10 Best Bottle Jack Lifts Reviewed & Rated in 2024
No garage is complete without a lift. Lifting equipment, however, can be quite pricey, ranging anywhere from four thousand US dollars to upwards of fifty-thousand. There are alternatives to full scissor or four-point lifts. The bottle jack, a type of hydraulic jack, is not only an inexpensive alternative but also a strong and more compact option. These are often quite small and can be as small as three and a half inches in height. Their short stature makes them a great addition to any small home garage. They just don’t take up a lot of space. Despite their size, this equipment tends to be quite strong. Some options can lift to fifty tons or about one hundred thousand pounds of weight.
They are also not always used to just lift vehicles, but can also be used to lift projects as heavy as small cabins. Because their lifting capacity can cover such a wide range, you may notice that the price point for this equipment will also vary greatly. We have seen options starting as low as $15 up to $150. Even the most expensive options on the market do not get anywhere close to the industrial alternatives, however. In this article, we run through the top-rated options on the market and their benefits.
- Torin
-
Our rating - Price: See Here
- 5 Ton Hydraulic
-
Our rating - Price: See Here
- Maasdam
-
Our rating - Price: See Here
Before we get to the top ten list, let’s talk about what exactly this product is. They are a type of a hydraulic jack that is meant to lift heavy loads temporarily. They use liquid pressure to lift loads placed on them. The liquid is usually oil because oil is more stable and lubricating. Typically they are used to lift vehicles for maintenance and to lift housing structures for temporary access. They have become increasingly more common over the last few years during search and rescue missions after the devastating earthquakes we have been having. Now that we have a basic idea of what this product is and what it is typically used for let’s get into the top ten.
10 Top Rated Bottle Jacks
1. Torin Big Red
This pump can be used on its own or with an air compressor (handy for when the operator does not have an air compressor on hand).
Includes a 4 foot air hose
This hydraulic jack has a 4-foot air hose, good for larger vehicles like buses or trucks.
Cost/Value
This bottle jacks price is mid-range. It is inexpensive considering it can be used without an air compressor and thus eliminating the need to buy one.
- Strong (reviewers said they were able to lift up vehicles as big as buses)
- Does not cause distress on air compressors
- Can be used on different types of air compressors
- Inexpensive considering the quality
- Reviewers had issues with duds (did not work right out of the box)
- Unit is a little tall so can be hard to use with motorbikes
- Reviewers noticed some minor leaking out of the top of the product after a couple months
2. Powerbuilt
No more need for jackstands. It safely lifts and holds body-on-frame sedans, CUV's and SUV's.
Built to exceed tool standards
Alltrade is known to have high standards of safety standards. They either meet or exceed the applicable standards set by the US Government and American National Standards Institute.
Cost/Value
This product is on the lower end in cost. It has numerous positive reviews and eliminates the need for stands and is therefore a good bang for your buck.
Compact (easily fits in vehicle storage)
- Good quality considering the price
- Lifts up to 4000 pounds
- Has a wide, flat base which helps add stability and reduces sinking (even on softer surfaces)
- Lift will not fit under lowered vehicles
- Some reviewers found the unit leaking after a couple of months
- Lift does not lift high enough reviewers reviwers
3. Strongway
This pump has a resistant surface for easy clean up of the unit. It has a round and clean shape making it easier to wipe around as well.
Low profile for lower vehicles
Only standing 5-15/16 inches in height, this pump is better for lower vehicles.
Cost/Value
This unit is on the lower end of the price range in regards to bottle pumps. The reasoning behind this is because it's meant for smaller vehicles. This one is ideal for anyone looking for a pump who has a smaller vehicle, it is definitely worth the price for those situations.
- Lift is shorter and easier to get under lower vehicles
- Many users reported that it's good quality and strong
- No lead in paint of pump
- Has a bigger cylinder unit and so it takes lower the oil pressure to raise a item you are lifting
- Can be too short for larger vehicles
- The release is a little sensitive and when used can cause the lift to lower quite quickly (users need to be careful)
- The bar that comes with the unit is also very short
4. Maasdam
This lift is very inexpensive but doesn't compromise on quality.
Small in size
This option would be ideal for users who are looking for a lift for a just-in-case emergency situations. It is very small and easy to store. It has very little bulk.
