Hydraulic jacks, bottle jacks, hand jacks – they all refer to the same tool that is an integral part of vehicle maintenance.
They work on Pascal’s principle by generating the pressure that accumulates force for lifting heavy loads (that is, different kinds of vehicles) while exerting minimal manual strength, just like all floor jacks.
I’ve scoured the market to point out the best hydraulic jack in the sea of products vying at your attention. Based on the extensive research, these are the ten best bottle jacks money can buy – no matter whether you are looking for the bottle jack for truck or a lightweight bottle jack.
If you are interested in finding the best lifted pickup track jack read this article.
The 10 Best Hydraulic Jacks & Bottle Jacks Reviews in 2024
1. Powerbuilt 620471 6000lb, Unijack 6000Lb Unijack
Capable of handling the repair needs of an amateur up to professional shops, the Powerbuilt 620471 breaks the ice on my list.
It can safely lift and hold vehicles up to 3 tons (6000lbs). When I say “lift and hold,” it means that this is a combination of a hydraulic bottle jack and a jack stand.
Moreover, once the jack reaches the desirable height (it can lift anywhere from 11 to 21 inches), there is a safety bar that locks the unit. Safety always comes first, and this is a necessary factor for me to consider adding a jack to my lists.
Another thing that I considered was how easy it is to store a jack. Namely, this jack is around 9×9 inches in the base, and approximately 13 inches tall. Thus, I can tell you it’s very convenient to store.
Although this jack is intuitive to use, I found instructions to be ridiculously complicated. They say, “You have to apply jack pressure to unlock the safety.” Why not make it simpler? In other words, raise the jack a bit above the desirable height, and lift the latch while you’re lowering it.
Pros:
- You don’t need a separate jack stand
- Low price
- Sturdy and reliable
- Has a safety bar
- Doesn’t take up much room
Cons:
- Complicated instructions
If you’re looking for a good bottle jack made in the USA, Powerbuilt 620471 is more than that. It is the highest-quality bottle jack for lifted trucks, and will easily elevate your trailer or SUV.
2. Powerbuilt Black Alltrade 640912 3 Ton, All-in-One Bottle Jack
The Altrade 640912 bottle jack competes well with the previous pick from the same company, Powerbuilt.
Actually, they do not differ much, and which one you will get ultimately comes to your personal preference. Before you decide, let me introduce the second pick, too.
Just like its brother, this jack lifts and holds vehicles up to 3 tons, which means you won’t need an extra jack stand to support it. I can confirm that it is reliable and stable.
I noticed that this one even had been slightly upgraded in terms of safety. Namely, the extra-wide steel base really gives you confidence about its stability under load. It doesn’t lack the safety bar, either, that keeps the jack from lowering once you lift it to the desired height. The height range is the same (11-21 inches).
Another ode goes to the straightforward lift that is warranted by a high-quality long handle (18 inches).
The biggest difference I noticed between the first two models is also the biggest flaw of this jack. It requires quite a bit of maintenance so that it stays reliable and safe, and to prevent oil leakages.
Pros:
- Enhanced safety with wide & flat base
- Premium construction
- Compact
- Versatile; suitable for small and large vehicles
- Converts into a jack stand
Cons:
- Complex maintenance
This is the best bottle jack for SUV, Jeep, trucks, etc. If you want a low-profile jack with lower ground clearance, search elsewhere!
3. Torin Big Red Hydraulic Bottle Jack, 2 Ton (4,000 lb) Capacity
Big Red line of jacks is the signature of high-quality, sleek hydraulic bottle jacks. This is the least expensive model in the line.
Who is it for?
It is for those of you who want to have a high-quality compact hydraulic bottle jack on the go with you, in your trunk, in your shop, or in your garage. It’s not the best bottle jack for Jeep or heavy vehicles, but it performs exquisitely.
The reason why I say you can carry it with you on the road stems from its built. It was engineered using drop-forged alloy steel that is less heavy than some other kinds of material.
