Over 70% of drivers have experienced a flat tire at some point in their driving lives. Still, relatively few of these drivers really own the tools they need to handle these situations. An indispensable instrument to have in this case is a portable hydraulic jack.
Every car owner needs to have a portable hydraulic jack in their toolkit because of how easy and safe it is to use in case of a roadside emergency. You need a hydraulic jack to change a tire or do any basic maintenance without running the danger of becoming stranded in a dangerous spot.
In this article, we will reveal five of the best portable hydraulic jacks you can buy in the current market. You will also learn about some useful maintenance routines, how to properly store these tools, and get information on some issues you might encounter while using a portable hydraulic jack and how to resolve them.
Table of contents
What is a Portable Hydraulic Jack?
Portable hydraulic jacks are a form of lifting tool that every car owner must have. They are built to be moderate in size, and are super efficient in lifting automobiles for repairs and maintenance.
Definition and Key Features
A portable hydraulic car jack is a compact, versatile tool designed to quickly elevate automobiles off the ground. The presence of hydraulic power allows these jacks to hoist big loads steadily and smoothly.
Car owners always have them in their tool kits because of their excellent features which include:
- Portability: Just as their name suggests, these jacks are designed to be portable. This means they can be easily carried and stored. You can keep one in your trunk since it doesn’t take up much space.
- Lifting power: For their size, portable hydraulic jacks offer incredible lifting power. They are able to handle up to many tonnes of loads, and are capable of raising a range of vehicles.
- Ease of use: It’s rather simple to utilize these jacks. A few pumps can lift your car when you need to make tire changes and carry out under-car inspections.
Types of Hydraulic Jacks
There are several types of hydraulic portable jacks, each with its own special features and capabilities. The main types are:
- Bottle jacks: Known for their lightweight and small size, these jacks are perfect for all types of cars.
- Floor jacks: They are designed to be larger and provide more stability and a better lifting range. These jacks also offer a solid foundation and are ideal for more frequent use.
- Scissors jacks: The hydraulic mechanism in portable scissor jacks facilitates effective lifting. Although they usually have a reduced lifting capacity, these jacks are lightweight and easy to pack.
Why Choose a Portable Hydraulic Jack?
There are several reasons why you should consider adding a portable jack to your car’s emergency kit. We have covered the most important ones in this section.
Portability and Convenience
Unlike traditional jacks, these compact devices can be easily carried and stored in your vehicle. Portable hydraulic jacks for car owners are designed to take up minimal space, allowing you to keep other essential tools and items in your car without overcrowding.
Versatility
Hydraulic portable jacks can handle the lifting loads of several types of automobiles, from regular cars to bigger SUVs and trucks. As such, you don’t require various jacks for various cars. Its adjustable lifting range makes it a multipurpose tool that guarantees you can obtain the height you need for any work.
Safety and Efficiency
Portable hydraulic jacks are made with safety in mind. Their robust bases and safety valves provide a safe lift and prevent slippage. Furthermore, by enabling smooth and controlled lifting, the hydraulic mechanism lowers the possibility of abrupt drops or instability.
Best Portable Hydraulic Jacks Reviewed
Selecting the best portable hydraulic car jack from the many options in the market can be overwhelming. In this section, we review the top five portable hydraulic jacks that are worth your investment now.
VEVOR Hydraulic Jack
Everyone in need of a portable hydraulic jack for car emergencies and maintenance should try the VEVOR Hydraulic Jack. It is strong and adaptable, and the lift of the jack is fast. For emergency scenarios, the jack gains 17.7 inches in just two minutes. It can raise up to 11,023 pounds and is appropriate for cars, sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
Additionally included with the jack is a tire inflator pump for quick tire inflation. Concealed tool boxes on both sides allow you to organize the inflatable tube and needles, and the tire pressure display shows pressure when the tire is inflating.
Big Red 4-Ton Torin Hydraulic Low Profile Floor/Service Jack
Car aficionados, technicians, and anyone else in need of a dependable jack will find the Big Red 4-Ton Torin Hydraulic Low Profile Jack ideal. The jack’s 4-ton (8,000 lbs) lifting capacity ensures it can lift the majority of cars, trucks, and SUVs.
It can raise loads up to five times faster than those with single pumps thanks to its dual piston pump feature as well. The main drawback of this hydraulic portable jack is that, in relation to its rival, it is somewhat pricey.
Husky 3-Ton Low Profile Floor Jack
The Husky 3-Ton Low Profile Floor Jack has a dual-pump design, which ensures a quick and hassle-free lift. With a load capacity of 3 tons (6,000 lbs), this jack can handle a variety of vehicles, from cars to larger SUVs. Its robust construction ensures that it can support heavy loads safely.
