Best high lift jack

[fitchaj]

G'day guys,

I have just bought a Defender 130 (2009) and was looking to buy a high lift jack for the setup. I was wondering if anyone could tell what the best options would be.

Basically I was wondering what size and weight capacity should I be looking at for my rig.

Cheers!

[Jeff]

I've carried a Hi Lift for twenty years, and never used it for recovery. In fact, the only time it has been used is as a lever for repairs.

Jeff

[Bush65]

I use mine a lot, but I am aware of the issues, and don't use it when not prudent. They are great in some circumstances, but I also carry a good hydraulic jack. They can be used with most bull bars for lifting the front, Sliders can be made/modified for high lift jack.

There is an adapter for use with the front and rear jack mounts on 90's and 110's, or front of 130's, I don't know how you would use them at the back of a 130 without making some form of lifting point.

There are different brands and I only have experience with the one I have, which is a Hi-Lift brand. Model HL-485 (I guess because it is 48" tall).

According to the label; maximum rated load 2273 kg, tested to 3175 kg. I have used an extension handle for heavy lifts (edit: not vehicle related end edit), but even then I doubt it was close to 2273 kg, so don't expect to lift that much with the standard handle.

[Fat Smurf]

The "Hi Lift" brand (i.e. the original) is from my experience the best...think Esky (original is the best). Although like anything, there are cheaper versions, but like lots of people have said time and time before: "you get what you pay for".

If it helps, I also learnt only last week that the hi lift can be used as a winch, so if you don't have a proper winch (mounted electronic/hydraulic winch) or don't want to carry a hand winch and a hi lift, you can buy the kit ($150) and then "two birds, one stone"

Hi-Lift Jack Company - Highest quality equipment at a reasonable price

BUT I will say one thing - learn how to use a hi lift at home before using it in anger, otherwise you may end up dropping your vehicle, damaging your vehicle or more importantly damaging yourself (think "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth").

[slug_burner]

Jackall is a Canadian made jack, either this or the Hi lift would be my choice. I picked the Jackall as it was available at a good price when I was looking.

Seldom used, carried throughout central Australia and just took up room. As a recovery winch it would be a last resort, just like a Tirfor is the second last resort. Both meant to teach you not to get bogged because the recovery is just too painful and slow.

[weeds]

i carried mine for many years without the need to use it, it just seems to be fashionable to have one hanging off your roof rack...........consider putting it at the bottom of your like to have list

[Sitec]

No 1, Hi Lift. No 2, Jackall. Avoid the cheep ones as the casting is average, and the leg is softer than it could be. The only times I've used mine is when stuck in muddy ruts in the UK.. I have not found many ruts out here..... Not had to use it here yet, and now running a 101, prob won't! Will still throw it in when going away tho.. As said before, a good hydraulic jack is the go. (Find an Iveco 2 or 3 stage one if you can). Re Hi Lift, if you are doing a lot of beach work, your money is better spent on an Air Bag jack..

[Brad110]

I have a hi lift genuine and use it frequently. I have the slipper attachment to fit Defender lift points. Fitted points to S1 and trailer.

Useless as a winch, even with the correct accessories.

Had it for 30 years and just replaced pins.

They are only dangerous when used incorrectly or if full of dust or mud.

They should be carried inside vehicle, out of dust, not on the roof as an embellishment or token of warrier spirit.

[CharlesTeton]

They should be carried inside vehicle, out of dust, not on the roof as an embellishment or token of warrier spirit.

That my street cred ruined! Mounted on small roof rack at the from of my Dormobile Puma. Bought to change tyres, get me out of trouble and emergency winch. I sunk my first 109 Ambulance!