The right choice of the best and most reliable jack for an SUV

Even the most compact car weighs hundreds of kilograms, so an ordinary person does not have the opportunity to lift it if necessary (for example, to change a flat tire on the road). So a jack is a car accessory that must be present in a car. But if you are the owner of a classic frame SUV weighing several tons, then an ordinary car jack may be powerless in front of such a mass. Fortunately, the range of lifting devices is not limited to models designed for relatively light weight. Today we will talk about just such jacks.

Types of car jacks

A situation that any car enthusiast has encountered is changing wheels. This is often done, for example, when it is necessary to change seasonal tires. But besides this, there are more problematic situations with a punctured tire or broken brake pads. At such moments, further driving is impossible, and most often the owner of the car changes the tire. To do this, you must have a car jack with you, which can be used to lift high masses to a certain height.

Jack rating - table

The best rolling jacks

Rolling jacks are distinguished by their convenience and mobility. They make a great tool for a garage or workshop and can lift good weights. The catch is that such specimens do not always fit in a car, and are simply not suitable for a car trunk. Therefore, it is recommended to buy such jacks solely for the sake of the garage. Hydraulic jacks make up the bulk of the rankings. Below we will present a rating of the best rolling jacks and guide you which rolling jack you can choose.

Stels 51132 (2.5 t)

The Stels model has a hydraulic power supply and is designed to work with passenger cars weighing up to 2.5 tons. The mechanism of the device has a built-in system for fixing the lever in 3 different positions 22.5, 29.5 and 35 centimeters. This can be a big help in some situations so that it can be used as a stand.

BelAK BAK.00059

Production - China

Warranty - 6 months

Cost - 909 rubles

When looking at this jack, a doubt arises: does it really have a lifting capacity of 2 tons? This is the lightest and thinnest test sample among the samples. Apart from the jack itself and the handle, there is nothing inside the branded box - the poorest package of all presented. But at least there is a rubber pad attached to the jack to prevent the threshold from being crushed.

The best bottle jacks

Below we have presented a ranking of the best bottle jacks. Bottle-type models are distinguished by their high power but low mobility. This means that they are quite difficult to use in critical situations, they are great for SUVs or gazelle trucks, etc. Based on the principle of operation, they are more suitable for workshops, auto service conditions, etc. List of best bottle jacks for car:

Sparta Compact 50333 (5 t)

The model has different power levels, ranging from 2 tons to 20. Each of them is designed to lift a specific load. You also need to remember that the mechanism of the device is hydraulic, and for its operation it is necessary to apply physical force. This jack is ideal for working with both passenger cars and trucks. The pick-up height is 18 centimeters, and the maximum is 34 centimeters. For convenience, a folding handle of the equipment is also provided.

Pros:

• Very low price - only 1250 rubles;
• Compact and high quality;
• The functionality more than justifies its cost.

Minuses:

• The width is too small; when working with high masses, the load or body can be damaged;
• The handle is quite weak.

Reviews:

Kraftool Double Ram 43463-6 (6 t)

High power jack, capable of lifting up to 6 tons. Quite a high pick-up height of 17 centimeters, which is why you will often have to work on a flat surface. The maximum lifting height is 42 centimeters. There is also a two-stage jack, which makes the work process easier. Upon purchase, in addition to the jack, the kit also includes 2 parts of a composite handle and instructions. For the convenience of the buyer, folding handles and additional travel for the retractable screw were added to the jack.

Pros:

• For a lifting capacity of 6 tons, the pick-up is quite low;
• Stylish design;
• High quality equipment.

Minuses:

• If the surface is not flat, you need to place it on a board or ground, which must be loosened with pliers.

Reviews:

Airline AJ-B-04S (4 t)

This is almost the best bottle jack for a car, it fits all parameters and is capable of lifting cars up to 4 tons. The power transmission mechanism is hydraulic, and there is a folding handle for ease of operation. The pick-up height is 18 centimeters, and the maximum lifting height is 35 centimeters. Upon purchase, the equipment has a warranty period of 36 months, and the device weighs only 3.3 kilograms. The width of the jack is 11 centimeters, and the retractable screw has a stroke of 6 centimeters.

