Are Arcan Trolley Jacks Considered Good?

Arese on 18/01/2023 - 15:08
Last edited 18/01/2023 - 18:08 by 1 other user

Hi everyone,

For context, a couple of years ago I bought a cheap trolley jack from SCA which I ended up throwing in the bin 5min after using it for the first time. As I was jacking up my car, the thing felt like it was going to fall apart, didn't want to risk it and ended up hiring a trolley jack from Kennards hire and it was night and day. Kennard's trolley jack lifted my car with ease and felt really solid, I was comfortable jacking my car with that trolley jack which wasn't the case with SCA's piece of crap.

Anyway, I've been hiring trolley jacks ever since each time I needed to service my car, but now I've got a 2nd car and I would like the convenience to be able to lift my car whenever I want without having to hire a jack.

The thing is that I don't know much about trolley jacks, which brands are reputable, which brands are cheaply made and to avoid etc.

I did come across a nice video on youtube where a guy reviewed jacks from brands such as Snap On, Daytona, Pittsburgh, Black Jack, ESCO, Maasdam.

The only issue is that it doesn't look like most of those brands are available in Australia.

From the look of it, in Australia, we've got Daytona, Kingcrome, and a lot of VEVOR advertised on Google ads whenever you type any trolley jack-related keywords on google.

Though Costco is selling this Arcan trolley jack https://www.costco.com.au/Automotive/Car-Accessories/Trolley…

Based on the fact that Arcan was featured on that youtube video I assumed that they were a serious company. However, they didn't review the same model so I'm not sure about this particular one sold at Costco.

Is the Arcan one is good, I'm happy to go ahead and get it, if not, any recommendation would be appreciated.

My car weights 1.7T and I'm also not sure if a 2-tonne jack is enough or if it's better to go with 3-tonne jack

Thanks

EDIT: Please no need to reply and say that a trolley jack is not meant the hold the car up. Fully aware of all the safety precautions around how to use a trolley jack and own jack stands.

Automotive Trolley Jack

Comments

  • Nugs on 18/01/2023 - 15:10

    my 3T SCA has been fantastically sturdy
    .

    • Arese on 18/01/2023 - 15:16

      Great to hear, not interested in SCA jacks as hinted in OP

  • zonra on 18/01/2023 - 15:12

    The jack isn’t meant to hold the car up for you to crawl under. It’s only meant to raise the car high enough to put stands in.
    Not sure which SCA jack you got but the 1200kg one I have has served me well for years.
    As for 2.5T vs 3T, obviously the higher rated load the better but you have to balance cost and size as well. Also keep in mind that you’re not lifting the whole car with the jack, the remaining 2 wheels are still taking about half the weight of the car so you’re lifting about 850kg.

    • Arese on 18/01/2023 - 15:22

      I'm with you with regards to balancing cost, I'm trying to figure out whether a 2T would be sufficient and whether a 3T jack would be overkill to lift a 1.7T car. Good point about weight distribution when lifting a car. 2T might be enough for me.
      Thanks for your input

      • dassaur on 18/01/2023 - 15:49
        +1

        I have a 2t arcann one. It's really good, dual piston, easily lifts half a 2.7 tonne vehicle.

        This one:
        https://www.costco.com.au/Automotive/Car-Accessories/Trolley…

        • Arese on 18/01/2023 - 17:08

          Sweet, that's the exact same model I mentioned in OP.
          Ok thanks for the feedback. You're lifting a 2.7-tonne vehicle with the 2-tonne Arcann one?

          Should be plenty enough for my 1.7-tonne vehicle then.

          Appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback, I'm gonna get that one

          • dassaur on 18/01/2023 - 21:53
            +1

            @Arese: Yeh, as the above commenter mentioned, I am lifting either the back or front half of the 2.7t vehicle - It has never struggled once. 500mm height is also very good. I jack up from the subframe or diff at rear and usually use a piece of 90x35 structural pine too.
            It's really manouvrable and compared to those small trolley jacks, mountains better.

  • spackbace on 18/01/2023 - 15:20
    +6

    First thing to do, jack up the car

    • Broke-Ken on 18/01/2023 - 15:27

      Don't know who negged you, but I got the reference and have + to cancel that - out

  • pharkurnell on 18/01/2023 - 15:23
    +1

    Trolley jacks from cheap places dont add up.. You've already played that game.

    Also invest in some car stands…

    • Arese on 18/01/2023 - 15:27

      Yes, I've experienced it first hand but and especially because I got to work with a sturdier jack (the one from Kennards Hire) and it was so obvious the difference in built quality.
      That's why I'm after something considered good and solid from a reputable brand and don't want to try my luck again with an "affordable" jack.

      Are you familiar with the brand Arcan or not at all?

