Trolley Jack

[rocket rod]

Some time ago I bought a small trolley jack from my local indie but he no longer sells them and now my neighbour wants one. Has anyone bought one recently and from where? Searched the threads but no luck as all the eBay links etc have expired. Preferably with a plastic case so can be taken on road trips.

[Tins]

The red tool shop carries them. There's one in Bunbury. Dunno about cases though.

[John_D4]

The red tool shop carries them. There's one in Bunbury. Dunno about cases though.

Red tool shop?

[ramblingboy42]

soup err cheep have them in stock in several sizes

I have one that is actually too big and a bastard to move around , but it lifts anything and both my sons come to use it.

my problem really is I have gravel and spaced pavers between my shed where it is stored and the carport where you work on the cars.

it is a heavy mother.

[Tins]

Red tool shop?

Trying to not promote... TotalTools.

[John_D4]

Trying to not promote... TotalTools.

Was trying to workout if it was that business or the superbly cheap store.

[DazzaTD5]

While I only buy good quality tools (hey I need them for a living) I do appreciate that spending big dollars on a tool one rarely uses can be a hard pill to swallow at times.

IMHO
*Good quality tools will last a lifetime (yours, not the tool).
*Buying a used old school trolley jack from your local swap market can be a great way to go.
*Cheap cheap trolley jacks can and will typically fail at the worst possible time.

*Chineesium made hydraulic any tool from new typically will be full of manufacturing swarf and debris. If you must go this way, strip it clean it, re-assemble.

[Bigbjorn]

While I only buy good quality tools (hey I need them for a living) I do appreciate that spending big dollars on a tool one rarely uses can be a hard pill to swallow at times.

IMHO
*Good quality tools will last a lifetime (yours, not the tool).
*Buying a used old school trolley jack from your local swap market can be a great way to go.
*Cheap cheap trolley jacks can and will typically fail at the worst possible time.

*Chineesium made hydraulic any tool from new typically will be full of manufacturing swarf and debris. If you must go this way, strip it clean it, re-assemble.

I bought a Chinese trolley jack from K-mart in the 1970's for $14. Still going strong. Never a problem.

[DazzaTD5]

I bought a Chinese trolley jack from K-mart in the 1970's for $14. Still going strong. Never a problem.

Well I guess if they build 1 million of them there is bound to be one that is actually good and long lasting, a bit like new VW, Merc, Ford, GM, Chrysler cars [bigrolf]

[Bigbjorn]

Well I guess if they build 1 million of them there is bound to be one that is actually good and long lasting, a bit like new VW, Merc, Ford, GM, Chrysler cars [bigrolf]

You mean like an electronic Land Rover, the one in a million that isn't a garage queen and can be taken out and driven without having to stop for several days/weeks/months at a dealership.[bigwhistle]

[DazzaTD5]

You mean like an electronic Land Rover, the one in a million that isn't a garage queen and can be taken out and driven without having to stop for several days/weeks/months at a dealership.[bigwhistle]

No I mean compared to the **** brands I mentioned, Land Rovers are looking pretty dam good [tonguewink]

[Homestar]

Well I guess if they build 1 million of them there is bound to be one that is actually good and long lasting, a bit like new VW, Merc, Ford, GM, Chrysler cars [bigrolf]

The earlier Chinese stuff was quite good - I have 2 old trolley jacks from the early 80’s and they both still work although I did manage to bend one when a car rolled off it once but that was my fault.

Not at all like some of the modern stuff from there.

[rover-56]

The earlier Chinese stuff was quite good - I have 2 old trolley jacks from the early 80’s and they both still work although I did manage to bend one when a car rolled off it once but that was my fault.

Not at all like some of the modern stuff from there.

The Chinese will make exactly what local resellers ask for. No more, no less.
I have used very good Chinese equipment, and seen crap sold in Aus. for top price.
Terry

[Tote]

If you are near a Costco they stock a reasonable alloy/steel one. I have had mine for a few years now and it has been good. Its an Arcan brand

Regards,
Tote

[Fattima]

If you are near a Costco they stock a reasonable alloy/steel one. I have had mine for a few years now and it has been good. Its an Arcan brand

Regards,
Tote
I'll second this. I've used and abused an Arcan jack for many years. Good bit of gear for the price.

[l00kin4]

Reviving a bit of an old thread here but seeking wisdom

After doing some pad and rotor changes on my D4 I think it’s time to buy myself a trolley jack. Thinking I could get away with 2t but preferring to work well within limits and go for a 3t model. Is that overkill ?