Pros:

• Very compact;
• Despite its weight and size, it does its job well.

Flaws:

• Low lifting height;
• The stroke is too short.

Reviews:

Autoprofi DG-08 (8 t)

The device has great mechanical power and is capable of lifting loads up to 8 tons. There is a folding handle for convenience when working with the hydraulic feed system. The pick-up height is 20 centimeters, and the maximum lifting height is 40.5 centimeters. When purchased, the kit includes a special lever that will make lifting easier when lifting large masses. The device can be used for lifting trucks and cars. As an additional safety feature, a bypass valve is built in, which prevents lifting loads with unacceptable weight.

Pros:

• High quality and reliable;
• Easy to use;
• It's cheap.

Minuses:

• The lift is too high, you will have to work on a flat surface.

Reviews:

Matrix 50752 (3 t)

The model has a special steering wheel, when acted upon, the mechanism is set in motion. The equipment has a special fixation system, which increases safety when lifting loads weighing up to 3 tons. If you listen to reviews from most car service centers, Matrix is ​​the best jack for construction and installation work. The pick-up height is 19.4 centimeters, and the maximum lift height is 37.2 centimeters. The jack is perfect for a crossover. If the load exceeds the maximum permissible weight, the safety valve is automatically activated and prevents lifting. The jack is perfect for light weight cars.

Pros:

• Good lifting height;
• Massiveness and reliability.

Minuses:

• Unable to hold a heavy load for a long time.

Reviews:

BISON T50 43060-10 z01 (10 t)

The ZUBR bottle jack has a high load capacity of up to 10 tons. The mechanism operates on the mechanical principle of energy transfer and has good stability, due to which it can lift various loads for a long time. The pick-up height is 22.8 centimeters, and the maximum lifting height is 46.2 centimeters. In addition, the jack boasts its low weight of 6.6 kilograms and takes up little space. This makes transporting it much easier.

Pros:

• A good jack with a working stroke of 23.4 centimeters;
• Excellent quality and reliability.

Minuses:

• High pick-up, must be used on a suitable surface.

Reviews:

BelAvtoKomplekt BAK.00049 (20 t)

Hydraulic jack with great stability and good quality. This is the best bottle jack in terms of lifting capacity, which is capable of lifting any weight up to 20 tons. It has a safety valve that prevents lifting if the load is too heavy. The pick-up height is 21 centimeters, and the maximum lifting height is 41 centimeters. For convenience during operation, there is also a folding handle. The jack is perfect for lifting trucks and cars.

Pros:

• Low weight and compactness;
• Easy to use;
• Huge load capacity.

Minuses:

• The lift tube is rather weak.

Reviews:

Airline AJ-R-02

Production - China

Warranty - 1 year

Cost - 1049 rubles

The jack is packed in a branded box, which shows photographs of the product from different angles. The jack comes with a folding handle with a rubber rotating pad at one end and a hook at the other. There is a black bag with a logo for easy storage and transportation, as well as a universal passport with the characteristics of all types of manufactured jacks and a warranty card. The jack is painted with orange powder paint and has an additional rubber loading pad to prevent damage to the part of the vehicle being lifted.

The best screw jacks

Screw jacks are compact, lightweight and quite affordable. Screw jacks are often called diamond jacks. They have become quite popular among car owners, so many manufacturers produce jacks with this design as standard equipment. The advantages of such jacks are that they are lightweight, have a durable frame, and are convenient to install under the car. If you are interested in which jack is best to buy for a passenger car, then a diamond jack is perfect. Below we have presented a rating of the best diamond jacks.

Airline AJ-R-02 (2 t)

The Airline screw jack has good lifting capacity and is designed for lifting passenger cars. The jack weighs a little 3.1 kilograms and has very small dimensions, which makes its storage and transportation much easier. It is perfect for street conditions if your tires have been punctured or you need to lift something heavy. When purchased, the kit includes a special case in which you can store the device. The pick-up height is 10.5 centimeters, and the maximum lift is 40 centimeters.

Pros:

• Convenient removable handle;
• Easy to use;
• Quality and reliability.

