The 10 Best 3-ton Floor Jacks of 2021
Photo: Torin
As the name suggests, a 3-ton floor jack is a powerful type of floor jack that can lift a maximum of three tonnes or over 6000 lbs. This capacity makes it ideal for raising cars, trucks, SUVs, and other heavy vehicles.
The tool is traditionally associated with professionals due to its expensive price tag. However, it has become cheaper over time and, on top of this, easier to use. Even a new user can get around its workings in a matter of minutes.
Therefore, if you consider getting one of these, check out our review below of the best 3-ton floor jacks. We have handpicked the top-rated models that are sure to interest you.
10 Best 3-ton Floor Jacks – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Arcan ALJ3T (Best Overall) | ||
 | 2. JEGS 80077 (Best Aluminum) | ||
 | 3. Pittsburgh 61253 (Best Budget) | ||
 | 4. Liftmaster Heavy Duty (Best Low-Profile) | ||
 | 5. Sunex NOS NSJ0301 (Best Heavy-Duty) | ||
 | 6. Sunex 6603ASJ (Easily Maneuverable) | ||
 | 7. Pittsburg C3r0iu (Complete Set) | ||
 | 8. Big Red T83006 (Safety-Protected) | ||
 | 9. Neiko Pro 20272B (Slip-Free) | ||
 | 10. Arcan XL3000A (With Wiper Seals) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Arcan ALJ3T (Best Overall) |
2. JEGS 80077 (Best Aluminum) |
3. Pittsburgh 61253 (Best Budget) |
4. Liftmaster Heavy Duty (Best Low Profile) |
5. Sunex NOS NSJ0301 (Best Heavy-Duty) |
6. Sunex 6603ASJ (Easily Maneuverable) |
7. Pittsburg C3r0iu (Complete Set) |
8. Big Red T83006 (Safety-Protected) |
9. Neiko Pro 20272B (Slip-Free) |
10. Arcan XL3000A (With Wiper Seals) |
1. Best Overall: Arcan ALJ3T
Photo: Arcan
- Lift range: 3.75 to 18 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 30 x 13.5 x 8 inches
With its durable build-quality, versatile lift range, and safety features, the Arcan ALJ3T is our best overall 3-ton floor jack. The unit is built using aircraft-grade aluminum, which gives it a very sturdy but lightweight structure.
A lift-range of 3.75 – 18 inches makes the jack very versatile because it is suitable for raising most vehicles. This is achieved by the use of dual pump pistons, which lift the saddle quickly to the highest level.
These pistons are protected using dust shields, which prevent dust from reaching the hydraulic system. Thus, the unit's efficiency and performance do not degrade over time.
Moreover, you can expect many safety features like an overloading valve and bypass system. These keep the floor jack from overextending its hydraulic ram past the rated capacity.
You also get heavy-duty rollers for easy movement, a 2-piece handle for compact storage, and a rubber saddle plus a foam handle bumper to protect your vehicle from damages.
However, the jack cannot lift very low cars because it does not have a low profile design.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Best Aluminum: JEGS 80077
Photo: JEGS
- Lift range: 3.5 to 19.25 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 32 x 15 x 8 inches
JEGS' 80077 is characterized by a lightweight aluminum construction that weighs only 58 lbs. This allows you to roll it around with ease while still maintaining a strong and durable frame.
Another benefit you get is a low-profile design that lifts from 3.5 – 19.25 inches, which is ideal for low ground-clearance vehicles. That said, the saddle rotates 360º at any height to allow for easy movement.
Overload and bypass valves are built-in to keep you from exceeding the weight capacity, while hydraulic seals prevent dust from getting into the pistons. This helps to prolong performance and efficiency.
You also get a rubber lift pad to prevent the marring of surfaces. However, the jack is very long (32 inches), and this could be a disadvantage if you have limited space in your garage.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Best Budget: Pittsburgh 61253
Photo: Pittsburgh
- Lift range: 5 to 18.25 inches
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 28 x 12 x 10 inches
For many automotive professionals, this Pittsburgh 3-ton floor jack is an excellent model to consider due to its excellent price to performance ratio.
Indeed, despite being much more affordable than other competing floor jacks, this model features heavy-duty steel construction with super-tough, precision-welded joints. This makes it very strong and durable.
In addition to that, this floor jack uses an efficient hydraulic system with dual parallel piston pumps. These create a rapid lifting system that raises the saddle from 5 to 18.25 inches using 3.5 pumps.
A universal joint release is built-in to provide precision load control at any handle position. The only issue is that the jack is very heavy because it weighs 75.1 lbs. However, it is fitted with four extra-wide steel casters that hold the weight with ease and keep the jack steady.
