Choosing a Car Jack for Productivity and Safety
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Lifting vehicles and heavy loads efficiently and safely is a more precise process than you may realise. It’s not just a case of choosing the first jack you find, or the cheapest option, you need to have high-quality, durable equipment to get the job done. All while not breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a mechanic, a quickfire way to find vehicle jacks is with our expert guide. Across this feature, we explore your options and how to choose a car jack for your latest project.
Order high-quality vehicle jacks to get the job done efficiently and safely. Contact us now for support: 1800 88 33 50
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Suitable Vehicle Jack
As long as you know the following steps, choosing the right jacks for vehicles will be straightforward, offer you more workplace efficiency, and improve safety standards.
1. Understand Your Options
This equipment has many different types of jacks available, including:
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Scissor
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Bottle
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Floor
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Hi-lift
They all often different lifting features, so it’s important to understand which type directly matches your project needs.
2. Work Out Your Vehicle’s Weight
This is a crucial step! Every jack has a different weight rating, which is expressed in tonnes (one tonne equals 2,000 pounds). Obviously, you need equipment that can withstand the pressure of the vehicle you’re lifting.
Here are some general guidelines to follow for vehicle types:
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Car: 1.5 to 2-ton jack is sufficient.
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SUV or light truck: Look for a 3 to 4-tonne jack.
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Full-size truck: Consider a heavy-duty 5-tonne jack or higher.
Always check the specifications of what equipment can hold, this way you can make sure you order what you need.
3. Evaluate a Vehicle’s Ground Clearance
Every vehicle is different. For example, some low-profile cars need a specific type of equipment to lift them in tight spaces. Lifted vehicles will require a jack that can reach higher frame points.
4. Consider Portability and Performance
This step depends upon your location. This differs for all of our customers, but it’s worth considering where you’ll use the equipment. Common situations include:
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A floor jack is ideal for a garage or regular DIY maintenance.
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When off-roading or in rugged land locations, a hi-lift jack.
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For roadside emergencies, where a scissor jack is suitable.
You may want to purchase several different types to cover all eventualities, or whatever equipment best suits your most regular needs.
5. Use Jack Stands
A crucial step for greater safety is with jack stands. Without them, hydraulics can still fail and cause serious issues. With these stands, workers can use these extra supports for prolonged activity and to limit hazards.
6. Consider Innovative Features
Modern vehicle jacks offer a lot more than the most basic features. Updated models are a good idea, as these can help with productivity, safety, and security. The best features include:
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Overload protection valves
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Safety locks
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Wide base to promote stability
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Steel construction model, rather than cheaper aluminium
7. Budgeting Capacity
Ultimately, the equipment you buy often depends on your budget. You get what you pay for, although basic models still offer the core functionality you’re looking for. But it’s often wise to pay for the best models as, long-term, these are the smartest investment choice.
The Importance of Buying the Right Vehicle Jack
If you don’t choose a suitable jack for your project, the main issue is that it can create a health and safety hazard. If you’re an employer, this can, in turn, create a potential legal situation if a worker is injured.
A jack that can’t support the weight of a particular vehicle will likely collapse, which can lead to serious consequences.
That’s a worst-case scenario, but it does highlight the need to choose equipment that perfectly suits your business needs. You should invest some time and money into choosing the right equipment so that vehicle maintenance can run smoothly and safely.
Order Quality Car Jacks From Tufflift
If you need more help on how to choose a car jack, you’re in the right place. We’re industry experts and can help you find the ideal match for your vehicle.
Order your jacks online today. Our equipment is made from the highest-quality materials, and we have a comprehensive range to suit your exact needs. We offer fast deliveries across Australia.