48" Farm Jack for $29

ExploringNC · 01-18-2007, 06:59 AM

I was at Northern Tool yesterday and saw a Torin 48" 7000lb Farm Jack on sale for $29. I was looking at getting a Hi-Lift but this sounds like a good deal. Does it match up to the Hi-Lift brand and is this good enough for off roading?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...ategory%20Page

**james t** · 01-18-2007, 07:55 AM

Do not get one of those, it will kill you.

I got a torin for my dad a long time ago at a local feed store. He used it once, then cut it in half with a chopsaw. I asked why he didnt just take it back? He said he didnt want to be responsible for anyone ever using it. Thats how bad it is. When it would reach a certain point well below its weight limit it would just let go. Our local Tractor Supply used to sell both High Lift and (i cant remember the name) a knock off brand. They stopped carrying the knock off because of so many complaints. Ive never heard of anyone having good luck with any of the cheaper knock offs that actually used it.

A regular High Lift is dangerous enough as it is... the knockoff versions seem to be much much worse.

**IZwack** · 01-18-2007, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james t

A regular High Lift is dangerous enough as it is....

Hell yeah - A High Lift jack is one of the scarriest tool in most people's rig.

*Positive Vibes* · 01-18-2007, 12:16 PM

Dont buy it. Save your money and buy a Hi-lift.

**Turdle** · 01-18-2007, 12:25 PM

Thanks for the heads up guys, I was also looking at that.

Mud Bug 94 · 01-26-2007, 11:40 PM

high lift = deathstick

**Burns** · 01-27-2007, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mud Bug 94

high lift = deathstick

only when in the hands of someone who does not know how to use one safely.

thats why i dont have one

*BonesDT* · 03-05-2007, 01:51 PM

I busted my no-name SUV hydraulic floor jack. I was wondering if I should replace it with another floor jack or with a hi-lift.

Personally, the hi-lift does seem like the most dangerous thing ever. What's up with that skinny base and short hook?? But it seems soo popular. It definately would be very convenient.

Otherwise, what kind of floor jack should I get. I was thinking Craftsman, but they don't seem to make a tall SUV one. I need one that can get really high for my lifted Explorer.

What do huge-lift truckers use at the shop?

**IZwack** · 03-05-2007, 01:54 PM

Unless you have the proper mounts to use a high-lift (rock sliders, steel tubuluar or ARB-like bumpers), then a hi-lift is almost useless unless you dont mind destroying your vehicle.

tha704mafia · 03-05-2007, 02:08 PM

i am with IZwack on that one but they are cool as hell to mess around with but i would only get a hi lift.

*BonesDT* · 03-05-2007, 02:15 PM

yea, ok thanks, ruled that one out.

anyone know of a good floor jack for lifted trucks?

95offroadx · 03-08-2007, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Positive Vibes

Dont buy it. Save your money and buy a Hi-lift.

hi-lifts are the worst thing ever made! i have one, jacked my explorer up with it the jack fell over while my truck was jacked up, my explorer shifted over and almost hit my garage wall. never used it since.. i use a 8ton craftsmen floor jack now and it works great, and my stock jack that came in my truck to change flats

note: i got 5" of lift and 33's

**IZwack** · 03-08-2007, 05:48 PM

Hi-lifts are meant more for the trail in emergency situatoins -- not really for garages

They are dangerous so you want to use a normal and safer jack when possible. But on the trail, there are not many jacks out there that are as versatile as a Hi-lift (when its working properly

)

*Positive Vibes* · 03-12-2007, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95offroadx

hi-lifts are the worst thing ever made! i have one, jacked my explorer up with it the jack fell over while my truck was jacked up, my explorer shifted over and almost hit my garage wall. never used it since.. i use a 8ton craftsmen floor jack now and it works great, and my stock jack that came in my truck to change flats

note: i got 5" of lift and 33's

Sounds like operator error to me. Used mine many many times without problems. So you gonna carry that 8 ton craftsman jack on the trail with you??? If you never needed a hi-lift on the trail than you aint wheeling!

95offroadx · 03-12-2007, 02:25 PM

there are to parts to my hi jack the base, and the the long part, with a pin hold them together, the long part wiggles from the base.

are can uses your stock jack out on the trails lol.

