Browsing for the Arcan ALJ3T / A20018 aluminum floor jack review? Well, you’ve landed in the right place. This article will provide you with a detailed review of the Arcan ALJ3T / A20018 floor jack, so you’ll know everything about it before making your purchase.
Let’s unbox the best Arcan floor jack.
| Product | Arcan ALJ3T |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity |
3 ton (6,000 lb) |
| Weight | 58 lb (26 kg) |
| Min. Lift Range |
3.75" (9.5 cm) |
| Max Lift Range |
18" (45.7 cm) |
| Pump | Dual-piston |
| Saddle Dia. |
4.5" (11.5 cm) |
| Material | Aluminum |
Arcan ALJ3T / A20018 Aluminum Floor Jack Review
Load Capacity
This Arcan model boasts a 3-ton (6,000 lb) lifting capacity. This means you can effortlessly lift loads of up to 2721.6 kg (6,000 lb) using this floor jack. To determine if this model is suitable for your needs, it’s essential to be aware of your vehicle’s weight.
For instance, if your truck weighs around 7000 lb, you can still use the Arcan ALJ3T to raise it. When you need to perform tasks like changing a tire or doing an oil change, you don’t have to lift the entire 7000 lb truck all at once. Furthermore, there may not be a central jack point.
In these scenarios, you might only need to lift one corner or one end, whether it’s the front or the back, for your specific task. This division of your truck’s weight comes into play. So, if you aim to lift the front end, its weight will be approximately 3500 lb, which the Arcan floor jack can certainly handle.
Minimum Lift Height
If the vehicle you intend to use this floor jack for has a low ground clearance, it’s crucial to double-check its clearance before choosing this model. The Arcan ALJ3T has a minimum height of 9.5 cm (3.75 inches), making it suitable for vehicles with a ground clearance of 9.5+ cm.
However, if the clearance is lower, such as the typical 2.75 inches found in many low-profile cars, you won’t be able to place the jack beneath it. Specifically, if you own a low-clearance sports car with less than 3.75 inches of clearance, this floor jack is not a suitable choice.
For vehicles like most unibody cars with a ride height of around 8 inches, this Arcan floor jack is indeed a suitable option.
Maximum Lift Height
Now that you’re familiar with the jack’s minimum height, let’s explore its maximum lift range and its significance. The Arcan ALJ3T / A20018 model offers an extended height of 18 inches. This means that when you lift your car with this model and extend it to its maximum height, you’ll have nearly one and a half feet of clearance beneath your vehicle.
This ample space beneath your car is perfect for performing repairs, and you can easily access the area under your car with this much space. However, it’s important to emphasize a crucial safety point: never go under your vehicle without installing a jack stand. Jack stands are designed to bear the load, while the jack raises it.
Considering the need to install a jack stand, you should ensure that there’s enough height available for the stand to be properly positioned. You can achieve this by using the floor jack. For instance, if your jack stand has a minimum height requirement of 16 inches, you’ll need to raise your car at least 17 inches to facilitate easy placement of the stand.
To achieve this, your floor jack must have a maximum height of 17+ inches, a specification that this Arcan model meets. If your jack stand’s height requirement is greater, your floor jack’s maximum height should also exceed that requirement.
In the case of lifted vehicles, the situation differs. Most lifted trucks have more than 20 inches of ground clearance, rendering this Arcan floor jack insufficient since it can only be extended to 18 inches. To make it reach the jack points on a lifted vehicle, you would need to place wood blocks under the jack.
For lifted vehicles, it is recommended to invest in a floor jack with a higher maximum height specifically designed for such applications. To summarize, the Arcan floor jack offers an 18-inch maximum height, making it perfect for most unibody cars and SUVs.
Arcan ALJ3T / A20018 Aluminum Floor Jack Review on its Dual-piston Pump System
One outstanding feature of this Arcan floor jack is its dual-piston pump, earning it the title of a quick-rise aluminum floor jack. With this innovation, you can lift your car with significantly fewer strokes. In fact, the jack can reach its maximum height with just 3 to 5 full strokes.
This technology offers several advantages. It not only saves you time but also conserves your energy, providing effortless operation. You won’t need to perform 10 to 15 strokes as you would with a traditional bottle jack.
Furthermore, when a double piston is integrated into a floor jack, you can expect remarkable pumping speed. It completes the lifting job much more quickly and efficiently than most other floor jacks. This is why the Arcan floor jack is highly regarded as one of the best options for lifting tasks.
Safety
This model surpasses the ASME PASE-2014 safety standard, signifying that the Arcan floor jack has undergone rigorous testing by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. ASME evaluates and scrutinizes products to ensure they are suitable for their intended purposes. In the case of hydraulic jacks, they assess whether they can lift the designated load safely and effectively.
The Arcan ALJ3T floor jack has earned certification from the ASME safety standard. This certification provides you with the assurance that this jack is not only safer but also more secure for lifting your vehicles. It delivers maximum stability, thanks in part to its extra-wide base measuring 30 x 13 inches.