Cost/Value
This is one of its strong qualities. This option is the most inexpensive on our list. This product could be considered "cheap", but the quality is there. It has held up to tests, it is small and inexpensive. This one is the winner in cost.
- Does not measurably drop even after being lifted for longer periods (like overnight)
- Very inexpensive
- Good quality
- Great for roadside assistance situations
- Release valve is a little awkward
- Some units were leaky
5. Tonda
This product has a stronger capacity than the majority of the other options in this article. It comes in 2 ton, 4 ton, 6 ton and 12-ton strengths. It has critical stress points that are reinforced as well for added durability and dependability.
High lift
This product can lift up to 14.8 inches high, great for larger vehicles.
Cost/Value
This product ranges in price due to the different sizes available for the product. It is on the lower end in price and considering the positive reviews is worth the cost. It is small and compact, it lifts up to 12 tons and is inexpensive.
- Compact design, good for storage
- Very smooth operation
- Good for long holds (hours to days)
- Some users found that when they took the product out of the box that the lift looked used
- No retainer for the pin
6. ATD Tools
This lift is one of the strongest of all of the options in this article. It is meant for fairly large vehicles.
Can be used on its side
This particular lift can be used on its side if needed. Because it can lift such heavy weights, it can be used to even hoist up structures if secured correctly.
Cost/Value
This product sits in the middle range in price and for good reason, it can literally lift cabins. This option is a little high for average sized vehicles and probably better reserved for bigger jobs. Many reviewers use it for lifting cabins and decks. It has very little negative reviews and quite a few good ones. This is your best bet for bigger jobs especially considering the price.
- Great for bigger jobs due to its strength
- Can be used in different situations (car and home)
- Can be used horizontally
- Quick and easy extension
- Due to it's 'stubby' status, it's strong but short
- A little too tall for average height vehicles
7. OTC Stinger
For additional rust resistance, this product is also small and sleek.
Includes free seal kit
The company provides a free seal kit for extended product life.
Cost/Value
These pumps sit right in the middle of the price range. They are rated high and have several load options. With minimal negative reviews this pump is definitely worth the price.
- Long-term durability
- Comes in a range of sizes
- In-line design for increased ease of use
- Rust resistant
- Reviewers noted it has some leaking issues
- Other reviewers had issues fitting under lower vehicles
8. Pro-Lift
The bypass system protects against ram over travel.
Heat treated critical stress areas
The heat-treated stress areas ensure long life and better overall performance.
Cost/Value
This product is in the middle range in price range. It has a 90 day warranty and is durable and heat resistant.
- Compact design
- Easy to set up
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Due to it's smaller footprint is can be a tipping hazard (should always be used on a level surface)
- Poor paint quality
- Does not come with a case
9. ZBN 5 Ton
This lift has an safety value meant for protection in case of too heavy of a load. Finally, it has a bigger base that can hold a load safely for longer periods of time.
Quality, large diameter, steel cylinder build
The hydraulic cylinder build helps the lift to run better on low oil pressure to raise the item lifted and thus decrease wear and tear, and extends the overall life of the product.
Cost/value
This product is reasonably priced- coming in at the middle of the price range of the top-rated options listed in this article. Its major advantage is the safety features as well as the added features to extend its life.
- It comes with an extension screw that adjusts to accommodate the required height
- Less oil required to use lift
- It comes with a one-year warranty
- It has limited weight capabilities
- The company is a little stricter on returns if the packaging is damaged
10. Torin Stubby
The wide base provides stability and strength.
Serrated, heat treated saddle
The saddle provides generous lifting area and a secure grip on the product.
Cost/Value
This unit is also mid-range in price. It is one of the strongest of all the lifts in this article and highly rated. The price value is in its power.
- Fits in low places
- Very strong considering its strength
- Inexpensive for its strength
- International shipping
- Reviewers found some of the lifts were a little over-filled with oil (but luckily not leaking)
- Other reviewers found that it would bleed off at full stroke at times as well
In conclusion, this piece of equipment can be a helpful addition to any garage or vehicle. They are handy as a mechanism for working on vehicles but also in a crisis, like on the side of the road with a flat tire. They are small enough that they can be stored in vehicle organizers without taking up highly coveted vehicle space. They can even be used for bigger projects, such as hoisting structures like houses and vehicles too. They are also a massive improvement technology-wise compared to the manual options already in vehicles. We hope that this handy guide here on Motoful.com has not only helped you learn a little bit more about these handy devices but that we have helped you to decide what option best suits your needs.