Minuses:

• You cannot lift weights for a long time;
• Raw iron.

Reviews:

AVS JA-2000R (2 t)

AVS jacks operate on the mechanical principle of power supply and have a good lifting capacity of up to 2 tons. This model is mainly used for working with passenger cars. You can keep it with you at all times, it weighs little and does not take up much space. In addition, the pick-up height is 12 centimeters, and the lifting height is 41.3 centimeters. When purchased, the kit includes 2 parts of the handle, a warranty card, detailed instructions for use, and a storage bag.

Pros:

• Reliable and load-resistant;
• There is a lot of spare power, which is immediately felt when climbing;
• There is no play at the rod.

Minuses:

• It is necessary to regularly lubricate the screws with oil, otherwise they will begin to chew on themselves.

Reviews:

BISON Master 43040-2 (2 t)

The ZUBR screw jack works using a mechanical energy transmission system and lifts loads weighing up to 2 tons. The lifting height of the jack is 12 centimeters, and the maximum lifting height is 39.5 centimeters. The jack is perfect for working on passenger cars. The weight of the jack is 3.5 kilograms, and it does not take up much space. Another advantage of the jack is its very affordable price, which averages 1,870 rubles. You can always carry it with you, and it will not fail in critical situations. The equipment is perfect for passenger cars.

Pros:

• Reliable and high quality;
• Durable and massive;
• Good appearance.

Minuses:

• The handle is inconvenient to hold;
• There is no rubber pad included with the product.

Reviews:

ALCA 436200 (2 t)

These are powerful car jacks with a mechanical system that are capable of lifting loads weighing up to 2 tons. The lifting height of the jack is 12 centimeters, and the maximum lifting height is 41.5 centimeters. This equipment is well suited for the repair and installation of passenger cars. When purchased, the kit includes detailed instructions for operating the device. The weight is only 3.5 kilograms, and the depth and width of 46 centimeters allows you to lift the car without causing damage to its body.

Pros:

• Durable and high quality metal;
• The rapid rise and large reserve make themselves felt.

Minuses:

• Inconvenient handle;
• There is no special lubricant for the screw.

Reviews:

Big Red T10152 (1.5 t)

Big Red is a powerful model with a mechanical system that has a lifting capacity of up to 1.5 tons. The pick-up height is 9.5 centimeters, with a maximum lifting height of 39 centimeters. This is enough to quickly install wheels. For convenience, the device has a folding handle, and upon purchase, another spare handle is included with the product. The equipment is made of high-quality and durable metal, so you don’t have to worry about its reliability, but you shouldn’t use it for too long. Despite the relatively low load capacity, it can be a jack for cars like Priora, Toyota and many other well-known cars.

Pros:

• High-quality mechanism, does not bend when lifting;
• Good lift height.

Minuses:

• No cover included;
• The handle is uncomfortable to hold.

Reviews:

Stvol SDR2370

Production - China

Warranty - 1 year

Cost - 829 rubles

The owner of the brand clearly sought to classify this type of jack as a men's accessory. The jack is painted army green (it can simply get lost in the grass). The box made of gray corrugated cardboard looks rather poor compared to the bright packaging of competitors. In addition to the jack, inside the box there are instructions, a warranty card and a folding hook handle. Of all the competitors, this sample has the lowest declared lift height. The jack has a rubber pad on the support pad.

The best rack and pinion jacks

Below we have given a rating of the best rack and pinion jacks, which are preferred by the largest number of car owners. Their main advantage is that they are well prepared for off-road conditions. Typically, such specimens have a massive and heavy mechanism, and apart from difficult external conditions, there is no other practical point in having such a device with you. We present the models that took top places in the ratings.

BISON Hi-jack 43045-3-070 (3 t)

The device has a high load capacity of up to 3 tons. The pick-up height is 12.5 centimeters, and the maximum lifting height is 66 centimeters, which can greatly facilitate the task. Despite its massiveness and reliability, its weight is 11 kilograms, and this equipment is used mainly when working with passenger cars.

