Got a new farm jack

[BigBill]

I purchased the farm jack from harbor freight for my tractors. Its a 48" 3 1/2 ton / 7,000lb jack that can lift anything i have. Its a mechanical jack that works in any position.

I figure with working alone with tractors it pays to be a bit safer when lifting them. Plus when were stuck in the mud this jack will do the job in minutes. Plus it will be great on the cubs and larger tractors when changing tires too. Just remember to block the other wheels in both directions.

This farm jack has been also called an off road 4x4 jack, tractor jack too. What ever it is tomorrow its a "farm jack" today.

[Ronny Bailey]

How much was it?
Does it look like it will last?

[BigBill]

Go to; www.harborfreight.com its item number #6530 and costs $45.99 Its a 3 1/2 ton 7,000lb capacity jack.

[daddydip]

bought mine at tsc, i had a huge boulder slide down into the back of the barn, didn't crack the ten inch block but caught the bottom of the window . three panes broke and slightly bowed in. that jack is going to get a work out when the weather breaks. i also used it when putting down the tongue and groove decking on the ramp going upstairs in the barn. good investment. [*]

[daddydip]

i forgot, one day i went out to feed and one of my feeders was laying sideways in the rack with his head twisted back.i couldn't lift it to free him so i went and got that jack and cranked it up until it was past the fulcrum,shoved it over and he freed himself.i'm glad that i got out there when i did because he would have been a goner. that jack has paid for itself!!!

[Hengy]

That looks like the old bumper jacks that we used to have in the old '73 Chrysler Newport we had (what a land yacht!)...

Mike in La Crosse, WI

[Eugene]

$45.99 is about the going price for the "farmer jack". I've owned and used one for years.

As with any piece of equipment there are some potential problems/safety issues when using the farmers jack and lifting heavy equipment. They tend to be unstable at higher lifts and with heavy loads the main beam bends at higher levels. They don't work worth a darn in soil when trying to lift a heavy load because of the small foot. They work well on pavement.

You can reverse the head on the one I own and pull with it. All in all, it's a pretty useful tool.

[Ronny Bailey]

Sounds like a Dealarama Deal for $46 bucks.

As far as using it safely, there might be a warning sticker of some sort on it...

[jostev]

I bought one from napa a few years back, and those things are the best thing ever! i use it all the time to lift up my balers, changing tires on the C's and B, which can, which can be very hazardous untill you do it a few times i think... i'v also used one to get my friends jeep out of a skidder trail, dont' ask they are the most handy thing ever, I usually just leave mine in my truck during the summer for work around the farm but like Eugene said, they sink in softer, or even what you think is hard ground, I usally just carry around a rough cut 2x6 or something bigger, helps alot I also use them with the trucks alot too, honestly I think if you own a tractor and work with it, you should have one

Johnny

[grumpy]

I've had one of those sitting in storage for over 6 years . Should dig it out and see if anyone needs it. As far as I know, it's still there collecting dust. Grump

[Buzzard Wing]

I have had a Hi-Lift jack for quite a while. Usually mounted in the truck bed to the stabilizer for the camper tiedowns, but it comes out for the camper so it doesn't always go back in the truck.

It is extremely useful. I would recommend the additional cost over the Chinese ones (Hi Lift is made in USA) for a few reasons. Mainly because it also has a top piece that you can rotate and use it as a clamp too. You can get accessories and parts for it. I once even used it as a come-a-long.

Very sturdy... but I did manage to break the pin trying to compress the front axle of Cathy (7,000# safety rating) Got a new fix it kit from TSC I think.

It's even red to match the Cub.... http://www.hi-lift.com/hi-lift-jacks/all-cast.html

Never did separate that front axle and I did try most everything.

[Dan Robertson]

They are a nice jack to have around with many uses. The Hi-Lift is American made only about 30 miles from me. I grew up knowing them as a Bloomfield jack.

[smigelski]

I have 2 of those Hi-Lift jacks like buzzard wing, use them more then a bottle jack.
note: a pair of them can lift the rear of a tractor trailer that is loaded with snapple bottles

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

I have had one of those for many years, plus using Dad's before that. I do have a couple of warnings.
First, they are inherently unstable, especially when lifting something high. They can very quickly lean to the side or slip.
Second, when lowering a LIGHT load, they will sometimes drop completely rather than coming down one notch at a time.

[Buzzard Wing]

Good points EJP and I would add never get in the way/path of the handle, it is very dangerous!

The instability can be useful to move something sideways, you raise it and push it over. Mostly for when you are between a rock and a hard place or stuck in a rut.