purchasing a jack...any feedback?

john baldwin · john baldwin's Garage

Anyone have any feedback on our host's offerings...specifically the OTC 1503 and 1504?

http://www.otctools.com/products/detail.php?id=1031

http://www.otctools.com/products/detail.php?id=1032

Anyone have any experience with jacks from Northern, specifically the Arcan XL35, Torin T8300018D and Torin T8150121 ?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200345429_200345429

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200371121_200371121?cm_vc=C5503

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200313500_200313500

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

John, I ordered an Arcan XL35 just a few weeks ago from Northern. It didn't qualify for Northern's free shipping plan since it is shipped directly from the manufacturer. The rep told me to allow up to 10 days for shipping, so I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived in only 3 days. Oh, I also ordered a pair of 6.5 ton SUV jack stands to go with it.

Now, about the jack itself...well, to put it bluntly, this jack is awesome! Heavy as hell, weighing in at just over 100 Lbs, it's still quite maneuverable. Lifting is really smooth, and feels real secure. Same for lowering...nice and smooth.

With a lifting height of over 21 inches, it provided all the clearance I needed to raise the car high enough to crawl under, comfortably, to do some exhaust repairs on my 944.

The pad is a pretty good size, too. Looks like about 4 inches in diameter. Nice and stable.

With that being said, I've only had the jack for a couple of weeks, so I really can't say much about how well it holds up under use, but I'm pretty confident it will be around for a long, long time.

Cheers!

Randy

FMyers · 04-22-2009, 07:02 AM

I have a Torin 8150121 jack for Northern and it works great, no problems. It's light weight. The deal I got from Northern was free shipping and a set of aluminum jack stands.

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

I have a Torin that my kids got me for Christmas a couple years back from PEP Boys.
It works well, is easy to maneuver and gets the car high enough on the first try for the jack stands.

I think you'll be happy with either of the Torin's, but if it was me, I'd go for the higher lifting capacity one.

Elombard · 04-22-2009, 08:50 AM

Wow that Arcan looks like a lot of Jack for the money...100 lbs!!!! holy cow Randy how much was the shipping?

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Shipping was almost as much as the jack itself...

Jack was $149.00...shipping was $85.00

And you're right, Erik, it really does seem like a LOT of jack, so, even with the shipping, I still think it was much worth it.

Here's a shot of it next to my 13" lift jack...

Randy

Elombard · 04-22-2009, 09:09 AM

I just called the Stockbridge store to see if they had it in stock to avoid shipping...nah its an online world, like you said straight from the manufacturer.

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Erik, I have a great way for you to save on that shipping charge! How 'bout I trade MY jack for for that '75 RSR Look car you're listing for sale in your signature? Heck, I'll even deliver the jack, so no heavy lifting for you!

See, your dreams CAN come true if you want them bad enough!

Randy

Elombard · 04-22-2009, 09:47 AM

Randy You deserve a car like this, $500 discount for the armed services!

Head416 · Head416's Garage

I've seen an Arcan jack (I think it was the XL35) at Costco for about $95 - if you have one local you can try to save on shipping. Don't see it on their website at the moment though.

KNS · 04-22-2009, 10:29 AM

My Arcan jack was (briefly) great. It lasted about three years.

Head416 · Head416's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by KNS

My Arcan jack was (briefly) great. It lasted about three years.

Can you elaborate? Was it a 3.5 ton model, or something smaller? What happened to it? Did you use it heavily? Occasionally?

john baldwin · john baldwin's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Head416

I've seen an Arcan jack (I think it was the XL35) at Costco for about $95 - if you have one local you can try to save on shipping. Don't see it on their website at the moment though.

Just checked with Costco...they no longer carry it in their stores. Arcan confirmed only Northern carries it now.

Head416 · Head416's Garage

Dang! That's what I get for procrastinating!

Seems I've been eyeing that jack for two years and just never picked it up!

Elombard · 04-22-2009, 11:27 AM

How did you talk to Arcan where is there offices? I could not see them on Google??

john baldwin · john baldwin's Garage

Erik,

http://arcanusa.com/

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

According to their online catalog, they're located just north of us, Erik. In Traveler's Rest, SC

Toll free at (800) 879-7316

Randy

KNS · 04-22-2009, 11:51 AM

Head,

It was the 3.5 ton from costco. I used it to work on the three cars here at home, just the routine maintenance. I'm not an expert on jacks, I showed it to friend (who knows more about 'em than I do), and he said the problem wasn't servicable or fixable. I replaced it with a nearly as good one from checker - $69.00

They're all from China unless you want to spend big $$.

Elombard · 04-22-2009, 12:23 PM

Nuts just called them figured they have trucks running around - no dice, only retail option for the jack is Northern Tool.

What about Sears, if it goes bad in 3 years can you exchange? Last time I looked they did not have a jack like that XL

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Can you purchase the jack over the phone from Northern and just tell them you'll pick it up from Arcan? Travelers Rest is only about 2 hours up I-85/I-185.