Will check out the Costco one

Was considering this Mechpro https://www.repco.com.au/en/tools-equipment/garage-tools-equipment/trolley-jacks-car-jacks/mechpro-blue-low-profile-trolley-jack-3000kg-mbgj3000/p/A5534536

and also a hybrid aluminium / steel option thinking it will be a bit easier to move around. Maybe something like this: Trolley Jack Aluminium 3 Ton Low Profile Alloy Jacks Garage Floor Race New Blue | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/273898268428'mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=drnDB7CqT6W&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=zG-J7B-bRbu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)

as it is about half the weight…

Anyone have experience or thoughts on these ?

Thanks,
David

[BradC]

You'll want something that will lift > 510mm for work on the D4. My "previous generation" version of the Mechpro one you linked lifts > 530mm and it's just enough.

On the weekend I tried putting a 80x80mm wooden block between the jack and chassis rails so I had a bit more leeway and found that a much easier lift not having to extend the jack right up.

2T will be enough weight wise, but I don't think you'll find one with enough lift.

[l00kin4]

You'll want something that will lift > 510mm for work on the D4. My "previous generation" version of the Mechpro one you linked lifts > 530mm and it's just enough.

On the weekend I tried putting a 80x80mm wooden block between the jack and chassis rails so I had a bit more leeway and found that a much easier lift not having to extend the jack right up.

2T will be enough weight wise, but I don't think you'll find one with enough lift.

Thanks for that Brad. Most of them seem to top out at 510mm. Thought something like this might help

Rubber Trolley Jack Pad Pinch Weld Puck Classic Adapter Floor Jacking Lifting | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/313868633207'mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=-2qhgvpps9m&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=zG-J7B-bRbu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)

I was going to make a mod with a central ‘pin’ to locate into the holes at the lifting points

[ramblingboy42]

I too bought a higher lift version which is 3T , but it's a heavy bastard of a thing and doesn't castor very well and the jacking handle seems to be a favourite trip point in my shed. 20yrs or so have passed since I bought it and ones physical capabilities have lessened in that time.

In hindsight I'd buy a lighter duty jack and use blocks if I required more lift.

It's too heavy to lift and transport now and I will probably sell it or swap for a lighter one.

It only gets used several times each year when I swap my wheels and tyres from road to offroad and back again.

It was used often when I had my D2.......

[shanegtr]

Just recently brought a new trolley jack. Finding one with enough lift and the right capacity is a challenge. Theres plently of "low clearance" trolley jacks that have the lift height, but most of them are 1400kg capacity. I found a Kinchrome jack that was similar to the K12167, but it was a superseded part number (cant remember it off the top of my head) and it had a 520mm lift height rather than the K12167 510mm
Kincrome Australia - TROLLEY JACK LOW PRO 2800KG - Kincrome Australia Pty Ltd (https://www.kincrome.com.au/2800kg-garage-jack)
Could have gotten away with a lower capacity but I found its harder work for myself when using jacks that are close to their working limits so I'd rather have plenty of spare capacity as they do the job so much easier

[LRJim]

2 bottle jacks and sleeper offcuts = unlimited lifting height.
Safer to put a block on the ground than between the jack and chassis, i personally haven't owned a trolley jack for years.

[BradC]

2 bottle jacks and sleeper offcuts = unlimited lifting height.
Safer to put a block on the ground than between the jack and chassis, i personally haven't owned a trolley jack for years.

Interesting. I find as the jack goes past about 1/2 height it moves around on its wheels to accommodate for the car tilting, whereas the pad / block on the rail doesn't move.
Horses for courses I suppose.

[l00kin4]

Just recently brought a new trolley jack. Finding one with enough lift and the right capacity is a challenge. Theres plently of "low clearance" trolley jacks that have the lift height, but most of them are 1400kg capacity. I found a Kinchrome jack that was similar to the K12167, but it was a superseded part number (cant remember it off the top of my head) and it had a 520mm lift height rather than the K12167 510mmKincrome Australia - TROLLEY JACK LOW PRO 2800KG - Kincrome Australia Pty Ltd (https://www.kincrome.com.au/2800kg-garage-jack) Could have gotten away with a lower capacity but I found its harder work for myself when using jacks that are close to their working limits so I'd rather have plenty of spare capacity as they do the job so much easierThanks for that. With a bit of searching found this one, the K12165 with a 520mm lift: Kincrome Australia - 2000KG SLP GARAGE JACK - Kincrome Australia Pty Ltd (https://www.kincrome.com.au/2000kg-slp-garage-jack)

[LRJim]

Interesting. I find as the jack goes past about 1/2 height it moves around on its wheels to accommodate for the car tilting, whereas the pad / block on the rail doesn't move.
Horses for courses I suppose.Agree 100 percent with you on this especially if your working on a concrete surface. I would like one for lifting under a diff to change wheels but otherwise id use bottles for everything else. Each to their own [emoji106]