Think again if you’re considering using an ordinary floor jack on gravel. Regular floor jacks can’t handle gravel—they sink in, damaging the entire unit. That’s why it’s always better to use the best floor jacks designed for gravel.
Not every floor jack is suitable for use on gravel. So, we’ve selected the best options in this category. If you plan to use a floor jack on gravel, sand, or dirt, you should definitely check out these jacks.
Let’s get started.
Cat 240330
- 6000 lb load capacity
- 6 – 29.25″ lift range
- 90 lb weight
- Dual piston pump
JEGS
- 6000 lb load capacity
- 3.5 – 19.25″ lift range
- 58 lb weight
- Dual piston pump
COOKE Pro Eagl
- 4000 lb load capacity
- 6 – 28″ lift range
- 65 lb weight
- Dual piston pump
| Product | CAT 240330 | JEGS | Pro Eagle The Beast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity |
3 ton (6000 lb) | 3 ton (6000 lb) | 2 ton (4000 lb) |
| Pump | Dual-piston | Single piston | Dual-piston |
| Min. Height |
6" (15.2 cm) | 3.5" (8.9 cm) | 6" (15.2 cm) |
| Max. Lift Range |
29.25" (74.3 cm) | 19.25" (48.9 cm) | 28" (71 cm) |
| Weight | 89.5 lb (40.6 kg) | 58 lb (26.3 kg) | 65.2 lb (29.6 kg) |
| Material | Aluminum & Steel | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Size (") L x W x H |
31 x 13.3 x 10 | 31.5 x 14.7 x 7.5 | 34.2 x 16.5 x 8.3 |
Best Floor Jack for the Gravel - The Cat 240330
In terms of working unbeatable on gravel, the Cat 240330 is the best. It has a 3-ton weight capacity, meaning your vehicle should be under 6,000 pounds. This range covers most cars, SUVs, and small trucks.
The jack offers more than just a broad weight-lifting range. At maximum height, it measures 21.5 inches. Additionally, it comes with an adapter that adds 7.75 inches, bringing the total height of the floor jack to 30 inches.
Keep in mind that the minimum lift height of this floor jack is 6 inches. So, any off-road vehicle you use should have a ground clearance of at least 6 inches.
What makes this unit perfect is the anti-skid plate at the bottom. This plate prevents the entire unit from sinking when working on gravel. However, be careful while moving the jack, as the plate can displace easily.
In addition to the plate, the large composite plastic wheels with ball bearings prevent the jack from burying itself. These wheels also allow you to move the jack easily from one point to another.
The dual-piston pump saves you both time and money. It requires minimal pumps to reach maximum height quickly. Although made with steel and aluminum and featuring handles on the front and back, the 89.5-pound jack is still heavy to carry.
The durability of this unit makes it outstanding. So, wouldn’t you want to check the price of this floor jack? Click the button below.
Affordable Gravel Floor Jack - The COOKE Pro Eagle
With a good investment, you can ensure long-lasting performance, and this rule certainly applies to the COOKE Pro Eagle Gravel Floor Jack. Although expensive, this floor jack pays off in terms of functionality, durability, and versatility.
Unlike some of the other jacks mentioned, the COOKE Pro Eagle holds less weight, with a lifting capacity of up to 2 tons. If your car weighs around 5,000 pounds, you can still lift one wheel with this jack, as that wheel doesn’t carry the entire weight.
The minimum lift height of the jack is 6 inches without the extension. On the other hand, the maximum lift height it offers is 28 inches, which is a substantial height but still less than some other units.
Made of aluminum, the jack weighs no more than 60 pounds. It has two side handles for easy transportation to your storage space. Speaking of storage, it’s low-profile and compact, with a width of 13 inches, so it won’t take up much space in your garage or trunk.
As one of the best floor jacks for gravel, it features a steel skid plate at the bottom. This plate protects the unit from damage caused by gravel. The concrete wheels and detachable handle make it easy to transport and even more compact when needed. Additionally, it comes with a rare two-year warranty.
Unsure if you should buy it? Check out the price and then decide.
JEGS Floor Jack for Gravel Use
If you are looking to reduce the cost of a floor jack for use on gravel, this is one of the finest options. The jack supports up to 3 tons or 6,000 pounds, making it suitable for use under cars, SUVs, trucks, or off-road vehicles, as long as the weight is within this limit.
