A proper lifting system can completely transform things. Of course, 2-post lifts and scissor lifts are no doubt crowd-pleasers, but one overlooked gem in the world of garages is the rolling jack.
This little beast doesn’t get the same fanfare as your main lift, but it absolutely should. When equipped with appropriate accessories, they are capable of elevating one end or one corner of the car within a few seconds.
When you have a 4-post car lift and still have to pull the floor jack out every time, you are really not using half the benefits you had put in place.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and jump into how these tools work, what to consider, and why you’ll wish you had added one sooner.
Lifting Gets a Whole Lot Easier
Most units are usually air or hydraulic-powered and are tough enough to handle real work. They are not clunky; they roll smoothly on tracks built into your 4-post lift, and they slide out of the way when not being used.
When it comes to tire rotations, brake job or front-end service, you don’t want to be lowering the car each time. And that is what rolling jacks are so good at. You lift the vehicle once, then use the jack to raise one axle, knock out your job, and move on.
Adjustable lift arms/pads are included in most models, so that you can fine-tune contact points depending on the vehicle. The best part? You stay off the floor and maintain a workflow.
Maximizing Your 4 Post Car Lift
Once you have invested in 4 post car lifts, you are one step closer to completing the setup of a shop. These lifts are firm, all-rounder, and are suitable for long-term storage or undercar service. But without a jack, they’re a little limited.
Of course, you could lift the entire car. But if you want the wheels off, your options are limited unless you add a jack tray or rolling jack. Once you do, suddenly that storage lift turns into a maintenance beast.
Want to really dial in your lift setup? Here’s what to look for:
Lift Capacity: Match your jack to the type of vehicles you’re working on. A 4,500–6,000 lb capacity handles most jobs. Bigger trucks? You’ll want more.
Power Type: Air-over-hydraulic systems are super popular for speed and ease. Just hook it up to your compressor and go.
Safety Locks: Make sure the jack has built-in locking positions for safety when you’re under the car.
Adjustability: Width-adjustable models are great for working on everything from small sedans to wider SUVs.
A solid jack means less hassle, more safety, and a way cleaner workflow. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without one.
Add-Ons That Make a Difference
If you’re building out your dream garage or shop, the little extras matter. Here are a few pieces of gear that’ll take your setup from good to great:
- Drip Trays: Keep things clean during oil changes or leaky brake jobs.
- Jack Trays: If you’re not ready for a rolling jack, a jack tray gives you a place to use a bottle jack safely on your lift.
- Caster Kits: Want to move your 4-post lift around the garage? Caster kits make it portable.
These may sound like small additions, but they definitely take your experience to a new level, particularly when you are working several jobs in a day or working in a compact space.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a jack with any 4 post car lift?
A: Not always. Most jacks are designed to be compatible with certain lift brands or runway widths. Check the compatibility before purchasing.
Q: Is it safe to work under a car supported by a rolling jack?
A: Absolutely — if the jack has locking positions and you use them. Do not depend on hydraulics. Whenever working underneath, always engage safety locks.
Q: How much lifting capacity do I need?
A: 4,500 to 6,000 lbs will usually do fine in sedans and small SUVs. Working on the heavier trucks? Go higher. Always remember that the jack only picks up one end, and not the complete car.
Q: Do I need a compressor to run an air-over-hydraulic jack?
A: Yes. A small shop compressor will do the trick. If you don’t have air, you can find hand-pump or electric models too.
Q: Can I install a rolling jack myself?
A: Completely, most of the jacks are either pre-assembled or have little to set up. You simply have to adjust its width to fit your lift, and you are set.
Final Word
Working on cars is serious business, so the gear is important.
Couple it with a quality 4 post car lift and you have a dream setup, whether you’re running a business or just wrenching on your weekend toy.
So if you’re tired of hauling floor jacks around or have to crawl under jack stands, maybe it’s time to upgrade.