I also liked how there was no oil leakage, which is often a problem with hydraulic bottle jacks. There is a built-in oil-bypass valve that prevents this.
That valve is pure gold because it also prevents any overload of the jack. If you go beyond its limits, i.e., 4000lbs, it will automatically block the jack.
Considering these safety features, it’s no miracle that Torin Big Red meets ASME PASE safety standards.
Good as it is, 2 tons may not be enough for everyone.
Pros:
- Quality construction
- Compact and portable
- There are extension screws for adjusting the weight
- Best design
- Excellent value for the price
Cons:
- 2T is the lowest lift weight capacity (especially compared to its sibling on the list)
While 2T capacity may not cater to every user’s needs, if it does to yours, definitely consider the Torin Big Red.
Pro-Lift is probably one of the most recognizable names when it comes to car tools, and they have manufactured two bottle jacks that have ranked to the top of this category.
First, make some space for the highest-quality bottle jack, B-004D.
This is one of the most popular and best-selling bottle jacks, so I was very excited when I got to try it out.
With great pleasure, I can say that it outperformed all the other jacks and that it earned my highest grades on all fronts.
First and foremost, a 4T weight capacity infers that this is a good bottle jack for RV as well as for cars, as it doesn’t have high ground clearance. This doesn’t come at the expense of the lifting range, which is great (8 – 15-⅜ inches).
For instance, it comes with a convenient two-piece handle and a steel lifting saddle that has heat-treated critical stress areas. It means that this bottle jack lasts for ages to come!
It has one visible flaw – if you use it horizontally, the chances are that you will experience some leaks. This didn’t happen every time I used it horizontally, but it cannot go unmentioned.
However, I don’t think this is a terrible thing, considering that it doesn’t take up much space when it is vertically placed.
Pros:
- High-quality handle
- Extension screws
- Allows height adjustment
- Durable
- Comes with excellent oil
Cons:
- Oil leaking in the horizontal position
All in all, it is a good, compact hydraulic jack that is basically a bargain!
Are you ready for this beast? Cause I certainly wasn’t.
When it arrived, I thought to myself, “Wow, how can I even test a 20-ton (40000lbs) lifting weight range?”
You name it, this air hydraulic bottle jack that comes from the best bottle jack brand for heavy-duty jobs can lift it. I tested it out with heavy-duty machinery, industrial construction equipment, more vehicles at the time, farm vehicles, and more, and it performed consistently well.
I liked how it can lift up very high regardless of the fact that the weight limit is much higher than with most of the other bottle jacks. The lifting range is between 10-7/16 to 20-1/16’’.
Now, you won’t lift 20T only by your manual force, will you? That’s why this bottle jack has two lifting modes: manual and pneumatical. If you opt for the latter to lift a heavy vehicle, the air pressure range of 100 to 175 PSI is incredibly powerful. You can control the speed via a button.
My objection, however, is to the oil leaking, again. You cannot use this bottle jack in the horizontal position.
Pros:
- Manual & pneumatic at the same time
- Powered by a powerful motor
- High-quality non-corrosive oil included
- Safe to use
- Long handle
Cons:
- Fluid leaks
If you stand in need of the most potent bottle jacks on the market, my wholehearted recommendations go to the Torin Big Red 20T!
The Powerbuilt 647501 bottle jack has several features that some models that are three times as expensive lack.
I must praise the versatility of this heavy-duty red jack first. It accounts for most of the needs with its incredible weight limit of 12 tons (24000lbs).
Sometimes, when such a heavy-duty device is in question, it can become overly complicated to use it, but I’m glad to report that the 647501 was quite easy and intuitive to work with.
Another thing that I consider crucial for this kind of tool is how safe they are. Powerbuilt passed this test with flying colors, as well! There are a pin-style release valve and the extension screws for a secure lift.
One thing to consider is that this bottle jack has the maximum lift height of 16-5/16 inches, which is lower than with many other jacks. There might be some crouching involved!
