How we researched this guide
We compared 4 genuine Hi-Lift jacks from the all-cast, cast-and-steel and X-TREME lines, checked 12 maker manual and listing documents for rated load, tested load, weight and lift height, and reviewed 10 owner and community discussions before shortlisting the four jacks below.
We did not test any jack ourselves. Weights and ratings are written as the maker manual states them, and the lightweight claim in this guide is honest and limited: no Hi-Lift is light, and the lightest genuine model here is the 42-inch HL-425 at 26.35 pounds. Only 4 picks are used because only 4 Hi-Lift models verified with Amazon ASINs; no unverified model was added to reach five. No prices are printed because listings change; use the buttons to check the current figure for your exact jack.
The 30-second answer
The best heavy-duty Hi-Lift jacks, lightest first in spirit, are the Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425, Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484, Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485 and Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485. Choose the HL-425 for the lightest genuine Hi-Lift, the HL-484 for value at 48 inches, the HL-485 for all-cast durability, and the XT-485 for winching, clamping and spreading versatility.
Lightest Hi-Lift Here
Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425
The lightest genuine Hi-Lift in this guide at 26.35 pounds in the maker manual, in the compact 42-inch all-cast form. Best if you want real Hi-Lift capability with the smallest, lightest package.
Best Value 48 inch
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484
The 48-inch cast-and-steel jack at 27.66 pounds in the manual, with the same ratings as the all-cast at a lower build cost. Best if you want the standard 48-inch size for less money.
Best Overall Hi-Lift
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485
The classic red 48-inch all-cast jack: 4,660 pounds rated, 7,000 pounds tested, 28.16 pounds in the manual. Best if you want the standard Hi-Lift that most off-roaders carry.
Best Multi-Use Hi-Lift
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485
The top-of-the-line 48-inch all-cast X-TREME with the special top winch-clamp-spreader attachment for the serious user. Best if you want one jack that also winches, clamps and spreads.
Quick comparison
| Product | Size / type | Key rating | Best for | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425 | The lightest genuine Hi-Lift in this guide at 26 | Construction: All-cast | Lightest Hi-Lift Here | |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484 | The 48-inch cast-and-steel jack at 27 | Construction: Cast and stamped steel parts | Best Value 48 inch | |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485 | The classic red 48-inch all-cast jack: 4,660 pounds rated, 7,000 pounds tested, 28 | Construction: All-cast | Best Overall Hi-Lift | |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485 | The top-of-the-line 48-inch all-cast X-TREME with the special top winch-clamp-spreader attachment for the serious user | Construction: All-cast | Best Multi-Use Hi-Lift |
Hi-Lift finder: match a jack to your storage space
Enter the storage length you have in inches. Every result recommends one jack from this guide with its own button — there are no dead ends. Shorter storage means the shorter bar.
Enter a value above and we will match one of the picks in this guide to it.
How to choose a heavy-duty Hi-Lift jack
Rated load is the same across the range
Every Hi-Lift here carries the same ratings: 4,660 pounds rated, 7,000 pounds tested, 5,000 pounds winching and 750 pounds clamping. Since capacity does not separate them, the buying choice comes down to bar length, construction and the X-TREME attachment, not to a bigger number.
Weight honesty: none of these is light
The lightest genuine Hi-Lift here is 26.35 pounds and the heaviest is 28.16 pounds, so the whole range spans less than two pounds. Buyers who need a truly light jack should look at a different jack type entirely, not at a longer Hi-Lift, and this guide says so plainly rather than dressing a 28-pound tool as lightweight.
All-cast versus cast and steel
All-cast jacks use cast parts throughout and wear slower under heavy use, while cast-and-steel jacks use four stamped steel parts to hold the price down. Ratings are identical, so the choice is durability against cost, with frequent users favoring all-cast.
Bar length is lift reach
A 42-inch bar stores easiest and lifts least, while a 48-inch bar fits most four-wheel drives. Measure the lift height your vehicle actually needs, including suspension travel, before choosing length, because a short bar on a tall rig cannot finish the lift.
