How to Choose a Floor Jack: Capacity, Low Profile and Lift Range
How to choose a floor jack: tonnage, low profile vs standard, lift range, steel vs aluminum, and how to use a floor jack safely.
Quick answer: Choose a floor jack by three numbers: rated capacity, minimum height and maximum lift height. For most cars and small SUVs, a 3 ton floor jack gives a comfortable safety margin. Lowered and sports cars need a low profile floor jack that slides under a low jacking point. Trucks and fleet vehicles call for a long chassis service jack or a truck jack rated well above the axle weight. Whatever you buy, lift with the jack and hold the vehicle on jack stands.
How a floor jack works
A floor jack is a hydraulic jack on wheels. Pumping the handle pushes oil into a cylinder, which raises a long lift arm and the saddle at its end. Opening the release valve lets the arm come down. The long frame and wheels let you roll it under the car to the jacking point, which is why floor jacks are faster and more stable to position than a bottle jack.
Capacity: how many tons do you need?
A floor jack lifts one end or one corner of a vehicle, not the whole weight. Still, choose a rating with plenty of margin. A practical rule:
- 2 to 2.5 ton: small and midsize cars. Examples are the Hein-Werner 2 ton HW93642D and the Pro-Lift 2.5 ton low profile PL5625.
- 3 to 3.5 ton: most cars, crossovers and many SUVs. The Hein-Werner 3 ton HW93652D and the Omega Pro 3.5 ton low profile OP1705 fit here.
- 4 to 5 ton: full size pickups and vans. Options include the Hein-Werner 4 ton HW93657, the Blackhawk 5 ton fast lift BH6057 and the Omega Pro 5 ton long chassis OP25X1S.
- 10 ton and up: heavy trucks, buses and fleet work, such as the Hein-Werner 10 ton manual floor jack HW93660, the 10 ton air hydraulic HW93662 and the 20 ton truck jack HW93733.
Low profile vs standard floor jacks
A low profile floor jack has a shorter minimum height, so the saddle fits under cars with little ground clearance. If you work on lowered cars, sports cars or anything with a front air dam, measure from the ground to the jacking point and buy a jack that starts below that. Standard height jacks often lift higher and suit trucks and SUVs. Some low profile jacks also add a quick lift pedal or dual pump to raise the saddle to the load faster.
Lift range
Maximum lift height matters as much as minimum height. A truck needs a tall lift to get the tire off the ground and room to slide a stand underneath. Check that the jack lifts high enough for the vehicle you work on and that your jack stands reach the same height.
Steel, aluminum or hybrid
- Steel jacks are durable and usually cost less, but they are heavy.
- Aluminum jacks are much lighter, which helps at the track or when you move the jack around the shop often.
- Hybrid jacks mix steel and aluminum parts to balance weight and strength.
Long chassis service jacks and air hydraulic jacks
A long chassis jack has a longer frame, so it reaches jacking points farther under the vehicle. Shops use them for trucks and for center jacking points. Air hydraulic jacks, such as the Omega Pro 5 ton air and manual long chassis OP25X0S or the Hein-Werner 10 ton air jack HW93737A, raise the load with shop air and save effort on repeated lifts.
Jack and stand combos
Buying a jack with matching stands is the easiest way to make sure the stands reach the right height and carry the right load. Examples include the Hein-Werner 3 ton floor jack with 3 ton vehicle stands HW93652JS and the Blackhawk 3.5 ton jack with 3 ton stands BH6036JS. Our jack stand guide explains ratings and styles.
How to use a floor jack safely
- Park on a flat, hard surface. Set the parking brake and chock the wheels that stay on the ground.
- Find the jacking point in the owner manual or service information.
- Close the release valve, roll the jack in and center the saddle under the point.
- Pump smoothly until the tire clears the ground with room for the stand.
- Place jack stands at the support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
- Never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
- To lower, raise slightly off the stands, remove them, then open the release valve slowly.
Floor jack care
- Store the jack fully lowered with the release valve closed.
- Check the oil level and look for leaks around the cylinder.
- If the jack feels spongy or will not hold, it may need bleeding. Follow the maker instructions.
- Keep wheels and pivot points clean and lightly lubricated.
Related
See all floor jacks, bottle jacks, jack adapters and accessories and jacks and stands.
Frequently asked questions
What size floor jack do I need for an SUV?
Most SUVs are well served by a 3 to 3.5 ton jack. Full size SUVs and pickups are often easier with a 4 or 5 ton jack and a taller lift range.
What is a low profile floor jack?
It is a floor jack with a short minimum height, so it fits under cars with low ground clearance.
Is an aluminum floor jack worth it?
If you carry the jack often, yes. Aluminum jacks are much lighter than steel jacks of the same capacity.
Can I leave a car on a floor jack?
No. A floor jack is for lifting only. Support the vehicle on jack stands before working on it.
Why does my floor jack not lift all the way?
Low oil or air in the system are common causes. Check the oil level and bleed the jack according to the maker instructions.