*sn0border88* · 03-12-2007, 09:48 PM

I cant use my stock jack on trails, it wont even get anything off the ground. With proper use, you can use a hi lift.

When I lost a TTB piviot bolt in a mud hole at 3 am in october a 60" hi lift was just barely high enough to get me off the ground to get the bolt back in. We also had winches doing a tug of war on either tire to get it lined back up. Any other jack would of been worthless.

410Fortune · 03-12-2007, 10:04 PM

I just used my hi lift this last weekend, it was my only way to get home.
I slipped off the road a bit in my BII (4x4ing on snow covered roads) and dug in all 4 tires pretty good.

Took me 30 minutes with the hi lift and a shovel to get the BII back on top of the snow. I almost lost a finger however, when I was lowering the front back down the jack jumped one notch down and caught my finger between the handle and jack.
I dropped alot of blood on that trail! split my finger wide open.

Moral is a hi lift can be used safely, if there is risk of tipping then dont get near the sides of the truck. Never get under a truck with just a jack, of course and WEAR GLOVES, I had forgotten mine but I am happy to still have a pinky

I have tube bumpers front and rear and there are plenty of times where a hi lift is the only way you are getting back on the trail, you just have to know how to use it and keep your head about you

*dkchrist* · 03-12-2007, 10:13 PM

we use them for implements all the time because nothing will pick them up high enough with out a lot more work but you have to be CAREFUL with them period

slojoe · 03-14-2008, 10:48 PM

I just saw this old thread and wanted to chime in. I bought a Northern Tool hi-lift, made in China, which they don't tell you. Paid more than 30 bucks for it too. It works fine going up and holding, I'd use it on my International Travelall 3/4 ton plow truck to get out of snowbanks. The problem is with lowering, it's got a kink in it and you have to play with the handle. Sometimes it will spring up at you. Unless you just drive off it, which is OK for a beater w/a good bumper but maybe not so good for your bodywork on a nice vehicle.
I then bought a better quality jack, looks to be old and American made, in a pawn shop for about 30 bucks. I had to replace a pin and a spring but it works much smoother than the Chinese one. I'm selling both tomorrow thru craigslist for 15 bucks each as I no longer have the International.
These jacks are good for off-road use but you have to be careful and learn how to use them without knocking yourself out. As others have said... stay away from cheap foreign ones and get a quality unit with a cast iron lever and not cheap stamped steel. IMO that's where the problem lies with switching to lowering mode. I'd never consider using it in a shop as a hydraulic lift is much safer and easier to use.

01-18-2007, 06:59 AM	#1
ExploringNC Wannabe Elite Explorer Hickory, NC '98 XLT, '91 EB Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,087 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	48" Farm Jack for $29 I was at Northern Tool yesterday and saw a Torin 48" 7000lb Farm Jack on sale for $29. I was looking at getting a Hi-Lift but this sounds like a good deal. Does it match up to the Hi-Lift brand and is this good enough for off roading? http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...ategory%20Page __________________ '91 EB 4.0 OHV 4x4 31x10.5 Maxxis Bighorn's Uwharrie 2010 BrooklynBay's List of Useful Threads

01-18-2007, 07:55 AM	#2
james t moderation Texarkana AR/TX 94 SAS sport Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 11,258 Vehicle Specs	Do not get one of those, it will kill you. I got a torin for my dad a long time ago at a local feed store. He used it once, then cut it in half with a chopsaw. I asked why he didnt just take it back? He said he didnt want to be responsible for anyone ever using it. Thats how bad it is. When it would reach a certain point well below its weight limit it would just let go. Our local Tractor Supply used to sell both High Lift and (i cant remember the name) a knock off brand. They stopped carrying the knock off because of so many complaints. Ive never heard of anyone having good luck with any of the cheaper knock offs that actually used it. A regular High Lift is dangerous enough as it is... the knockoff versions seem to be much much worse. __________________ my rebuild

01-18-2007, 12:16 PM	#4
Positive Vibes Elite Explorer Santa Cruz, Ca '94 XLT Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 4,081 Vehicle Specs	Dont buy it. Save your money and buy a Hi-lift. __________________ '94 XLT, 5.5" superlift, cat back flowmaster, KKM, custom rocksliders, 33X12.5 XTerrains, 4.10's, custom bumpers, Detroit in 8.8, on board air, ARB locker in front winch,etc. What is greater than God, More evil than the devil, The poor have it, The rich need it, And if you eat it, you'll die?

