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Trail Jack

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by mickeykelley, Aug 27, 2017.

  1. Aug 30, 2017
    Welderr

    Welderr Member

    NW New Jersey
    Joined:
    May 29, 2015
    Messages:
    82
    I have a come along and a Hi lift in my farm truck. If you get a hi lift read the manual before using it. Better yet ask someone who uses one to demonstrate it they are a handy tool that deserves a lot of respect for safety. I remember the first time using one I hit the down lever and the handle was down it came up so fast and smacked my thumb so hard I saw stars. Remember it like yesterday. T J
     
  2. Aug 30, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
    Messages:
    7,540
    Is this for burying your thumb? :confused:
     
  3. Aug 30, 2017
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    Here's a tip if you have long-travel suspension, or have no choice but to jack the high-side of an off-camber rig: Use a section of chain, a come-a-long, or a strong ratchet strap to preload the suspension on the corner you want lifted. It will save you the distance of the drooping suspension as you lift.
     
    Bowbender likes this.
  4. Aug 30, 2017
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2016
    Messages:
    534
    When you all are saying you have a hi-lift, is it an actual Hi-Lift® jack or a knock-off?

    As far as the bottle jacks and others mentioned, any particular brands that you like and what size bottle jacks?
    I'm trying to stay away from imported stuff.
     
  5. Aug 30, 2017
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
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    6,656
    Hi-Lift brand for me.
     
    Hellion likes this.
  6. Aug 30, 2017
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,593
    Hi-lift brand for me
     
    Hellion likes this.
  7. Aug 30, 2017
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
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    6,656
    I don't know if they still offer the same lineup, but 20+ years ago, there were 4 models of Hi-Lift brand jacks. They had the 4' and 5' versions, and of those you could get the stamped steel or cast steel components. As I said earlier, I have one of each. They both have held up well, but the cast version has shown less wear and has been lees prone to bending parts under extreme abuse.
     
    Hellion likes this.
  8. Aug 30, 2017
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,593
    3 versions now - stamped/cast, all cast, and extreme duty all cast.
    Hi-Lift Product Comparison - Which Hi-Lift Product is right for me? | Hi Lift Jack Company
     
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  9. Aug 30, 2017
    wally

    wally SSSSTER

    upper merrimack...
    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2005
    Messages:
    554
    hi-lift for me, too. i've used it as a winch. i've used it to leverage the inspection cover off of my septic tank. and others.

    it is all cast. fwiw, i carry a maasdam puller and shovel, too.
     
    Hellion likes this.
  10. Aug 30, 2017
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    Actual 4' "Hi Lift" one of the early original which was cast iron.
    Not too long after they came out John Deere and others made as tamped steel version.

    Had one of the JD's also but not sure what happened to that one.
    Having two of them is great if you need to lift the whole end of Jeep up high with great increase toward stability.
     
    Hellion likes this.
  11. Aug 30, 2017
    Bowbender

    Bowbender I'm workin' on it!

    Northern Minn.
    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2014
    Messages:
    561
    I have two of the cast 48" Hi Lift. Had them for close to 30 years, still work fine.
     
    Hellion likes this.
  12. Aug 30, 2017
    Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chico CA
    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2012
    Messages:
    2,263
    Have a knock off and original hi lift.

    Grandfather always called them jawbreakers or arm busters (insert body part here).

    Yes they need lube to keep working. Spring / pin kits are easy fixed also.
    Have peed on mine to make it work in a pinch.

    Also like my worn out more-power-puller, extra cable, a few lengths of chain and a strap.
     
  13. Aug 30, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2014
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    7,540
    TMI
     
    GeoffreyL and Bowbender like this.
  14. Sep 1, 2017
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2006
    Messages:
    1,929
    He, he ,he. But good to know that is an option.
     
  15. Sep 1, 2017
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
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    6,656
    It works as brake fluid in a pinch, too. :whistle:
     
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  16. Sep 3, 2017
    3Jeepstothewind

    3Jeepstothewind New Member

    Colorado
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2017
    Messages:
    4
    Too bad it doesn't work as fuel.
     
  17. Sep 3, 2017
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
    Messages:
    4,457
    I have both cast steel and stamped steel versions, both dating from someplace in the early 70's. Yes, they work and are handy for an almost unlimited number of uses around the ranch, from pulling posts to straightening out bale wagons, but RARELY do they ever find a space on a Jeep of mine. Perhaps it is where I wheel-with lots of trees and rocks, but I've always found a winch and a snatch block or two can always do things better with a lot more control.

    All that said, if you are going this route, I would absolutely buy a real Hi Lift.
     
    Bowbender likes this.
  18. Nov 11, 2017
    XJSuperman

    XJSuperman New Member

    Central Iowa
    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2017
    Messages:
    9
    Ive got a Reese brand "FarmJack" high lift type jack and its been great, but I haven't needed it as much as I thought I would. Ive got a bottle jack i need to start carrying with me.
     
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