The Ultimate J&S Jack vs Harbor Freight Lift Comparison

[@Crazyfootballguy]

Great great video. This is how all videos should be. No intro hype music, just straight to the point. Perfect video. Thank you for respecting your viewer's time.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Thanks! My earlier videos have music....I eventually moved away from it. I don't think music adds anything to the video. Contact counts the most.

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

An excellent real-world comparison between the two jacks. I have never gotten over the wobble on either Jack with the bike up in the air. It makes my hair stand up! Great job, as always, Cue. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Eric

[@whdbnrm3023]

Thank you for a great video. Unfortunately, you chose to compare the more expensive of the Harbor Freight lift. The extremely cheap model is much closer to the JS dimension but will outperform it in every category you listed. It also has all the disclaimers for liability purpose but will allow the bike to be moved without the straps. The biggest difference is the 2-pedal system, One up one down. Total control, in fact I lower the bike without holding on to it. The one you chose is basically a converted car jack. Sometimes less is more. Gorgeous bikes, love the color. Again ,Thank you

[@RidingandWrenching]

I agree that the lower cost HF lift is better than the blue one. It is nearly impossible to move the bike (while it is lifted) with the blue HF lift. There is really no point discussing J&S since they are out of business. The only other option is a more expensive table lift.

[@whdbnrm3023]

@@RidingandWrenching Didn't know JS is no longer around. By the look of the garage, you obviously are a very meticulous person in everything you do. So my interest in the comparison was high, since I considered getting the Alu HF lift. My disappointment in the product grew deeper with each category. You saved me from making a regretful decision. At 650 dollars there is always the Iron Horse Lift which would be the ultimate lift in any garage. I saw a lift display at Daytona. the guy raised the bike about 3 feet and then 2 guys climbed onto the bike. I believe the lift was in the 1500 range but very impressive. Thank you for very informative videos and I will hit the subscribe button

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@whdbnrm3023 it's really unfortunate that JS folded. I had the opportunity to talk to the owner. Seemed like a great guy. However, they ripped off a lot of customers during their finals year or 2. I love my JS jack. I still use the HF jack for cleaning my bike and other simple tasks. Anything else, I use the JS jack. I will check into those other jacks you mentioned. I'd love to test them out

[@alvingallegos6367]

Bought my J& S jack in 2014 used it on 4 of my history of owning a heavier category of bike and had a couple of problems which were doable as a DIY'er changed a bottle jack seal and had a leaky bleed valve which was remedied by a ball bearing. Works well but I figure I'll run into more stuff, but it's been years and love it!

[@RidingandWrenching]

I probably need to replace the seals in my bottle jack. It doesn't go to max height.

[@jmcclure55]

In addition to your content, your video quality, lighting and garage appearance are excellent. Professional channel, sir.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback....I've got a few more updates planned for the garage...stay tuned!

[@701traveler3]

Great Video. Availability. I looked a reviews. I stopped in at Harbor Freight. They had a 1 day sale. I got mine for $159. The 1 thing I don't like is that when lowering the bike you must keep complete control of the descent or it will come down fast. Other that works great.

[@RidingandWrenching]

That's very true. I've lowered my bike VERY FAST by accident with the HF lift. It's not so bad once you get use to it. The one feature I wish the HF Jack would improve is the casters. It's very handy to be able to easily move a bike around the garage.

[@williamfranklin5917]

Thanks again. I really enjoy watching your content, very informative. I would prefer the J&S lift for the sturdiness. The price is steep but I’d rather afford a sturdy lift than risking a bike drop. I purchased the OTC 1545 last summer, and like most things the price has increased. I forgot which channel I watched but, they recommended the OTC lift. It’s another good option. Often times I used the lift just to move the bike around the garage when I’m multitasking. Veteran to veteran, thanks for your service. I did a career in the Corps doing logistics. You look very familiar, we may have crossed paths before.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I was stationed in San Diego and Long Beach during the early-mid 90's. Wish I had bought a house during that time! I live in Memphis now

[@bradduffield9603]

Great comparison of the two lifts

[@RidingandWrenching]

Thank you!