The X-TREME attachment
The XT-485 adds a top winch-clamp-spreader attachment to the same 48-inch all-cast jack. It buys versatility for recovery work, not extra capacity, so it suits serious users who winch, clamp and spread as often as they lift.
Lift points and safety first
A Hi-Lift only lifts safely from rated points, and its mechanism demands respect: keep hands clear, never work under a load held only by the jack, and learn the lowering procedure before first trail use. A jack stand, not the Hi-Lift, holds the vehicle while you work.
Hi-Lift jacks by budget
| Budget tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | Lightest genuine Hi-Lift, 42-inch bar | Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425 |
| Value 48 inch | Standard size at lower cost | Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484 |
| Top of the line | All-cast plus winch-clamp-spreader | Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485 |
Types of Hi-Lift jacks
| Type | Strengths | Watch-outs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-cast | Slowest wearing parts | Highest cost in its size | Frequent users |
| Cast and steel | Same ratings, lower cost | Steel parts wear faster | Occasional users |
| X-TREME | Winch, clamp and spread attachment | More to learn | Serious recovery users |
| Short bar | Lightest and most compact | Least lift reach | Small rigs and farm use |
Detailed reviews
Each jack below is judged on the same five points: published ratings, maker manual weight, bar length, construction and what owners report for that exact listing.
Lightest Hi-Lift Here: Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425
Lightest Hi-Lift Here
Why the Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425 is our pick
The HL-425 is the honest answer to the lightweight question: no Hi-Lift is light, but the 42-inch all-cast model is the lightest in the maker manual at 26.35 pounds, against 28.16 pounds for the 48-inch all-cast. It keeps the full 4,660-pound rated load and 7,000-pound tested load, so the weight saving costs nothing in capacity, only in lift height.
Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425 key specs
- Model: HL-425
- Size: 42 inches
- Construction: All-cast
- Rated load: 4,660 pounds
- Tested load: 7,000 pounds
- Weight: 26.35 pounds (manual)
- Clamping capacity: 750 pounds
- Winching capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Standard: Meets ASME B30.1 requirements
- Use: Lifting, winching, clamping, spreading
- Maker: Hi-Lift Jack Company
Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425: fits and best for
This jack fits smaller rigs, farm use and owners who carry the jack by hand, where every pound and every inch of storage matters. It is not the choice for a tall lifted truck that needs the reach of a 48-inch bar. best winch recovery kit
Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425 pros and watch-outs
- Lightest Hi-Lift in this guide
- Full 4,660-pound rated load
- All-cast durability
- Compact 42-inch storage length
- Same winching and clamping ratings
- Shortest lift reach here
- Not for tall lifted rigs
- Still over 26 pounds
- Needs rated lift points
Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425: what owners report
- Owners on the listing report the 42-inch size fitting rigs where a 48-inch jack will not store. See the Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425 listing.
- Off-road guides cite the HL-425 as the compact Hi-Lift choice.
- Buyer feedback on the listing stresses checking lift height against the vehicle first.
Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425: who should not buy
Do not buy the HL-425 for a lifted truck that needs more than a 42-inch bar can reach. Buy the HL-485 for the longer bar.
Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425: pair it with
Pair it with a Hi-Lift base plate for soft ground use. best tree saver strap
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Tip: learn the lowering procedure on flat ground before first trail use. best snatch block for winching
Best Value 48 inch: Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484
Best Value 48 inch
Why the Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484 is our pick
The HL-484 is the same jack as the all-cast in every rating that matters: 4,660 pounds rated, 7,000 pounds tested, 5,000 pounds winching and 750 pounds clamping. The difference is four stamped high-strength steel parts instead of castings, which Hi-Lift stamps in-house to hold the price down while keeping the same quality standards.
