What is the best high lift farm jack?
High lift jacks can be very helpful when a regular size jack will simply not do the trick. If you are a 4×4 enthusiast or off-roader, you know how helpful a high lift jack can be.
However, they are not all made equal and it can take time to research the numerous options…
That’s why this article does the work for you. It provides reviews of the best high lifts jack on the market so you can be assured of a quality, functional and robust product.
Read until the end if you want to know which one Shaun Bloodworth thinks is best!
High lift jacks – Overview
Below is an overview of the top products on the market so you can see them all at a glance. For more details, check out the reviews below this table.
| Image | Farm Jack | Load and Height | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hi-Lift HL484 Black Cast and Steel Jack | 7000 Pounds (rated for 4660 pounds) 48″ | |
 | Hi-lift HL485 Red All Cast Jack | 7000 Pounds (rated for 4660 pounds) 60″ | |
 | Hi-lift XT485 X-treme Lift Jack | 7000 Pounds (rated for 4660 pounds) 48″ | |
 | Maasdam 1130-10 Heavy-duty Farm Jack | 8000 Pounds 48″ | |
 | Smittybilt 2722 Universal Lift Jack | 7000 Pounds (rated for 4660 pounds) 54″ | |
 | Torin Ratcheting Utility Farm Jack | 6000 Pounds 48″ | |
 | ARB Powerful Hydraulic Lift Jack | 4,409 Pounds 48″ |
Best Farm Jacks – Detailed Reviews
If you like what you’ve seen above, let’s dive into the details and what makes these farm jacks stand out!
1. Hi-Lift HL484 Black Cast and Steel Jack
Summary
Hi-Lift is a well know and reputable brand when it comes to high lift farm jacks and they have been in operation since 1895. Therefore, you can be assured that they know what they are doing. The company is still family-owned and has been passed down through 5 generations.
That is why we have included a few of their products in this list.
This one in particular, is a sleek, black jack and is a great option for most use cases. It is tall enough, strong enough and it is even well priced. You may not need to look any further than this.
Hi-lift makes sure their product includes safety instructions on the product. Furthermore, there is a shear bolt that prevents the jack from being used on any weight that is above the 7000 Pound capacity. To top all of that off, their jacks are also safety tested.
As you can see from below it is made from cast iron and steel making it super strong and durable. The powder coat and zinc plating provide water resistance and anti-corrosion as well.
The construction is sturdy and well designed so that it will be able to withstand the necessary weight without warping or breaking. Furthermore, its multi-functional design enables pushing, pulling, clamping, and winching. Overall, it ticks all the boxes.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
| Load Capacity | 7000 Pounds (rated for 4660 pounds) |
| Materials | Cast Iron and Stamped Steel |
| Weight | 28 Pounds |
| Height | 48″ |
| Finish | Black powder coat and zinc-plating |
2. Hi-lift HL485 Red All Cast Jack
Summary
By this point, you should be able to tell how good the hi-lift products are so I will not duplicate information from above. You get all the good features you expect from materials, construction, strength, and safety.
This variation is red with a greater height at 60″ (although there are also 42″ and 48″ options). You may require more height for your purposes or simply prefer the red to the black. Whatever the case, this is unlikely to disappoint.
The other difference is that it is made completely from cast iron so there are no stamped steel fittings like the former product. The top fitting (winch connector clamp) on this variation is better suited to clamping if that’s something you require.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
| Load Capacity | 7000 Pounds (rated for 4660 pounds) |
| Materials | Cast Iron |
| Weight | 28 Pounds |
| Height | 60″ |
| Finish | Red powder coat and zinc-plating |
3. Hi-lift XT485 X-treme Lift Jack
Summary
This is the final hi-lift variation included in this list. This is their top-of-the-line jack and worth having a look at if you have some excess in the budget.
The key difference is the gold zinc-plated fitting on the top. It provides a superior design that allows it to be attached at any point along the column with a quick-tightening nut. It also features an easy and secure chain slot, non-binding shackle holes, and more.
Overall, with this model, you are going to get more customizability and multi-functionality than the previous options. So, if you have diverse requirements, this may the one for you.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
| Load Capacity | 7000 Pounds (rated for 4660 pounds) |
| Materials | Cast Iron |
| Weight | 32 Pounds |
| Height | 48″ |
| Finish | Black powder coat and gold zinc-plating |
4. Maasdam 1130-10 Heavy-duty Farm Jack
Summary
This Maasdam high lift jack is a beast. It has a load capacity of 8000 giving it the top spot for this specification.
It has a simple, rugged, and sturdy design. It has an integrated hole when used for pulling with rope or chains however, the lack of an extra attachment means that you will not be able to use it for clamping.
You also have great safety features including what they term a “safety link” which prevents misuse by restricting use when the load capacity is exceeded.
From a material perspective, the jack is made from steel and steel alloys so it is not lacking in material quality. It also meets the ANSI/ASME standard.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
| Load Capacity | 8000 Pounds |
| Materials | Steel and Steel alloys |
| Weight | 29.1 Pounds |
| Height | 48″ |
| Finish | Red and Black powder coating |
5. Smittybilt 2722 Universal Lift Jack
Summary
Smittybilt is another seasoned and well-known automotive brand. They have been in the car business since 1956 and over that time they have built a strong foundation of trust with their customers.
Their products are designed by off-road enthusiasts to withstand more than your average use. That is why their high-lift jack has been included in this list.
This jack is a bit taller than some of the rest and it is colored in a stylish combination of black and grey. They boast that their specially process steek climbing pins can withstand It includes all the usual features and load capacity and is a solid option to consider!