      EDIT: Oh yeah no worries, I already own 4 solid "Black Jack" jack stands. Only thing missing is my own reliable trolley jack

      • pharkurnell on 18/01/2023 - 15:49
        -1

        some quality units here
        https://www.totaltools.com.au/automotive/garage-workshop-equ…

        but they probably all come out of the same sweatshop.

        • Arese on 18/01/2023 - 17:12
          -1

          Lol, you know I can google too, I've already checked Total Tools, Sydney Tools, Bunnings's trolley jack ranges.
          I wasn't asking for help with where to find trolley jacks but for feedback on which specific model is good.
          Thanks anyway, I guess.

  • apsilon on 18/01/2023 - 15:36
    +1

    I have an Arcan, don't use it a great deal as I use a Quikjack for any significant job at home, but I've been happy with it and don't have any concerns with it.

  • eciuj on 18/01/2023 - 15:56
    +1

    I've been eyeing this one: https://sydneytools.com.au/product/daytona-dlp3000-3000kg-lo…

    The ToolPro from SCA is also very well rated on OzBargain. That's also on my list but 30% heavier than the Daytona above, even though they're both 3T dual piston with roughly the same range.

    • Nugs on 18/01/2023 - 16:31

      I'd like to see them side by side. They look very much the same from the low res images
      .

    • Arese on 18/01/2023 - 17:18

      Thanks, I actually came across that one too, I just don't know which brand, Daytona or Arcan, is more reputable.
      Check this video out, I learned a great deal by watching this video alone and he goes through some extensive tests
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5_64r2PR7A
      I thought you might find it interesting since you're in the market for a trolley jack too.

    • bhubb18 on 19/01/2023 - 13:55

      The toolpro low profile one isnt what it used to be.
      They changed the shape of it etc so it no longer clears very low cars adequately.

  • Brian McGee on 18/01/2023 - 16:25

    Just remember to stock up on wicker baskets too.

  • brendanm on 18/01/2023 - 17:23
    +1

    I have an aluminium arcan at home, has been working fine for years.

    • Arese on 19/01/2023 - 12:26

      Where did you buy it from?
      By the look of it Arcan is not officially distributed in Australia

      This site sells an imported aluminium Arcan jack for $1,309.
      In the US it's sold for US$316

      • brendanm on 19/01/2023 - 13:16

        Honestly can't even remember. May have even been NIB off Gumtree.

      • apsilon on 19/01/2023 - 19:22

        I bought mine from Costco.

  • stringbean402 on 18/01/2023 - 19:39

    I have a 2700kg Low Profile Aluminum Trolley jack I got from SCA years ago (4-5), I use it probably once a month between our 2 cars, servicing, rotating tyres etc and a couple of friends here and there. Hasn't missed a beat. It's pretty heavy so I would hate to think what a 3 ton steel jack weighs. I keep it in a massive plastic tub under our garage shelving so have to lift in in and out each time.

    It is this exact one below, I paid around $200 from memory. There are many copies of it, they are basically the same.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/413957

    Lifts our cars with ease (1.6 ton). Biggest difference between this and a cheapo one is the number of strokes and amount of effort it takes and probably most important the height range. The one I have is super easy and takes minimal effort, super long handle for leverage and reach and lifts nice and high.

    I needed a low profile jack as our cars are both sedans and one is relatively low, I just get it right up under the car and use either the front or rear cross member as the lifting point so I can chuck a stand under both sides at once, less screwing around and effort required that way.

    Get yourself 4 stands too, worth the investment.

    The Arcan one on Amazon has excellent reviews, looks like an identical copy of the older toolpro one. https://www.amazon.com/Arcan-ALJ3T-Aluminum-Floor-Jack/dp/B0…

    The newer toolpro one SCA sells now looks totally different to the old one.

  • pasey25 on 19/01/2023 - 23:26

    If your car weighs 1.7t then lifting each corner is a lot less than that weight. A 2 ton jack will be fine. I have a 1.7t racing jack and it lifts a corner of my wife’s Rangie no problem

  • pasey25 on 19/01/2023 - 23:27

    Make sure you choose a jack that goes as low and as high as you need. The first jack I bought didn’t do both those things so I had to buy another.

  • Mungulz on 20/01/2023 - 12:33
    +1

    actual arcan review -

    My mates and I have been using the aluminium one for ages. My 3-4 year old one with light use has started leaking a little from one of the seals but it isn't a bit deal.
    My mate uses his weekly at least, always doing something to his drift car and its held up remarkably.

    I consider them good quality and durable.

  • daleroy1234 on 22/01/2023 - 14:28

    I have this SCA one, which I know you said you didn't like. Lifts my 2Tish Prado easily and fits under the Camry front end too. No issues with it at all. As a jack is purely to lift a car up to put stands under if you're working under it, didn't see much value in going more expensive. Regularly half price when on sale.

    https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/sca-sca-trolley-jack-200…

  • Save Medicare on 14/12/2023 - 13:52

    What jack did you end up buying?

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