Air Jack Vs. Floor Jack: Guide to Vehicle Lifting Like a Pro

Vehicle jacks are essential equipment to have for your repair tasks. Without one, performing regular maintenance work is a challenge. Having said that, there are different types of jacks available on the market today, so you have numerous options to choose from as per your needs. However, in this article, we will be focusing on two of them – air jacks and floor jacks. Here we aim to compare the two jacks, understand how they are different, how they work, the pros and cons of each and more.

Table of contents:

• Understanding Vehicle Jacks: An Overview
• Comparing Air Jacks Vs. Floor Jacks
• Air Jack Vs. Floor Jack: Key Differences
• Air Jack Vs. Floor Jack: Pros and Cons
• Air Jack or Floor Jack: Which Jack Should You Opt For:
• Suggestions for Different Users
• Specific Tips for Air Jacks and Floor Jacks

Understanding Vehicle Jacks: An Overview

For any repair and maintenance tasks, vehicle jacks are critical equipment to have. They help with lifting vehicles off the ground for you to perform any maintenance job on the underside of the vehicle – from oil changes to tire repair, etc. Since there are so many jacks out there, it is imperative that you choose ones that suit your requirements, whether it’s for your auto repair shop or for your DIY needs. Having one with the right load capacity, one that is made of quality and durable materials, one that comes with built-in safety features and is easy to use is paramount.

Comparing Air Jacks Vs. Floor Jacks

Let’s take a look at what are air jacks and floor jacks, how are they different, how they function and more.

What is an Air Jack?

An air jack is also called a pneumatic jack that is specifically designed to raise cars or vehicles off the ground for effective repair and maintenance operations. They are not to be confused with a traditional jack, which is often operated manually and requires physical cranking. Air jacks feature a cylinder or a bladder that inflates with the help of compressed air, thereby, helping the vehicle off the ground safely and effortlessly.

Since air jacks require minimal effort for lifting vehicles, they are perfect for a professional setting, tire shops or even racing pits where it’s important to be fast and efficient with repair tasks.

Recommendations:

3 Ton 6600 Lbs Air Jack

3 Ton Air Jack

What is a Floor Jack?

A floor jack is also known as a hydraulic jack that is manually operated. To raise a vehicle off the ground, it operates on a hydraulic system. Basically what this means is that when the handle of the floor jack is manually pumped, the hydraulic fluid is then pushed into the cylinder which enables the piston to rise up and thereby, lift the car or any vehicle off the ground.

Though floor jacks require a lot more manual effort than air jacks, they are simple to use, reliable and versatile and are generally used by both professional and DIY mechanics. However, they are more commonly found to be used in small auto repair shops and home garages.

Recommendations:

3 Ton Floor Jack Low Profile, Aluminum and Steel Hydraulic Floor Jack

2.5T Low Profile, Heavy-Duty Steel Racing Floor Jack

Air Jack Vs. Floor Jack: Key Differences

Let’s take a look at the key differences between an air jack and a floor jack below.

Mechanism and Operation:

The air jack needs an air compressor to operate. The air jack has to be attached to an air compressor which then helps inflate a bag or cylinder to lift a vehicle. This is done completely with the push of a button or opening of a valve, hence, requires no manual effort at all.

The floor jack on the other hand uses a hydraulic system to operate. It has to be manually pumped, and in doing so, a hydraulic fluid is pushed into the cylinder which then raises the piston causing the vehicle to rise off the ground.

Capacity and Lifting Capability:

The air jack has a higher lifting capacity and is particularly capable of and suited for lifting off heavy-duty vehicles with ease and quickly. These are perfect for large professional auto repair shops where dealing with all types of vehicles on a daily basis is very common. More so, when you have to be efficient as well as fast with the repair work, a jack with a higher capacity is very effective.

The floor jack on the other hand has a lower lifting power than an air jack and is used for both medium to heavy vehicles. It is chiefly suitable for smaller auto repair shops or even perfect for DIY mechanics.

Versatility and Application:

Air jacks are very versatile as they can be used to lift all types of vehicles - small, medium-sized and heavy vehicles. Also, they are often used in industries for lifting heavy machinery too. This makes air jacks extremely essential equipment to have, more so because they can do all the lifting without any manual effort quickly, efficiently and safely. Mainly they are utilized in tire service shops, race pits, and professional vehicle repair shops where efficiency and speed are essential.