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484 key specs
- Model: HL-484
- Size: 48 inches
- Construction: Cast and stamped steel parts
- Rated load: 4,660 pounds
- Tested load: 7,000 pounds
- Weight: 27.66 pounds (manual)
- Max lift: 37.24 inches (manual)
- Clamping capacity: 750 pounds
- Winching capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Color: Black
- Maker: Hi-Lift Jack Company
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484: fits and best for
This jack fits the standard off-road rig that needs the 48-inch bar most owners buy, at the lowest cost in this guide. The steel parts wear faster than castings under heavy use, so frequent users should weigh the all-cast HL-485 instead. best winch recovery kit
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484 pros and watch-outs
- Standard 48-inch size
- Same ratings as all-cast
- Lower cost build
- 27.66 pounds, lighter than all-cast 48
- Black finish
- Steel parts wear faster than cast
- Not the longest-wearing Hi-Lift
- Still a heavy jack to carry
- Needs rated lift points
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484: what owners report
- Owners on the listing report the HL-484 doing the same jobs as the all-cast for less money. See the Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484 listing.
- Guides cite the cast-and-steel jack as the value entry to Hi-Lift ownership.
- Buyer feedback on the listing stresses keeping the mechanism clean and lubricated.
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484: who should not buy
Do not buy the HL-484 if you use a Hi-Lift daily and want the longest-wearing parts. Buy the all-cast HL-485 for that use.
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484: pair it with
Pair it with a handle keeper so the handle stays put on the trail. best tree saver strap
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Tip: keep the climbing pins clean and lubricated so the mechanism never sticks. best snatch block for winching
Best Overall Hi-Lift: Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485
Best Overall Hi-Lift
Why the Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485 is our pick
The HL-485 is the jack most people mean when they say Hi-Lift: the red 48-inch all-cast model that has been the standard for generations. All-cast parts wear slower than the stamped steel parts of the HL-484, and the 48-inch bar fits most four-wheel drives without the storage penalty of the 60-inch model.
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485 key specs
- Model: HL-485
- Size: 48 inches
- Construction: All-cast
- Rated load: 4,660 pounds
- Tested load: 7,000 pounds
- Weight: 28.16 pounds (manual)
- Max lift: 38.63 inches (manual)
- Clamping capacity: 750 pounds
- Winching capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Base plate: 28 square inches
- Maker: Hi-Lift Jack Company
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485: fits and best for
This jack fits the majority of off-road rigs, farm trucks and SUVs that need a real mechanical jack for lifting, winching, clamping and spreading. It is heavier than the HL-425, so carry weight matters more than compactness here. best winch recovery kit
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485 pros and watch-outs
- Classic all-cast durability
- Standard 48-inch fit for most rigs
- Full 4,660-pound rated load
- 38.63-inch max lift
- Two-piece handle and socket design
- 28.16 pounds to carry
- Not the lightest Hi-Lift
- Needs rated lift points
- Mechanism needs regular care
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485: what owners report
- Owners on the listing report the HL-485 lasting for years of farm and trail use. See the Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485 listing.
- Off-road guides cite the 48-inch all-cast as the default Hi-Lift recommendation.
- Buyer feedback on the listing stresses learning the mechanism before first trail use.
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485: who should not buy
Do not buy the HL-485 if storage length is tight or you carry the jack by hand over distance. Buy the HL-425 for the lighter, shorter package.
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485: pair it with
Pair it with a jack mount so the 48-inch bar rides securely. best tree saver strap
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Tip: carry the jack mounted, never loose in the load bed. best snatch block for winching
Best Multi-Use Hi-Lift: Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485
Best Multi-Use Hi-Lift
Why the Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485 is our pick
The X-TREME is Hi-Lift’s top-of-the-line all-cast jack, and the difference is the top winch-clamp-spreader attachment that turns the same 48-inch bar into a more versatile recovery tool. Ratings match the HL-485 exactly, so the upgrade buys versatility, not capacity, and that distinction matters when choosing between them.
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485 key specs
- Model: XT-485
- Size: 48 inches
- Construction: All-cast
- Rated load: 4,660 pounds
- Tested load: 7,000 pounds
- Weight: 28.16 pounds (manual)
- Winching capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Attachment: Top winch-clamp-spreader
- Use: Lifting, winching, clamping, spreading
- Design: For the serious Hi-Lift user
- Maker: Hi-Lift Jack Company
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485: fits and best for
This jack fits serious off-roaders who use the winching, clamping and spreading functions as often as lifting, and who want those functions in one tool. Casual users who only lift will not use the attachment enough to justify it over the HL-485. best winch recovery kit
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485 pros and watch-outs
- Winch-clamp-spreader attachment
- All-cast construction
- Same full ratings as HL-485
- Serious-user design
- 48-inch standard size
- Heaviest feature set to learn
- Same weight as HL-485
- Attachment adds complexity
- Not a lightweight jack
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485: what owners report
- Owners on the listing report the X-TREME attachment earning its keep on recovery days. See the Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485 listing.
