When it comes to lifting a car, there are two great types of jacks: trolley jacks and floor jacks. While they may appear similar at first glance, each type of jack offers unique benefits that make them better suited for specific tasks. In this blog post, we will look at trolley vs floor jacks so you can determine which one is best suited for your needs.
Whether you’re a professional mechanic or just want to be prepared in case of an emergency roadside flat tire change, understanding the difference between trolley jacks and floor jacks is essential for making sure you get the right tool for the job.
Ready to learn all about these awesome tools? Let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
What is a Jack?
First, let’s start with a quick overview of what jacks are and how they work. In general, jacks are lifting tools that use either hydraulic cylinders or a mechanical lift arm to raise and lower loads. They come in all different sizes and can be used for a variety of purposes—from working in the garage on cars to raising heavy pieces of machinery.
There are many different types of jacks, including
- trolley jacks
- floor jacks
- bottle jacks (hydraulic jacks)
- scissor jacks
- farm jacks, and more
Each type of jack has its own unique benefits and drawbacks that make it better suited for certain applications.
When it comes to automotive use, trolley jacks and floor jacks are two of the most popular types of car jacks as they offer great portability, stability, and lift range. This makes them perfect for both professional mechanics and do-it-yourselfers alike!
Trolley Jack vs Floor Jack: What’s the Difference?
Now that you have an idea of what a jack is and what it can be used for, let’s take a closer look at trolley jacks and floor jacks in regard to different factors that will determine the right tool for you.
But first, a quick definition of each different type. Both types of jacks are wheeled jacks, meaning they move around on casters, and are usually made of either heavy-duty steel or aluminum – but that is about where the similarities end.
Now let’s look at a few of the factors that will have you decide which jack is right for your situation.
Lift Range
One of the main differences between trolley jacks and floor jacks is the lift range. When it comes to lift range, floor jacks are great for low-profile cars. While a trolley jack can lift up to 10 to 15 inches, and a floor jack can lift up to 14 to 21 inches or so, the floor jack can go the lowest at 3 inches while the trolley jack goes down to about 5 inches.
So if you have a low clearance car, or if you have a tall vehicle like an SUV, then you may want to consider a floor jack.
Weight Capacity
Another feature to consider is the weight capacity or the load capacity. This means the amount of weight the jack can lift safely when in use.
Trolley jacks tend to have a lower weight capacity than floor jacks, as they are mainly designed for lighter vehicles. Most trolley jacks have a weight capacity of up to 3 tons, whereas floor jacks can lift anywhere from 5 to 12 tons or more, depending on the size you get.
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, trolley jacks are a great option because their swivel casters usually swivel front to back or side to side, making it easy to move around and maneuver in tight spaces. Oppositely, floor jacks are typically more difficult to use due to their larger size and casters that only go front to back.
Portability
When it comes to portability, trolley jacks offer great convenience as they usually come in a compact size and can be easily transported. This makes them the ideal choice for do-it-yourselfers who need to move their jack between different locations, keep it in the back of their car, or have limited space.
Floor jacks are much heavier and thicker than trolley jacks and therefore require some extra effort when transporting.
Price Range
The last factor to consider is the price range of each type of jack. Trolley jacks tend to be cheaper than floor jacks, but remember that you do get what you pay for. Trolley jacks are generally not as durable or able to lift heavier loads, but they do offer great portability and ease of use.
Floor jacks come at a higher price point, but they also offer more stability, durability and weight capacity than trolley jacks. They are typically the tool that professionals prefer to use. Additionally, since floor jacks are often made with heavy-duty steel construction, they can stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
Additional Tools and Accessories to Use
To finish off the job correctly when changing a tire or using a car jack for any situation, you will want a few additional tools and accessories to keep the job safe.
For example, don’t forget to use wheel chocks and secure the parking brake before attempting to use either a trolley jack or floor jack. And when using a jack, make sure to also use an axle stand so that you can keep the vehicle in place after lifting it off the ground.
And remember – safety first!
What to Do if You Are Still Confused
If you are still unsure which type of jack will be best for your needs, there are many helpful resources available. Additionally, it is always a good idea to consult with a professional mechanic or automotive repair shop before making your purchase. Don’t forget that there are plenty of FAQs online that can help answer any questions you may have about trolley jacks and floor jacks.
Conclusion
When it comes down to choosing the right jack for your needs, make sure to take into consideration all of the factors mentioned above – lift range, weight capacity, ease of use, portability, and price range.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options based on these factors, you can make an informed decision on which type of jack is the best for your situation. Finally, don’t forget to check out any accessories that you may need such as wheel chocks or axle stands – good luck!
What type of jack do you need for your job? Let us know in the comments!