Last Updated on August 21, 2020 by Tim
A Deep Dive Into Pittsburgh Automotive Low Profile 3 Ton Floor Jack
As the name suggests, it is mainly used for lifting heavy vehicles such as trucks and low-profile as well as high-rise cars. They come in different heights beginning at 2.875″, which is quite a convenient fit for most sports cars that are really low.
If you are a professional technician or an automotive enthusiast then this floor jack is your best option. One look at the build quality will tell you that is made from industrial-grade steel. This ensures the durability of the product and the fact that it makes it structurally sound. Naturally, this also means that the product feels heavier when you compare it with other jacks.
To ensure that there is stability wide steel casters that may seem extra are added. Be it any position, it consists of a joint release, which ensures that no matter what position it is in, the load is controlled.
Having said that let’s take a detailed look at the Pittsburgh Automotive Low Profile 3 Ton floor jack, which has some of the best features and uses.
Let look at how this can best serve you. The noticeable things about this floor jack are the 19.75-inch-high lift point, which serves as the perfect height for larger trucks as well as other equipment. This ensures your vehicle is safely lifted to the required height, following which you can place jack stands underneath it.
Additionally, this floor jacks has a dual-parallel pump system, which means that your vehicle can be lifted easily and without much effort. Since one of the main features includes a universal release system, you can be assured that the control is in your hands and you can decide the pace of your car as it drops to the ground. The handle too can be twisted if you decide to stop lowering the vehicle in the middle.
The most important question is how much can this floor jack actually lift? The Pittsburgh Automotive 3 Ton floor jack can lift up to 3 tons which means that is perfectly capable and suitable to lift vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and other unconventional heavy vehicles.
So does this mean that this floor jack is only limited to heavy vehicles? The answer to this lies in the low profile design of the jack, whose minimum height is 3⅛ inch, which enables even the lowest of sports cars, to be lifted. This is made possible because of the minimum 3 ⅛ inch height.
How big exactly is this floor jack? The next noticeable feature is its size. It is 27 ½” long, 14 ⅜” wide and 8 ⅝” wide. It also includes a 45-inch handle. The footprint of the Pittsburgh Automotive 3 Ton floor jack is measured at 27 ½” in length, 14 ⅜” in width, 8 ⅝” height. One of the main reasons why this jack can lift up to 3 tons of weight is due to its weight, which is 78-pounds. So it probably won’t be as portable as some of its lighter competitors.
So what is it that makes this jack stand out? Its design includes a rapid pump dual piston that enables it to lift cars well. Pittsburgh stresses that it has 3 ½ pumps, but 4 full pumps is a more accurate description.
One of the best things about the jack is that it has really wide front steel wheels. This is necessary for stability, especially if the surfaces that you work on are made of asphalt or have the typical garage floor tiles with an interlocking pattern.
It also comes with a saddle that is 4 ¼” in diameter. It is suggested that before you start using it you must check the fluid level on the piston. If you go through the manual it gives you instructions on how to assemble the handle. Once you are done you will have to insert the handle into the socket, which is present at the back of the jack. There is a 17 mm set screw bolt that ensures that it is kept in place.
The maintenance is not complicated but very routine. Every 3 years the hydraulic oil in the pistons need to be changed. You are suggested to check for any missing parts that may have become damaged due to overuse and grease of the lift arm from time to time. This product comes with a 90-day limited warranty that does not cover manufacturing and workman defects.
Who’s It For?
The floor jack is, in many circumstances, the ideal solution if you want to get your vehicle in an ideal position. If you are an automotive enthusiast or a mechanic or someone who works in construction then this is the best product for you. Be a sudden breakdown on a road trip, or a flat tire when delivering goods or the regular need to slide under your vehicle for maintenance, the Pittsburgh Automotive Low Profile 3 Ton floor jack is your go-to equipment.
If you are not familiar with vehicles or the equipment required to fix or enable them to perform better, then this product is not for you. If you randomly buy this product without understanding its purpose then you will be in for some disappointment.
For example, if the hydraulic cylinders begin leaking which is very rare, you must know how and when to place the product. This product could be used for beginners since it can work on almost any car. However, you must read up thoroughly, do your research about its uses, and only then go for it.
It is slightly expensive but is the best option considering the performance ratio.