- Serious-user guides cite the XT-485 as the top-of-the-line Hi-Lift.
- Buyer feedback on the listing stresses reading the manual for the attachment functions.
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485: who should not buy
Do not buy the X-TREME if you only need a simple lifting jack. Buy the HL-485 for the same ratings with a simpler setup.
Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485: pair it with
Pair it with a tree saver strap for the winching function. best tree saver strap
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Tip: use a base plate on soft ground so the jack cannot sink. best snatch block for winching
Spec comparison
| Product | First spec | Key rating | Second spec | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425 | Model: HL-425 | Construction: All-cast | Size: 42 inches | |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484 | Model: HL-484 | Construction: Cast and stamped steel parts | Size: 48 inches | |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485 | Model: HL-485 | Construction: All-cast | Size: 48 inches | |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485 | Model: XT-485 | Construction: All-cast | Size: 48 inches |
| Product | Spec | Spec | Spec | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425 | Rated load: 4,660 pounds | Tested load: 7,000 pounds | Weight: 26.35 pounds (manual) | |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484 | Rated load: 4,660 pounds | Tested load: 7,000 pounds | Weight: 27.66 pounds (manual) | |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485 | Rated load: 4,660 pounds | Tested load: 7,000 pounds | Weight: 28.16 pounds (manual) | |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485 | Rated load: 4,660 pounds | Tested load: 7,000 pounds | Weight: 28.16 pounds (manual) |
Scores below are editorial judgement based on the published specs and owner reports cited in this guide, not test results. Fit for the stated application counts most, then published rating, then completeness of the kit.
| Product | Editorial score |
|---|---|
| Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425 | 9.0 |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484 | 8.5 |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485 | 9.0 |
| Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485 | 8.5 |
Fitment & installation basics
There is no installation for a Hi-Lift, but there is fitment: a mount that holds the bar securely, rated lift points on the vehicle, and a base plate for soft ground. Practice lifting and lowering on flat ground before the trail, since the mechanism rewards familiarity and punishes guesswork. For the recovery system the jack joins, see best winch recovery kit, best tree saver strap and best snatch block for winching, and the winch maintenance checklist guide for keeping the mechanism ready.
More recovery reading: best D-ring shackles for recovery, best winch for Jeep Wrangler, how to use a winch, essential winching accessories and best winch for Ford F-150.
Safety essentials
- Never work under a vehicle held only by a Hi-Lift jack.
- Lift only from rated points, never from plastic bumpers or body panels.
- Keep hands, clothing and bystanders clear of the handle arc.
- Use a jack stand before any work under the vehicle.
- Inspect pins, bar and base before every use.
- Retire or repair a jack with a damaged bar or sticking mechanism.
Three recovery staples from our verified accessory pool:
- WARN Epic Snatch Block —
- GearAmerica Tree Saver Strap —
- AMBULL Recovery Shackles —
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Jack will not climb | Dirty or dry climbing pins | Clean and lubricate the mechanism following the manual |
| Handle kicks back | Load shifting or improper lowering | Stop, reset the load and lower slowly with control |
| Jack sinks into ground | Soft surface under the base | Use a base plate or solid footing before lifting |
| Bar will not release | Mechanism under load or jammed | Unload carefully and inspect pins before forcing anything |
| Vehicle slips off the nose | Unrated or angled lift point | Lower, reposition on a rated flat point and retry |
| Pins stick after mud use | Grit in the mechanism | Clean thoroughly and lubricate before next use |
Who should NOT buy these
Do not buy a Hi-Lift expecting a lightweight jack. The lightest genuine model is 26.35 pounds, so buyers needing a truly light jack should choose a different jack type.
