Anybody using a Harbor Freight aluminum jack?

[JSanders]

I've been in need of a new jack since I moved a few months ago and have been looking at Harbor Freight jacks. A buddy of mine that I work with has been using this one for 5 years now with out a problem. His only complaint is that it can be a little tough to raise, but it has never dropped an inch on him.

Price: $69.00 - 20% off coupon = $55.99

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=94629

I've been thinking about buying their newer 4000 lbs Lightweight Low Profile Aluminum Rapid Pump Racing jack:

Price: $179.00 - 20% off coupon = $143.20

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=92782

Today, while browsing the internet, I stumble upon a few coupons for the smaller, 3000lbs Lightweight Low Profile Aluminum Rapid Pump

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=91039

Original Price: $99.99
Sale Price: $59.99 - 20% off coupon = $47.99

I can't decide which to get, the 3000lbs or the 4000lbs. I had my mind set on the 4000lbs if I didn't find anything better by the time I had the money together, but the 3000lbs one is so cheap right now it's hard to pass up. The only down side to it is that it only lifts to a maximum height of 14.75" and the 4000lbs lifts to 18.25." The smaller size, on the other hand, would be useful because I do a lot of mobile mechanic work out of my trunk.

To get to my question, does anybody have any experience with either of these aluminum jacks? Are they as good as the steel one listed at the top? I know some people wouldn't trust a Harbor Freight jack to lift a cassette tape off the ground, but after searching around on the internet I didn't find hardly any bad reviews of them.

Also, I'm open to suggestions if you know of a reliable lightweight jack for a similar price!

A link to the coupons, if any one is interested: http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html...e/magurl1.html

[ShanesG]

I got this one. Have had it for prob 8 months. Thing is awesome. The ONLY downside is that the rubber square falls off haha but thats it. the thing is light. Had a normal jack that weight like 70+ pounds and was a bitch to get into my trunk, this one super light. I'm working on cars every week and have yet to have an issue. Also the frame is the lowest profile i've seen for it's price. I def. recommend!

[Frag]

I have a Torin Black Jack Low profile, not the lowest or the best for the money, but it gets under the car just fine. It's portable, which means I dont have a longer shaft (yea yea, w.e) but it gets the job done.

[Nit0]

i have this one, its a really good jack, perfect size, i bought it in september last year and so far no problems, perfect size i keep it my car the whole time

[M.Burroughs]

I dont have any of those, but the next jack I buy will be this one:



Extremely low profile jack capable of actually reaching the frame rails and such due to its length. It has a TON of lift, and it is valve to always drop slowly. Its a wonderful jack, I've used one at a porsche shop.

Only down side is its $400.

[implayaz9]

i got this one and its good jack

[Rally]

Yup ^^^That's the one I use too. No complaints.

[Tuck&Poke]

i need to get me a real jack, my $20 autozone jack is straight garbage

[Effin' Euro]

i got the last one in your original post for trips and such. very light, definately does the job well. i paid a little more for it though

i'm definately content with my purchase.

[frink84]

my dad and i both have the last one. no issues at all. pretty light, handle comes off quick.

A++ would buy again

[Ieatpeople]

i have the third one posted, with the round pad. works great, i've had it for 3 years with absoulutely zero issues.

[JSanders]

Thanks for all the reports. I'm going to take a final look at them when I get out of class at 7 and make my decision.

I'm crossing my fingers that the larger one will be on sale locally.

[JSanders]

So the larger aluminum one was on sale locally for $159.99 - 20% off coupon + 1 year replacement warranty ($19.99) = a grand total of $160.19! I can't wait to try it out tomorrow...

[B Rod]

I need to get a low profile jack. My Craftsman one is nice, but it's heavy as hell and I have to drive onto blocks of wood just to use it.

[donpisto]

I've used the top 2....i prefer the one in the middle over the the first one...its lighter for one and I think can work better with less clearance.

is there clearance differences between the middle and the bottom one? wondering why the bottom one is much cheaper.