Last Updated on April 21, 2020 by Tim
For vehicles that are particularly LOW to the ground (sports cars, lowered vehicles, show cars, etc.), you need a low profile jack that can not only lift them high enough for your maintenance or repair needs but also get low enough to reach under their side panels.
The best low profile floor jack will do both these things well while not completely draining your bank account. Add a set of car jack stands and wheel chocks and you’re set.
When searching for a heavy duty, standard low profile car jack, there are a number of viable options.
However, some lowered imports, classic cars, or sports cars may need a jack that is specifically designed with ultra-low profile vehicles in mind.
Take a look at our top picks for low profile floor jacks currently on the market.
Top Pick:
Arcan XL2T Black Low Profile 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 2-ton low profile steel jack by Arcan is an impressive piece of machinery.
To begin, this model provides a true low profile that allows it to get under almost any vehicle and lift it significantly higher than any of this product’s competitors.
Its ability to do so lies in its extra-long 32-inch chassis.
Of all the different types of floor jacks, this model has a height range that begins at an incredibly low 2.75 inches to an equally impressive 24-inch height maximum. When it comes to ultra-low profile, this product fits the bill.
This model by Arcan provides all of this while still passing the 2009 ASME PALD standard, the industry’s leading safety regulation for lift equipment.
This low profile jack also features a dual rapid pump for rapid lifting as well as a universal joint release mechanism for precise user control.
Combine this with its welded front axle, 3/16″ steel side-plates, and robust 97 lb. weight, and it’s obvious that this jack is perfect for professionals and at-home mechanics alike.
Users rave about how perfect this jack is for ultra-low profile vehicles.
This isn’t just a low forward jack, it has the ability to reach an engine jack point on a variety of classic cars without having to pre-jack the vehicle. For a jack with such a low clearance, it’s also one of the best truck and SUV jacks due to its max lift height.
That’s something most low profile jacks simply can’t do. It is one of the only jacks available that has both a deep-reaching, low profile base as well as an incredibly impressive lift capacity. Simply put, this jack is the best at what it does.
Because of the long chassis design which makes the low clearance possible, extra weight is a necessary side effect.
That’s something to keep in mind if portability is a big requirement. Only another issue is some users reporting inconsistencies in product manufacturing.
This seems pretty rare, though Arcan is pretty good about honoring their product’s 1-year warranty which guarantees the repair or replacement of any unit that proves to be defective in workmanship.
That means you can rest assured that this product is going to work for you and your low profile needs.
- 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
Runners Up:
JEGS 80006 Professional Aluminum Low-Profile 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 (well-known in the racing world) has a minimum saddle height of only 3 ½”, making it perfect for any low-profile vehicle.
This jack weighs in at only 49 lbs. and has a lift capacity of 2-tons, making it incredibly portable and perfect for smaller vehicles (a Miata would be a good example of an ideal car candidate).
Perfect to take to the drag strip, lapping days, or autocross course. Users love the slick paint-job but don’t let appearances fool you, this is also an incredibly functional jack.
The JEGS 80006 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.
While made in China (like most other jacks), this model is very well constructed and should last for many years.
- 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
Arcan ALJ3T Aluminum Floor Jack
- LIGHTWEIGHT AIRCRAFT-GRADE ALUMINUM: Allows For Easy Maneuverability
- LIFTING CAPACITY: 6,000 lbs.
- DUAL PUMP PISTONS: Quickly Raises The Floor Jack Saddle To Load
The Arcan ALJ3T is another worthy mention because it can also get under low cars with ease, making this jack a good option for cars with low side skirts.
This particular jack is our favorite aluminum jack but it won’t get as low as the other Arcan jack above.
As the only 3-ton low profile floor jack on this page, it features thick side plates and lightweight durability not often found in jacks with this lift capacity.
Its dual pistons 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.
Drawbacks to low profile jack, however, include users reporting that the robber jack pad does not last long after initial uses and that there are only a small number of manufacturer parts available for replacements.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AIRCRAFT-GRADE ALUMINUM: Allows For Easy Maneuverability
- LIFTING CAPACITY: 6,000 lbs.
- DUAL PUMP PISTONS: Quickly Raises The Floor Jack Saddle To Load
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Many people balk at the idea of buying tools on a budget, especially something like a jack that can mean a car ruined or a worker injured if it fails. The old idiome ‘you get what you pay for’ looms in our minds and can often scare people into putting out more than they can really afford on pricier tools when a simpler device will do the trick.
The Pittsburgh floor jack is here to prove that saying wrong several times over. It’s got everything you need in your shop or garage without breaking the bank. This jack is built with a full steel frame to give it attractive durability, and is surprisingly well built for something so affordable.
It may not be quite on the level of powerful commercial jacks, but should see you through personal or minor use with no trouble at all. Powered by a simple pump action, this jack should be easy to master even for complete novices. The double casters make it easy to position or maneuver as you please.
Pittsburgh rates this jack for lifting up to 3 tons, which should be enough for any personal car but may run short if you’ll be working on trucks. Maximum lift height is nearly 20 inches, giving you plenty of space to work with.
