Any advise of which jack style is better and/or safer to raise a F-250 super duty? The bottle jacks are smaller, less expensive, seem to last longer, and can lift more per size and weight. But the floor jacks are more popular. Am I missing something? Help before I blow $40 on a bottle jack that is dangerous or???

 

I use only a floor jack at home in the garage.
I also carry floor jacks in my trucks too.

You will notice that Ford supplies bottle jacks with the trucks they produce. So these are relatively safe for one wheel off the ground uses.

It all depends on what the intended use for the jacks are. Repairs, tire changes, etc.

If using the jack is for garage use only, get a floor jack. By far much safer and faster to use.

Yet, carrying a better the stock bottle jack in the truck is a good choice too.

Seems I can never have enough jacks, jack stands, dollies and hoists though. Just like working with wood projects - one can never have enough clamps.

Did I mention my Bronco has a HiLift jack too.

 

The difference is stability. The floor jack has a long base to spread the weight out. The larger foot print helps on uneven or soft ground. The bottle jack has a small base and a tiny tip on it so it's easier for it to tip over or slip off an axle if you're not on flat concrete.

This is just my opinion based on experience and observations.

 

I got a good deal on a 6 ton bottle jack so that's what I've been using. I don't have the luxury of a concrete floor, so what I do is place a long piece of 2x10 or similar wood under the jack before using it. I have jacked up the entire front end of my truck a few times with it without incident, but I ALWAYS put the jackstands under each side once I have it at the height I want.
That said, the nice thing about floor jacks is the lower starting height- with my 6T bottle jack I have to dig a hole in the gravel under my truck to get it under the axle... a PITA to say the least. As soon as I come across a good deal on a heavy duty floor jack I'll be picking one up.

 

Depends on what you want to lift. A bottle jack will lift more weight, A floor jack will give you a little more stability. But when I am on the road with a trailer full of supplies, I want a bottle jack to lift the load. I have both, and the bottle jack can lift 20,000 lbs and the floor jack can lift 2500 lbs.

 

A bottle jack will lift more weight.The floor jack has a long base to spread the weight out.I use only a floor jack at home in the garage.Use the jack in the truck if needed.

 

Thanks everyone. I have a concrete garage floor with plenty of clearance. I need to raise the back end up for a brake job.

 

Use either jack, but be sure to use jack stands.

 

Definatley get a floor jack for home repairs. Push it, pull it, maneuver it, slide it under stuff. operate the valve away from the work.

If you pay for a good quality one, you will have it for life. Just don't let price decide what you buy.

And, use jack stands.

 

I carry a jack stand around with me, I don't trust any jack to stay up longer than it takes to get the stand under it. I got a bottle jack just because it's smaller in the toolbox.

 

12 ton bottle jack in the truck.

Aluminum floor jack in the garage.

12k and 7k Lifts in my shop. Gotta get those 1 tons in the air. Tired of laying on my back. I'm getting too old. ;-)

 

FYI:
Those, uh, 'inexpensive' bottle jacks at Harbor Freight (and others) are NO bargain. I have a small one for little jobs around the farm, and it has NEVER held pressure. First time, I was getting ready to wriggle under the shredder to disentangle some bob-wair, and noticed it going down. Not good. Downright bad, in fact. I was able to jack it back up and prop it, but still, a brand new bottle jack should hold pressure for more than thirty seconds.

You get what you pay for, y'know?

Happy Motoring!

c.

 

+1 on Always use Jack stands.
I'll say it again ALWAYS , ALWAYS, ALWAYS USE JACK STANDS!

One of my good friend's dad is no longer here because he didn't use them. His dad jacked up a fork lift to make a quick, small, repair and didn't take the time to get the stands out..... The jack failed as he was reaching way under the forklift.... Sad way to go. the guy never got to see his grandchildren grow up.

I remember him every time I go to jack something up in my shop. Shame it takes something like this to make you remember to be safe!

GS

 

It is old post but I need to know your suggestion guys. How to find the best floor jack? I mean which brand and which model should buy? I am thinking to buy Harbor Freight 3 ton heavy duty floor jack. If you know about it please share your experience.
I don't want to cross 200 bucks!

 

Yes it is old.....but I bought 2 really nice floor jacks from Costco years ago. They are both "Arcan" brand, all steel one is a 2 1/2 ton and very hvy duty. The other is an alum. 3.0 ton low profile jack and it is also very hvy duty. I've picked up the front of my '16 dually with the steel jack and even though the 3.0 ton alum. jack is theoretically bigger in lift it won't do the same. I've had them for 7-8 years and never had a problem. They were $99 each then, probably a little more now but they would be worth any extra small amount. You don't want to buy a cheap jack as I'm sure you know.....same thing with jack stands.