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4. Best Low-profile: Liftmaster Heavy Duty
Photo: Liftmaster
- Lift range: 3 to 20 inches
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 31 x 15 x 6.5 inches
With a low entry point of 3 inches, Liftmasters's 3-ton jack has the lowest profile, which means it can fit under most road-legal cars, including sports cars. The unit is also ideal for raising big SUVs, trucks, or vehicles with elevated chassis because it can reach a high of 20 inches.
Dual-piston pumps are built in to ensure you raise the saddle and vehicle from 3 to 20 inches in no time.
The lifting handle has a 2-piece design for compact storage and a knurled steel grip for firm holding. It is also fitted with a foam bumper to prevent damages to your vehicle. On the other end, the saddle has a strengthened rubber pad that is gentle to your car while enhancing grip.
However, the tool lacks a rotating saddle for easy movement and it is quite long, which makes it hard to store in tight spaces.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Most Heavy-duty: Sunex NOS NSJ0301
Photo: NOS
- Lift range: 3.75 to 18.125 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 28.7 x 13 x 6.6 inches
NOS' NSJ0301 features a heavy-duty design that consists of an aluminum frame and thick side plates. It also has a reinforced lift-arm for chassis torsion control, strength, and durability. These components ensure all the internal mechanisms are held firmly in place as you raise your car.
Aside from that, a safety valve is built-in to prevent overloading, while a rubber pad on the handle keeps it gentle to your car. That said, this handle has a 2-piece design for compact storage. Overall, this whole piece weighs only 58 lbs., which is relatively lightweight.
The tool has a decent lift range of 3.75 inches to 18.125 inches, which is ideal for small and large vehicles. However, this is not exactly a low-profile design due to its relatively high entry point.
Pros:
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6. Easily-maneuverable: Sunex 6603ASJ
Photo: Sunex
- Lift range: 3.8 to 19.3 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 31.7 x 15 x 7.87 inches
The 6603ASJ features wide-track front wheels and swivel, ball-bearing-mounted rear wheels that make it easily maneuverable around your workshop or under your car. These are complemented by side-mounted handles, which make it easy to position the jack below your car.
Other than that, the tool has rapid rise technology built-in, and this incorporates the use of two pistons to raise the saddle from 3.8 to 19.3 inches in 7.5 pumps.
This saddle is made using rubber to cushion your car from the metal, while the handle has a foam bumper pad that does the same job when pumping the pistons.
All these mechanisms are held in place by a sturdy aluminum frame, which is strengthened using thick side plates. You also get a reinforced lift-arm for chassis torsion control and additional strength & durability.
However, the tool is quite expensive and it is quite long, which means you require a big storage space.
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7. Complete Set: Pittsburg C3r0iu
Photo: Pittsburg
- Lift range: 3.125 to 19.875 inches
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 27.5 x 14.375 inches
This 3-ton floor jack does not come on its own. It is accompanied by two jack stands, which are alternative tools to use to lift heavy vehicles.
That said, the floor jack has a versatile 3.125 – 19.875-inch lift range, which gives it a low profile design. As such, it can fit under cars with a low ground-clearance, as well as lift large vehicles.
Lifting is done using an exclusive dual parallel pump system, which raises the saddle rapidly from the lowest to the highest point.
The jack features a precision-welded heavy-duty steel frame and though it is very heavy (78 lbs.), it is carried by smooth-rolling & extra-wide casters for easy maneuverability.
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8. Safety-protected: Big Red T83006
Photo: Torin
- Lift range: 5.875 to 20.875 inches
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 26 x 11 x 8 inches
Big Red's T83006 is equipped with a safety bypass system that prevents you from overloading the hydraulic lift system for safe operation. This keeps the most critical part of the jack in good shape, in case your car is too heavy.
That said, this critical component is a single-piston pump, and it works hand-in-hand with the long-necked saddle to raise your car from 5.875 to 20.875 inches. Though this is not the ideal height to fit under sports cars, it works perfectly for trucks, vans, and SUVs.
The unit is built using heavy-duty steel to enhance its durability, especially in industrial/commercial use.
You also get built-in carry handles for easy transportation, as well as two large front casters and two rear swivel casters for easy maneuverability. On the downside, the single-piston pump system is not as efficient as the dual-piston type.
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9. Slip-free: Neiko Pro 20272B
Photo: Neiko
- Lift range: 3.75 to 19.25 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 29.1 x 13 x 6.7 inches
The Neiko Pro has a rubber, dotted saddle that keeps your car's frame/chassis from slipping, while also protecting against dents and scratches.
This saddle is raised by a dual-pump system, which raises it from 3.75 inches to 19.25 inches quickly and efficiently. The wide range is versatile enough to be used on most cars.
