Low Profile jacks: Schwaben VS. AC Hydraulic VS. ??

mclmk8d · mclmk8d's Garage

My son and I are looking to but a really goody low-profile floor jack to use on our 911s. I've heard good things about the above-mentioned brands, but was hoping to get some of your real-world experiences and suggestions...so go for it.

While we are at it...what are your favored jack stands.
Thanks.

Locker537 · 07-17-2020, 09:29 AM

ESCO Jack stands are nice. After years of using the old ratcheting type I purchased ESCO stands and I do feel they are more secure.

Danimal16 · 07-17-2020, 09:50 AM

The Schwaben only lifts to 20 inches high. The AC Hydraulic DK13 will lift to 28 inches.
Big price difference. ESCO jack stands are the way to go.

Locker537 · 07-17-2020, 10:23 AM

AC Hydraulic looks to be a very nice jack, but at quick search shows up as $600 plus.

I purchased a Harbor Freight 3 ton Daytona jack a year or two ago and have been very happy with it.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-low-profile-super-duty-rapid-pump-floor-jack-63183.html

NY65912 · 07-17-2020, 10:37 AM

Love my AC! I got it for the lift height. But, we have a few Pittsburgh and Daytona jacks in my shop. No problems I wish my cousin would give me back my Hein Werner from the '70s. Now that was a jack.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

I bought a Hein Werner 2-ton. I think it was about $230 on sale. Maybe not as fancy as the ones listed by the OP, but I've been really happy with it. Plus it's Made in America, FWIW. I also got their 3-ton jackstands. I think those were about $80 for a pair.

ChrisBennet · ChrisBennet's Garage

I have an American made all steel Lincoln Eagle jack and an aluminum Schwaben.
I really like how light and handy the Schwaben is. Both of them allow you lower the car very slowly.
My friend has the AC Jack. It’s nice but it kinda on/off when you lower it.
I’ll measure actual lift height tomorrow.

Rodney Nelson · Rodney Nelson's Garage

I bought the entry level AC Hydraulic Jack listed on this site, the DK20, I think it was worth every penny, I love it. I also have 4 of the ESCO jack stands, they are the best I have ever used.

ChrisBennet · ChrisBennet's Garage

Here's a comparison of the Schwaben jack vs. a "normal" high quality US made steel jack:

As you can see, they both have about the same low and high heights.

Schwaben 3.75" -> 20.25"
Lincoln Eagle 3.75" -> 20.75"

911SauCy · 911SauCy's Garage

Do you need a Schwaben because the car is German??

Craftsman low profile aluminum jack.

I'd venture it's lower than that Schwaben and less expensive, mine has lifted my lowered car and engine/trans multiple times over the years, no issues

Porsche 935 · Porsche 935's Garage

I used to repair the A/C jacks. They are very good quality and they make one thats lower profile than the one in the picture. I use it for my Porsche and it it only 3.5 inches off the ground and it will reach all the way to the eyelet hook in the front even with my splitter.

shawn908 · shawn908's Garage

Some thoughts: I purchased an AC DK13HLQ a couple years ago, no regrets despite acquisition cost. Flawless functionality and it has a handy speed pedal. Plus it gets the car so high honestly it’s nerve wracking until I scoot the jack stands under it. Zero drop under load too which is critical, I think. It’s low profile but I usually drive up onto some 2x8s anyway because when one end of car is up the other is too low to squeeze a jack under. Ok I also got the ESCO jack stands - logically these are superior to the stamped steel ones I somehow used for 20 years... they Let me relax when car is 2 feet in the air and I’m under it. Along with several tires and wheels.