How dangerous is a Hi-Lift?

[Adams06]

So recently I bought a Hi-Lift jack, with the lift mate, which allows you to lift a single tire in the air. So as I was lifting it I was pretty much scared out of my mind, I was afraid something was going to break and stuff would go flying. Am I wrong to think that? Call me a wuss if need be but I will admit that I was pretty freakin scared using that thing. Do I have reason to be scared or am I just a big wuss??:crybaby:

And got another question about the Hi-Lift, if you are going to be offroading with another 4x4 with a recovery strap, shovels, etc, is it really necessary to have a hi-lift jack?

Thanks a lot ahead of time.

Adam

 

[MCL_68]

So recently I bought a Hi-Lift jack, with the lift mate, which allows you to lift a single tire in the air. So as I was lifting it I was pretty much scared out of my mind, I was afraid something was going to break and stuff would go flying. Am I wrong to think that? Call me a wuss if need be but I will admit that I was pretty freakin scared using that thing. Do I have reason to be scared or am I just a big wuss??:crybaby:

And got another question about the Hi-Lift, if you are going to be off roading with another 4x4 with a recovery strap, shovels, etc, is it really necessary to have a hi-lift jack?

Thanks a lot ahead of time.

Adam

The Hi Lift jack has a nickname..."The Widowmaker" Be careful and respect it.Read the manual and practice using it...so you're not fumbling with it out on the trail,when you really have to use it.If you have rock sliders,you'll be able to lift one side of the truck for tire changes etc.I would also recommend getting the Hi Lift off road base.Here's a video on how to properly use the jack.To answer your last question,Yes....you never know if your going to need it or someone else that's in trouble needs it.....be prepared before hitting the trails.YouTube - Hi-Lift Jack Operating Instructions and YouTube - Hi-Lift Lift-Mate

 

[BlairB]

The Hi Lift jack has a nickname..."The Widowmaker" Be careful and respect it.Read the manual and practice using it...so you're not fumbling with it out on the trail,when you really have to use it.If you have rock sliders,you'll be able to lift one side of the truck for tire changes etc.I would also recommend getting the Hi Lift off road base.Here's a video on how to properly use the jack.To answer your last question,Yes....you never know if your going to need it or someone else that's in trouble needs it.....be prepared before hitting the trails.YouTube - Hi-Lift Jack Operating Instructions and YouTube - Hi-Lift Lift-Mate

:iagree:

 

[Adams06]

The Hi Lift jack has a nickname..."The Widowmaker" Be careful and respect it.Read the manual and practice using it...so you're not fumbling with it out on the trail,when you really have to use it.If you have rock sliders,you'll be able to lift one side of the truck for tire changes etc.I would also recommend getting the Hi Lift off road base.Here's a video on how to properly use the jack.To answer your last question,Yes....you never know if your going to need it or someone else that's in trouble needs it.....be prepared before hitting the trails.YouTube - Hi-Lift Jack Operating Instructions and YouTube - Hi-Lift Lift-Mate

Ok cool thanks a lot...I read the manual over a couple times but was still feeling a little un-easy. But these videos helped out a lot. Thanks a lot for your input. :thanks:

 

[Pikeman]

Any tool used improperly is dangerous. Watch learn practice and get familiar and it can be used safely. I know plenty of people get hurt just by driving their trucks because they dont use common sense and operate in a safe manor. As mentioned above, use it with care and having one along is just another tool in your recovery kit. Go prepared, be safe and enjoy.

 

[jbailey]

I agree with the statements above. The best thing you can do is go out and practice with it a little. The main danger is the jacks instability. Keep that in the front of your mind when jacking the vehicle and you will be ok.

I have a 60" High lift that has out last all of my off road vehicles. I can honestly say I have used it less as a jack and far more other things. Like winching, prying, pushing, spreading.... It is a valuable tool. The possible uses are tremendous.

 

[Thai]

And got another question about the Hi-Lift, if you are going to be offroading with another 4x4 with a recovery strap, shovels, etc, is it really necessary to have a hi-lift jack?

Thanks a lot ahead of time.

Adam

Friends with 4x4 and bottle jack are a zillion times safer and a zillion times more effective than a HiLift.

 

[manhunter]

As was said, the most dangerous part of the hi-lift is its instability so make sure you position it correctly under what you are lifting, have it on a good solid level base (hi-lift base recommended), use it the way it was designed to be used, and you should be ok. The second most dangerous part is the handle when you are releasing the pins to let it down, so whatever you do, keep your head and any other body parts clear of the up and down travel of the handle while jacking it down.