I am looking to pick up a floor jack and some jack stands. Anyone have a recommendation for a decently priced make/model? How much lifting capacity do I need?

TIA
-S

 

I'm usually the bigger the better type. I would stay away from the Harbor Freight jacks, the stands you can get away with. But if you must you can get a nice jack from them. I fabbed up a jack mount for my jacks so I can jack up the front nice and easy on the Cayennes. If you or know some who can fab something up like this it will give you an idea of what to do.

You also might like these stands. If your jack doesn't go high enough you can jack up the stand itself. Something to think about.
http://m.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wc...&storeId=10151

 

goto Costco, I forgot the name of it, they have a red, low profile 3 ton jack around $120, works very well.

 

So it sounds like I just need a 3 ton jack. Thanks guys.

 

I did quite a bit of research on jacks and stands.
I read countless consumer reviews regarding Chinese made jacks that last 1 year or less (Sears, Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, etc).

My search kept coming back to Hein-Werner which is made/assembled in america with a long standing tradition of reliability/quality/dependability.
Another positive is that the unit is easily rebuildable and parts are available regionally if the need arises.
I went with the 3-ton version and it lifts my 958 CTT with ease.

http://www.shinnfuamerica.com/Produc...ks/HW93652/523

I also went with the 6-ton version of the Jack stands (each stand holds 3-tons)
http://www.shinnfuamerica.com/Produc...ds/HW93506/547

 

harbor freight, everything they sell is garbage. sears stuff is passable. when they say it only lasts a year and fails, that's probably for commercial/professional use. ive had mine for many years and it still works fine. granted I don't use and beat on it everyday like a shop would.

 

a 2 or 2.5 ton jack will work as well. you're only lifting a corner at a time.

 

These are on my short list. The other one I am considering is the AC Hydraulic. In you research did you look at this one? And if so, why did you choose the Hein-Werner?

TIA.
-S

 

The short answer: i didn't really consider anything under 3 tons.
IIRC, the AC max capacity is 4400lbs.
Having margin above and beyond what i expect to lift is important to me in the name of safety.
If a little is good....a lot is better

I narrowed it down to HW and Milwaukee hydraulic jacks and have no regrets at this point.
I ended up finding a good price on the 3-ton HW shipped for $465 through ToolTopia.com.
Typically, shipping these 100lb oversized jacks isn't necessarily cheap.

 

Very good points! Looks like you have helped me narrow it down to Hein-Werner. Thanks!