Craftsman Pro Jack......Damn Uncomfortable Feeling...
#51
02-17-2010, 10:58 AM
I've been using the Sears yellow jack on my chopper for 3 years now. Made me a little nervous at first but the bike has always stayed put. Just got the Night Train and haven't used it on that yet. I'd still like to get the J&S one day.
#52
02-17-2010, 11:24 AM
The difference between the less expensive jacks and the j&s jack is the cheaper jacks are made of flat bar supports. The J&S is made with square tube steel, with a cross support welded in place. This is in fact MUCH more sturdy, and won't give the wobble like the others. BUT, is this 'technology' worth the cost? For peace of mind, many will say yes.
I have an ability to understand mechanical applications, and while I openly admit the J&S jack is far superior in craftsmanship, my wallet still won't allow me to spend that much for a couple dollars worth of steel. I can build one for myself though, for less than what I paid for the HF jack...
I have an ability to understand mechanical applications, and while I openly admit the J&S jack is far superior in craftsmanship, my wallet still won't allow me to spend that much for a couple dollars worth of steel. I can build one for myself though, for less than what I paid for the HF jack...
#53
02-17-2010, 11:42 AM
How much $ ?
Picked one up this morning, looks like a fine motorcycle/ATV jack but man was I uneasy when I lifted the bike. It didn't feel solid or steady at all!!
On my Ultra (and other bikes) there's a "bow tie gusset (?)" towards the rear of the frame. It's right where the jack needs to be to balance the bike. I lifted the bike several times in several different positions on the frame.
Never once did I feel good about how the bike sat while in the air.
It's rated at 1500lbs......not so sure, I think the Ultra is too heavy and bulky for this lift.
I'm going to return it and seriously consider the more expensive but more trustworthy platform style lift.
Anybody using this lift for a touring bike?
On my Ultra (and other bikes) there's a "bow tie gusset (?)" towards the rear of the frame. It's right where the jack needs to be to balance the bike. I lifted the bike several times in several different positions on the frame.
Never once did I feel good about how the bike sat while in the air.
It's rated at 1500lbs......not so sure, I think the Ultra is too heavy and bulky for this lift.
I'm going to return it and seriously consider the more expensive but more trustworthy platform style lift.
Anybody using this lift for a touring bike?
#55
02-17-2010, 11:47 AM
Ultimate HDF Member
I do want to say one more thing. Even if I had the J&S jack I still for safety would use sometning under the bike to stop it from dropping should there be a hydraulic failure. Would you climb under a car with it just a hydraulic jack and no safety like a jack stand or blocks of wood under the tires?
The one jack that I had fail in use was after I was done cleaning the bike. I jacked it up to release the locks. After I released the locks the cylinder failed and the bike came down hard.
The J&S and Pitbull jacks are not cheap but IMO why deal with a non stable platform to wrench on your 20k bike. To each there own but I will never buy or recomend the cheap jacks to anyone.
#56
02-17-2010, 12:28 PM
Grand HDF Member
Been using that HF jack for a year now and have never had a problem. I do strap it down and, my bike is lighter than others.
#57
02-17-2010, 02:18 PM
I bought my J&S jack from my local dealer. I bought it during a 20% sale and got a great price, no shipping charges.
#58
02-17-2010, 02:53 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
I have the yellow jack and it lifts my bike with no problems. Very sturdy and well made unit..I went to buy the red at first and i couldn't believe how flimsy it felt. So i got the yellow.
#59
02-17-2010, 03:00 PM
Cruiser
I did strap in with 2 tie downs, just never felt good.
Yeah, the table lift is what I am considering......
NO WAY I would wrench on it the way I was feeling, heck I didn't feel comfortable spinning the back wheel while it was up there.
Like I said, I'm sure it's a fine jack for a dirt bike or something with less weight than my pig, LoL.....
Nothing lost except a trip back to Sears.
Yeah, the table lift is what I am considering......
NO WAY I would wrench on it the way I was feeling, heck I didn't feel comfortable spinning the back wheel while it was up there.
Like I said, I'm sure it's a fine jack for a dirt bike or something with less weight than my pig, LoL.....
Nothing lost except a trip back to Sears.
#60
02-17-2010, 03:04 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
I made these video's when I had my Springer. There are three short ones showing the Sears Yellow Jack and it's problems. I still use it but with caution.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QLAB065qj4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySDR9ogg6Ac
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO4-UTl5CiQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QLAB065qj4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySDR9ogg6Ac
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO4-UTl5CiQ
My Sears yellow, yes the same as yours. Doesn't shake one bit like that.