| Author | Message | ||
     Ulyranger |
I know this isn't strictly Uly specific but was wondering what guys are using for a jack. I've seen a few posts with guys using the Craftsman MC jack, how do you like it? I went to the Sears site and the product reviews were far from positive. 47 out of 107 recommended the product.........that's not even 50%. The price is OK, but if the cylinder is going to crap out after half a dozen lifts it's hardly worth the effort. Unless it's the internet bitch session thing going on, where only the discontented are writing up. What about the Harbor Freight one, anyone have experience with it? I ask about these two because they are available locally and it would be easier than paying out the a$$ for shipping. | ||
| Thetable |
Are you more likely to tell your friends about something that worked like it was supposed to with no surprises, or something that didn't? Personally, I would go with the HF if I had a store locally, just make sure to have the website price printed out (or the current flyer), because usually the store prices run higher. I haven't used either, but from my experience with HFs race jacks, I would use the MC jacks without a second thought. | ||
| Ulyranger |
Cool. And I agree, the internet has a way of inflating the bad experiences. Even on well intended sites such as BW. I'll only have to lift the Uly a few times and my other rides are MUCH lighter/smaller (the kind I usually man-handle onto a bucket or crate). It sure would make life easier though. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I have the Sears motorcycle jack. I have had it for three years without issue. Done several lifts. I will say that the locking mechanism is a little weird. It would be easy to jack up the bottle seals man handling it. Hargis has had his even longer without issue. | ||
| Choyashi |
I don't like anything on my Sears jack. The locking bar, the caster locks, the casters and the front wheels that don't turn. But,I got it on sale and it does the job! | ||
| Ratbuell |
I need to build a cradle for my mc jack. I got it from a guy in a tent at Chryslers at Carlisle about nine or ten years ago, for like $80. It was a whim, but it keeps picking up FLHs when I work on them. The Buells, I lift with pitbulls..until I get around to building a couple of cradles, anyway (one tuber, one XB). | ||
| Rwven |
Ulyranger, Which ever jack you buy, do not attach your cradles to the jack permanently. With the X the jack and cradle will fit underneath but the XT does not have adequate clearance. | ||
| Prowler |
The Harbor Freight automotive jack I've got (aluminum) has worked perfectly since day one and I'm constantly jacking up one of the five cars we've got in the drive (tires, oil changes, muffler work, etc.). Based on that, I wouldn't hesitate getting of of their aluminum motorcycle jacks. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
I use a block of wood. It never needs servicing and never fails. Faster to use and costed nothing. | ||
| Michael1 |
I love my Craftsman jack. I picked it up on sale (under $60) and it's amazing. I built a wood adapter (based on patterns I found on here) and it's steady as a rock. Perfect for cleaning, front fork servicing, wheel removal, tps resets and general work on the bike. Plus, if it breaks, I return it. The wheels suck, I return it. I had a caster break, I returned it and got a new one. No questions asked. | ||
| Arcticktm |
I have had the Sears jack for about 6 years or more. It works fine, and gets the job done, and I never really gave it much thought. I did bend the locking bar pretty quickly, but have been too lazy to straighten it out. The wheels/casters are not the smoothest, but still work. No big complaints, and it is pretty versatile for bikes and ATV's. The pad width matches the Uly muffler jack points perfectly. Not familiar with the HF jack, so cannot comment. Sounds like either will work based on above posts, so maybe go with the best deal? | ||
| Ulyranger |
Thanks for all the replies folks. I know this isn't as exciting as "which windscreen?" or HID lights and such, still your input is appreciated. I certainly don't need a Cadilac of MC jacks for how little I'll use it but it'll come in handy the times I do. Rwven, thanks for the heads up. I didn't plan on permanent mount anyways 'cuz I have four bikes but you probably saved me some choice words later.......... like when I tried to stuff a cradled-jack into a tight spot.  |