A sturdy industrial-grade aluminum-alloy frame holds all the internal components in place. Since the metal is relatively lightweight, the jack weighs only 57 lbs. This makes it easy to carry, and it has side handles to further simplify transportation.
Rear swivel casters make it easy to position the saddle at the perfect spot under your car, while a foam padding on the handle keeps you from denting the surface.
The only problem with this jack is that its price could have been a little bit more competitive. Other than this, it is one of the best 3-ton floor jack you can buy.
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10. with Wiper Seals: Arcan XL3000A
Photo: Arcan
- Lift range: 3 to 19.72 inches
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 29.3 x 13.8 x 6.3 inches
With wiper seals protecting the hydraulic system, no dust or contaminants can penetrate the inside Arcan's XL3000A pumping mechanism. This ensures you get consistent performance throughout the jack's lifespan.
That said, this system consists of two pumps that raise the saddle from a low 3-inch entry point to a 19.72-inch maximum height.
Bypass and overload valves prevent the over-extension of the hydraulic ram past the rated capacity for safety purposes. On the other hand, a sturdy steel frame with high-carbon-steel side plates for reinforcement ensures the jack holds all the weight placed on it without breaking apart.
The unit is easily maneuverable because it has wide front wheels and ball-bearing-mounted rear swivel casters. However, it lacks a spinning saddle, which would have made it easier to move with the car on top.
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How to Buy the Best 3-ton Floor Jack
Photo: Pittsburgh
1. Build-Quality
This is a very important factor to consider because a 3-ton floor jack should be strong enough to handle the weight placed above it. That said, the quality is usually determined by the material used to build it.
Aluminum and steel are the most commonly used materials. Aluminum has the benefit of being lightweight, which makes the jack easy to carry. On the other hand, steel is heavier but forms a more heavy-duty frame.
However, some additions such as thick side plates and a reinforced lift-arm make aluminum jacks sturdier but still lightweight. This is why we recommend the NOS NSJ0301 as the most heavy-duty piece. It strikes the perfect balance between sturdiness and lightweight-ness.
2. Height range
Measured in inches, height-range is the difference between the lowest entry point that the saddle can be set, to its highest point.
It is important to note that low entry points of about 3 inches are ideal for lifting cars with a low ground-clearance, like sports cars. On the other hand, for high vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans, you need at least 18 inches of elevation.
As such, the best 3-ton floor jack that can fit on all kinds of cars should have a wide range, starting from as low as 3 inches. With that in mind, Liftmasters's unit stands out because it can extend from 3 to 20 inches.
3. Ground clearance
Ground clearance is the distance between the jack point of your vehicle and the ground. Knowing your vehicle's ground clearance will allow you to get a compatible floor jack.
Remember, not all vehicles have the same ground clearance. For example, sports cars usually have a smaller ground clearance for stability at high speeds. On the other hand, SUVs, trucks, and vans have long ground clearances.
Get this specific figure, then buy a jack with a height range that encompasses this figure.
4. Lifting speed
As the term suggests, this is the speed at which the floor jack can lift your vehicle so that you can start working under it. For most people, the lifting speed does not matter as most of us can wait a few extra seconds, no problem.
However, in a commercial setting, those few seconds count and add up to cause delays. Therefore, you should check the number of pumps required to raise the jack from low to high. Pittsburgh's 61253 stands out because it requires only 3.5 pumps, and we highly recommend it.
5. Safety
Safety features are for protecting your jack from damages in case you overload it. For this, you should look for a safety bypass and an overloading valve.
Conclusion
In summary, Arcan's ALJ3T is the best of the best because it has a durable build-quality, versatile lift range, and multiple safety features. It also has efficient dual-piston pumps and a compact 2-piece handle.
However, if you want a low-profile floor jack, be sure to check out Liftmasters's piece. With its 3-inch minimum height, it has a low entry point that can fit under sports cars and other low ground-clearance vehicles.
We also recommend the Pittsburgh 61253 as the best 3-ton floor jack if you are on a tight budget. It is reasonably-priced but still maintains a heavy-duty frame and efficient dual-piston pumps.
- 10 Best 3-ton Floor Jacks – Review
- 1. Best Overall: Arcan ALJ3T
- 2. Best Aluminum: JEGS 80077
- 3. Best Budget: Pittsburgh 61253
- 4. Best Low-profile: Liftmaster Heavy Duty
- 5. Most Heavy-duty: Sunex NOS NSJ0301
- 6. Easily-maneuverable: Sunex 6603ASJ
- 7. Complete Set: Pittsburg C3r0iu
- 8. Safety-protected: Big Red T83006
- 9. Slip-free: Neiko Pro 20272B
- 10. with Wiper Seals: Arcan XL3000A
- How to Buy the Best 3-ton Floor Jack
- Conclusion