Pros:

• Good quality and reliability;
• Takes up very little space in the garage;
• Easy to use;
• Huge working stroke of 53.5 centimeters.

Minuses:

• High price - 6025 rubles.

Reviews:

Matrix 505175 (3 t)

The powerful Matrix mechanism allows you to lift loads weighing up to 3 tons. The pick-up height of the equipment is 13.5 centimeters. At the same time, there is a huge lifting height of up to 101.6 centimeters, which is 88.1 centimeters of working stroke. This is ideal when carrying out large-scale car repairs in a garage or workshop. The main type of vehicle for which the mechanism is intended is passenger cars.

Pros:

• Huge lifting height of a whole meter;
• Suitable for industrial purposes, worth the money - 6300 rubles;
• There is a one-year warranty upon purchase.

Minuses:

• Not compact, large dimensions;
• Categorically not suitable for the trunk, the same goes for the liftback.

Reviews:

HI-LIFT HL-604 (2.11 t)

HI-LIFT rack and pinion devices have a good load capacity of up to 2,113 tons. This is a powerful model that works on the mechanical principle of energy transfer, which is used in the repair and installation of passenger cars. The equipment is compact and does not weigh much, so it can easily be placed in the trunk of a car. The pick-up height is 11.4 centimeters, and the maximum lifting height is 150 centimeters.

Pros:

• Excellent quality, reliable and durable device;
• Good lift height.

Minuses:

• It costs a lot of money - 11,500 rubles.

Reviews:

Which jack is best for your car?

The best inflatable jacks

We have presented a rating of inflatable jacks for cars, which are in great demand in car repair shops. Inflatable jacks are distinguished by their reliability and safety. But for their operation, additional equipment is required, most often this is a conventional compressor to create compressed air. It is more difficult to operate such a jack than others, so it will take some time to get used to it. Below are the best jacks with inflatable design.

SOROKIN 3.694 (4 t)

The inflatable SOROKIN can lift loads weighing up to 4 tons. The pick-up height is 5 centimeters, and the maximum lifting height is 88 centimeters. The device is quite compact and weighs 3.5 kilograms. When purchased, a special storage case is included with the product. The equipment can be used for both passenger cars and trucks.

Pros:

• Good lifting height;
• High load capacity;
• Made of high quality metal, does not bend.

Minuses:

• The included bag is bulky;
• When lifting, you can damage the plastic elements of the car sills.

Reviews:

TORIN TOOLS TRA1713 (2.2 t)

This device has a good load capacity of up to 2.2 tons. It is made of high-quality metal and does not bend when lifted. Due to the wide support area, the equipment is quite resistant to loads. In case of overload, there is a valve that will prevent further rise. There is a convenient handle on the surface that can be used to carry equipment. For the device to work, a compressor is required. Due to its fast operating speed, the model is often used for sports cars.

Pros:

• Good stability and durability;
• Additional valves are available;
• The paint on the surface remains for a long time.

Minuses:

• It is quite expensive - 3221 rubles;
• Large dimensions.

Reviews:

AE&T T08105A (5 t)

Good load capacity up to 5 tons. The mechanism operates by pneumatic energy transmission and requires a compressor for full operation. The pick-up height is 14.5 centimeters, and the maximum lift is 44 centimeters. Due to its large dimensions and heavy weight of 17 kilograms, it is inconvenient to keep it in the trunk all the time.

Pros:

• Good strength and stability;
• Powerful system with high load capacity.

Minuses:

• Large dimensions and weight;
• It costs a lot of money - 20,995 rubles.

Reviews:

Audi 7L6.011.031.B

Production - no data

Warranty - no data

Cost - 7030 rubles

The standard VAG jack, supplied for the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7 models, does not have packaging, and therefore information about its supplier could not be obtained. They are not included in the regular Audi dealer program either. Only the cost and carrying capacity of the device are known. Moreover, the jack has a number of design features that are not found on other models.

The jack screw has a fine thread, which increases the number of rotations, but reduces the torque required to create the lifting force. The counter thread is made not in a steel pin, as in other samples, but in a special plastic spacer, which further reduces the friction force that occurs when the screw rotates. In addition, a removable plastic attachment under the fingers is placed on the base on which the screw rotates - thus, due to the low force on the screw, an ordinary passenger car can be lifted without even using the handle.

