AME International Farm Jacks

Height and weight are key features. You want a jack that can lift high enough to lift the biggest vehicle on which you plan to use the jack. If you have a full-sized truck with out-sized tires on it, you’ll need at least a 60in. jack. If you have an SUV, you might get by with a 48in. jack. In terms of weight, again check the weight of the vehicles on which you plan to use the jack. Make sure the farm jack you choose accommodates the vehicle with the heaviest weight. Typically, you will find farm jacks on the market with weight capacities up to 8000 lbs.

Typically, you will find farm jacks with weight capacities between 4000 and 8000 lbs. To determine the weight capacity you need, check the weight of the vehicles on which you plan to use the jack.

Yes. Unlike other jacks, the farm jack is designed for use on a variety of terrain. If you get stuck in the mud on an unpaved trail, you can use your farm jack to lift your vehicle.

Be sure to clean your farm jack thoroughly after use, especially if it’s caked with dirt from lifting a vehicle out of the mud. You can simply hose the jack down. The next most important thing to do is to keep your jack well-oiled so working parts move smoothly. If your jack starts to rust, you might want to disassemble it, sand it down and re-paint it. To do that, you’ll need a set of sockets or a couple of crescent wrenches, a hammer, punch, pliers and some steel wool to ensure you have access to all parts. You’ll want to clean each part thoroughly to prepare it for a fresh coat of paint.

If you are confident that you can take your farm jack apart, clean and paint all parts and then put it back together, the order of removal is as follows: remove the foot, handle and top clam clevis by using the pliers on the cotter pins holding the foot and handle and wrenches to remove the nut/bolt holding the top clevis. Next, remove the head from the bar by sliding it off the bottom of the bar. Then remove the climbing pins and springs from the head using a hammer and punch to tap out the cross pins. (The springs can fly a good distance, so be careful to watch where they land.)

Next, securing the reversing lever with a 1/2in. socket or wrench, remove the bolt and washer to expose the reversing switch and spring, which you will then be able to take out of the head.

Once the pins and switch are removed, the last two bolts to remove are the ones that hold the handle to the head, and the pitman lever to the small runner. Removing these will also allow removal of the pitman pin, which may slide right out. If not, you can tap it out.

With all the parts separated, you’re ready to clean and possibly paint your farm jack. You can use a wire wheel to remove built-up grime, or a stiff brush or even WD-40 and towels. If you plan to paint your farm jack, make sure you clean it as well as possible and wipe it down with alcohol. Then paint it when dry with a good paint recommended for outdoor equipment.

If your farm jack needs some minor repairs, you might want to purchase a farm or hi-jack fix-it kit which can save the day if your shear bolt is bent, climbing pins significantly gouged or springs weakened.