[@johnedwards678]

I dumped my streetglide with that pos 1500 lb aluminum harbor freight jack. Those flat metal bars that support the front failed after only using it a couple times. It was only raised about half way on industrial carpet tiles in my garage. I tried to move it a couple inches and the whole thing twisted sideways. I damaged the front fender and jammed the kickstand against the frame. I caught the bike before it fell completely sacrificing my back. I had a no name lift with the bottle jack for 10 years of washing, replacing tires, rebuilding forks, engine work and moved it all over my garage with the bike on it with zero issues. I only got the 1500 lb aluminum HF jack because the bottle jack on the old one was leaking after 10 years of use. Another problem i have with the HF jack is it leaks down slowly lowering your bike unless you engage the safety lock. If i was to forget that lock, not have the kickstand out and bike leaning towards the kickstand my bike would be laying on its side in a couple hours. I had my bike on the old lift a bunch of times for days and it never lowered even when the bottle jack leaked and safety bar not engaged. I use the HF lift now for work on my jeep to remove or replace the differentials. I would never trust it to lift my bike again. I did use it after it collapsed to complete the work i started on the bike but had to use wood blocks to support the part the bike sits on or i could actually watch those weakened flat bars bending again when raising the bike. I had to raise it a little then shove the wood blocks in, raise it a little more adding more blocks. To be honest i never felt confident with that lift even when new. I raised it to its max and stood on it and with my 200 pounds was able to rock it left, right, backwards and forward way too much. With the bike lifted to it's max its very unstable. I've been working on bikes, cars, boats for 60 years and never had a lift fail. It's a hazard and accident waiting to happen. Imagine a little kid bumping into the lift causing it's collapse and being crushed by a 1000 pound bike. I will never purchase anything from harbor freight again and could care less about the warranty because a replacement is still going to be a pos.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Wow! I'm glad you're ok. Unfortunately JS Jacks is out of business. They had the best jack on the market

[@whdbnrm3023]

The problem is obvious. The aluminum Harbor Freight lift is a converted car jack. Get the economical one and you will never experience any bad dilemma.

[@markpatrick7072]

Thanks for the great review . I purchased the Harbor Freight jack and it has met my needs . The biggest safety concern for me is lowering the bike .

[@RidingandWrenching]

True. You really have to get used to very slight adjustments to lower the bike slowly

[@2147crew]

Excellent review Cue! I’m in need of one.

[@mickc4633]

I’m making comments while I’m watching your video. When you engage the safeties, it also stabilizes the bike on the JS Jack always use the safeties when washing and everything it makes it twice as stable at least

[@mickc4633]

You are absolutely wrong. The safeties are designed to be spread apart to stabilize the bike that harbor freight thing is junk, so is the lock it does nothing to stabilize the bike you need to play with that Jack find out more about it.

[@RidingandWrenching]

What I like about the HF jack is that the safety engages automatically. Maybe you're right about it not being as robust, but the auto engagement is very nice.

[@mickc4633]

@@RidingandWrenching do you take that American may Jack it should be at full height. There’s something wrong with it I would call the manufacture they are very good to deal with. You probably needs fluid in your bottle jack I don’t know, but if you can pick the jack up to full height there’s nothing wrong with it, it’s just a bottle. Jack always use your locks. That harbor freight Jack is just like the one that Sears used to sell. Very unstable, and the locking mechanism doesn’t do anything to stabilize the jack. I am when you said that jacked up, you put it all the way back on the frame to where it starts curving up.

[@edwardsmith7409]

I converted my JS to air/hydraulic. Harbor freight has the air/hydraulic jacks that will work and lift it to full height. Gotta drill a few holes in the jack base but it works great. Great channel sir! Never lift a 20/40k bike with a cheap jack is what I say. Spend the money and get quality jack. Pay now or pay later.

[@RidingandWrenching]

That's a great idea! Can you email a picture to me? [e-mail]

[@edwardsmith7409]

@@RidingandWrenchingpics have been sent. Works well for me.