The base on which the jack screw rotates is shaped like a hexagon, so you can put a 17 mm socket on it and quickly lift the car even with a wrench.

The handle is a 17mm ratchet wrench.

The synchronizers are made of 5 mm thick steel and welded to the jack frame - this guarantees a long service life without bending the synchronizers, which is the main reason for the failure of conventional jacks with stamped synchronizers integral with the frame.

IMPORTANT! The main reason for the failure of diamond jacks is lifting the car on an uneven surface or the lack of clamps under the wheels of the car to prevent its movements. The diamond jack is very demanding in terms of compliance with these rules. Also, to extend the service life, it is necessary to exclude dry friction and the ingress of dirt and dust into the “screw-pin” pair. It is necessary to ensure that there is lubricant and that there is no sand on the screw threads. If the screw is dry, then before starting work, dust and sand must be removed and the screw lubricated

How to choose a jack

You should choose a device depending on the purposes for which you intend to use it. In order to understand this, you need to consider several very important factors that will help you make a choice. These criteria include:

Load capacity

One of the decisive factors that any car owner should consider when purchasing. But it is important to remember that it is not necessary to carry with you all the time a huge thing that can lift several tens of tons. Of course, you need to think about reserves, but if your car weighs about 1.5 tons, up to 2 tons will be enough in any conditions. Do not forget that the more mass you have to deal with, the more reliable the jack should be. Even when a normal wheel installation is carried out, if the mechanism breaks down, this can be disastrous both for the machine and for human health.

Lifting height

The maximum lift height refers to the height from the support point to the bottom of the vehicle. Usually this parameter is not lower than 30 centimeters, and on average ranges from 350 to 500 mm. This is enough to carry out a full installation, or to get an overview of the rest of the machine. There are also rack and pinion jacks, which are popularly called hi-jacks. The maximum lifting height of these devices sometimes reaches more than a meter. But it makes no sense to have such equipment with you, and is completely used in fairly rare cases. For example, when a car is driving off-road and gets stuck in the mud, such equipment can save the situation.

Pickup height

When it comes to pick-up height, you need to pay special attention to this. Essentially, this parameter means the height from the ground to the bottom of the car, and the point from which the rise begins. Before choosing a jack, find out the ground clearance of your car. On average, jacks with a height of 60 and 250 mm are excellent for working with the machine. Remember that when purchasing equipment, you need to find out its working progress in advance. This is the distance the device rises from the pick-up point. If you add the pick-up height and the working stroke, you get the maximum lift height. This is how these parameters are designated in the instructions.

type of drive

There are several types of drives, these are:

Mechanical drive –

This method involves lifting a load while applying physical force to the handle. Force is applied in 2 types - pressure or rotation. The main advantage of jacks with this system is quick and easy use, for example, changing a wheel.

Hydraulic drive

– as with a mechanical drive, lifting requires physical strength, but you don’t need to exert much effort. This can be explained by the fact that there is a working fluid inside the mechanism, which creates pressure and automatically pushes out the applied load.

Pneumatic drive –

These are jacks that work by filling them with compressed air. Such equipment is not often found and is used in the field. The main advantage of this method is lifting a heavy load without any effort.

Classification of jacks for SUVs

Before moving on to studying the question of which jack to choose for an SUV, let’s consider the types of such lifting mechanisms aimed at lifting heavy weights.

There are not so many of them:

1. Pneumatic devices use the physical properties of compressed air, although the working substance can theoretically be almost any gas. Such jacks are precisely designed to lift and hold heavy weights. They are most often used at service stations and car service centers. Such a mechanism is able to cope with any SUV, regardless of the surface properties;
2. Mechanical jacks, as a rule, have a simple design, and therefore are characterized by very high reliability and compact dimensions. But low weight and high mobility also have a downside: the load-carrying capacity of mechanical devices leaves much to be desired. Finding a jack that can handle a heavy SUV is not an easy task;
3. Hydraulic lifts are also frequent visitors to car service centers, but recently relatively small models have appeared on sale that will not take up much space in the trunk of your jeep. Such devices have a very high efficiency (about 80%), and there are other advantages: smooth operation, inaccessible to mechanical counterparts, simple controls, high grip reliability, and considerable load capacity. But there can be problems with holding a large mass for a long time - this will require significant energy costs. As in the case of pneumatics, the tightness of the mechanisms is important here; in order to prevent leaks of the working fluid, the hydraulic lift must be stored exclusively in a vertical position.

