Got Harbor Freight Jack, but want a better one. Suggestions?

[Bryan062087]

Got a Harbor Freight Jack (3ton model) a few months back, it works OK i guess. But am having a few issues. First, there were zero instructions, and I do not know much about hydraulic jacks. Do I need to oil this thing regularly? Looks like it has a zerk fitting on top..but I've also seen hydraulic jack oil in quart Gear Oil Squeeze bottle containers, not sure how you would get that into the zerk.

The biggest issue is with how much it sucks at lowering things. I've played with it a bunch and I can't get it to lower my truck or anything without it crashing down. Theres hardly any control in the handle when trying to release it slowly. Its either holding something up or its crashing down. No variance in release speed.

Help?

 

[spressomon]

You might glean something over here:

Hydraulic Floor Jacks - Expedition Portal Forums

 

[ducktapeguy]

I've had a bunch of cheap jacks over the years, never had to oil them unless they leaked. You'll know if it's running out of oil when it stops lifting, or it lifts, but starts lowering by itself under load. Either that or you'll see a puddle of oil around the jack. Should be a fill plug for the oil on top somewhere. When lowering, they're just sensitive, all mine are like that too. Don't crank the valve too tight when raising the jack, just make it snug. Otherwise when you try and lower it, it breaks free suddenly and drops it like you said.

You can also download the manuals off their website.

http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals/34000-34999/34271.PDF

If you're looking to get a new jack, the 3 ton aluminum racing jacks at costco are awesome.

 

[AJP]

After a cheap WalMart unit gave up after 4 lifts maybe....I bought a 20t Hydraulic Jack which appears to be a Norco from Home Depot...it was used and I found it in their rental area with a tag saying it had been recently overhauled. Seems to work fine. Don't skimp on the axle stands though!

 

[Bryan062087]

Thanks guys