Everyone who has at least dabbled into vehicles and vehicle care knows how important it is to own a good floor jack.
This useful tool allows you to lift your vehicle to perform necessary repairs and changes on it, as well as provides the necessary help on the road if you have it in your trunk.
What if you cannot accommodate the floor jack under your vehicle because it sits too low? No matter how compact your floor jack is, it simply won’t fit underneath!
This can be quite frustrating and common, especially if you own a sports car that is only a few inches above the ground.
What you need is the best low profile floor jack that will account for all such cases.
Top 10 Best Low Profile Floor Jacks In 2024
1. Arcan 2 Ton Low Profile Quick Rise Steel Floor Jack XL20
Unlike traditional floor jacks, the Arcan 2-ton low profile jack is one of those jacks for lowered cars – precisely, those that weigh 2 tons and less.
One of its main attributes that I liked is how user-friendly it is. Firstly, there is a universal joint release mechanism that provides precise and easy control of the jack enhanced with dual pump pistons that quickly raise the floor jack saddle in order to load it.
Also, I felt perfectly safe while using it – there is a protective rubber saddle and a foam handle bumper on a two-piece handle, which allows for easy storage. It doesn’t occupy a lot of space, and the overall dimensions are 26 x 13.2 x 6.3 inches.
I want to praise the high-quality construction of the jack, as well. The wheels and body of the jack are made of stainless steel, and the lift range of the jack goes from 3.5 to 18.1 inches.
My thoughts on safety have been backed up with the fact that this jack compiles with rigorous ASME PALD safety standards.
The only negative thing that I need to mention is this is a heavy jack, although they advertise it as lightweight.
Pros:
- Durable wheels
- The handle can be in any position to lower the car
- You can slip it anywhere
- Heavy-duty construction
- Raises quickly
Cons:
- It is heavy
I can’t say anything more but sing praises to Arcan for producing such a quality jack for low cars!
2. Pittsburgh Automotive 3 Ton Heavy Duty Ultra Low Profile Steel Floor Jack
Speaking of a jack that can take any professional heavy-duty job, I cannot skip Pittsburgh Automotive – a 3T-capacity beast!
Right out of the box, I perceived how good it looks, although this is not of prime importance to me. But the sleek red design cannot go unmentioned!
What is crucial for it to enter my best floor jack for lowered car list, though, is how satisfied I was with the performance of this low profile floor jack.
I’m a witness that this jack is exceptionally safe. However, it does not come with jack stands (just like all of the automotive low profile auto jacks), and it serves for a temporary lift of the vehicle.
Before exposing any part of your body underneath a car for a more serious repair than a change of a tire, always use jack stands.
Once you connect the jack, the Rapid Pump dual pump system lifts your vehicle almost effortlessly.
Even for the highest lift, you’ll need only around six pumps. The maximum height it can reach is 19-¾’’, and it sits as low as 2.75 inches above the ground.
Lastly, I must admit that this jack is big and heavy (around 70 lbs). I wouldn’t carry it in the trunk.
Pros:
- Quick pump
- Industrial-grade construction
- Excellent design
- Great value for the price
- Steel wheels
- Strong
Cons:
- Robust & heavy
All in all, this jack is a real bang for the buck in the category of low profile jacks for low cars.
3. Arcan ALJ3T 3-Ton Quick Rise Aluminum Floor Jack
Another low profile floor jack from Arcan?
What can I say, they have devoted their carefully utilized line of products to cater to every user’s needs!
Straight off: if you’re looking for a lower-priced low profile racing jack, search elsewhere. However, if you’re in for a premium model that includes everything a driver dreams of, keep reading about the ALJ3T by Arcan.
I was pleased to learn that it is made of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminium.
Now, there has always been a dilemma – Are steel floor jacks more durable and quality than aluminium ones?
As a rule of the thumb, yes. But always?
Certainly not. And this one is the sole proof of that!
The fact that it is made of such a high-quality aluminium means that it is not only resistant and sturdy, but also very lightweight, and that’s the main difference. This floor jack can be your companion on the road, too!
It is both made for professional use and any car service, but it is also easy enough to use for regular users. Namely, the reinforced lift arm and a side-mount two-piece handle allow for convenient jack positioning and effortless lift.