Compared to other floor jacks mentioned above, it has the lowest weight at 58 pounds. Two handles on the side and steel wheels make it easy to move. However, the wheels are not as large as those on some other jacks, making it less ideal for gravel. You will need to place a wood sheet or block underneath to prevent sinking.
The minimum lift height is 3.5 inches, while the maximum height is 19.25 inches. Although this height might seem a bit less than other jacks offering 20 inches or more, it is sufficient for changing a tire.
When purchasing this jack, keep in mind that it doesn’t come with an anti-skid plate, which is sold separately. If you plan to use it on gravel, you will need to buy the skid plate or place a wood sheet or plywood underneath before using it.
The saddle of the jack has rubber pads installed and is 360 degrees movable, providing versatility. For more details, including pricing, check it out through the link below.
Gravel Floor Jack Purchase Guide
When working on uneven or gravel surfaces, a standard floor jack may not suffice. You need a specialized floor jack that can handle the instability and potential damage from such terrains. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best floor jack for use on gravel.
Key Considerations
1. Lifting Capacity
- Weight Handling: Ensure the jack can handle the weight of your vehicle. Most standard vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and small trucks, fall under the 2-ton to 3-ton range. Choose a jack with sufficient capacity to provide a safety margin.
2. Minimum Lift Height
- Low Ground Clearance: If you have a low-profile vehicle, ensure the jack’s minimum lift height is low enough to fit under your car. Typically, a minimum height of 3 to 6 inches is suitable for most vehicles.
3. Maximum Lift Height
- Working Space: The higher the maximum lift height, the more space you have to work under the vehicle. Look for jacks with a maximum height of at least 20 inches to accommodate various maintenance tasks.
4. Construction Material
- Durability and Weight: Floor jacks are usually made from steel or aluminum. Steel jacks are heavier and more durable, while aluminum jacks are lighter and easier to maneuver. Choose based on your preference for weight and durability.
5. Skid Plate
- Stability on Gravel: A skid plate is essential for preventing the jack from sinking into gravel. Ensure the jack comes with a steel or composite skid plate designed for gravel surfaces.
6. Wheel Design
- Mobility: Large, durable wheels are crucial for moving the jack on gravel. Wheels made from composite plastic or steel with ball bearings provide better maneuverability.
7. Pump Mechanism
- Efficiency: Dual-pump systems allow faster lifting with fewer pumps. This feature saves time and effort, especially for frequent use.
8. Additional Features
- Handles and Storage: Look for jacks with handles for easy transportation. A compact and low-profile design will save space in your garage or car trunk.
- Warranty and Support: A good warranty ensures peace of mind. Opt for brands that offer solid warranties and customer support.
Top Floor Jack Recommendations for Gravel
1. Cat 240330
- Lifting Capacity: 3 tons
- Lift Range: 6 to 30 inches (with adapter)
- Key Features: Anti-skid plate, dual piston pump, high front wheels, rear casters
- Pros: Excellent low-profile design, robust lifting capacity, highly maneuverable
2. COOKE Pro Eagle Gravel Floor Jack
- Lifting Capacity: 2 tons
- Lift Range: 6 to 28 inches
- Key Features: Steel skid plate, aluminum construction, concrete wheels, detachable handle
- Pros: Lightweight, compact, durable, two-year warranty
3. Pittsburgh Automotive 3-Ton Floor Jack
- Lifting Capacity: 3 tons
- Lift Range: 3.2 to 19.75 inches
- Key Features: Heavy-duty steel construction, rapid pump technology, swivel casters
- Pros: Durable, quick lifting, smooth maneuverability (requires a wood sheet on gravel)
Additional Tips
Check Reviews and Ratings
- Read customer reviews and ratings to gauge the reliability and performance of the floor jack.
Consider Your Specific Needs
- Assess the types of vehicles you’ll be lifting and the conditions of your working environment. Ensure the jack meets your specific requirements.
Price vs. Quality
- While budget is important, prioritize quality and safety features over price. A reliable floor jack is a long-term investment for your vehicle’s maintenance.
By considering these factors, you can confidently select a floor jack that meets the specific needs for working on gravel, ensuring safe and efficient lifting for all your maintenance tasks.
Wrapping Up
Remember that not every jack is capable of being used on gravel. The best floor jacks for gravel have big wheels and a skid-proof plate at the bottom. Thankfully, the first two options above have these features and perform well on gravel.
Among them, our top pick is the Cat 240330. It offers a maximum height of 30 inches with the extension while maintaining a low profile. Additionally, it has good-sized wheels and a skid plate at the bottom, all at a fair price.