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
| Load Capacity | 7000 Pounds (rated for 4660 pounds) |
| Materials | Cast steel and carbon steel |
| Weight | 30 Pounds |
| Height | 54″ |
| Finish | Black and grey powder coat + zinc plated hardware |
6. Torin Ratcheting Utility Farm Jack
Summary
Torin has also been in the industry for many years now since its inception in 1968. They produce jacks exclusively so you can be sure they know what they’re doing when it comes to lifting equipment.
This jack is 48″ but you have the option of a 60″ and a 33″. It is also designed with a fast-lifting mechanism that aids lifting speed and safety.
It has a slightly lower load capacity than some of the above at 6000 Pounds and the base is more of a narrow rectangle than the large square bases of the products above.
On the more positive side, it is tested to meet the ASME safety standards and it comes with a 1-year warranty.
Overall, it is a great choice if you are looking to spend slightly less hard-earned cash.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
| Load Capacity | 6000 Pounds |
| Materials | Cast steel and carbon steel |
| Weight | 29.9 Pounds |
| Height | 48″ |
| Finish | Black and red powder coat + zinc plated hardware |
7. ARB Powerful Hydraulic Lift Jack
Summary
Arb has been in business since 1975 and their products are designed specifically with 4×4 off-roading in mind. Therefore, they are made to be sturdy and able to withstand a beating.
Arb is also dedicated to ongoing research to constantly refine and better their products which is a great trait. Not only that, they put energy into bettering every part of their offering from development, manufacturing, and distribution.
So, when it comes to their high-lift jack, it is something entirely unique. It uses hydraulic lift technology (a first for farm jacks) to make lifting smooth, effortless, and more safe. Additionally, it has a safe lowering mechanism with two speeds and on top of that, the base has a 360° swivel at its base to easily align the base with the terrain.
If that weren’t enough, it is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum so it is light and strong. It is an exciting offering in the high-lift jack space which is doing something very different than the rest.
However, it does comes with a massive price tag, way above the rest. It is also only rated for a maximum of 4,409 Pounds.
That being said, if money is no object and you do not require more than 4400 Pounds of lift, this jack may be perfect for you. With its unique twist on the average jack, you may never want to use a regular high lift jack again.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
| Load Capacity | 4,409 Pounds |
| Materials | Aircraft-grade 6061 T6 aluminum |
| Weight | 23 Pounds |
| Height | 48″ |
| Finish | Black and grey machined finish |
Buying Considerations
There are a few things you’ll want to just think about before buying a farm jack. These are listed below:
What are you going to use it for?
This is a simple consideration but an important one.
The reason being, that what you are using it for will affect what kind of load capacity you need, base size requirements and whether you require clamping, winching or pulling capabilities.
The products above are all highly rated on all these specifications however, the different designs may be more suited to a particular task.
What surface will it be placed on?
This follows from the above as it will determine what requirements you have for your jacks base. Some of the above have large square bases but others are more narrow.
Furthermore, if you are planning to use your jack for off-roading if you get stuck you need to think about the ground you’re going to be driving on. If it is soft or muddy you may want to have a look at getting an offroad base. Just make sure it is compatible with the base of your jack.
Lifting Height, Range and Lifting Speed
These are also obvious but can be overlooked.
Most models are about 48-60″ in height but some are shorter. However, your actual lifting range is obviously less than this. Again, you’ll want to think about what you’re going to be using your jack for to decide on the right height for your needs.
Keep in mind that the higher you go, the less stability you will have.
When it comes to lifting speed, some models will excel over others. Most of the jacks require roughly eight to ten strokes of the handle to attain their full height. However, the Arb jack, with it hydraulic technology will be much faster and easier.
Clamp Attachment
This refers to the attachment at the top of your jack. This can be rotated to be used as a clamp. Not all of the jacks have this and some of the attachment do not have the flat, grooved design and may not be well suited to clamping.
If you need clamping functionality, pick a jack that has a good attachment.
Safety
Farm jacks are used for lifting heavy vehicles or machinery and this can often present danger. also, often they are used on uneven surfaces.
Therefore, safety features are really important. You’ll want to make sure the jack meets safety standards. For example, how well does it’s lowering functionality work as this is a critical aspect of its performance? Another example is whether it is designed to prevent overload to prevent dangerous misuse.
You may want to pay more for a product you know is well built with the requisite safety features as you are certainly more important than the extra dollars you may have to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the frequently asked questions consumers tend to ask about high lift jacks include but not limited to;
Are farm jacks safe?
Farm jacks can certainly be dangerous considering the circumstances they are being used. However, the trick is to learn how to use them properly and exercise caution. By doing so you will be able to safely use your farm jack!
Are hi-lift jacks Made in USA?
Yes, the hi-lift brand manufactures its producs in the USA.
Is a High Lift jack worth it?
A high lift jack is a very versatile tool that even has uses outside of automotive circumstances. They have lifting, clamping, and pulling abilities making them a very useful tool to have around. When it comes to if they are worth it, well that comes down to you. What can be said is that for a single, inexpensive tool, it can do a lot.
Does a farm jack require maintenance?
It is a good idea to perform a certain amount of maintenance to ensure the longevity of your jack. This includes:
- Cleaning clogged parts with air pressure, water pressure or a stiff brush (useing a non-flammablke solven or de-greaser
- Attend to any rust with a penetrating lubricant
- Clean and lubricate the lifting mechanism, especial if it is starting to stiffen
To conclude
A high lift farm jack can be a major asset to your adventures or to get you out of all sorts of tricky situations.
This article has covered some of the top brands and products available in the market. Furthermore, it covers some of the buying considerations and other questions you may have.
If you would like to know which jack gets the Shaun Bloodworth seal of approval, it will have to go with one of the Hi-lift options. This is based on the company’s reputability and reliability of the product.
If you are looking for a high-end luxury jack that makes your life easy and safe, the Arb may the one for you!
Good luck with your adventuring or laboring!