The drawback with Husky Jack is its weight (80.3 pounds), which might make it cumbersome to move around frequently.
ROGTZ Electric Car Floor Jack
The heavy-duty steel material it is made from makes the ROGTZ Electric Car Floor Jack strong. The wear-resistant touch surface, compact triangle design, and big base and saddle make it safe to use on level ground.
The ROGTZ jack has an electric auto jack, an impact wrench, two interchangeable heads (for vehicles and SUVs), two sleeves (17/19 mm & 21/23 mm), two spare fuses, and a tire inflator pump. A sturdy suitcase holds these parts, making them easy to store and use.
Torin Hydraulic Bottle Jack
The Torin Hydraulic Bottle Jack is made of drop-forged alloyed steel for durability and quality. It is leak-free and stronger due to industrial welding and inner/outer welding.
This tool can lift 20 tons (40,000 lbs) and is appropriate for automobiles, trucks, SUVs, farm vehicles, and heavy-duty machinery. It’s also ideal for military and industrial settings with heavy equipment use.
One limitation of the jack is that it has a minimum height of 9.44 inches, which might not be suitable for extremely low-profile vehicles.
How to Choose the Right Portable Hydraulic Jack
Before going ahead to pay for a hydraulic car jack, you must consider some important factors. For instance, you want a tool that offers efficiency, safety, durability, and ease of storage. We look closely at what every potential buyer must consider before making a choice in this section.
Lifting Capacity
Getting a jack that can securely raise the weight of your car is critical. Gauge the weight of your car and select a jack that can support at least that much. There is an additional safety buffer when the jack can lift more than the weight of your car.
Portability and Size
Storage and transportation of a hydraulic portable jack should be simple. The size shouldn’t impair the lifting capacity, but it should be easy to transport and store without taking up too much room.
Build Quality and Durability
Check for jacks constructed of alloyed steel or other high-strength materials. Make sure the jack has things like strengthened parts or welded construction that extend its life.
Price and Warranty
The long-term benefits of investing in a good jack can outweigh the temptation to get the least expensive one. Higher-priced tools often have higher durability and performance. Still this is not always the case, as some tools, such as the VEVOR hydraulic jack offers outstanding quality at affordable pricing. A good warranty also provides peace of mind. Look for jacks that come with at least a one-year warranty. This can cover you in the event of defects or issues with the jack.
Maintenance Tips for Your Portable Hydraulic Jack
Maintaining your portable hydraulic jack guarantees its continued dependability and safety. Here are some essential maintenance tips to adhere to in caring of your jack:
Regular Inspection
Check your jack often for indications of damage, such bends or cracks in the metal parts. Look for leaks and fluid loss in the hydraulic system.
Proper Storage
Keep your jack clean and dry to avoid corrosion and rust. Moisture can damage the metal parts and compromise the jack’s performance.
Cleaning and Lubrication
To get rid of grime and grease, wipe your jack down with a fresh towel after every use. Also, give it a light coating of oil or lubrication to keep all moving components running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do I Safely Use a Portable Hydraulic Jack?
To ensure your portable hydraulic jack won’t tip over, use it on a level, stable surface. Lock your wheels with wheel chocks and activate the parking brake. Put the jack under the manufacturer’s specified lifting points and pump slowly.
Can I Use a Portable Hydraulic Jack on All Vehicle Types?
A portable hydraulic jack can lift automobiles, SUVs, and trucks if its lifting capacity matches or exceeds their weight. However, make sure the jack fits your vehicle by checking its specs. Choose a jack with the right lifting capacity for your car.
What Should I Do If My Jack Fails?
If your jack fails, first make sure the car is stable. Check the hydraulic system for leaks, bent parts, and blockages. Sometimes, air can get trapped in the hydraulic system, so bleeding the jack according to the manufacturer’s instructions can resolve this. If the jack continues to fail, contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement options, especially if it is still under warranty.
Conclusion
While convenience and ease of storage are some of the reasons to own a portable hydraulic jack, you must look beyond that. You want to be sure that your chosen jack offers the required safety, can readily handle your lifting needs, and is built with top quality materials to ensure it can serve you for a long time.
The most reliable portable hydraulic jacks, like the ones reviewed in this article will ensure you can handle all your vehicle lifting needs efficiently and safely. While all of the options analyzed are great, we believe the VEVOR hydraulic jack offers the best overall quality. In terms of safety, lifting capability, efficiency, durability, and value for money, the product shines.
Visit the VEVOR website today to check out the hydraulic jack and the other lifting tools from the brand to ensure you are well-stocked for your automobile lifting needs.
We used to always use a Low Profile jack, but we just got a vevor air jack. Works just as good, but takes up way less space in our garage.