One thing that might set this jack behind the competition is that these numbers represent harder limits than usual for a floor jack. While a better model might manage a little more than factory specifications, this model can start mosing hydraulic fluid if pushed beyond the recommended maximums.
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Neiko Pro 20272B – Best Jack For Professionals
- Constructed from durable industrial grade aluminum alloy with ultra lightweight...
- Powerful 3 tons lifting capacity, weighting only 57 pounds
- Dual plunger structure provides quicker and more efficient lifting from 3-3/4”...
As mentioned above, not everyone really needs to put out for a top-notch floor jack, but a professional really has no other option. When you and your business depend on the jack to keep your business running, the best is the only thing that will do. That’s where this model comes in, recognized by many in the field as the leading edge in floor jacks.
Among the first things that you may notice in this jack is that it is constructed of aluminum, not steel, which means that you can reposition it under one car after another without straining yourself. There are a pair of side handles that help with this as well, aimed at keeping the jack mobile in a busy shop.
This advantage is bolstered by the addition of metal casters that will hold up under more weight and for far longer than the plastic ones found on other models. A small but important detail if you intend to have this as your main jack for a string of repair jobs.
The reinforced lifting arm can handle up to 3 tons, as well as the repeated use that a bus workshop is likely to see. The jack provides nearly 19 inches of lift to make a spacious working area below the car.
A textured rubber lift saddle prevents damage to the car, even over long periods of time, and an integrated safety valve prevents overloading to keep your workshop safe.
- Constructed from durable industrial grade aluminum alloy with ultra lightweight...
- Powerful 3 tons lifting capacity, weighting only 57 pounds
- Dual plunger structure provides quicker and more efficient lifting from 3-3/4”...
Lane says
Did I read that right? The Arcan weighs almost 100 lbs?!? Wow.
Guess I’ll be getting the JEGS since 3.5″ should be low enough for my G20. I’ve have good luck with that brand in the past so why change now. BTW, great site!
Tim says
Yeah, it’s pretty hefty. Extremely well built and it has quite a following in the import scene. I love JEGS and almost had them as my number 1. Thanks!
WIngMantis says
Hi, do you know any 3 to 4 ton low profile high lift racing style jacks (front wheel(s) inside the frame)?
I would like the extra room for setting jack stands and to be able to handle cars and light duty pickups.
Thank you!
Randy says
The Arcan XL2T jack is only $219.00 at Northern Tool. Forget Amazon trying to screw people.
Tim says
The price on Amazon can vary but remember that shipping is free. For something that weighs almost 100lbs, shipping factored in is actually cheaper than the $60+ shipping Northern Tool charges for this item. Now, if you’re fortunate enough to have a Northern Tool store near you, that’s probably the way to go.
Dee says
For me, the best thing going for it is that the Arcan XL2T Black Low Profile Steel Service Jack is from an American owned company. While that’s not a guarantee of longevity, (or even of a tool’s origin, as SOME Sunex tools are made overseas now) even if the jack does fail I feel better about the money staying here than if the same thing happens to a made-in-China, Chinese a owned company.
That being said, The Sunnex 6602LP 2 Ton, Low Rider Service Jack-which appears to have a near identical design. (possibly same factory?) and, according to both their published specifications, is longer. It has a 4″+ wider stance, and at 36″ OAL, its about 4″ longer than the ARCAN XL2T and appears to have a correspondingly longer reach (ALTHOUGH I CANNOT VIEW THEM SIDE BY SIDE) its minimum height is 2.75″ (with an extremely shallow upward taper to the rear), and it lifts to 24″ shipping weight 103# its often is a similar or lower price on Amazon compared to this one. (with free shipping)
For an even LOWER, LONGER reach, low profile jack, at half again the price of the Sunnex, also on Amazon with free shipping, there’s the now “superceded” (if you can still find one)
Advanced Tool Design Model ATD-7325 2 Ton EXTRA Low Profile Tuner Jack .
its min height is 2.5″ reach is about 23″ at that height, then, behind the rear lifting pivot, it jumps to 3.5″ for another 6.5″ or so, a combination of reach and height and which is hard to beat at the price level overall length is 41″ shipping weight 123#
Tim says
Thanks Dee for the excellent comment! Yes, the Sunex 6602LP does appear to be made by the same manufacturer as Arcan. The general design is the same but with just enough differences to make them unique. This seems commonplace in the industry where a manufacturer creates models under different brands.
And yes, the ATD jack you mentioned is another great option. I almost included it in the reviews above but the price and availability is rarely consistent. Here are links for both for our readers:
Juan Abreu says
I need low profile floor jask only make in USA.
Tim says
Unfortunately, almost all brands of low profile jacks are made in China or Taiwan. Quality seems to get better every year but still not made in the US. There are a few options though (if you have the budget)… Brunnhoelzl Racing jacks are made in the US and have low lift points. US Jack is another respected brand.
Older Hein Werner jacks were also made in the USA but they are not very low profile. There are a few other American hydraulic companies but most don’t have low profile jacks in their lineups.