[@whdbnrm3023]

My Road Glide was right around 36000 .I have no problem lifting it with my under 100 (on sale) lift. As long as there is wobble everything is cool. Never go up a ladder that is stiff.

[@GlidingOnTwos]

Great info on the jacks. I need to get me one soon. 🤙🏾👍🏾

[@tomc5740]

Thank you for your excellent advise. Fantastic job explaining..

[@jontnoneya3404]

Love it - I just picked up the cheaper version of the HF jack you showed - they have 2 different models. It was like $99 on sale! Still in the box but I'm excited to try it out!

[@RidingandWrenching]

I think the cheaper version is the better one!

[@jontnoneya3404]

@@RidingandWrenching- oh yeah? Why is that?

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@jontnoneya3404 Nothing big...seems to roll a little better with the bike in the air. However the owners manual cautions against it.

[@jontnoneya3404]

@@RidingandWrenching- Right on! Thank you for the feedback!

[@itztractorjohn]

I think id take the standard HF jack before the aluminum one. It seems to be more stable than the aluminum one. Thank you for the video.

[@whdbnrm3023]

I was surprised that he chose the alu one. The cheap model is actually a great value and has served me for the last 5 years without a problem. I got mine on sale for under a 100

[@andrewschultz2504]

Nice video cue thank you for the information

[@Comm0ut]

Lift tables are bulky and tend to fill up with "stuff". J&J and Bulldog are much more stable than the competition (I wiggle check). BTW I copy the USAF aircraft stands I used at work and make "ram locks" for all the hydraulic lifts/jacks I use. Proper jacking safety includes letting the jack onto the safety or ram lock then CLOSING the hydraulic valve so BOTH resist compression. My Bulldog got a ram lock (square tubing with one side sliced out slid over the jack shaft) which would of course work on a J&S. The HF jack has bascially THREE not FOUR points of ground contact so it's less stable unless you feel like modding it. I've two Bulldogs bought used and would just as well by J&S but none turned up. If you want an amazingly nice way to raise your motorcycle and own a crane or gantry, suspend it from properly rated slings. My FXR project hangs in space and I can easily reach all of the bike including all the bottom.. Takes slightly longer than jacking but there are zero obstacles so they're great for building bikes.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Good info! Thanks!

[@frankbrown9107]

Thanks for that, very helpful

[@RidingandWrenching]

Thanks! Both lifts are good. The one best for you depends on what features you value most

[@ProriderCentralTexasYouTube]

Well done sir👍

[@bobzapp658]

Another great video

[@RidingandWrenching]

I appreciate that

[@CraigSmith568]

Harbor Freight gets a lot of slack and they do sell some stuff that has low quality. They also sell some stuff that is pretty good quality especially for the guy who only uses some of these items occasionally and not every day. You just need to do your homework. I actually have a Craftsman lift that is similar to the J&S, but I don't think the footprint is quite as large. It sounds like your jack won't lift to full capacity because it is low on fluid, but I could be wrong. Great video and comparison.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Thanks for the feedback. I added fluid, bled the bottle jack....still won't go to max height. Maybe I'll try again

[@TD205]

Very informative👍🏿.

[@cretin634]

Great review.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Thank you!

[@u00wdm3]

A first-timer to your YT channel. Great video. Excellent content. I appreciate your objective feedback on both units. Clicking that Subscribe button now. Ride safe. 😎👍

[@RidingandWrenching]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@JoeyGarrido-m2o]

great review

[@RidingandWrenching]

JS Jacks is out of business. There aren't many good alternatives right now. The Harbor Freight jack is readily available. I will be doing a video sometime soon discussing the alternatives

[@mickc4633]

