When it comes to floor jacks, aluminum models are gaining in popularity. The reason is obvious – they’re typically lighter than their steel counterparts, while still offering all of the strength and functionality that’s necessary when using a jack. If you do any type of racing (track days, autocross, drag strip, etc.), a good aluminum jack is a necessity for its portability factor alone.
If you’re looking for a jack that is going to provide a lightweight, user-friendly design while in use (as well as easy storage when not in use), check out our top picks for best aluminum floor jack for your money.
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Top Picks:
Arcan ALJ3T Aluminum Floor Jack
The Arcan ALJ3T is our top pick for aluminum floor jacks (and runner up for best 3 ton jack), as it’s the definition of lightweight durability. To begin, you’ll be taken by its sleek and streamlined design. Only 7” in height and weighing in at just 56 lbs., this jack is incredibly portable and provides for easy storage when not in use. These elements make it perfect for use both at home or at the track.
Although lightweight, this jack features thick side plates, a fortified lift arm for increased strength, and impressive bypass valves that prevent over-extension of hydraulic ram. The dual pistons also provide smooth, fast-rising action and contain a dust shield to prevent any hydraulic contamination. With its ball-bearing mounted wheels and protective saddle pad, it gives the user maneuverability as well as stability when necessary. This combination of portability and durability is not often found in jacks with this lift capacity.
The Arcan ALJ3T has a 3-ton capacity and lifts to a height of 18-1/8 inches. Another great feature is its ability to get under low-profile cars with ease. With a low 3 ¾” minimum lift height, this jack is great for cars with low side skirts such as imports and sports cars, although its high lift capacity also allows for use on larger vehicles such as vans and some SUVs.
While this product is largely met with rave reviews from floor jack users, there are a couple drawbacks. Users have commented that the jack handle has a tendency to flex at times when in use. This unfortunately is a common issue with aluminum jacks but it doesn’t make it any less safe than an all-steel handle.
In addition, you need to take your time lowering it as it will go down fairly quick if you don’t pay attention when twisting the handle. All in all, the ALJ3T is light, easy-to-use, durable, and dare we say beautiful. There’s good reason it has such a large following.
>> Check Current Price on the Arcan ALJ3T <<
NOS NSJ0301 Aluminum Service Jack
If your first thought about the NOS NSJ0301 3-ton aluminum jack is “Hey, that looks oddly similar to the Arcan”, you’d be correct. Both the Arcan and NOS brands are manufactured by PowerStation. So why did we include it on our list of best aluminum jacks? Simply because they are options 1a and 1b and the fact is, that there aren’t too many aluminum hydraulic jacks that we can recommend.
Both the ALJ3T and NSJ0301 have a lift range of 3.75 to 18.125 inches, weight around 57 pounds, have a 4.5 inch saddle, 50 inch handle, same size casters, and a 1-year warranty. So if you’re trying to decide on Arcan vs NOS, it really comes down to do you want silver or a two-tone silver/orange? Arcan is more of a household name and if you ever need parts down the road, they might be a bit easier to find unless you remember that both brands share the same parts. Make sure you also check out the prices of both as they can fluctuate so you can score a better deal on one over the other.
>> Check Current Price on the NOS NSJ0301 <<
Runner Up:
JEGS 80006 Professional Low-Profile Aluminum Floor Jack
This model by JEGS is the lightest aluminum jack of all we have reviewed, weighing in at only 49 lbs. Although it has a lift capacity of only 2-tons, it’s incredibly portable and perfect for smaller vehicles. With its low 3.5 inch clearance (and max height of 19.25 inches), this particular model is also a runner up best low profile jack. Users love the slick paint-job, but don’t let appearances fool you, this is also an incredibly functional aluminum jack.
It features a unique grip that reduces slippage and dual side handles for increased maneuverability. JEGS also has a jack skid plate accessory available for this product (not included) that creates a flat surface so your jack doesn’t slip on unstable work areas. The only drawback for the product is the build quality is not quite up to par with the 2 models above but still much better than a Harbor Freight, Craftsman, or auto part store jack.
>> Check Current Price on the JEGS 80006 <<
Related Posts:
- The Best Racing Jacks on the Market
- The Best Low Profile Floor Jack Reviewed
- Best 3-Ton Floor Jack for the Money