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There a lot of brand names for floor jacks but many are basically the same or identical. For instance look at the parts diagram for the popular and highly regarded Arcan ALJ3T:
Who makes the Big Red/Torin Aluminum Floor Jack? Changshu Tongrun Logistics Equipment Co. Ltd http://www.tongrunjacks.com/en/product/532.html#td Also a major supplier to Sunex International: (67 containers since 2003)
The Strongway 46186 3 Ton is similar to the Sunex/Jegs/Arcan but not identical.. Closer to the Harbor Freight/AFF models in component quantity. I would imagine it is the same manufacturer as the Sunex but to a lower standard.:
Strongway 46186
SHINN FU held it as it was for the better part of 2004 then surprised everybody by bringing back the old prestigious HEIN-WERNER name back (retired in the mid 90's) and began making the line in America again! The jacks are not at all the HEIN WERNER jacks of the 40's-through early 90's, they are purely the American made LINCOLN jacks from the 90's.
Meanwhile SHINN FU still markets the BLACKHAWK import BANNER jacks, made in China. And also the famous Blackhawk PORTO-POWER line of body shop jacking equipment, made in America. They also sell their own OMEGA Jacks made in China.
Shinn Fu Company of America, Inc (SFA) performs its functions in marketing, sales, service and distributing products throughout North, Central and South America. Over the past 40 years, SFA has become the leading distributor of hydraulic lift equipment in the US and Canada, which reflects a widely recognized reputation for quality and service.
SFA maintains the following divisions:
•BVA Hydraulics™ and corresponding OEM private label products
•Omega Lift Equipment® and corresponding OEM private label hydraulic products •Hein-Werner Automotive
•Porto-Power Blackhawk Automotive
•Pro-Lift® DIY products
Our lifting products and winches are manufactured in the Shinn Fu Group's ISO-9000 factories, we are able to provide a quality product that meets the industry standards, such as ASME/ANSI.
Here is the Shin FU (Blackhawk) BH6035 3 Ton Jack:
Because you didn't post any of the prices of the USA made jacks, but posted other prices, I was somewhat curious of the price differences. I did a super quick search, and was able to confirm my hunch.
The Milwaukee (2 ton) model costs, are you ready...... a mere $870 at this website. REALLY??? Did I mention it's for the TWO ton?
I bought my 2 ton jack (Big Red-made in China) from Pep Boys about 4 years ago for under $75 I believe. (yes, still works and not leaking)
I'm all for the Red, White, and Blue and Stars and Stripes, but this isn't one of them. There's no "precision" with a floorjack. It works or it doesn't. I don't care about the measurements in the gaps of panels. I don't care about the paintjob. I don't care about the exotic spring & super-synthetic oil (lol) it's filled with.
A jack either works or it doesn't.
If the USA made jack was 10% more expensive than the import, I'd probably buy it.
If the USA made jack is 10x the price? I don't think so. Not for a second.
There a lot of brand names for floor jacks but many are basically the same or identical. For instance look at the parts diagram for the popular and highly regarded Arcan ALJ3T:
Compare the above two with Harbor Freight - Pittsburgh 3 Ton:
American Forge & Foundry Model 210
When I look at component count, I believe that the Sunex/Arcan are considerably higher quality than the Harbor Freight/American Forge.
Increasing number of components does not necessarily equal increased quality. In fact it usually means higher costs, added complexity and reduced reliability. I work in the manufacturing industry and engineers go through painstaking efforts to reduce component count while retaining functionality.
I bought a 3.5 ton steel floor jack from Costco a few years ago. It is built like a tank and weighs almost as much. It is very stable, and easily lifts the LS high up in the air with zero fuss or drama. Since I use it in my garage and don't lift it or carry it around I am happy to have a sturdy all steel jack. Unless you need to regularly transport your floor jack from place to place I can't think of a requirement for the extra cost of a full or partial aluminum jack.
I would definitely recommend getting a 3 ton minimum rating. I had a 2 ton before and it was a pain because it was a harder to jack and took more strokes to get the height needed.
I bought an AC Delco at O'Reillys about 10 yrs ago and it is still working strong and is low enough that I can reach to the front support on the Lexus.
I would definitely recommend getting a 3 ton minimum rating. I had a 2 ton before and it was a pain because it was a harder to jack and took more strokes to get the height needed.
I bought an AC Delco at O'Reillys about 10 yrs ago and it is still working strong and is low enough that I can reach to the front support on the Lexus.
No doubt. I experience that same pain. If/when my 2 ton becomes inoperable, I will upgrade like you mentioned.
12-24-15, 09:48 AM
3 Ton Aluminum Floor Jacks - compared
