Hi-Lift Jack HL-485 48" Red All Cast Jack

These things haven’t changed much over the last 120 years. It has been a long time since I last used one of these jacks, but I recall the castings being a little bit better quality on the older models. Perhaps that’s just my memory but I recall the cast parts being formed a bit better with tighter tolerances. Maybe that’s just nostalgic thinking.Other than that impression, this jack is the same workhorse it has always been. I wanted the maximum amount of travel for winching operations, so I purchased the 60”, all-cast model. The jack arrived in good condition, and I lubricated it as the manual instructs. I disassembled some of the parts to inspect the jack and lubricate it. I used a little white lithium grease on the reversing latch and the reversing switch cam bar. The other moving parts got a little Ballistol oil. There’s not much to these things and that’s positive feature – there’s very little to go wrong. After being lightly oiled the jack functioned flawlessly.The main steel bar was well made and as good as any I’ve seen. The holes for the climbing pins were clean, sharp and well formed, the rails were straight and true. It looks like Hi-Lift puts a lot of attention into the quality of that main bar. I was not impressed with the cotter pins used to retain the handle and the base plate. I’ll likely upgrade those components. The top clamp/clevis is attached with a bolt & nut. While the bolt head and nut are ¾” hex and fairly heavy, this setup looks like a potential failure point. The bolt head and nut should have a flange or at least a washer to spread the load more. The entire shank of the bolt is threaded, and it is a loose fit through the top hole in the bar. That hole is the same shape and style as all the other holes for the climbing pins. That bolt should have a non-threaded shank where it passes through the bar and that shank should be a closer fit to that hole in the bar. I suspect the Pittman bolt would shear, as it is designed to for safety, before the top clevis or top clevis bolt failed; but it looks like a potential failure point.All the fasteners appear to be finished with zinc chromate or dichromate (yellow steel), which generally holds up well to weather. The Pittman bolt and nut (which also acts as the shear pin to prevent overloading the jack) has a locking nut to prevent it from backing off on its own. To disassemble the jack, you need TWO each of the following wrenches: ½”, 5/8” and ¾”. Plus, there are a couple of cotter pins that need to be pulled out to remove the handle and base plate. A hammer and punch are required to remove and replace the climbing pins. In a nutshell, if you had spare parts and some hand tools, you could conceivably repair one of these in the field, but you would likely be better served with a second jack.The paint on a tool like this is destined to get worn off during regular use. I don’t get too upset about the initial quality of paint on something that will spend its life in mud, dust, dirt, snow and gravel; but the paint actually looks pretty good right out of the box.I haven’t done any serious work with this jack yet but in some moderate testing, it performed as expected. The 60” (5 foot) model is a bit unwieldy so if you don’t need that extra foot of travel, you can save yourself some bulk and 3 pounds by going with the 48” (4 foot) model. The 60” model comes in at over 31 pounds and that’s before you start hanging chains and rigging hardware on it.The best piece of safety gear to go with these jacks is located between your ears. Use your brain and a Hi-Lift jack can be an extremely versatile and useful tool. Be stupid around it and it can kill or maim you in an instant and it will be nobody’s fault but your own.So, there you have it, a 120-year-old work horse that is still working and doing it at a reasonable cost.

I purchased the Hi-Lift Tractor Jack HL485 48" Hi-Lift Red All Cast Jack several months ago, and I couldn't be happier with its performance on my farm. As a farmer, I needed a rugged and dependable jack that could handle heavy-duty tasks and endure the rigors of farm life. This jack has not only met but exceeded my expectations in every way.Durability: This Hi-Lift tractor jack is built like a tank. Constructed with cast iron components, it exudes strength and durability. I've put this jack through its paces, using it to lift tractors, heavy machinery, and even the occasional stubborn tree stump. It has stood up to all the abuse I've thrown at it without breaking a sweat. The all-cast construction gives me peace of mind that it will last for years to come.Versatility: The 48-inch lifting height is perfect for my needs, allowing me to work comfortably around tractors and other farm equipment. Its load capacity of 7,000 pounds is more than enough for the tasks I tackle on the farm. The two-piece handle and socket are not only durable but also easy to use. It provides a secure grip, making the lifting process smooth and efficient.Safety: Safety is paramount when working on a farm, and the Hi-Lift Tractor Jack doesn't disappoint in this regard. The inclusion of safe-use information stickers with load details and operating instructions on the handle is a thoughtful touch. It ensures that I always use the jack correctly and safely, minimizing the risk of accidents.Finish: The powder-coated finish with zinc-plated hardware not only adds to the jack's durability but also gives it a sleek and professional appearance. Even after several months of heavy use in all weather conditions, the jack still looks brand new.Value for Money: Considering the quality and performance of this jack, the price is more than reasonable. It's a true workhorse that has saved me countless hours of labor and frustration on the farm.In conclusion, the Hi-Lift Tractor Jack HL485 has become an indispensable tool on my farm. Its durability, versatility, and safety features make it a top-notch choice for any farmer or anyone in need of a reliable heavy-duty jack. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a dependable lifting solution that can withstand the toughest conditions. It's an investment that pays off in time saved and peace of mind knowing you have a jack that won't let you down.

Heavy and rock solid. Needed this as a tool around our small farm. Just used it to easily crank out rebar around landscape and pulling some t posts.