Let us note the features, advantages and disadvantages of each of the types of jacks described above in more detail.

Pneumatic auto jacks

The design of such a device consists of an inflatable tank into which compressed air (stationary mechanisms, as well as devices with a compressor unit) or exhaust gases are pumped. If the support area of ​​the inflatable tank (cushion) is large, the stability of the jack itself and the car being lifted will be quite satisfactory.

Among the obvious advantages of pneumatics is the high lifting speed, and if necessary, it can be increased if you have a compressed air cylinder. Since it is expensive to carry it with you all the time, most drivers prefer to use the exhaust pipe as a source, but even here a reliable adapter is needed, since the diameter and shape of such a pipe can be different, depending on the model of the SUV.

Let’s summarize the advantages of pneumatic jacks:

• Possibility of use on uneven and soft surfaces;
• excellent stability;
• acceptable vehicle lifting speed;
• practically unlimited lifting height;
• good load capacity.

But there are also disadvantages. In particular, there should be no sharp objects with piercing protrusions or edges near the cushion and supply hoses. In addition, frequent use of exhaust gases leads to the formation of a caustic sediment inside the cushion, and transporting cylinders in a car, and especially a compressor, is not always possible. So when choosing a jack for an SUV, this option is not always the best.

Mechanical jacks

They have always been very popular among drivers due to their compact size. But they also have several varieties:

• rack-and-pinion lifts. Here the main design detail is a metal beam with longitudinal cutouts along its entire length. The load is lifted using a gear or lever transmission; a special lock is responsible for holding the vehicle. This is the most common type of jacks in general - they are actively used both in everyday life and in production. Depending on the design, the main characteristics of the device can vary greatly (load capacity, lifting speed, maximum height). Among the main disadvantages of rack-and-pinion devices, it is worth noting the lack of stability due to the minimum support area, the need for special slats or recesses on the bottom of the SUV. Models for massive machines are quite heavy, with a low lifting speed;
• Screw-type jacks have a lifting force that is generated by moving a screw rod in a body of appropriate geometry. This is also a fairly common option. Particularly common is a rhombic four-arm screw lift, the arms of which are connected in pairs by hinges.

Hydraulic lifts

We have already discussed the main advantages and disadvantages of this type of device, but here there are several varieties that differ in design.

Bottle jacks consist of the following components:

• housings. Its task is to be a support for a vertical cylinder;
• piston It is he who is the moving body that lifts/holds/lowers the working fluid and the car itself;
• the working fluid is a reservoir into which hydraulic fluid is supplied.

There are many models of such devices, but when choosing an inflatable hydraulic jack, you should definitely take into account its load capacity (it should be comparable to the weight of an SUV in running order), as well as the lifting height - you will be very disappointed if the jack cannot lift the car to the required height from - for insufficient travel.

Rolling hydraulic devices are considered the most suitable for the role of the most reliable lift for a car of any weight.

Their advantages:

• high load capacity (models capable of lifting 2 or 3 tons are not uncommon, and this is enough for any SUV);
• relatively small dimensions;
• high efficiency, guaranteeing minimization of energy costs and easier use of the device;
• exceptional smoothness of the lifting mechanism, which is of decisive importance for some types of work;
• the highest lifting height among all other types of auto jacks.

But there are also serious disadvantages, among which it is worth mentioning difficult maintenance, which requires regular and specific care for individual components of a rolling-type hydraulic lift, as well as the relatively low service life of the mechanism, less than that of pneumatic and mechanical counterparts. Not only is the rolling jack for an SUV the most expensive, but you will inevitably face the need to repair it, and this is a new expense.