As I noted, its only downside is the fact that you’ll be paying a steep price for it (but it’s well worth it).
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Perfectly safe
- Meets ASME safety standards
- Quickly raises the vehicle
Cons:
- Pricey
During the testing period, this floor jack outperformed in all fields. If you want to invest in a premium low profile jack, this is the one!
4. Pro-Lift F-767 Grey Low Profile Floor Jack
Next up is the hydraulic automotive jack, Pro-Lift F-767, that offers a lot of functionality and reliability with surprisingly low price.
I was pleased to discover that this extra-low profile jack has a lifting range of 3-1/2 to 14 inches, and it can hold 2 tons.
Of course (as I always do), I had to put it under a little test – what will happen if I slightly overload it?
The built-in safety valve immediately was activated, so that you can rest assured that the F-767 is 100% safe, even if you accidentally overload it.
Just like with all quality steel floor jacks, you can expect durability. What I want to add is that this jack is not bulky and heavy like some can be – it weighs around 30 pounds, which cannot be considered light, of course, but it is less compared to other steel jacks.
Still, I cannot guarantee it is compact enough to fit in each trunk, but it’s a great choice to have in your garage.
Bonus points for the package – the box that the jack comes in is pretty sturdy. Once you remove the cardboard, the jack easily slides back in the box, so you can use it for storage and protection.
In comparison to my other picks, this floor jack has a bit higher clearance – 4 inches – but still satisfactory enough for it to be called a low profile floor jack.
Pros:
- Durable
- Long and convenient handle (19.5 inches)
- Compatible with all kinds of hydraulic oil
- Sturdy, but lightweight
Cons:
- A bit higher clearance compared to other jacks
5. Sunex 6602LP 2 Ton Low Rider Steel Service Jack
I can tell that there is some kind of stigma surrounding products that are not made in the USA but in China – and I cannot really see why.
A wide variety of best items (including floor jacks) is produced there and tested in the US so that it is assured that they meet our safety standards.
The Sunex 66002LP is no different – it is on a par with most low profile steel floor jacks that are durable and will serve you for a long time.
It also happens to be the lowest car jack on my list, with only 2.75’’ minimum height. To lift it up to the maximum height, 24’’, you need around six to seven pumps with dual pump pistons. This height is enough for cars, pick-ups and SUVs. No more crouching!
What also makes it adaptable to various vehicles is its versatile construction and easy-to-access connecting points.
Another benefit I want to tackle is safety. Namely, the rubber saddle and a foam handle bumper prevent any vehicle damage, and wide front wheels, along with swivel rear casters are stable.
The quality of the handle disappointed me a bit; I think that it’s not as durable as the rest of the jack. Kudos to its length, though (45.25’’)!
Pros:
- Great maneuverability
- Made of high-quality materials
- Not too heavy
- Quick lift
- Flexible
- Low clearance
Cons:
- Plastic handle
As a seasoned mechanic, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Sunex 660LP to all semi-professional drivers!
6. Liftmaster 3 Ton Heavy Duty Ultra Low Profile Steel Floor Jack with Quick Lift
Another gem I found in the overflowing market is the Liftmaster ultra-low steel floor jack.
What you will enjoy as much as I did is the power that this sleek jack offers – 3 tons, with a 3-inch low profile!
Just like most of the premium picks on the market, it is equipped with the dual pump system for lifting. I want to say that I had no problems with jammed pistons, that I saw as something that customers mentioned, so I particularly paid attention to it.
When I tested it, I estimated that the time it needs to lift the vehicle is 40 seconds sharp (wow)!
Not only its speed is impressive, but the height, as well. It can go as high as 17 inches.
Safety? Checked! The two-piece knurled handle has the foam bumper, and the rubber pad is strengthened for minimal friction.
I was also satisfied with the quality of the wheels. They seem expensive and stable.
My experience with maintaining this car jack was a bit of a pain in the neck – you need to protect it and clean it regularly, more often than you would typically do with a floor jack.
Pros:
- 3 tons of capacity
- Safety features
- Sleek design
- Sturdily built
- Ultra-low
Cons:
- Difficult to maintain
- Doesn’t take hydraulic oil
In spite of the time it consumes to be properly maintained, this low profile steel floor jack is one of the best heavy-duty tools that you can currently buy!