J&S Jack is awesome once you jack it up make sure you put it on the locks. I sit on my dresser and move it around the garage without strapping it take the bags off wash the bike take the seat off leave the bike all winner up on the Jack. I recommend spraying some kind of fluid on the ram, so it does not rust through the winter, and also that Jack has a lifetime warranty all but the hydraulic jack which you can purchase for 30 some dollars off of that same company. I do not have the handle on mine which would be nice but I would have to remove it for storage harbor freight don’t know nothing about them but the JS Jack lifetime warranty, unless they sold the company like that other Jack company pitbull. And the JS Jack is better than the pitbull really good Jack. I’ve had mine for at least 15 years probably more. And I have I have the other jacks. This one’s the best stable of course always strapped up like if you’re gonna pull off tires you do that on a car lift if you pull motor or transmission or something heavy you better support the back of the car use some common sense.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I haven't tried sitting on it. Someone from J&S replied to my prior video and stated that it would be more stable at max height.....but I can't get to that point. I'm a big fan of J&S....I will probably to get their dolly too

[@mickc4633]

@@RidingandWrenching that is absolutely true. Can you jack it up all the way at least to the next the last lock my bike is sitting in the garage, covered up on the jack all the way extended and it’s been that way off my bikes. Been that way for as long as I had the Jack at least 15 years, I do spray the ram on the bottle jack if I’m leaving it jacked up for an extended amount of time to keep it from rusting and blowing the seals, but it is American made quality jack. I have nothing to do with that company. Other than I like their Jack it’s good I have climbed up and sat on my bike while it was extended all the way and locked very stable. A friend of mine had a pitbull. He still has it, but he has a couple bikes that he went out and bought one of these as soon as he seen mine Matter fact, a lot of people that I know went out and bought the same jack and they all love it. I wouldn’t trust anything made in China picking up my thousand pound CVO probably weighs more than that with all the stuff I still have in it.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@mickc4633 I agree 100% about made in America. I think it was a strategic error to allow China to become the manufacturer of the world. I hope J&S gets it together....I think they should update the design of the lift too. The pedal is too wobbly....it works....but it doesn't look durable. They also need to standardize the bottle jack. My friends looks completely different than mine.....we got them about the same time. I don't have a relationship with J&S....I bought the jack because it was the best.

[@mickc4633]

@@RidingandWrenching give them a call they have awesome customer service. A good friend of mine got the same jack but he got the air operated one there’s no pedals or anything you just use use air for the compressor. He had trouble with it they took care of it No problem. My pedal wobbles is just a pin. I’ve had absolutely no problems with mine and I’ve had it a very long time. It has a lifetime warranty all but the bottle jack call them. If you’re Jack doesn’t go up all the way, there’s definitely a problem you need to put it in the upright position, it takes less stress off the Jack. It makes it more stable and the locks are perfect being far apart and individually locked. I just use my feet. I don’t even bend over to lock and unlock them. I used the shit out of that jack. If my bike sits for more than a week I jack it up I jack it up to wash it. I jack it up before I leave on a trip to inspect the tires. I do a lot of trip and I ride to up and fast, we’ve been from Nova Scotia. We go to Tennessee couple times a year Wyoming everywhere. Always jacked my bike up inspected tires. Everything underneath when I wash it I wash the underneath I don’t know how people can go without a good Jack. I know they’re expensive I don’t know how much I only paid 400 for mine, but that was a long time ago 400 and something. And if your jack doesn’t go up all the way from the day I got it I would’ve called them that’s unacceptable it’s probably the bottle jacks got a problem if you’re going to leave that jack up in the air for like all winter spray down that piston so it doesn’t rust. I love my jackets the best one on the market I wouldn’t use nothing else.

[@mickc4633]

@@RidingandWrenching i’m telling you call the company. They’re pretty awesome people. I don’t know about a wobbly pedal mine wobbles to it’s just a pin . I don’t think I would want a too complicated design. It works well the wheels are excellent . Call them and talk to them. They’re good people as a matter of fact, on my buddy called them he has the air operated one and it got stuck. They told him what to do and he never had a problem after that they were replaced it if they had to, but they didn’t have to. There was a button to push or something. Yeah, American made family owned business. They’re going to take care of you.

