Last Updated on August 26, 2020 by Tim
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.
Best Aluminum Floor Jack Picks:
Arcan ALJ3T Aluminum - Arcan Floor Jack
- COLORS MAY VARY: ALJ3T (silver) or A20018 (green)
- LIGHTWEIGHT AIRCRAFT-GRADE ALUMINUM: Allows for easy maneuverability.
- DUAL PUMP PISTONS: Quickly raises the floor jack saddle to load.
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 rubber 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 car 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 real 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 a good reason it has such a large following.
- COLORS MAY VARY: ALJ3T (silver) or A20018 (green)
- LIGHTWEIGHT AIRCRAFT-GRADE ALUMINUM: Allows for easy maneuverability.
- DUAL PUMP PISTONS: Quickly raises the floor jack saddle to load.
NOS NSJ0301 Aluminum Service Jack
- Lift capacity: 3 Tons (6,000-Pound)
- Height range: 3.75 in to 18.125 in
- Ultra lightweight aluminum construction at just 58-Pound. Thick frame side...
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.
- Lift capacity: 3 Tons (6,000-Pound)
- Height range: 3.75 in to 18.125 in
- Ultra lightweight aluminum construction at just 58-Pound. Thick frame side...
Runner Up:
JEGS 80006 Professional Low-Profile Aluminum Floor Jack
- LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION allows you to roll jack around with ease
- LOW PROFILE DESIGN lifts from 3 ½ to 19 ¼ inches
- 360 DEGREE ROTATING SADDLE allows for easier movement
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 aluminum floor 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.
- LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION allows you to roll jack around with ease
- LOW PROFILE DESIGN lifts from 3 ½ to 19 ¼ inches
- 360 DEGREE ROTATING SADDLE allows for easier movement
PITTSBURGH 1.5 Ton Compact Aluminum Racing Jack
- COLORS MAY VARY: XL2T = A20016
- LIFT RANGE Provides the lowest low height (2 75”) and the highest high height...
- LOW PROFILE FRAME For easy access under low ground clearance vehicles
This jack is a good budget option for several reasons, and is a handy alternative if you can’t manage to find or afford the previous selections. Although there are some shortcomings, this model still manages to make itself a solid choice when outfitting your workshop.
As with the other choices, this jack is constructed of aluminum, making it far lighter than a comparable steel model. Although 40 pounds is relatively chunky for an aluminum jack, the issue of the weight can be mitigated by the inclusion of casters and side handles to make it easy to maneuver around the shop.
The casters themselves are made of the same aircraft-grade aluminum as the rest of the jack, making them less likely to crack or warp with use.
Because this is a racing jack, one of the main draws of this model is a powerful lift system that can winch up a car in just two or three pumps. This same mechanism that keeps Formula One racers in the running can make your workshop more efficient as well.
This jack benefits from the same precision machinery that professional race teams demand. So you can be sure of a quality machine that can take multiple stressful uses.
Like all workshop equipment, it’s worth having a look at the safety features. A knurled handle makes for secure operation at the rapid speeds this jack is made for.
The saddle is coated with textured rubber to prevent slipping or damage to the car. Foam bumpers have been added to prevent scratching or denting even when not in use.
It is important to point out that this jack is only rated for 1.5 tons, so a shop servicing larger vehicles will likely want to steer clear of this item. Home mechanics and smaller shops should definitely give this model a chance.
Liftmaster 3 Ton Aluminum Floor Jack
- Rated capacity: 3 Ton (6000 lbs)
- Jack is made of light weight aluminum frame to reduce product weight and...
- Dual Pump Quick Lift hydraulic system saves time and is equipped with safety...
If you’re looking to budget money but not weight, LiftMaster has just the thing. This jack is attractively priced, but weighs a hefty 72 pounds.
This extra weight is spread out over a sturdy skeleton that combines with the dual pumps to give this jack the ability to lift up to 3 tons of vehicle to a height of almost 20 inches from the shop floor.
A low-slung entry point, below 3 inches, makes this jack ideal for road-hugging vehicles like sports cars, and the high lift makes it suitable for sports utility vehicles or pickup trucks. An integrated safety valve prevents overloading, and a thick rubber saddle holds the vehicles firmly in place while you work.
Of particular note to many users is the sleek golden finish, almost out of place among the various dull colors more common in a workshop. Users often mention that this makes the jack pleasant to look at as well as a breeze to operates.
But don’t fall in love with it right out of the box. This coat can scratch and wear easily compared to the body of the jack. So make sure to add a protective coating of some kind if looks matter to you.
- Rated capacity: 3 Ton (6000 lbs)
- Jack is made of light weight aluminum frame to reduce product weight and...
- Dual Pump Quick Lift hydraulic system saves time and is equipped with safety...