7. Pittsburgh 1.5 Ton Compact Aluminum Racing Jack
This jack by Pittsburgh is the kind of a low-profile car jack that everyone wants to own because it is extremely portable, versatile, and useful.
Let’s break down the things that I liked and disliked about this model.
First and foremost, when I compared all of the floor jacks that made its way to my list, this one deserves to be crowned the most compact low profile floor jack.
Along with its compactness, the whole construction is impressive, as well. It was made of lightweight aircraft aluminium with a sapphire anodized finish.
Not only its body is made of premium materials, but the handle, as well. It is a knurled aluminum handle with foam bumper for a comfortable grip and safe user experience.
It can go as high as 14 – ¾ inches in only three and a half pumps. That’s less than 30 seconds! I also liked how the universal joint release provides a precise load control in any handle position, which means that beginners can also use this jack.
All these advantages come at the expense of this tool’s power. It can lift vehicles that are up to 1.5 ton heavy. Still, this will cater to many users!
Pros:
- Low profile (3-⅜ inches)
- Premium materials
- Lightweight
- You can carry it anywhere you want
- Easy to work with
Cons:
- 1.5 tons of weight capacity might not be enough for all users
If you’re stuck in the process of selecting a low-profile floor jack that you can bring with you on any travel, this is the one!
8. Powerbuilt 620479E Xtra Low Profile Floor Jack
One of the best 2-ton low profile floor jacks that I’ve tried out is the Powerbuilt 620479E.
What distinguishes this floor jack from the others is that it has the capability to raise and hold vehicles without the support of a jack stand. It has a built-in safety bar that should be put under the lift arm for this purpose.
At first, I suspected it would be a problem to release the safety latch safely, but it’s quite simple to pump up the jack a little and lift the latch while you’re lowering it. Unfortunately, this is a bit awkwardly explained in their manual.
If you’re looking for the best low profile floor jack for racing and sports cars, search elsewhere. Because of its clearance and construction, I recommend it for SUV’s, Jeeps, trucks, etc.
To further make this jack user-friendly, the manufacturers made sure it is compatible with most kinds of hydraulic oil.
I’ve installed and used hundreds of floor jacks, and I’ve read the same amount of manuals (though I usually don’t use them). This one wasn’t really clear or intuitive, though it is not difficult to install the jack and use it.
Pros:
- Fits a wide variety of vehicles
- Can fit in the trunk
- Excellent construction
- Comes fully assembled
- Doesn’t take up much space
Cons:
- The instruction manual isn’t straightforward
If your needs are such that you need a low profile jack for semi-professional use, I can confirm that the Powerbuilt 620479E is a great choice.
9. Neiko Pro 20272B Premium Low Profile Aluminum Floor Jack
Investing in the best jack doesn’t just make all the repairs more convenient, but it can prevent any unforeseen circumstances on the road.
Initially, it wasn’t clear to me why this floor jack is that expensive. However, I soon found myself amazed with a number of its features.
Namely, it was constructed from durable, industrial-grade aluminum alloy. This equals ultra-lightweight design for a floor jack while it remains reliable and stable.
The whole process of lifting, every time I tested it out, was flawless. From the dual plunger system that is fast and efficient, to the safety valve that stopped the jack immediately when I tried to overload it, I have only praises.
The other parts don’t skimp on the quality, either. The rubber dotted saddle protects your vehicle from any scratches and dents, and the swivel rear casters enable for easy positioning and use.
Again, there is the elephant in the room – this low profile floor jack costs over $200. But the price is there for a good reason!
Pros:
- Sturdy, yet lightweight
- Stable & reliable
- Loaded with safety options
- Great handle
- Premium aluminum
Cons:
- A hefty price tag
This low profile floor jack does come with a steep price tag, but it is more than a worthy investment if you will use it often, or if you’re a professional in this field.
10. Blackhawk B6350 Black/Red Fast Lift Service Jack
As we approach the end of today’s quest, there is one more slim jack for cars I want to introduce you to, the Blackhawk B6350.
I saved the most powerful for the end – as a 3.5-ton low profile floor jack, this beast can lift anything that you want.
Let’s talk about safety first. The universal joint release enables a precise load control in any position of the handle, and the extra-wide steel caster wheels guarantee the necessary stability.