Floor jacks are also very versatile and adaptable. They are suitable for cars, SUVs, and lighter trucks and can be used by smaller shops and DIY mechanics. Since they are smaller in size and easy to use, floor jacks are ideal to be carried for emergencies as well.

Portability and Storage:

Air jacks are much larger in size considering that it also has an air compressor. Hence, they can’t be carried around easily and require a lot more space to store.

Floor jacks in contrast are smaller, compact and easy to transport from one place to another. A small storage space is enough for floor jacks due to their compact design.

Cost and Maintenance:

Air jacks are undoubtedly pricy because of the air compressor which is an essential component for their functioning. Besides, air jacks need regular maintenance for their smooth and efficient operation.

On the other hand, floor jacks are much more affordable. Also, like air jacks, floor jacks also have to be regularly maintained for their smooth operation, however, maintaining them is much easier.

Air Jack Vs. Floor Jack: Pros and Cons

Air jacks and floor jacks like all other automotive repair equipment, have their own set of pros and cons. Some are listed below.

Air Jack: Pros and Cons

Floor Jack: Pros and Cons

Air Jack or Floor Jack: Which Jack Should You Opt For:

Choosing a jack for your vehicle completely depends on your particular maintenance requirements. Here are some factors listed below that will have you in when purchasing one.

What Type of Vehicle:

The kind of vehicle you have plays an important role in your decision-making process when getting a jack. For bulkier and heavier vehicles, an air jack is much more reasonable to have because it has a higher lifting power and capacity. So, if you have a heavier or a larger vehicle, then the air jack is the one you should choose but if you have a small to medium-sized car or vehicle, a floor jack is smarter choice.

How Regularly Would You Use the Jack:

How frequently you would use a jack also plays a crucial role in helping you decide on the one needed. If you are someone who is a professional or you have an automotive repair shop, then an air jack is a the best one to choose. However, if you are someone who does not do regular maintenance and repairs of your vehicle, then a floor jack would be a good choice because not only is it easy to use and transport but it is also pocket-friendly.

What is Your Budget:

Another very factor to consider is your budget. Air jacks are not very pocket-friendly because they have air compressors that help in their operation. A floor jack on the other hand is way less expensive and helps you get the job done well enough. It is the best jack to have if you do regular vehicle maintenance work at home or if you have a small automotive repair shop.

Do You Have Storage Space:

Floor jacks do not require a lot of storage space but air jacks do need space. Since floor jacks are small compared to an air jack, they are perfect for your garage at home. And, if you are a professional mechanic or you own an automotive repair shop, then an air jack is a wiser choice as you will have enough of storage space to keep one.

Suggestions for Different Users

i. Professional Auto Repair Shops:

If you have a professional auto repair shop, then an air jack is the better option. Since air jacks have a higher lifting capacity or power, require no manual effort and can do the repair work proficiently, securely and quickly - which is what is expected in professional repair shop - air jacks for cars or vehicles is best to put your money on.

ii. DIY Mechanics:

If you are a DIY mechanic and perform maintenance tasks occasionally at home, then a floor jack is an ideal choice. Floor jacks can be easily stored in your garage, can be carried around easily when you are travelling and are also simple to use. And, one of the best thing is that they are affordable.

Specific Tips for Air Jacks and Floor Jacks

Here are some specific tips for both an air jack and a floor jack.

Maintenance Tips for Air Jacks and Floor Jacks

Regularly inspect your jacks to check for any damage and leaks, dirt and rust.

• Check the air compressor for air jacks and see if the hoses are properly connected and air pressure is good.
• Hydraulic fluid levels in floor jacks have to be checked regularly for their proper functioning.
• Do a load test occasionally; doing so will help you see if the jack is able to handle the load of the vehicles and lift it off the ground.
• Frequently lubricate moving parts for their smooth operation.
• Once done using a jack, make sure to clean all the dirt for their proper functioning.
• To avoid any sort of rust and damage jacks should always be stored in a dry and cool place.
• Follow the instructions by the manufacturer for proper maintenance and care.

Both air jacks and floor jacks do the same job - assist in lifting vehicles off the ground for repair and maintenance work. However, they have separate operation mechanisms and techniques and have their own set of advantages and limitations. Therefore, before choosing the one which is best for you, take into consideration your needs and requirements.