Pros:
- Following ANSI standards
- Oversized, stable base
- Easy to work with
- Sleek design
- An excellent choice for professional shops
- Reliable
Cons:
- Lower lift height than my other picks
Any RV owner who needs a powerful tool and a good bottle jack for off-road will not make a mistake with this hydraulic bottle jack!
Are you after the best 20-ton air hydraulic bottle jack?
Then the Pro-Lift B-020D might be for you.
I included it because of its quality construction, safety features, and, above all, functionality.
Based on my tests with competing jacks that have a 20-ton load capacity, this is the most compact bottle jack. It even comes with a built-in system that protects it over travel.
I’ve seen some people commenting on how the lifting height of this bottle jack isn’t good enough, but I consider it great. The maximum lift height of 14 inches is excellent for the jack that raises that wide range of vehicles!
When I add to it the heavy-duty wide iron base that provides additional stability, it is clear how carefully this bottle jack was manufactured so that it exceeds the ANSI standards.
Lastly, 90 days of warranty seems a bit short. I don’t think that you will have any problems with this bottle jack whatsoever, but it could have been at least one year!
Pros:
- Can lift 20T
- Heat-treated saddle
- Extension screws for an easy adjustment
- Secure grip
- Compact
Cons:
- Short warranty
Heavy-duty vehicle owners who are looking for something more affordable should definitely check out this hydraulic bottle jack!
While we are at the heavyweight category, here’s another 20-ton bottle jack, produced by Performance Tool.
We had a red modern hydraulic bottle jack previously, and this one’s similar, but bright yellow. It will surely attract anyone who comes to your garage or your repair shop!
But what matters is its performance.
My tests revealed that Performance Tool allows for a fast and reliable lift of vehicles up to 20 tons with a minimum amount of effort.
When I see that a bottle jack can carry such a heavy load, I always check out how optimized it is for unforeseen circumstances that can be very dangerous in this situation.
For that matter, it packs a steel lifting saddle for load gripping power and a built-in safety bypass device that doesn’t allow overpumping that can result in damage.
Not only that – the critical central areas are heat-treated for a more durable tool and additional protection.
It is not on the slim side (which is normal, when you consider the power that it has), but the two-piece handle is folding for easy storage.
Perhaps the packaging could have been better; it arrived in a box that easily got damaged and couldn’t serve for storage.
Pros:
- Steel saddle for a smooth & secure lift
- Extra-stable wide base
- Two-piece pump handle
- Safety features
- Suitable for all vehicles, even the heaviest
Cons:
- Unsatisfactory packaging
The Big Yellow bottle jack by Performance Tool is waiting for you and your repair shop!
My next pick belongs to the category of those hydraulic bottle jacks that come with a bit of a lavish price tag.
Is it worth it?
If you want to invest in a quality heavy-duty tool, then yes.
It has everything you could possibly want of a bottle jack: the power to lift any vehicle, sturdy construction, low ground clearance, functionality.
I called it a “lifting machine” – when connected to an air compressor via its ¼-inch air nipple or a 48-inch rubber hose, it lifts the vehicle incredibly fast to a maximum of 20 inches.
Then again, it allows for versatility. If you don’t own a compressor, or simply dislike using it, the package includes a two-piece jack handle for manual lifting. It may require more time, but it will still be easy and quick.
A pro tip: When you use it with the compressor, I recommend between 50 to 125 PSI for best results.
It was tested each day of the week over a few months, and it performed very well each time. It still looks as good as new.
Again, the only factor that may be the problem is its high price. But considering what it offers in return, if you’re in doubt – do buy this bottle jack!
Pros:
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Effortless lift
- Quality rubber hose and valve
- Lower clearance than other models
- Two operating modes
- Noiseless
Cons:
- Pricey
I recommend this bottle jack to everyone who needs a premium tool for a serious and heavy-duty job! The steep price will pay off.
There is one more bottle jack that deserves a review on today’s list because it scored high on my tests, the US JACK D-51125.