Do not buy the longest bar by default. A 60-inch bar stores poorly and lifts no more weight; buy the length your vehicle needs.
Do not buy a Hi-Lift without learning it. The mechanism is simple but unforgiving, and first use should never be on a trail.
Do not work under a Hi-Lift-held vehicle. Jack stands hold vehicles; Hi-Lifts lift them.
Final verdict
Lightest Hi-Lift Here: Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425 —
Best Value 48 inch: Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484 —
Best Overall Hi-Lift: Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485 —
Best Multi-Use Hi-Lift: Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485 —
FAQ
What is the lightest heavy-duty Hi-Lift jack?
The HL-425 at 26.35 pounds in the maker manual is the lightest genuine Hi-Lift in this guide, against 27.66 pounds for the HL-484 and 28.16 pounds for the HL-485 and XT-485. That two-pound spread is the honest lightweight story: the 42-inch bar saves weight and storage length, not capacity, since every model here is rated at 4,660 pounds.
What is a Hi-Lift jack rated to lift?
Every Hi-Lift in this guide is rated at 4,660 pounds with a tested load of 7,000 pounds, a winching capacity of 5,000 pounds and a clamping capacity of 750 pounds. Those ratings are identical across all-cast, cast-and-steel and X-TREME models, so capacity never decides between them.
All-cast or cast and steel: which should I buy?
Buy all-cast for the slowest-wearing parts if you use the jack often, and cast and steel for the same ratings at a lower cost if use is occasional. The four stamped steel parts in the cast-and-steel jack are the only difference, and Hi-Lift stamps them in-house to the same quality standards.
What size Hi-Lift jack do I need?
Most four-wheel drives suit the 48-inch bar, smaller rigs and tight storage suit the 42-inch bar, and tall lifted trucks may need a 60-inch bar, which is outside this guide. Measure the lift height your vehicle needs, including suspension travel, and match the bar to that figure.
Can a Hi-Lift jack be used as a winch?
Yes, within its 5,000-pound winching capacity, and the X-TREME adds a dedicated winch-clamp-spreader attachment for that work. Winching with a Hi-Lift is slow and physical, so it suits short pulls and emergencies rather than routine recovery, where a powered winch is the right tool.
Is a Hi-Lift jack safe?
A Hi-Lift is safe when used from rated points, with the mechanism maintained, the handle arc kept clear, and jack stands used for any work under the vehicle. It is dangerous when used on unrated points, under load, or by an operator who has never practiced lowering.
How do I maintain a Hi-Lift jack?
Keep the bar and climbing pins clean and lubricated, inspect the base and handle socket before use, and store the jack mounted so it cannot bounce loose. Mud and grit are the usual cause of sticking pins, so clean the mechanism after muddy use.
Why is my Hi-Lift jack so heavy?
Because it is a cast mechanical jack built to a 4,660-pound rating with a steel bar, and that construction weighs 26 to 28 pounds by design. The weight is the trade-off for a tool that lifts, winches, clamps and spreads without power, and no genuine Hi-Lift avoids it.
Do I need accessories with a Hi-Lift jack?
A base plate for soft ground and a mount for secure carrying are the two accessories most owners add first. A tree saver and shackles complete the winching side, and jack stands are mandatory for any work under a lifted vehicle.
Sources & changelog
Maker and listing sources: Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425 listing, Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch Cast and Steel Jack HL-484 listing, Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch All-Cast Jack HL-485 listing, Hi-Lift Jack 48 inch X-TREME Jack XT-485 listing, Hi-Lift HL-485 specifications, Hi-Lift HL-605 specifications, Hi-Lift instruction manual, Hi-Lift jack buyers guide. Owner sources are the same four listings, linked from each product block.
Changelog — November 4, 2026: guide first published.
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo covers trucks, towing and recovery gear, writing from maker documents and owner reports so readers can match a part to their exact vehicle before ordering.
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- best winch recovery kit
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- About WinchInsider
Top pick: Hi-Lift Jack 42 inch All-Cast Jack HL-425