to know the weights of different cars with a low-profile design.

Typically, most vehicles that use floor jack for lifting weight around two tons. However, just to be safe, we recommend our users to go with something that can lift at least three pounds of weight. The extra headroom allows you to be prepared in case you have to lift something heavy with this tool.

• Lift Range

Lift range is also an important factor as that is the primary purpose of any car jack. There are a lower limit and an upper limit that you need to think about. Intuitively you might only look at the upper limit or the maximum lift height. However, the minimum height is also an essential factor.

The lower limit dictates the clearance of the vehicle that you need in order to lift it. Most vehicles, unless you are dealing with super low profile units, can work with 6-inch floor jacks. With a better lower limit, you can lift units with extremely low clearance safely.

The upper limit is much more straightforward. It basically refers to the highest length you can lift your vehicle from the ground. In most situations, you should be fine with 19 inches of lift. However, if you want more, you can find machines that can lift higher.

• Construction quality

Just because you are going with an aluminum unit does not mean it is automatically strong and sturdy. Remember, steel floor jacks are typically more durable. With aluminum units, you need to look at the quality of the material to ensure you will get a lasting use out of it.

You can find many knock-off brands on the market that feature aluminum construction, which does not last that long. The best way to go is to stick with a reputed brand as they typically use a high-quality aluminum. If you are going with a less-known brand, make sure you check the quality of the aluminum.

• Handle design

The handle of a floor jack might not seem much at first glance, but in reality, it is a crucial component to its overall mechanism. Without a well-designed handle, you will not get strong leverage, which will, in turn, make it harder for you to use the floor jack to lift the vehicle.

You should look for longer handles as it ensures better leverage. Additionally, go with units that come with padded handles, which will make it a little bit easier to grip it while pushing it down to generate lift. It is one of the critical components that you do not want to overlook when making your investment.

• Ease of use

These days, both floor and bottle jacks have come a long way in making things easier to handle even for a beginner. There is really no reason for you to go with a complicated unit if another one offers an easier way to do the job. If you look carefully, you can find many user-friendly floor jacks in the market.

For instance, a unit that comes with a rapid pump feature will allow you to lift the vehicle faster with little to no effort. Another small yet highly useful feature is the inclusion of wheels and handles on the unit. Floor jacks are innately heavy tools, and with wheels, moving it from one car to another becomes very easy.

• Safety features

While looking at the many different features of a floor jack, you should never forget about your safety. Although floor jacks are typically much safer than bottle jacks, a few extra features never hurt anyone. For instance, if the unit comes with ASME certification, you automatically know that it is safe and will deliver you an excellent performance.

However, do not be reckless when you are using this tool and especially when you are crawling under the vehicle. Double-check to make sure you have locked the height of the vehicle in the jack before you decide to look under it. Furthermore, always stay under the maximum lift capacity of the floor jack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there anything I need to know before lifting my car using a floor jack?

Ans: When lifting your car, you need to be careful about where you position the floor jack. If you mess up, it might damage not only your machine but also your vehicle. Typically, each vehicle comes with a lifting point marked under it. You should only use those positions when you are lifting your car.

Additionally, if you are lifting only one end, remember to anchor the other end to prevent any rolling. For instance, if you are lifting from the front end, put a piece of brick or a solid block behind the rear wheels. In addition, always set the car to park before attempting to lift it.

Q: Is it better to use a bottle jack for an auto repair shop?

Ans: A bottle jack and a floor jack are two entirely different pieces of equipment. Ideally, in an auto repair shop, you would want to have both ready to go when you need it. They serve two different purposes, and you cannot use these two tools interchangeably.

A floor jack is suitable only for a low-clearance vehicle like sports cars. It has a smaller lift capacity when compared to a bottle jack. On the other hand, a bottle jack is for when you want to lift a heavy vehicle such as trucks or SUVs. The lifting capacity of a bottle jack is far greater than a floor jack.

Final Thoughts

Clearly, there is a lot to think about when you are buying a floor jack. Whether you are using it in a shop or for yourself, you want to ensure the best performance and durability.

If you are going with an aluminum floor jack, you are certainly on the right track. Although it might cost a bit extra, the investment is certainly worth it in the long run.

We hope our extensive article on the best aluminum floor jack was helpful. Now, you should have no trouble figuring out which unit would better serve your needs.