Criteria Used in Evaluation
Lifting Range
An important thing to consider when purchasing one of these products is the lifting range required to hoist the object you are about to lift. First of all, the jack needs to be able to fit under the object. It’s important to measure the range between the floor and the item you are lifting to ensure that it can physically fit in a non-extended position under the vehicle. The other item to consider is how high or wide the space between the ground (or supporting surface) and the lifted object needs to be. Each product has a specified maximum range. This will help narrow down the product options and avoid any need for returns.
Weight-lifting Range
There is a considerable weight difference between a Civic and a bungalow. Weight usually tends to be the price indicator on many lifts. The more weight you need to lift, the more expensive the product you will need to lift it will be. There is no point buying far more than what you need. It’s important to find out the weight of the item you’re lifting before investing. It’s hard to know how much a home weighs. If you are looking at newer homes, most have a concrete foundation, and a concrete foundation is going to weigh considerably more than older houses without the concrete foundation.
An average house can weigh between 80,000 to 160,000 pounds. It would be wise to research your home based on its specifications. A vehicle’s weight, on the other hand, is much easier to figure out. A vehicle will either have their weights on the engine, in the door panel or the owner’s manual. Once the weight is known, ensure that you are buying a product that will support more than the max weight, just to be safe. This will help narrow down which product is appropriate for your job.
Durability
You don’t want to physically put yourself under a vehicle when you know that the only thing stopping the vehicle from falling on you is made with cheap or weak materials. Look at the specifications of each of the products you’re considering to ensure that it is made of sturdy material like steel and aluminum rather than rubber or cast.
Maker’s Reputation
Reviewing the manufacturer’s reputation is also a good idea. There are numerous hydraulic jack manufacturers on the market today, so it’s a good idea to read up about the company and any issues or recalls they’ve had in the past. A good idea is if you are reading consumer reviews to run it through a review checker (there are several available) to ensure they are real reviews. Another thing to consider is how long the company has been in business. Time in the industry means experience and experience usually yields better, more innovational, and more reliable products.
Price
Price is not always the best thing to consider when purchasing lifting equipment as the phrase “you get what you pay for” exists for a reason. However, it’s important that you’re not buying something way overpriced. We compared several options within a similar price range as well as the same quality rating in this article so it should give you a good idea of where the jack should sit in price. Looking at price alone can get you in hot water because cheaper usually means made of cheaper material so consider price alongside the other factors in this list. Finally, if you are working on a budget, make sure you are only buying one that you need. If you are lifting something that is 3 tons but you buy a 20-ton capacity jack you may be wasting money. Consider how heavy of an item you are lifting and only buy within the range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are they used for?
As discussed previously in this article, these lifts have a wide range of uses, including lifting vehicles and structures. They have specific weight capacities, and the press mechanism tends to have a specific surface used to lift items. It’s important to know the surface you are lifting can be done so with the jacks press surface. To find out this information, you can read the information section of the site you are buying from. Either place will typically tell you what it’s meant to lift.
Q: What is bottle jack oil?
Lift oil can represent two things. One is the oil that is used in the bottle jack for pressure for the hydraulic function. The other usage is a lubricating oil that is used in around the moving mechanisms of the lift to keep the metal from scraping against itself causing wear and tear of the device. Keeping the lift full with adequate oil levels (for hydraulic function) will keep it working at full capacity and keeping the moving mechanisms oiled will help preserve the life of it. It’s important to oil your lift appropriately.
Q: How do I add oil?
First, you need to prep your work area. If you want to avoid any possible messes from oil spills, we suggest laying some rags down and then setting the lift down in an upright position. Find the oil filler hole. This is typically located near the top of the reservoir. The plug is usually rubber and will pop off easily with a screwdriver. Set the plug aside (don’t lose this!). This is the part where you fill the reservoir with the oil.