01-18-2007, 12:25 PM	#5
Turdle Old and in the way Humboldt, Kansas 2000 Mounty Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 23,745 Vehicle Specs	Thanks for the heads up guys, I was also looking at that. __________________ Jon 2000 Mountaineer Turdle-gone Vitamin D Wagon Sold also

01-26-2007, 11:40 PM	#6
Mud Bug 94 Wannabe Elite Explorer Bloomingdale, N J 94 XLT-367k miles Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,207 Vehicle Specs	high lift = deathstick __________________ 94 xlt 4 door, 32's 4 inch shackles and custom tube bumpers with tire carrier

03-05-2007, 01:51 PM	#8
BonesDT Elite Explorer Westchester, NY Red '99 Sport SOHC 4x4 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,085 Vehicle Specs	I busted my no-name SUV hydraulic floor jack. I was wondering if I should replace it with another floor jack or with a hi-lift. Personally, the hi-lift does seem like the most dangerous thing ever. What's up with that skinny base and short hook?? But it seems soo popular. It definately would be very convenient. Otherwise, what kind of floor jack should I get. I was thinking Craftsman, but they don't seem to make a tall SUV one. I need one that can get really high for my lifted Explorer. What do huge-lift truckers use at the shop? __________________ Mazda M5OD-R1HD, Ranger FX4 shifter, BorgWarner 13-54 M, Aussie Locker rear, PA 3" body lift, 2" TT, Warrior shackles, hybrid leafs, Monroe Reflex, Goodyear DuraTrac 33x12.5x15, AR Mojave Teflon 15x8, Flowmaster Dual 40 Originals -> 50 SUV, Power Slot Cryo, Hawk LTS, Smittybilt Outland grille guard, APC clear lenses, Mustang FR500 steering wheel with Cobra airbag, Kenwood DNX9140, Valentine One, Dynamat Xtreme, Autel MaxiDiag US703 1989 Shelby Dakota Convertible 5-Speed under restoration

03-05-2007, 01:54 PM	#9
IZwack Germantown, MD Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 22,390 Vehicle Specs	Unless you have the proper mounts to use a high-lift (rock sliders, steel tubuluar or ARB-like bumpers), then a hi-lift is almost useless unless you dont mind destroying your vehicle. __________________ »»»»»...how'd the moon get there, how'd the moon get there?

03-05-2007, 02:08 PM	#10
tha704mafia Wannabe Elite Explorer MOORESVILLE, North Carolina 99 XLT Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 193 Vehicle Specs	i am with IZwack on that one but they are cool as hell to mess around with but i would only get a hi lift. __________________ 1999 XLT 36inch iroks/FOX Coil-overs/Yukon 4.88's/1354m tc/ramsey winch Very NICE <<<FULLWIDTH SAS SOON>>>

03-05-2007, 02:15 PM	#11
BonesDT Elite Explorer Westchester, NY Red '99 Sport SOHC 4x4 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,085 Vehicle Specs	yea, ok thanks, ruled that one out. anyone know of a good floor jack for lifted trucks? __________________ Mazda M5OD-R1HD, Ranger FX4 shifter, BorgWarner 13-54 M, Aussie Locker rear, PA 3" body lift, 2" TT, Warrior shackles, hybrid leafs, Monroe Reflex, Goodyear DuraTrac 33x12.5x15, AR Mojave Teflon 15x8, Flowmaster Dual 40 Originals -> 50 SUV, Power Slot Cryo, Hawk LTS, Smittybilt Outland grille guard, APC clear lenses, Mustang FR500 steering wheel with Cobra airbag, Kenwood DNX9140, Valentine One, Dynamat Xtreme, Autel MaxiDiag US703 1989 Shelby Dakota Convertible 5-Speed under restoration

03-08-2007, 05:48 PM	#13
IZwack Germantown, MD Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 22,390 Vehicle Specs	Hi-lifts are meant more for the trail in emergency situatoins -- not really for garages They are dangerous so you want to use a normal and safer jack when possible. But on the trail, there are not many jacks out there that are as versatile as a Hi-lift (when its working properly ) __________________ »»»»»...how'd the moon get there, how'd the moon get there?

