ARB 4×4 JACK

The ratcheting Hi-Lift Jack has been a staple of four-wheelers since Flat Fender Jeeps were adopted by civilians after World War II. And they were used on the farm long before that. Building a better one hasn’t been a huge priority, it seems. Why mess with success? But success is not perfection when it comes to the old guard. Many a man has been mashed by farm jacks…arms and jaws broken and heads busted by the bulk of those old battle axes when they slipped or the handle was turned loose at the wrong time. When that happened the result was akin to walking into the ascending propeller of an idling Piper Cub. It took a deft hand to handle one without injury, but, nothing said “rescue” like the old farm jack. Until now. The folks from “Down Under” have captured the miracle of hydraulic force in a tube of 6061 aircraft grade aluminum and come up with a 35 inch tall, 23-pound wonder. ARB’s new jack, aptly named “JACK,” lifts an incredible 4400 lb. just over four feet in half inch increments, one fluid stroke at a time. Nine notches formed into the side of the tube and spaced two inches apart act as latch points for the lifting hook. Resets would be required for a full-range lift as the ram’s stroke is limited to 22 inches.

We tested the Jack in river sand Baja gravel and on rock. Clearly, for soft surfaces, a platform will be required or it will head for China, ½” at a time. But that’s no different from the original farm jack and it doesn’t take much creativity to simply toss in a 12-inch square of ¾-inch plywood or to slip a MAXTRAX under the base before pumping. The actual pumping action is so easy you would think the jack was bypassing internally but it is in fact lifting the vehicle, smoothly and as safely as you have prepared the operation. An adjustable rubber bumper serves as a buffer in case vehicle contact is made and there is nothing above the handle to hang up as you are lifting…a common issue with the farm jack when not paying attention. Lowering is accomplished by simply pressing the small red lever…a little for slow and more for fast. Controlled descents are a cinch. The Jack will release its load in a controlled manner if its limit is exceeded, saving itself and possibly the user from damage.

 

We tried employing some of the accessories from our farm jack and, generally, they work, although there is no accommodation for the safety pin to engage the lifting hook without modification so it’s technically not a good idea.

The Jack comes in a durable fabric storage bag, making it friendly to surrounding gear.

Our assessment of the Jack is that it is indeed an upgrade, albeit an expensive one at $812. It isn’t as “overlandy” looking as a farm jack slung on the front bumper but it is more user friendly. It won’t stretch a fence or replace a winch, but few folks I know have the patience to rig a farm jack for winching anyway. More people will buy this jack for the actual purpose of getting unstuck or fixing a flat. And for that purpose, it is well worth the price of admission when the alternative is a long walk out of the woods.

Pros:

  • It is simply a safer jack.
  • Action is super smooth both up and down.
  • Nothing extends above the handle to catch on the vehicle.
  • It’s seven pounds lighter and 13 inches shorter than the 48-inch Hi-Lift Jack.
  • 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum is built tough.
  • Australian-designed quality.

Cons:

  • Small footprint requires extra support on soft ground.
  • Lowering requires considerable force and a bit of patience.
  • Two zipper pulls would be a nice touch for the bag on an $812.00 jack.
  • It’s a lot for a what if, but when that day comes…it’s a no brainer. You’ll be glad you made the investment.

Learn more by visiting www.arbusa.com and visit www.ok4wd.com to order your JACK

OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure