Hi-Lift vs Smittybilt

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I haven't been able to examine a SmityBilt lift up close yet so I can't specifically comment on them. The biggest thing I would want hard data on is the metallurgy (if that's the correct word...).

I sell all cast (red) 48" Hi-Lifts for $69 and 60" Hi-Lifts for $79. That is an American made product from a small, locally owned American business. Can't beat that with a stick. (Shipping is a bear on them though.)

A general statement - I'll save $ wherever I can but the one thing I am very careful with quality on are recovery gear - shackles, two ropes/straps, lifts/jacks, etc. If an axle fails you stop moving - if jack fails you might also stop moving, just in a different way.

:cheers:
 
I just sold a virtually new 60" hilift for $60. I'm keeping my other 60" and my 48". They're too damn handy.
 
Woodsman said:
Genuine Hi-Lifts, made in Indiana (US of friggin' A), on Amazon.com

48" - about $64
60" - about $67

They don't charge sales taxes and shipping is free. The decision of which to buy seems realllly easy to me.
Click to expand...

Anyone looking to buy a High-lift and dosen't take advantage of this deal , well..
lets just say

He be a fool!

free shipping and no tax!
 
Woodsman said:
Genuine Hi-Lifts, made in Indiana (US of friggin' A), on Amazon.com

48" - about $64
60" - about $67

They don't charge sales taxes and shipping is free. The decision of which to buy seems realllly easy to me.
Click to expand...

48" all cast Red Hi lift is $76.59 shipped
60" all cast Hi lift is 73.98 shipped

Seems odd that the 48" model is more expensive than 60"
 
I'm willing to pay a bit more to help a local business. Especially when, as far as I know, they're literally the only off-road shop in Boise.
 
I've an old HandMan Jack that I've used for 15-years, it seemed to be the 'hi-lift' jack of choice by most farmers and ranchers in SW Idaho 'back in the day'. It works well, I bought a HiLift rebuild kit for it a while back, only to find out the the Hilift is smaller, uses smaller springs, smaller cross sections on the steel...everything is smaller than the HandyMan. Anyone know where to get parts for a HandyMan, or if they're even still in business?
 
eventhough said:
My price list only shows one rebuild (Fix-it-kit) which I assume is what you bought. I suggest contacting Hi-Lift directly or if you want shoot me a PM with your information and I'll see what I can find.
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Thanks for the offer, it still works fine, just have to keep it clean and hit it with some WD-40...maybe give it a kick now and then.

Dan
 
Owyhee Jackass said:
Thanks for the offer, it still works fine, just have to keep it clean and hit it with some WD-40...maybe give it a kick now and then.

Dan
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I do the same with mine. It is a good idea to keep it lubed and well maintained. If you don't it might look like it is functioning properly but could unload on you and drop your load at the wrong time... seen it happen.
 
Owyhee Jackass said:
Thanks for the offer, it still works fine, just have to keep it clean and hit it with some WD-40...maybe give it a kick now and then.

Dan
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IMHO, it is a good idea to carry a can of WD40 to spray on the high lift before each use.
 
Thats all I do hit with some spray lube every once in awhile works like a charm
 
kidglove13 said:
Thats all I do hit with some spray lube every once in awhile works like a charm
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Light weight spray lube, kick it a few times (lightly) and work the mechanism. When you work the mechanism make totally sure that everything functions properly - not just it 'looks' like it does. Make sure the pins fully engage, etc. I've been tricked once before - won't happen again. :hillbilly:
 
Spray type motorcycle chain lube in the glove box just for the Highlift. A hammer or a wrench to tap it with is better than kicking (done that too!).

My Highlifts are carried on the outside of the rigs and are subjected to road salt, sand and silt, water and mud. It helps to keep it covered if you can. Just make sure that whatever you cover the mechanism with does not just keep it wet and "salted"

Wash it when you wash the rig... Oil it whenever you think about it. I may try wrapping a very oily rag around the workings and then wrapping that in plastic on one of my jacks this season to see how that works out to keep it much free, oiled and ready to use.


Mark...
 
Mark W said:
Spray type motorcycle chain lube in the glove box just for the Highlift. A hammer or a wrench to tap it with is better than kicking (done that too!).

My Highlifts are carried on the outside of the rigs and are subjected to road salt, sand and silt, water and mud. It helps to keep it covered if you can. Just make sure that whatever you cover the mechanism with does not just keep it wet and "salted"

Wash it when you wash the rig... Oil it whenever you think about it. I may try wrapping a very oily rag around the workings and then wrapping that in plastic on one of my jacks this season to see how that works out to keep it much free, oiled and ready to use.


Mark...
Click to expand...

I'm lucky in that I don't have to deal much at all with salt. My jack is kept on the front bumper.

And you are correct about kicking. I just started using a dead blow hammer to tap - a little more controlled but you always have your foot with you.
 
I really like the Boeshield spray. It's a lube and a rust inhibitor, plus dust and dirt don't stick to it as much as most lube oils.
 
Got my Hi-Lift yesterday. I had to go to work shortly after but I can make a few observations.

The quality of parts, fit, finish, and design is apparent. It is clear that this jack is made to a much higher standard.

Thank you for the advice guys!
 
Glad you like it!

Here is a couple of crazy pictures. Up at our place in Montana the snowload took out the end posts on the pole barn. Had to jack it up to set the replacement posts. Bolted the hi-lift to the post (you can see the eye bolt I used) and strapped it into place to keep it from kicking out. Then you may notice the come along with tree saver holding things from shifting.
(Previous owner who built this did not have enough pitch on the roof)
So yes a hi-lift has many uses
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IMG_8729.webp
 
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Hi-lift (made in USA) and Jackall (made in Canada) are the originals and are both well made jacks, using proper materials and heat treatments, to give a safe product. Be kind to yourself and don't trust CCC. In almost 30 years at sea I have seen chinese anchors, anchor chain, and other components, all "certified" by the leading american classification society, fail (sometimes quite impressively!!!!)because of poor quality control and/or seriously incorrect metallurgy. Of course they all LOOK just like what they copied... they just don't work.
 
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Any one have any hood ideas for making your own Hi lift mount? Either onto a roof rack or front bumper. I just don't want to pay $50 for something that looks like it is made out of $5 worth of home depot parts.
 
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