Be sure not to overfill as this will cause a hydraulic lock, and your lift will not work if this happens. You should be filling the reservoir with oil until the liquid is just at the bottom of the fill hole. Pop that rubber stopper back in. This is an important step. Without the plug, you are going to experience leakage, and you want to avoid a big mess like that. Try to keep the level of oil in your lift at an optimum level. You will notice a definite decrease in performance when itis running low on oil, though, so running on empty won’t happen.
Q: Are they safe?
Yes, if they are used within their weight limits and used on what they are supposed to be used on, they are safe. It’s also important to use the device as it’s meant to be used. Some can function sideways, and upside down, the instruction manual of the device will tell you how it can be used. Once again, it’s important that these lifts are used for their intended usage. When used as per the guidelines, they are safe. Another item to consider when using a lift is to work with it on a flat, solid surface. Using it on an inclined or declined surface (like a driveway) can cause it to tip over, especially if it’s a taller option.
Using a lift on a soft surface can lead to the lift sinking into the ground, also causing instability of the device. If there is no other option than to use the device on a slanted surface, consider using tire blockers (like pieces of wood wedged tightly under tires) to stop the vehicle from rolling. If you have to use the device on the soft ground, consider using a larger flat board (to increase surface area) under the jack itself to stop it from sinking. Note: even if working on solid ground, when jacking up a vehicle, securing the vehicle is always wise. Because you are typically lifting one part of the vehicle, the tires not being lifted should always be secured with some kind of blocker to avoid roll-risk.
Q: Can they be used on their side?
They can be. The lift needs to have the proper function to do so, though. This information will be listed in the instruction manual or on the box. When using the lift on its side, make sure that the device is secure before using the press function for safety.
Q: What is the maximum lifting capacity?
It ranges but the biggest we’ve seen is 50-tons, this equates to about 100,000 pounds. They can also be as small as only being able to lift 3-tons (6000 pounds). This information is always listed on the box and the instruction manual. It’s important to know what you are lifting, and it’s weight before using a lift.
Q: What is the minimum/maximum lifting range?
This depends on a couple of factors. The overall lifting height can range depending on the current (un-extended) height of the lift. There are “stubby” jacks that tend to be shorter and fatter in size but can lift a fair bit. There are also much taller options that are meant for taller vehicles. Typically the minimum height is about 5 inches, and the maximum can go up to 30 inches. Remember to measure the current height of the item you are lifting to ensure that the lift can fit standing un-extended before purchasing your item. Also, know how height the item you are wanting to lift needs to and can go too.
Q: How do these even work?
This type of hydraulic lift, in the simplest explanation, relies on pressure to extend the press out. When the lever is lifted upwards, the lift draws liquid (usually oil) up into what is called a pump cylinder. When the level is pressed down it draws the liquid into a secondary cylinder. When this happens, it makes the piston rise due to the pressure. As this process is continued, the piston continues to rise, thus lifting the item it’s supposed to lift.
Q: Do they require maintenance?
Yes, as discussed above it requires oil to maintain the oil pressure in the device, and it requires oil in the moving parts to keep everything lubricated and to stop the metal from grinding (causing wear and tear). It’s also helpful to keep the lift in a cool place, covered to avoid any dust build-up. Dust can cause the oil to clump, thereby causing more wear, unnecessary wear. Not many of these kinds of products come with covers, so a little arts and crafts session may be to make something that will cover it.
Q: How do I know what kind I will need for the project I am working on?
There are many different types of bottle jack lifts available on the market. In this Buying Guide, we have only focused on one kind of lift. There are numerous other options for similar products available, however. From scissor to the floor to trolley and many in between, there certainly is no shortage of lifting accessories for your home garage. The difference between these lies in the job you need it for as well as the weight lifting capacity you require for your project. A scissor option is inexpensive, easy to operate, and doesn’t leak, but they’re limited in the amount of weight they can lift.
A floor jack can typically lift your objects higher vertically than the bottled variety can as well as offer more stability. That said, they’re much heavier than other options and aren’t nearly as portable. The trolley jack is a hydraulic option, working similarly to the bottled variety, and are typically used to lift vehicles. They usually come with safety features to help keep you safe while you are working underneath your vehicles. These are just a few of the different options available on the market. We recommend you do your due diligence in researching which type is best for you and your project.
