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Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Trolley Jack | Expert Trolley Jack Advice

Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Trolley Jack | Expert Trolley Jack Advice

Posted by JCB Tools on 22nd Jan 2024

Guide To Buying A Trolley Jack | JCB Tools

AUTHOR JCB TOOLS / CATEGORY BUYING GUIDE / PUBLISHED: JAN-22-2024

When it comes to purchasing a trolley jack, it might seem like a straightforward decision. However, making an informed choice goes beyond considering the price. JCB Tools' comprehensive advice aims to guide you in selecting the right trolley jack that enhances both safety and productivity.


What to consider when buying a trolley jack ?

Consider the Vehicle Type:

Different vehicles have different requirements, and there are specialised trolley jacks designed for various purposes. Whether it's for home vehicles use, heavy-duty vehicles, motorcycles, or racing and SUV cars, understanding your primary lifting needs is crucial. JCB offers a diverse range, catering from lightweight 1.5-tonne versions to heavy-duty jacks for commercial vehicles.

Determine Lifting Capacity:

The lifting capacity of a trolley jack is a critical factor for your safety. Choose a jack that can handle the weight of your vehicle. JCB Tools offers a range starting from 1.5 up to 30 Tonne, with options that ensure safe and efficient lifting.

Evaluate Entrance Height:

For versatility or low-profile cars, entrance height becomes crucial. JCB's range provides various entrance heights, accommodating different car makes and models, from 70mm for the 1.5T jack to 170mm for the 10T jack.

Check Lifting Height

The maximum lifting height is another consideration, especially for easy and safe access beneath the vehicle. JCB trolley jacks offer lifting heights ranging from 460mm to 610mm, depending on the model.

Mobile Usage Consideration

If mobility is a priority, the weight of the trolley jack becomes essential. Aluminum jacks, like the 1.5T and 2T options in the JCB range, provide a lighter alternative for convenient mobile use



Construction Quality and Attention to Detail

Pay attention to the construction details, such as the material of the jack wheels. JCB trolley jacks, made from robust steel covered with polyurethane, ensure silent maneuvering and protect workshop floors. Look for features like curved steel edges to prevent damage to floors or vehicles

Number of Strokes for Maximum Height

The efficiency of a trolley jack can be measured by the number of strokes it takes to reach the maximum lifting height. For example the JCB's BH13000QA 3T version achieves this in only 4-5 strokes, ensuring a quick and smooth operation.


What Different Types Of Jack are there?

Investing in a reliable trolley jack is crucial for anyone who performs vehicle maintenance or repairs. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or a home user, choosing the right type of jack for your needs is essential for safety and efficiency. This guide will cover various types of jacks, including trolley jacks, bottle jacks, jack stands, and positioning jacks.

Trolley Jacks

Trolley jacks are versatile and commonly used for lifting vehicles. They have wheels, allowing easy maneuverability. Choose a trolley jack with a weight capacity that exceeds the heaviest vehicle you plan to lift. Common capacities range from 1.5 to 3 tons for domestic use. Consider the minimum and maximum lifting heights to ensure the jack fits your needs, especially if you work on different types of vehicles. Look for a durable construction, preferably with a steel frame, for longevity and stability. Opt for a trolley jack with a dual pump system for quick lifting and a safety valve to prevent overloading.


Low Profile Trolley Jack

A low-profile trolley jack is a type of hydraulic floor jack designed to lift vehicles, such as cars or trucks, from a very low height. This type of jack is particularly useful for vehicles with low ground clearance, such as sports cars or modified vehicles. The "trolley" part of the name refers to the wheeled carriage that the jack stands on, allowing it to be easily positioned under a vehicle.


Bottle Jack

Bottle jacks are compact and suitable for tight spaces. They operate vertically and are excellent for lifting heavy loads. Similar to trolley jacks, choose a bottle jack with a capacity that exceeds your heaviest vehicle. Consider the size of the bottle jack, especially if storage space is a concern. They are more portable than trolley jacks. Check for a sturdy base and a wide, rugged platform for stability.

Positioning Jack

Positioning jacks, such as scissor jacks, are useful for fine-tuning the height and position of the vehicle once it's lifted. Opt for compact and easily maneuverable positioning jacks for convenience. Ensure the positioning jack can handle the weight of the load it will be supporting. Always place the jack on a firm, level surface to prevent instability.

Jack's for SUV's

The JCB-TH32506S Off-Road SUV Trolley Jack is the ideal lifting solution for a versatile range of vehicles, including SUVs, cars, and light commercial vehicles, offering seamless handling of any high-clearance vehicle with ease. With a robust 2.5-tonne lifting capacity and a double-piston quick-lift feature, this jack ensures efficient and effortless elevation, saving both time and effort during maintenance tasks. Its extra low-profile design facilitates easy access to vehicles with reduced ground clearance, while the adjustable height clearance, ranging from 525mm to 677mm with saddle extensions, provides adaptability for various vehicle types. The off-road capability, marked by large 6” front wheels and 8” rear wheels, guarantees smooth maneuvering across challenging terrains, making the JCB-TH32506S a reliable and versatile tool for all high-clearance vehicle lifting needs.

Jack Stands

Never rely solely on a jack to support a vehicle for an extended period. Jack stands are essential for providing a secure foundation. Ensure the jack stands have a weight capacity that matches or exceeds the weight of the vehicle. Look for jack stands with adjustable height settings to accommodate various vehicles and working conditions. Choose jack stands with a reliable locking mechanism to prevent accidental collapses.


Top Tips for Using a Trolley Jack

 Regular Maintenance: Check and maintain your jack regularly to ensure proper functionality and that it is in good working order.

 Adhere to Weight Limits: Never exceed the weight limits specified by the manufacturer for both the jack and jack stands.

 Double-Check Stability: Before getting under the vehicle, shake it gently to confirm that the jack and stands are securely in place.

 Follow Manufacturer Instructions:  Always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and instructions for each tool.


Investing in the right jack is crucial for the safety of both you and your vehicle. Consider your specific needs, weight capacities, and safety features when choosing a trolley jack, bottle jack, jack stands, or positioning jacks. With the right tools and adherence to safety protocols, you can confidently tackle vehicle maintenance and repairs.


We hope you’ve found these tips helpful and remember: if you need any further advice, our team of experts is on-hand to help you, so just get in touch! If you have any questions please visit www.jcb-tools.co.uk/contact-us For expert advice or any questions you may have, you can give us a call on 01646 687 880, fill out the contact form here or drop us a message on any of our social media pages - Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.