[@CookedAnimalEater]

You are the only video that ever mentions removing a rear tire on a jack lift. It seems there should be a bunch of vids because of the hazard that could happen.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I've seen one video using a Harbor Freight lift to do a tire change. This guy does good videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3rTqIOXbMRlfsUsi=Eu5L15q4PjfecgYX

[@rugershooter5268]

Harbor Freight sells jack exactly like the JS jack for $100....handle included The HF you got has additional rails to raise it up so the crossbar isn't in the way Now compare either to the Harley lift

[@RidingandWrenching]

The HF jack is more narrow than the JS Jack. It doesn't roll as easily either. As best I know HD doesn't sell a jack.

[@rugershooter5268]

@@RidingandWrenching well I posted a link and forgot it always deletes those posts The $100 HF lift is 13.25 square, it doesn't have cross bar Google Harley motorcycle lift.....then click on first one at Harley Davidson site

[@Grumpyoldman60-]

My HF jack is sketchy as all get out my Street Glide wiggles and wobbles. I only use it not for washing and detailing as I won't lift the wheels off the ground, that's how sketchy it is.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Mine will wobble. Even on the J&S Jack you get some wobble. The owners manual for the HF Jack states that you should strap it down. This is especially critical if you are working on the bike.

[@vernleroyson331]

Video sponsored by J&S. Ill keep my harbor freight jack, it fits under my pans and shovels. I dont ride or work on the newer disposable Harleys.

[@RidingandWrenching]

This video was sponsored by me. I reviewed my motorcycle jacks that I purchased with my money. J&S is a superior jack in every way.....except availability. JS is out of business, likely because they are unable to compete with slave labor from China

[@Ardell804]

Harbor Freight sells a cheaper jack that looks like JS. Works great.

[@RidingandWrenching]

I've tested that one too. It's probably the better of the 2 HF motorcycle jacks

[@Papa0John]

Great job. Have a J&S from when they had good customer service. Guess they are shuddered now. Not quite mute. Advanced glaucoma has me selling both RoadKing and stand. Trying to come to a good price on the stand. I’ll almost always buy American. Too bad these Americans didn’t survive the ‘business side’.

[@RidingandWrenching]

It's a shame. I actually had a conversation with one of the owners. Seemed like a nice guy, but they screwed a lot of people before they went under. It's still the best motorcycle jack. You should have no problem selling it

[@jimmiehoyt729]

I know moving bikes around can get to be a hassle

[@larryjr3611]

Mine was about a week

[@davidriegner2967]

I strongly disagree with some of your commentsuch on stability and maneuverability I also have a video I made on 14:16 14:16 the Harbor Freight blue aluminum jack. check it out

[@Birdoneful]

Just tried to order a J&S all it says is out of stock

[@RidingandWrenching]

Wow! They must be out of business. I've never seen anything like it

[@Cheaps928]

@@RidingandWrenching they are out of business permanently from what i can tell. It says on google that they permanently closed. I also sent them a email a week ago and no answer yet. I just called them this morning twice and the phone doesnt ring and hangs up. This is a bummer because i really was looking forward for a js jack 😔

[@allentraylor5659]

I'LL TAKE the harbor freight....................

[@whdbnrm3023]

Absolutely . But get the Motorcycle/ATV lift not the expensive converted car jack

[@mickc4633]

If you’re Jack does not go any higher, I would call JS Jack company tell them it looks like a new jack. They will send you another one probably another hydraulic. That’s the only reason it won’t go up which brings me to my next J&S jack is American made lifetime warranty family owned business. At least it used to be unless they sold the company like pitbull did

[@RidingandWrenching]

I'll reach out to them again, but I got no response from my last email. I assumed my lift was reaching max height until I used someone else's. I've tried bleeding the bottle jack and added more fluid, but no luck. I've looked into replacing the bottle jack but haven't done anything with it yet

[@PitbullSoco]

​@@RidingandWrenching thats the one thing I've heard numerous times...j&s customer service is non-existent

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@PitbullSoco JS Jacks is out of business

[@davidneal1576]

J&S Jacks are permanently closed now. 😦

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@davidneal1576 it's sad....best lift ever made