One of the rare 100% American-made hydraulic bottle jacks sports a heavy-duty construction with a ductile-iron wide base, which makes it stable and secure.
WIth 12-ton capacity and 15-¼’’ lift height, it will cater to most user’s needs. I also wanted to go beyond its limits and use a screw extender, and the maximum height I managed to reach was 19-½’’, which is fantastic.
When I say “heavy-duty construction,” I mean iron castings on the cap, electroless nickel steel ram, and a steel pump piston.
Although there are a few 20-ton picks on my list that can carry even heavier machinery, 12-ton capacity is nowhere light, so safety features are essential..
The bypass system prevents you from overloading, which can damage both the jack and your vehicle and injure you. Did I try it out? Of course! It won’t let you go beyond the weight limits. Therefore, it meets ASME and PASE hydraulic bottle jack standards.
The only thing I didn’t like is the two-piece handle. It felt a bit cheaper than with some other bottle jacks, though it performed just fine.
Pros:
- Stop ring to prevent damage
- Reliable
- Smooth performance
- Stainless steel construction
- Anti-rust materials
Cons:
- The handle is not the best
This 100% USA-made bottle jack will serve you for all types of vehicles, from cars to heavy-duty trucks. And it will last a lifetime!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are bottle jacks any good?
Are you a driver?
Do you want to take proper care of your vehicle?
If the answers are “yes,” then bottle jacks are one of the most useful things you can get.
They can lift your vehicle higher than floor jacks, take less space, and carry much more weight. The only downside is that they are a bit challenging to set up.
Of course, not every bottle jack is good – you want to look for a highest-quality bottle jack, which I basically did instead of you. You just need to decide which one out of the ten suits your needs the best.
2. Why are bottle jacks so cheap?
Generally, bottle jacks come at the price range of around $30 to $150. While some may argue that this isn’t cheap, believe me, for the functionality and utility that you get – it is.
Luckily, most of the manufacturers have come up with efficient formulae for producing high-quality and sturdy hydraulic bottle jacks at an affordable price, so that nowadays you can find an excellent bargain!
3. How much weight can a bottle jack lift?
I specialize in bottle jacks that work for cars and heavy vehicles, so I have not tested all bottle jacks that are used for major industrial jobs, but the maximum lift capacity of bottle jacks is around 100 tons (200 000 pounds).
How unbelievable is that?!
When it comes to bottle jacks that I deal with, most of my picks can lift from 2 to 4T, which I consider appropriate for most types of vehicles.
I’ve made sure to include the best hydraulic bottle jack (actually, a couple) that can lift as much as 20T if you want to own a beast!
4. What size bottle jack is needed to lift a house?
While I don’t recommend jacking up the house on your own without some professional assistance, I do have some experience with this.
The size of the bottle jack that you need for this task depends on the size and construction of the house.
To lift a corner of a house, a 12-T hydraulic bottle jack might be enough.
For a whole-house lift, you will need at least four of those, if not more.
Again, please, be safe while doing this! You can not only do considerable damage to the construction but also hurt yourself!
5. Which company hydraulic jack is best?
It is hard to answer this question in a straightforward manner. Based on what we heard from customers and on our experience when reviewing the best bottle jacks we found the Powerbuilt 620471 6000lb, Unijack 6000Lb Unijack is probably the best hydraulic jack you can find in the market. We think this is the best jack to keep in your car.
Conclusion
Now you know everything needed to get the best hydraulic jack for you.
The bottle jacks that I presented to you today prove that car maintenance is not a luxury and that it is an efficient way of prolonging your vehicle’s durability, as well as enhancing your safety.
When looking for a hydraulic bottle jack, try to consider how often you will use it and for what.
If the answer is “rarely,” you will be able to function with an entry-level pick, such as the Pro-Lift B-004D.
But if your needs require you to use it regularly and for heavy vehicles, you’re better off with a premium pick like the Torin Big Red that will last for ages.
I am Dave McCurdy I am the content developer on the ecodrivingusa.com website. I have 6 years of experience in marketing as an automotive major.