aluminum floor jacks.....?
 

I am a big nut for wrecking yards. I am also getting old and feeble. So unlike in the past when I could lug 80 pounds of tools around while walking through an old junk yard I am now scouting out just what I will need to carry around for the part I am wishing to pull.

This brings me to the subject of floor jacks. A lot of yards will not allow these but I know of a few that do. But lugging those things for a mile or so is tiring so I am searching for the lightest floor jack I can find.

Cost is also important. I don't want to spend $700; the cheaper the better.

So far I am leaning towards a Torin at 30 pounds and $100. Lifting weight is 1.5 tons which is more than I need.

And suggestions?

I bought one thru JEGS,low profile too.I love it.

This looks identical to the $100 Torin but is cheaper:

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/floor-jacks/15-ton-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-62160.html

I have one and I like it.

Yes, this is what I use in my Audi and take it with me on my travels. The Audi jacks are serial killers.

Costco was selling a 3 ton jack (which I own). I think it's an Arcan and it's bloody excellent. Forget those $60 HF jacks. They are good for an MGB but won't last lifting a Mercedes

I've had my HF jack for years lifting mercedes, trucks, plenty of cars. They are one of the few things I would recommend from there.

The 1.5 ton aluminum jack? Hard to believe

True! Although mine is not aluminum.

mine was $169. but I don't worry under it

I've had one of these for almost 10 years now.
It's been though some bad abuse working on rally cars out in the field and never let me down (pun intended).
It doesn't leak down or do anything stupid. A bit more cost up front but it's been worth it in the long run.

My two cents:

1. Get the 1.5 ton Aluminum HF one for the yards. You can get it with a coupon for $60. It's a hair over 30lbs, and you won't find a better one for that price.
   https://www.harborfreight.com/savings_coupons.html
   It's the 11th row down (*as of this writing), third column.
2. Get a 3 ton (Aluminum if you want lightweight) HF one if you're concerned about longevity. Ex:
   https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/floor-jacks/3-ton-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapidpump-62248.html
   Or
   https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/floor-jacks/3-ton-long-reach-low-profile-steel-heavy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-orange-64241.html
   Note that 2nd one is long reach, too. Not sure if either have a coupon, so wait until they do

Right now I am leaning towards the HF jack since that seems to fit my needs. Note that I said my needs. At my age I don't like to spend extra money on something just because it will last a long time.

But all of this information is great. I can't be the only one wondering about this subject, and while online reviews are good I tend to trust the folks here a little more. You guys have the same tasks in mind for your tools that I do and that means a lot when it comes to making buying decisions.

My wife says to just buy two of them: One for the yards and one for the garage. After all, you can't take it with you.

And in my yard experience, you want the cheapest tool for the job because... well, when I'm dead-tired from walking in the yard, I have been known to forget tools, which is why I love HF tools. Am I upset when I lose a tool? Sure. But it hurts a lot less to lose a $10 socket and driver than a $50 one. The only problem is HF pliers suck, but I found a 2-pack of Kobalt ones that aren't terrible for $12.

Harbor Freight has stepped up their game. I found this video comparing their best torque wrench ($100) to Snap-On's equivalent and Snap-On doesn't come out looking great.

https://youtu.be/ck_O5U1Tyz8

If HF ever started a tool truck, look out.