What We Like About Pittsburgh Automotive Low Profile 3 Ton Floor Jack
If your requirements include a strong durable jack that will assist you with any vehicle, then this is the one for you. The design is low profile and helps you to lift smaller and taller vehicles to their maximum height. The most attractive thing is of course the price it comes at, which is enough to impress anyone.
Satisfied users note how durable and sturdy it is and that it makes for a great home shop jack. It is known to be stable as it can lift up a vehicle at several different points, all the while keeping it firmly in place.
Of course, it cannot be a given that all jacks are perfectly suited or can be used by everyone, but there is one factor that can help make the job easier. Floor jacks are capable enough to multiply force mainly due to its design, which is user-friendly. When it comes to lifting heavy weights this is the perfect tool especially in case of car emergencies. Since it is well constructed, it’s quite reliable, which means that this jack will last longer over the years.
What We Don’t Like About Pittsburgh Automotive Low Profile 3 Ton Floor Jack
Some people may feel that it is just a replica of another product marketed at a higher price. The other thing is that if you are not familiar with this product and the usage then you might be a cylinder body, creating a snapping sound. You might have to put on a generous amount of grease to reduce friction.
Some customers have faced the issue of cover plates claiming they were much smaller than the space for opening or drilling. Even the screws are ordinary screws made from wood, because of which you could see the plate tilting to one side.
Rare cases have seen hydraulic cylinders beginning to leak causing a drop in the elevation levels were lifted. This makes it all the more necessary to first place your vehicle on the jack stands. Once you are sure, you can proceed.
PROS
- Quick lift system
- Industrial grade steel
- Three-ton weight capacity
- Suitable for both low-profile and high-rise vehicles
- Lifts 2.875″ to 19.75″
- Dual-parallel pump system
- Universal release system
- Has jack controls for lowering vehicle/weight
CONS
- Steel can rust
- Heavy in weight
- Reports of leak
What’s Included?
A foam bumper pad is included along with this floor jack. It is included as a protection for the lower lift handle to protect vehicles. There is also a steel saddle as well as a two-piece handle included in this product.
Overview Of Features
Let’s analyze the features once again.
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- Weight
It weighs 71.1 pounds which makes it very durable for high-rise cars and heavy vehicles.
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- Rapid Pump Technology and Universal Joint Release
This ensures that you can lift the vehicles to their greatest height with comparatively fewer pumps. This ensures that your vehicle is lowered safely even if the handle is in different positions. The pump ensures that most loads are lifted in 3 ½ pumps.
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- Wheels
The wide front wheel ensures that the jack is stable and immovable under any weight. It spreads the load almost evenly. This is handy when you are working on softer surfaces.
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- Material
The jack is made from industrial-grade steel. The weight does increase. However, its strength and ability are the main draws for users.
Review Summary
The Pittsburgh Automotive Low Profile 3 Ton Floor Jack comes is up to the mark in terms of standards meeting the 2005 ANSI/ASME Pald Standards. Since the lifting handle comes with a two-piece design, it is highly beneficial for those who travel regularly or have jobs that require them to drive constantly.
If you want to put it in the back of the car or maybe even the storage compartments of other vehicles this is the perfect product for you. This turns out to be a benefit when you need to transport the jack in the back of a car or in the storage compartment of the car trailer. Considering that there are two handles pieces in this jack, what adds to the convenience is that they are almost the same length as the jack.
The steel saddle, which is 4 ½” in diameter, has a part known as the shoulder stands at ¼”.
This is removable, making it convenient and accessible for adapters such as a transmission jack or a door dolly attachment.
The outside diameter of the saddle pad is 4 ¼”. There is a shoulder (approximately ¼” or more) to consider and an inside diameter of 3 ⅝”. If we were putting a rubber pad on ours, we would stick with a 3 ½” diameter. Another option, to maintain full pad diameter, would be to go with a 4 ½” rubber pad and machine a surface just for that shoulder and the four dog ears that stand even a little taller.
The one thing that you must bear in mind is the procedure or the setup. It is important to do one before you finally start using it. Remember the first step is the handle. You must insert it correctly into the socket.
Some people wonder if the handlebar can be removed. The answer is yes. Only the top half of the handlebar can be removed. The top half is connected to the bottom half with a small bolt.
If you are looking for a product that is stable, easy to store, has the right speed, then the Pittsburgh Automotive Low Profile 3 Ton Floor Jack is the one for you.
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