Additionally, there is a built-in safety valve that reacts when you overload the jack, and I can report that it works flawlessly.
If something goes wrong once you receive the jack, it’s good to know that you’re backed with a one-year warranty.
What makes this jack a valuable purchase are not only well-met safety standards but also its functionality. You can lift it up to the maximum height of 22 inches, and it has a very smooth let-down afterwards.
As you can assume, the only downside is that this jack is a bit heavy and large. However, in case you’re wondering, you can detach the handle for easier storage if you loosen a 9/16 bolt.
Pros:
- Excellent value for the money
- Incredible 7000lbs of lifting capacity
- Overload protection
- Comes pre-filled with oil
- Easy to position the jack
Cons:
- Robust and heavy
The biggest reason why I liked the B6350 that much is its power. It will surely leave you without words!
How to choose the Best Low Profile Floor Jack
And now that we took a good look at all the units competing for the title of the best low profile floor jack currently sitting on the market, let me quickly go through some considerations and features I used to sort them out.
You see, every customer has different needs so the opinion what makes the “ideal unit” depends on who is buying the jack. Knowing all the relevant info about this type of car gear will help you find the ideal match for your four-wheeler.
Minimum and Maximum Lift Range
This is, by far, one of the most important considerations regarding this range of products. Since you are looking for the low profile floor jack I can assume that the floor of your vehicle sits very close to the pavement.
But, what can be considered “low profile” these days. Well, anything less than 3.5 inches should work for most of the contemporary low profile vehicles.
As for the maximum range it really depends on what you want to do with the vehicle. For instance, I managed to perform most maintenance duties with 20 inches of lift so you should be able too.
Weight Capacity
This is yet another, very important thing to take into account. In order to be safe or for that matter even functional, the jacks should be able to effortlessly support the full weight of your vehicle.
So, check your vehicle’s specs before making the final pick. If you are buying the jack for your repair shop or multiple family cars go as far as you can. Your investment will pay off in the long run.
Materials
Based on the materials they were made from, most commercially available floor jacks can be divided into three groups:
Steel – Steel is very robust and durable material perfectly suited for heavier cars. Also, these units are usually very cheap. On the other hand the material’s weight makes it a poor choice for on-the-go repairs.
Aluminum – Aluminum is less durable and far more expensive than plain old steel. However, the light weight is ideal for permanent storage in the trunk and effortless usage.
Hybrid – As the name suggests, the hybrid jacks are made both from steel and aluminum. Hence, they represent the perfect middle ground between the two. Ideal for mechanics who take house calls.
Saddle Size
Saddle size (or platform size) refers to the surface of the jack that comes in the direct contact with the vehicle.
How does this affect the performance? Well, the bigger platform equals to more stable and safe lift. This feature becomes especially critical if you are planning to lift the vehicle to 16 inches or above.
Bottle jacks provide safe and reliable performance regardless of the saddle size.
Regulatory Compliance and Warranty
This one is pretty self-explanatory. The floor jacks are the tools that sustain a lot of pressure and attrition over their lifetime. You want your unit to be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for as long as possible.
Also, all jacks you consider buying should meet ASME or some other relevant regulatory standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a low profile floor jack?
A low profile floor jack serves to lift up the car when there is very little room underneath the car.
It may sound unbelievable to you, but they need only around from 2.5 to 4 inches of clearance underneath a vehicle.
So, a low profile floor jack can basically slide wherever you want it to! It is most popular with racing cars and sports cars, but also with car enthusiasts who own a dropped car.
2. How do you use a low profile floor jack?
It is very straightforward to use a low profile floor jack, just like the traditional one:
- Secure your wheels, and make sure that the surface is level.
- Assemble the low profile floor jack under your car, saddle beneath the lift point.
- Pump using the handle until needed and adjust the saddle fully under the lift point.
- When your car is lifted to the height that you need, use jack stands if you need to do longer repairs.
Remember: safety always comes first, and only when you take these measures are you certain that you’ve used a low profile floor jack correctly.
Conclusion
After testing more than thirty products, I am adamant that the Arcan 2-ton is the best low profile floor jack overall.
If the low cost is higher on your priority list, I recommend my budget pick, the Pro-Lift F-767. It still has all of the required capabilities, but it is made from slightly cheaper materials.
Until next time!
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.