Furthermore, this model incorporates an internal bypass valve, which serves as a safeguard against over-pumping and overloading during use, enhancing safety and preventing potential issues.
Positioning and Carrying Handles
Since this Arcan is a substantial hydraulic jack that occupies approximately 30 x 13.5 x 8 inches of space, it can be challenging to transport and position it beneath a jack point without assistance. However, the brand foresaw this issue and devised a solution.
The Arcan ALJ3T features two handles on each side of the frame. These handles prove to be quite practical when you need to position the jack or carry it to various locations. Unlike most floor jacks, which lack such mounted handles, this design choice adds convenience. In many other jacks, the pumping lever is typically used as the primary carrying handle.
Mobility & Aluminum Body
This floor jack weighs approximately 58 lbs (26 kg), making it notably lighter when compared to other floor jacks. Traditional steel floor jacks tend to be heavier, often weighing around 100 lbs. The reason for this Arcan jack’s lighter weight is its aircraft-grade aluminum body, which distinguishes it from steel jacks. This lightweight construction contributes to both the jack’s higher cost and its excellent ratings.
If you find it challenging to carry due to its weight, you can easily move it from one location to another using its wheels. This jack is equipped with four casters, including two rear swivels and two front steel casters. The rear swivel casters provide 360-degree mobility, allowing you to effortlessly roll it across the ground and in your garage.
Simply grasp the long handle and roll it across the floor. Once you’ve positioned it beneath your car, you can fine-tune its placement under the jack point using the convenient side handles. Additionally, the jack’s pumping lever comes in two pieces, making storage more manageable. When space is limited, you can detach the lever and store it separately.
Moreover, the lower part of the lever is wrapped with foam, providing protection to your car’s body in case of accidental contact while pumping. These features, including the Arcan’s aluminum body, exceptional mobility, and extended lever, are key reasons not to overlook this jack.
Saddle
This jack not only includes all the essential features for lifting your vehicle but also boasts unique features that set it apart. One standout feature is its extra-wide saddle. In fact, this floor jack features the widest saddle among all floor jacks available.
The saddle boasts an impressive 4.5-inch (11.5 cm) wide diameter, ensuring maximum safety. A wider saddle enhances safety by providing a stronger grip on the jack point, which in turn delivers better and more secure stability. It effectively prevents unexpected sliding during use.
Additionally, the saddle is equipped with a black rubber top that further increases friction between the jack point and the jack itself. This added feature enhances grip and safety even more, making it an exceptional choice for lifting tasks.
How to Use Arcan ALJ3T / A20018 Floor Jack?
When using this floor jack to safely lift your car, follow these steps:
- Park your car on solid ground.
- Position the jack under a designated jack point.
- Raise your car to a sufficient height to allow for the installation of a jack stand.
- Once the stand is in place, carefully lower the jack.
- Your car will now be resting securely on the stand.
- When you need to remove the stand, raise your car to a height that allows for easy removal.
- After taking out the stand, rotate the jack’s handle counterclockwise to lower it.
- Your task is complete, and your car is safely elevated or lowered as needed.
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Difference Between Arcan ALJ3T and A20018 Floor Jack Models
These two models are essentially the same floor jacks, differing only in color. As evident in the image, the Arcan ALJ3T model is silver, while the A20018 model sports a green hue. Both models share a 3-ton load capacity and offer a lifting range spanning from 3.75 to 18 inches. You can select the color that appeals to you most, as all other features remain identical.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Arcan ALJ3T Floor Jack
Pros:
- Quick-rise Technology
- Sturdy Aluminum Body
- Versatile Lifting Range
- Wide Saddle Diameter for Enhanced Grip
- Lightweight Design
- Complies with ASME Safety Standard
- Backed by a One-Year Warranty
- Excellent Value for Money
Cons:
- Relatively Higher Price Point
- Potential Wear and Tear of the Rubber Pad Over Time
How Much Does A 3 Ton Aluminum Floor Jack Weigh?
A 3-ton aluminum floor jack weighs approximately 58 lbs (26 kg), which is considerably lighter compared to traditional steel floor jacks that often weigh around 100 lbs. The significant weight reduction in aluminum floor jacks is due to their aluminum construction. This makes them more convenient to transport from one location to another.
Are Arcan jacks any good?
Arcan jacks prove to be highly capable for lifting your car. Their excellent design, coupled with top-notch features, facilitates easy repair tasks. These jacks are not only durable but also easy to transport, making them a dependable choice for long-term use. If you seek a floor jack that offers both quality and longevity, Arcan is the brand you can confidently invest in.
The Verdict
The Arcan ALJ3T / A20018 Aluminum floor jacks stand out as the finest aluminum hydraulic jacks equipped with rapid-rise technology. These jacks are suitable for use with all types of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and cars. You need not look any further when you have access to this model to fulfill all your lifting requirements. If you wish to inquire about its price, simply click the yellow button below.