03-12-2007, 02:25 PM	#15
95offroadx Wannabe Elite Explorer Palmyra, Pa 91 explorer xlt Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1,580 Vehicle Specs	there are to parts to my hi jack the base, and the the long part, with a pin hold them together, the long part wiggles from the base. are can uses your stock jack out on the trails lol. __________________ 1991 Explorer Xlt 4x4- 33pc m/t, 4.56 gears, 5.5" of lift, tons more 03 Ranger Xlt 4.0sohc 5spd 4x4 4.10's- sidepipes,cai, hurst shifter,black headlights, tinted, 2/2.5" drop, 275/60 & 285/60 falkens, 17x9 & 17x10.5 fr500 xplorer pics ranger pics Josh Hossler

03-12-2007, 09:48 PM	#16
sn0border88 Master Apprentice Souderton, PA 1992 XLT Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 4,342 Vehicle Specs	I cant use my stock jack on trails, it wont even get anything off the ground. With proper use, you can use a hi lift. When I lost a TTB piviot bolt in a mud hole at 3 am in october a 60" hi lift was just barely high enough to get me off the ground to get the bolt back in. We also had winches doing a tug of war on either tire to get it lined back up. Any other jack would of been worthless. __________________ My Photos---Emily Rose---SAS Thread---My Mug 1992 4dr XLT. SAS'ed HPD44/9" 5.13's Locked F/R 36" SX 1999 4.0 5spd sport on 31" BFG Muds

03-12-2007, 10:04 PM	#17
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 22,099 Vehicle Specs	I just used my hi lift this last weekend, it was my only way to get home. I slipped off the road a bit in my BII (4x4ing on snow covered roads) and dug in all 4 tires pretty good. Took me 30 minutes with the hi lift and a shovel to get the BII back on top of the snow. I almost lost a finger however, when I was lowering the front back down the jack jumped one notch down and caught my finger between the handle and jack. I dropped alot of blood on that trail! split my finger wide open. Moral is a hi lift can be used safely, if there is risk of tipping then dont get near the sides of the truck. Never get under a truck with just a jack, of course and WEAR GLOVES, I had forgotten mine but I am happy to still have a pinky I have tube bumpers front and rear and there are plenty of times where a hi lift is the only way you are getting back on the trail, you just have to know how to use it and keep your head about you __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted

03-12-2007, 10:13 PM	#18
dkchrist I am here...I think Ellsworth, KS '03 Ranger XLT 4x4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,274 Vehicle Specs	we use them for implements all the time because nothing will pick them up high enough with out a lot more work but you have to be CAREFUL with them period __________________ My 2003 Ranger Deep Blue- My Registry My Ranger for Sale Daniel

03-14-2008, 10:48 PM	#19
slojoe Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	I just saw this old thread and wanted to chime in. I bought a Northern Tool hi-lift, made in China, which they don't tell you. Paid more than 30 bucks for it too. It works fine going up and holding, I'd use it on my International Travelall 3/4 ton plow truck to get out of snowbanks. The problem is with lowering, it's got a kink in it and you have to play with the handle. Sometimes it will spring up at you. Unless you just drive off it, which is OK for a beater w/a good bumper but maybe not so good for your bodywork on a nice vehicle. I then bought a better quality jack, looks to be old and American made, in a pawn shop for about 30 bucks. I had to replace a pin and a spring but it works much smoother than the Chinese one. I'm selling both tomorrow thru craigslist for 15 bucks each as I no longer have the International. These jacks are good for off-road use but you have to be careful and learn how to use them without knocking yourself out. As others have said... stay away from cheap foreign ones and get a quality unit with a cast iron lever and not cheap stamped steel. IMO that's where the problem lies with switching to lowering mode. I'd never consider using it in a shop as a hydraulic lift is much safer and easier to use.